Your BC Services Card

Each B.C. resident enrolled with the Medical Services Plan (MSP) is eligible for a BC Services Card with a unique lifetime identifier for health care called a Personal Health Number. This number remains the same, regardless of any changes to personal status. You should carry your card at all times, to have it available to be presented whenever you need health care services.

The card is also a valuable way to confirm your identity and personal information. Please visit gov.bc.ca/bcservicescard for more information about replacing your card, changing your personal information, and privacy and security features.

To request your Photo BC Services Card

• Most adults need to visit a BC driver licensing office. You can book an appointment to visit an ICBC driver licensing office at a location and time that suits you. For more information, please visit icbc.com/appointment. If you are unable to make an appointment, walk-in services are available at all ICBC driver licensing locations. Check the ICBC website for office hours at your desired location.
• At the ICBC driver licensing office, you will need to:
  • Provide two pieces of identification – one of which must be primary ID
    ​(visit icbc.com/acceptedID for more information);
  • Declare that you are a BC resident; and
  • Have your photo taken.

Individuals on your account under 18 years and six months of age will automatically receive a Non-Photo BC Services Card in the mail from Health Insurance BC (HIBC).

If you have temporary immigration status, please contact HIBC.

If you are 75 years of age or older and unable to visit an ICBC driver licensing office, you may request a Non-Photo BC Services Card. Please call HIBC and a BC Services Card will be mailed to you.

Renewing Enrolment in MSP

Adult MSP beneficiaries are expected to renew enrolment by the card expiry date specified on their BC Services Card (some exceptions may apply). You can renew enrolment when renewing your driver's licence. If you don't drive, you can renew enrolment at the nearest driver licensing office.

Exemptions from Renewal of Enrolment in MSP

Some MSP beneficiaries are not required to renew enrolment:

• Adults aged 75 and older are not required to renew enrolment in MSP, but may apply for a BC Services Card when they renew their BCID or driver's licence; and
• Children under 19 years of age are not required to renew enrolment in MSP and will be automatically issued Non-Photo BC Services Cards.

Using Your BC Services Card to Obtain Health Care Services

As long as you are a resident of B.C. and are enrolled in MSP, you can use your card to obtain insured medical and health care services. Your card can be used as of the date your MSP coverage begins. For those under 19, and some adults, the date is indicated on the paper attached to the card when it is delivered. If you have questions about when your coverage begins you can contact HIBC.  Your card is also used to obtain PharmaCare prescription drug benefits.

• PharmaCare

Lost, Stolen or Damaged Cards

The BC Services Card has replaced the CareCard. If you need a replacement card follow these steps to obtain your new BC Services Card.

Replacing Your BC Services Card with a Photo

Report your missing card by phoning the ICBC driver licencing centre as soon as possible.

• Victoria: (250) 978-8300
• Elsewhere in B.C.: 1-800-950-1498

Get your card replaced by visiting an ICBC driver licencing office near you.

Replacing Your BC Services Card without a Photo

Report your missing card by phoning Health Insurance BC as soon as possible. Health Insurance BC will assist you in obtaining a replacement card.

• Vancouver: (604) 683-7151
• Elsewhere in B.C.: 1-800-663-7100

Suspended, Seized or Revoked B.C. Driver’s Licence & Services Card

If your combined B.C. Driver’s Licence & Services Card is revoked for medical reasons or seized/suspended for other reasons, there is no impact to your MSP coverage status.

As soon as possible, you should:

Call Health Insurance BC to get your Personal Health Number.

• Vancouver: (604) 683-7151
• Elsewhere in B.C.: 1-800-663-7100

Visit an ICBC driver licencing office to get a replacement BC Services Card with your photo on it.

Incorrect Information

If a replacement is required because the name, birth date or gender on a BC Services Card needs to be changed, call Health Insurance BC toll free first.

Fees

There is no fee to obtain or replace a BC Services Card. However, if you’re combining your BC Services Card with your driver’s licence, fees that apply to the regular driver’s licence renewal process still apply.

• Driver Licensing Fees

Personal Information on Your BC Services Card

For information about the privacy of your personal information on your BC Services Card visit the BC Services Card website.

• Privacy