Some of the first things you’ll need to do when you arrive are to make sure that you and your family have health care coverage to cover the cost of medical services, and to enrol in UBC benefits, payroll and pension.
You can read more about these topics below, but here’s a summary of what you need to do:
- As soon as you arrive in BC, apply for Medical Services Plan (MSP), the province’s medical plan.
- Since you will be required to serve a waiting period before your MSP coverage starts, arrange for private medical insurance if you are arriving in BC from outside Canada. If you are coming to BC from another Canadian province or territory, you will be covered by your former provincial medical plan during the waiting period.
- Apply for your UBC benefits, payroll and pension.
What is the BC Medical Services Plan?
In Canada, the cost of medically necessary physician and hospital services is covered by the public medical plan in the province where you live. In British Columbia, this plan is called the British Columbia Medical Services Plan (MSP).
All BC residents must enrol in the MSP. This includes:
- non-permanent residents, such as those holding study and work permits valid for six months or more and
- applicants for permanent resident status who are the spouse or child of an eligible BC resident.
Tourists and visitors to BC are not eligible for MSP. Learn more about the MSP.
How do I enrol in UBC payroll, pension and benefits?
Your appointment type, length and percentage of time worked will determine your eligibility for pension and benefits at UBC. If you are eligible, the full benefits package includes:
- Extended Health
- Dental Care
- Employee and Family Assistance Program
- Basic Life Insurance
- Optional Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
- Income Replacement Plan/Disability Benefit Plan
- Staff or Faculty Pension Plan
Learn more about how to enrol for benefits.
Questions?
Contact benefitsinfo@hr.ubc.ca