Nova Scotia Health Cards (MSI)
You can get a Nova Scotia Health Card (MSI) if you meet one of these criteria:
- You are a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident.
- You are a full-time resident with a permanent home in Nova Scotia.
- You live in Nova Scotia 183 days of every calendar year and are registered with MSI.
You need your Nova Scotia Health Card to get free treatment in a hospital or primary care clinic. Without this card, you will have to pay for these services.
To apply for a health card in Nova Scotia, call the MSI Registration and Enquiry Department at 1-800-563-8880. They will ask you to prove that you live in Nova Scotia. These are examples of the documents you will need:
- a valid Nova Scotia driver’s licence
- a credit card statement
- a pay stub or letter from your employer
MSI may ask for other documents.
After they approve your application, they will issue health cards for each member of your family. You must present your health card to your healthcare provider before you receive insured health services. For more information, visit novascotia.ca/dhw/msi/health_ cards.asp
Primary Health Care Provider
In Nova Scotia, a primary healthcare provider is any one of these people or services:
- family doctor
- family medicine clinic
- mobile health care clinic
- nurse practitioner
- primary care clinics
- virtual care ns
- walk-in clinic
Dental Care
Your MSI card does not cover dental care. You may have insurance for this through your employer. You can also buy private dental insurance.
Prescription Drugs
MSI only pays for the prescription drugs you are given in hospital. There are some Nova Scotia programs that pay for prescription drugs to those who qualify.
To find out more, visit novascotia.ca/dhw/pharmacare/
You may have insurance for prescription drugs through your employer. You can also buy private medical insurance.