Like all other provinces in Canada, Nova Scotia -- with the assistance of the federal government -- provides a publicly funded health services program. The Nova Scotia plan, called MSI (Medical Services Insurance) insures eligible residents of Nova Scotia for all medically required physicians' services provided in the doctor's office, at home or in hospital. All necessary surgical services are insured, including the services of anesthetists and surgical assistants where necessary, as well as obstetrical care, the treatment of fractures and dislocations, referred specialist services and all diagnostic services. MSI also insures certain dental-surgical procedures performed in a hospital.
In the Nova Scotia system, patients select their own family physician (usually called a general practitioner). If in the course of a treatment a visit to a specialist is required, that appointment is made by one's family doctor, not by the patient directly. The same applies to admissions to hospital, visits to clinics for various types of lab tests, X-rays, physiotherapy, etc.
Private medical plans (such as Blue Cross) are available to supplement the provincial plan both for hospital care and extended health services.
Eligibility
To be eligible for Nova Scotia Medical Service Insurance (MSI) benefits you must be:
- A Canadian Citizen or “Permanent Resident” (Landed Immigrant).
- A resident who makes his/her permanent home in Nova Scotia.
- Present in the province 183 days every calendar year; and
- You must be registered with MSI to be eligible for benefits.
Moving to Nova Scotia from within Canada
If you are a Canadian or "Permanent Resident" moving permanently to Nova Scotia from another part of Canada, coverage will generally begin on the first day of the third month following the date you established residency here. For example, if you established residency in Nova Scotia on September 27th, MSI would provide coverage on December 1st. Contact your previous province to ensure your coverage is maintained until your Nova Scotia coverage begins.
If you are married/common-law and your spouse did not move at the same time, but will be joining you within 12 months of your arrival date, MSI coverage for both would begin the first day of the third calendar month following the arrival of your spouse in the province.
Moving to Nova Scotia from outside Canada
People moving to Nova Scotia from outside the country, who hold a Work Permit that is valid for a minimum of 12 months, are eligible to apply for MSI upon their arrival in Nova Scotia, provided they have signed a declaration. The worker cannot be absent from Nova Scotia for more than 31 days, except in the course of employment. Coverage will begin on the date of arrival in Nova Scotia or the date the Work Permit was issued, whichever is the later date. For continuous coverage, a copy of the renewed Work Permit must be submitted, and a new declaration form must be signed each year.
Procedure for Application
You may register for MSI by calling the office at 902-496-7008 directly or toll free within the province at 1-800-563-8880. The MSI form will then be mailed to you for completion, and you are required to return it to them with the required documentation. When your application has been processed each member of the family will receive a Health Card that must be presented whenever you require insured services. A brochure (PDF) outlining the services covered, etc. is available upon request at the above phone number.
Documents Required
Proof of Citizenship or Immigration status documentation is required. To show your Canadian citizenship you will need to mail a photocopy of one of the following with your completed application form:
- Birth Certificate from a Canadian province
- Certificate of Canadian Citizenship
- Passport
Contact Information
Medical Services Insurance
230 Brownlow Avenue
Dartmouth, NS B3B 0G5
Phone: 902-496-7008 | 1-800-563-8880
Hours of operation: Monday to Friday – 8 am to 5 pm
