Vancouver Island Relocation

Jill Dashwood can help you, your family and/or your business through the relocation process to Vancouver Island. She can assist with a number of important items to make your arrival softer and less stressful.

You can also start looking for your location:

Healthcare in British Columbia

Health Insurance BC

To search for information, fill out forms online, download applications and find contact information, visit Health Insurance BC.

For specific information on medical and healthcare benefits in BC, visit Health Services BC.

If you are a new resident in BC, you will need to apply for MSP (Medical Services Plan, health care coverage). The Medical Services Plan (MSP) insures medically required services provided by physicians and supplementary health care practitioners, laboratory services and diagnostic procedures. All residents of BC must enroll with MSP.

When Does Coverage Begin?

New residents or persons reestablishing residence in BC are eligible for coverage after completing a waiting period that normally consists of the balance of the month of arrival plus two months. You should apply for MSP coverage immediately after arriving in BC, rather than at the end of the waiting period, to allow time for your application to be processed.

Coverage During the Waiting Period

New residents from other parts of Canada should maintain coverage with their former medical plan during the waiting period. New or returning residents arriving from outside Canada should contact a private insurance company for coverage during this period.

For more details, visit Health Services BC.

Fair PharmaCare

PharmaCare provides financial assistance to British Columbia residents for eligible prescription drugs and designated medical supplies. Further information on this program can be found at Health Services BC.

Motor Vehicle Licensing and Insurance in British Columbia

For New Residents

Driver's License

If you are new to BC and drive a vehicle, you need to obtain a BC driver's licence within 90 days after moving here. This can be done at the Government Agent's office in Ladysmith.

New residents who hold a Canadian, American, Austrian, German, Swiss, Japanese or South Korean licence can usually complete their licence exchange the same day, provided they bring all necessary documents. Visit ICBC.

Note to students: If you normally reside out of province but are attending a recognized BC educational institution, you can continue using your valid non BC driver’s licence.

Automobile Insurance

All motorists in BC must carry basic automobile insurance. For residents, it is

ICBC

Address Change

If your address has changed, your driver's license and insurance policy will both have to be updated. You must let ICBC know within 10 days of moving.

Note that the procedures for changing the address on your driver’s license and your insurance policy are not the same.

You will need to visit an Autoplan broker in person to change your address on your policy. For a list of Autoplan brokers, visit the ICBC Broker Locator.

1. Online: Address Change BC

2. Phone: 1-866-775-0011.

3. In Person – Government Agent's Office in Ladysmith