Apply for a Health Card
You need to apply for a Health Card to be covered for insured healthcare services through the Nova Scotia Health Insurance Program and other insured programs.
Healthcare coverage
A Health Card gives you access to the Nova Scotia Health Insurance Program and other insured programs. Through the program, the Government of Nova Scotia pays for many of the healthcare services you may need.
You may need to show your card when you see a service provider for insured healthcare services.
Your Health Card covers many health services you may need, like:
- appointments with a family doctor
- visits to walk-in clinics and appointments with some other healthcare providers
- visits to emergency rooms
- medical tests and surgeries
Review services covered by your Health Card to find out what healthcare services are covered in Nova Scotia, Canada and outside Canada.
Sex indicator
After you apply, your sex is recorded in the Health Card Registry and displayed on the front of your Health Card (this information is used for administrative and clinical purposes when needed).
Your Health Card shows M for male or F for female. You also have the option to not display a sex indicator on your Health Card (contact MSI Resident Services if you don’t want to display a sex indicator on your card).
Organ and tissue donation
When you apply for a Health Card, you can also register your decision to donate your organs and tissues after death. You can change your donation decision at any time.
Updating your personal information
You need to notify the Nova Scotia Health Insurance Program if there are any changes to your personal information (like change of address or if you’ve had a baby or adopted a child).
Lost, damaged or stolen card
If your card is lost, damaged or stolen contact MSI Resident Services.
Eligibility
You can apply for a Health Card for yourself or your family if you’re eligible for Nova Scotia Health Insurance Program coverage and are 16 or older.
When you move to Nova scotia from another province, territory or country, there may be a waiting period before you become eligible for coverage under the Nova Scotia Health Insurance Program.
How to apply
- Review the Nova Scotia Health Insurance Program eligibility criteria.
- Complete the Registration for Health Services Form (PDF).
- Check the form for details on all required supporting documents.
- Complete the contact form online to confirm your name and email address.
- MSI Resident Services emails you a link to submit your application form and supporting documents.
- Within 24 hours of receiving the link from MSI Resident Services, submit your completed Registration for Health Services Form and supporting documents.
How long it takes
It should take 4 weeks to get your Health Card in the mail. It can take longer if more information is needed or if your application hasn’t been filled in correctly. Your Health Card coverage starts on the date MSI Resident Services determines you’re eligible for insured healthcare services (this happens before you get your card).
Cost
| Activity | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application | No cost |
| Changes to personal information displayed on card | No cost |
| Replacement card for damaged card | No cost |
| Replacement card for lost or stolen card (if card expires within 12 months) | No cost |
| Replacement card for lost or stolen card (if card doesn’t expire within 12 months) | $10.00 |
| Renewal | No cost |
Before you start
Make sure you have:
Apply online
When you apply online you need an email address. You also need to upload the Registration for Health Services Form PDF and any supporting documents.
You can use the Registration for Health Services Form (PDF 1.1 MB) if you’re unable to submit the form online. Send your completed form and supporting documents by mail or fax. Or drop them off at MSI Resident Services (use the secure drop box; in-person service isn’t available).
If you’d like to receive a paper application form by mail, contact MSI Resident Services.
Renewal
You need to renew your Health Card before the expiry date shown on your card. It’s your responsibility to renew on time.