Canada is known as one of the best places to live because of its free medical health care program – all Canadians have access to medical care regardless of their ability to pay medical expenses. Their health care is publicly funded by both the provincial and federal governments. The Nova Scotia MSI (Medical Services Insurance) Plan is the provincial health plan for all provincial residents that provides coverage for basic health care needs.
What is an MSI Card?
Free Healthcare Coverage in Nova Scotia
The Nova Scotia government has a health coverage plan that is offered through the MSI provincial health plan. In order to register, you must live in the province for at least six months per year and provide proof you have an address there. As a permanent resident, you are eligible to apply for health coverage the day you arrive. If you have a work permit of at least 12 months, you can apply the day you arrive. As a student, you are not eligible to get MSI until you’ve lived in the province for at least 12 months (and can apply for health coverage at the beginning of the 13th month).
Nova Scotia MSI Program is designed to provide coverage for medically required hospital services, optometry services, and dental services (with some restrictions) to all eligible residents.
Nova Scotia MSI free health care coverage insurance can be supplemented by purchasing additional health insurance or a hospital insurance program from private insurance companies.
MSI Coverage
Nova Scotia Health Insurance covers many medically necessary procedures. Let’s take a look at what the Province of Nova Scotia provides at no cost to its residents.
The Nova Scotia MSI Program is a federal health coverage program designed to supply all eligible Nova Scotia residents with free, fundamental medical benefits. Once you become a registered Nova Scotia health cardholder, the MSI program will provide:
- Basic health care services (emergency room visits, doctor’s office visits, and medically required hospital stays)
- Dental care (yearly checkups, cleanings and fillings, as well as standard dental services for children under the age of 14)
- Physiotherapy (if deemed medically necessary and if occurs in a hospital setting)
- Vision care (one visit to the optometrist every two years for those younger than 9 and older than 65 years of age)
- Standard hospital ward rooms
- Home care coverage (only if you qualify)
Nova Scotia MSI will not cover a great number of valuable medical services, such as:
- Prescription drugs
- Ambulance (unless the transportation occurs between approved facilities, you will be charged a flat rate of $142)
- Orthotics
- Chiropractic, podiatrist, naturopath, massage therapy and osteopath services
- Glasses and contact lenses
- Hearing Aids
- Extensive dental care
- Upgraded hospital stays
- Accidental death and dismemberment
Applying for Nova Scotia MSI Health Card
In order to apply for health care in Nova Scotia, you must contact the Medical Services Insurance Registration and Enquiry Department. There are no blank application forms available. Contact information for the MSI Registration Department is:
Applying Online
There is no way to apply online for the Nova Scotia MSI health card.
For more information about applying for a Nova Scotia Health Card, you can find help at your nearest newcomer services or community agency. You can also contact MSI via email (msi@medavie.ca).
Eligibility Requirements
You are eligible for the Nova Scotia MSI Health Care Plan if you:
Renewing or Replacing Your MHSIP Card
While most provinces offer an online option for renewing or replacing their health cards, Nova Scotia does not. In order to renew or replace your MSI card, you must either fill out a paper renewal via mail, or call the MSI office.
Renewals
Your Nova Scotia Health Card must be renewed every 4 years. There are no fees to renew your card. You will receive a notice via mail 3 months prior to the expiration date. The renewal notice comes in paper form and you will have to complete, sign it and return it to MSI. You may also telephone the MSI office.
Replacements
In the event of a damaged, lost, or stolen card, you must reach out to MSI via telephone.
Toll-free: 1 800 563 8880
Telephone: 902 496 7008
Please note, there is a $10 fee for card replacements.
Changing the Address on Your Card
In case there are changes in your personal and family info (e.g., new address, divorce, legal separation, birth, death, or adoption) your need to provide MSI with up-to-date information. Visit the Government Online Services Website to notify MSI of your change of address online.
There is much confusion regarding the Nova Scotia MSI Plan and the extent of the coverage. The following are common diagnostic services or procedures that aren’t covered by the Nova Scotia Health Plan.
Nova Scotia provincial health coverage grants its residents access to basic medical services at no cost. But when it comes to specific services (such as dental care, home care, hearing health care, prescription drugs, optometrist exams, etc.), the provincial health plan requires co-payment on a personal insurance plan.
Although Nova Scotia residents can receive essential medical benefits, there is still a lot of ground left uncovered. The Insurdinary health insurance plan will provide coverage for various medical emergencies and everyday health needs. Our supplemental personal insurance health plan is there to fill the gaps that are left by the provincial health plan.
