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Programs and Services
Nova Scotia Health Card
Patients Nova Scotia Health Card 
Printable Page Frequently Asked Questions
- I am new to Nova Scotia. How do I register for a Health Card?
- Am I eligible for MSI if I travel outside the country?
- What is my coverage when travelling outside the country?
- What is my coverage when travelling within Canada?
- If I go to school in another province am I still covered?
- Why do Health Cards expire?
- Can I renew a Health Card over the phone?
- Is there a charge to replace a lost or stolen card?
- Organ donation used to be kept on my driver’s license. How can I become a donor now?
- If I must be away from Nova Scotia because of my job, am I still eligible for MSI coverage?
- If I visit another province, am I still eligible for MSI?
- How long after I apply for MSI must I stay in Nova Scotia before I can travel?
- How long will MSI provide coverage during an extended absence?
- Do I need to bring my health card each time I seek medical attention?
- Does my card need to be renewed?
- When I move, do I have to let MSI know?
| Q: | I am new to Nova Scotia. How do I register for a Health Card? |
| A: | Call the MSI Registration Department (902) 496-7008 or 1-800-563-8880 (toll-free within Nova Scotia), to start the application process. Blank applications are not available. |
| Q: | Am I eligible for MSI if I travel outside the country? |
| A: | If you are travelling outside Canada for a short period of time MSI will provide coverage for emergency medical services only, in accordance with the Nova Scotia rates. The Children’s Dental Program and the Seniors’ Pharmacare Program are not insured outside of the province. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. If you plan to leave Nova Scotia or Canada, for an extended period, please contact MSI before you leave, so we can clarify your eligibility status and the extent of coverage (902) 496-7008 or 1-800-563-8880 (toll free within Nova Scotia). |
| Q: | What is my coverage when travelling outside the country? |
| A: | MSI will pay emergency medical services only, in accordance with the Nova Scotia rates. The Children’s Dental Program and the Seniors’ Pharmacare Program are not insured outside of Nova Scotia. The purchase of travel insurance is strongly recommended. |
| Q: | What is my coverage when travelling within Canada? |
| A: | All provinces except Quebec have signed an Interprovincial Billing Agreement. If you show your current provincial Health Card to the provider for medically necessary insured services the claims will be paid by the host province. They will be reimbursed by the home province. If you are required to pay the attending physician please submit your receipt to MSI for consideration. If you have any questions please call the MSI Registration Department at (902) 496-7008 or 1-800-563-8880 (toll free within Nova Scotia). |
| Q: | If I go to school in another province am I still covered? |
| A: | If you are attending an educational institution on a full-time basis, you would have continuous coverage. Yearly documentation from the educational institution indicating full-time status is required. |
| Q: | Why do Health Cards expire? |
| A: | To keep Nova Scotia residents’ Health Card information up-to-date. |
| Q: | Can I renew a Health Card over the phone? |
| All residents must sign a renewal form. For further information, please call the MSI Registration Department at (902) 496-7008 or 1-800-563-8880 (toll free within Nova Scotia). | |
| Q: | Is there a charge to replace a lost or stolen card? |
| A: | The charge to replace a lost or stolen card is $10.00. For further information, please call the MSI Registration Department at (902) 496-7008 or 1-800-563-8880 (toll free within Nova Scotia). |
| Q: | Organ donation used to be kept on my driver’s license. How can I become a donor now? |
| A: | Organ donation is now recorded on your Health Card. For further information, please call the MSI Registration Department at (902) 496-7008 or 1-800-563-8880 (toll free within Nova Scotia). |
| Q: | If I must be away from Nova Scotia because of my job, am I still eligible for MSI coverage? |
| A: | If your job requires you to leave Nova Scotia frequently (not meeting the 183 physically present ruling), but Nova Scotia is your permanent home, you may still be eligible forcoverage. Contact the MSI Registration Department at (902) 496-7008 or 1-800-563-8880 (toll free within Nova Scotia). |
| Q: | If I visit another province, am I still eligible for MSI? |
| A: | As long as you will be visiting for under 183 days, any medically necessary services you require will be covered by the Reciprocal Billing Agreement. Providers in all provinces and Territories (except Quebec) will accept your Health Card and submit their claims for direct payment. In Quebec, you may be asked to pay the provider, however, you may submit your claim to MSI for consideration of payment. |
| Q: | How long after I apply for MSI must I stay in Nova Scotia before I can travel? |
| A: | If you have moved to Nova Scotia from outside Canada, you must reside in Nova Scotia for 90 days before you take a short absence – or 183 days if you want to take an extended absence. |
| Q: | How long will MSI provide coverage during an extended absence? |
| A: | If you are a student, you will be provided coverage as long as you maintain full-time student status. If you are away on a contract (work or volunteer) outside Canada, you are eligible for coverage if your contract is for less than 24 months. You must live in Nova Scotia for 183 days before you are eligible for coverage under another contract. If you are working in another Canadian province for more than 12 months, you should contact that province for coverage. There is an Eligibility and Portability Agreement with all the provinces and territories. If you are on vacation, you will have continuous coverage if you are leaving Nova Scotia for over six months – but less than 12 months. You will be entitled to another extended absence after adhering to the 183 day ruling for five consecutive years. |
| Q: | Do I need to bring my health card each time I seek medical attention? |
| A: | Yes. Please carry your signed Nova Scotia Health Card with you at all times. You must present it to the physician and/or hospital each time you need insured hospital or physician services. A valid health card contains information needed by hospitals and physicians. It will ensure that your medical records are always up to date. |
| Q: | Does my card need to be renewed? |
| A: | Yes. Nova Scotia Health Cards have a four-year term. The expiry date is in relation to the duration of the card and not necessarily to the eligibility status of the individual. Renewal notices will be mailed three months prior to the expiry date. There is no charge to renew your card. |
| Q: | When I move, do I have to let MSI know? |
| A: |
It is in your best interest to ensure that MSI has your most up-to-date contact information and mailing address. You can notify MSI of your change of address online, via the Government Online Services Website at: http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/onlineservices/citizen/ Or contact MSI by phone or email: Telephone: (902) 496-7008 or toll free 1-800-563-8880 in Nova Scotia Mailing address: PO Box 500, Halifax NS B3J 2S1 |
Frequently Asked Questions