MSI Frequently Asked Questions

Contact MSI Registration and Enquiry Department by phone at
902-496-7008 or 1-800-563-8880 (toll free in Canada).

The charge to replace a lost or stolen card is $10.00.

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.

Health Cards expire to keep Nova Scotia residents’ Health Card information up-to-date.

Contact MSI Registration and Enquiry Department by phone at
902-496-7008 or 1-800-563-8880 (toll free in Canada).

You may also email your change to MSI@medavie.ca.

Organ and Tissue Donation as well as opt out decisions are recorded on your Health Card.

For more information call MSI Registration and Inquiry Department at 902-496-7008 or 1-800-563-8880 (toll free in Canada) or visit Organ and tissue donation webpage.

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 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.

Or contact MSI by phone or email:

Telephone: 902-496-7008 or toll free 1-800-563-8880 in Canada
Telephone hours: Monday through Friday – 8:00am to 5:00pm

Mailing address: PO Box 500, Halifax NS B3J 2S1
Location address: 230 Brownlow Avenue, Dartmouth NS
E-mail address: MSI@medavie.ca

Often the hospital will assign a Nova Scotia Health Card number to a newborn but the number is not active until MSI has been notified of the birth. New parents now have the option to apply to activate their newborn's Nova Scotia Health Card number when they register their baby's birth. This service is available at electronic kiosks located in each of the regional hospitals and the IWK. If a new parent consents to this service, the necessary information will be sent directly to Medavie Blue Cross on their behalf. The Health Card will be mailed out to the address provided within 10 business days.

If you choose not to apply at the kiosk, a form will be provided to you at the hospital or you can contact MSI at 902-496-7008 or 1-800-563-8880 (toll free in Canada) to register your newborn.

To register for a Health Card in Nova Scotia, you must call the MSI Registration and Enquiry Department at 902-496-7008 or 1-800-563-8880 (toll-free in Canada), to start the application process. Blank applications are not available.

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 Oral Health Program, Seniors’ Pharmacare, and Family Pharmacare Programs are not insured outside of the province.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

If you plan to leave Nova Scotia for an extended period, please contact MSI Registration and Enquiry before you leave, so your eligibility can be clarified and the extent of coverage determined. You can reach them by phone at 902-496-7008 or 1-800-563-8880 (toll free in Canada).

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 and Enquiry Department at 902-496-7008 or 1-800-563-8880 (toll free in Canada).

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 (under 183 Days) – or 183 days if you want to take an extended absence.

If you are a student, you will be provided coverage as long as you maintain full-time student status. See the FAQ “If I go to school outside of Nova Scotia am I still covered?” for more information.

You must send proof of full-time enrollment to fax number 902-481-3160 (include your Health Card number and phone number where you can be reached), each year during your full time studies, before 30 September to continue your MSI health coverage.

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 up to seven months. Residents are entitled to a 12 month absence once every six years.

If you are going on vacation, for over six months - but less than 12 months, you will be entitled to extended absence after adhering to the 183 day ruling for five consecutive years.

If you're a resident of Nova Scotia going to study outside of the province you must provide proof of full-time enrollment, from the university or college you're attending, to continue your MSI health coverage.

You must send proof of full-time enrollment to fax number 902-481-3160 (include your Health Card number and phone number where you can be reached), each year during your full time studies, before 30 September to continue your MSI health coverage.

If the correspondence from the university indicates you will be enrolled in a multi-year program, your eligibility will correspond to the program dates indicated each year on your proof of full-time enrollment.

You may contact MSI Registration and Enquiry for more information by phone at 902-496-7008 or 1-800-563-8880 (toll free in Canada).

If your job requires you to leave Nova Scotia frequently (not physically present for a minimum of 183 days), but Nova Scotia is your permanent home, you may still be eligible for coverage.

Contact the MSI Registration and Enquiry Department at 902-496-7008 or 1-800-563-8880 (toll free in Canada).

Nova Scotia residents have the option to remove the sex designation (M/F) from the front of their health card. There is no fee for this service.

If you choose to remove your sex designation from the front of your card, you will still be able to access insured physician and hospital services.

To request removal of your sex designation from the front of your health card, or if you have questions, call MSI Registration and Inquiry at 902-496-7008 or 1-800-563-8880 (toll free in Canada).