ArriveCAN is a user-friendly digital tool to help travelers comply with the latest border measures quickly and securely.  Link to the YouTube video and content transcript here: https://youtu.be/iJyl8m4JCyc

If you plan to travel to Canada then make sure to check this link to the Government of Canada website to find all the latest on quarantine requirements, mandatory isolation, and more. https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions

Link here to important updates on travel restrictions from the Government of Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/visitors-workers-students

DCIS OFFICES TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC – but DCIS is still here to help you! On March 23, 2020 DCIS offices in Vancouver and Nanaimo were closed to VISITORS until further notice.  Please note that all DCIS staff are working remotely and remain here to help.  DCIS serves individual and corporate clients around the Read more about How to reach DCIS during COVID-19 crisis[…]

On September 1, 2019, international students (holding a study permit for 6 or more months) will be assessed a BC health-care coverage fee of $37.50 per month, which will change to $75.00 per month on January 1, 2020. EFFECTIVE September 1, 2019 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS 19 years or older: $37.50 “MSP premium” per month, and $37.50 Read more about New “Health Fee for International Students” for BC Medical Services Plan[…]

DCIS general manager, Jason Cummings, is interviewed on the Canadian Immigration Podcast, hosted by immigration lawyer, Mark Holthe, regarding ‘must-know’ information about Canada’s health system for prospective immigrants and temporary residents. Click on the banner below to listen. Be prepared for the Canadian Health System  

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE CANADA (IEC)  If you will come to Canada under the the IEC Visa program, at your port-of-entry into Canada you will be required to show proof of hospital and medical insurance that covers the full duration of your desired work permit, including insurance that will cover repatriation costs. DCIS has plans suited specifically Read more about International Experience Canada (IEC)[…]

British Columbians will no longer be required to pay for Medical Service Plan (MSP) premiums beginning on January 1, 2020. Today’s new budget under the BC NDP provincial government calls for the removal of the fees, which will save individuals up to $900 per year and families up to $1,800 per year and remove an Read more about BC residents no longer to pay MSP premiums – starts Jan 2020[…]

Did you know that a large portion of travelers to Canada happen to be our very own family and friends from afar? Of the 16 million tourists who visit annually, almost half were here to visit loved ones! If you are one of the many new residents looking forward to a visit this summer, travel Read more about 10 Reasons your Visitors to Canada need travel insurance[…]

Effective Feb 22, 2018 – All new and returning adult BC residents who are Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents must complete the two-step process to enroll in MSP. Step 1: Identity Proof and Request a BC Services Card (formerly a Care Card); Step 2: Submit an Application for MSP Enrolment. Follow the link here for Read more about Two-step MSP enrollment process – starts Feb 22, 2018[…]

Newcomers to Canada face many adjustments, not the least of these being introduced to winter flu season. It’s important to get treatment if the symptoms you’re suffering are severe. How severe? Follow this link to read more. “People who have influenza are going to feel really crummy, they are going to have fevers, they might Read more about Winter flu season in Canada[…]

Our friends at Prepare for Canada recently hosted an online forum featuring lots of helpful information on the theme “Settling in Canada.” If you missed the event you’re welcome to download a free webinar(s). Recommended listening: our own Jason Cummings on medical insurance matters for those moving to Canada. Download immediately by registering your name Read more about Free webinar on Settling in Canada[…]

The BC Services Card has now replaced the CareCard, providing citizens with a secure, government-issued identification (ID) that can be used to access government services such as health care. As of Feb 1, 2018 the CareCard will no longer be accepted as evidence of enrolment in the Medical Services Plan (MSP). And in addition to Read more about BC CareCard expires Feb 1, 2018[…]

Many in Canada live close enough to the US border to enjoy frequent day trips or holidays for longer periods. Just remember that your provincial health care covers very little in the way of adequate insurance in the case of an emergency occurring during your visit to the US. And while promotional materials appeal to Read more about Cross-border trips into the USA[…]

Before moving to Canada Learn about Medicare eligibility and enrolment rules in the Province/Territory you will move to. If you are moving to a Province or Territory with a Medicare waiting period, or if due to your immigration status or short duration of stay you won’t be eligible for Medicare, then… After researching your options, Read more about A new resident’s healthcare checklist[…]

As of July 1, 2017, BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) is no longer offering extension of coverage to foreign workers whose work permit has expired, even if they produce evidence of having “implied status”  according to Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC) while waiting on their new immigration document. […]

If you are preparing to immigrate to a province in Canada that has a 3-month waiting period for Medicare (public health insurance), you’ll need to buy emergency medical coverage for your first three months in Canada. […]

B.C. Children’s Hospital is a medical facility located in central Vancouver specializing in health care for patients from birth to age 16. In addition to serving as a teaching and research facility for children’s medicine, the hospital also operates the Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children; […]

CBC Vancouver interviews DCIS General Manager, Jason Cummings highlighting facts to consider if relying on travel medical insurance when pregnant.

From its beginnings as a hospital for Canadian veterans, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre has flourished into a fully affiliated teaching hospital of the University of Toronto, evolving to meet the needs of the ever growing greater Toronto community. […]