Get A Medicinal Card: New Brunswick Guide

To obtain a New Brunswick health card, you must be a Canadian citizen or legally entitled to remain in Canada, as well as make New Brunswick your primary home. The application process is straightforward, but there is a 3-month waiting period before newcomers can access medical services. During this time, it is advisable to obtain private health insurance. The application process for a New Brunswick health card can be completed in person at a Service New Brunswick office or by mailing in the completed application package. The review process takes approximately 10 weeks, after which the applicant will receive a letter indicating the official start date of their Medicare coverage, followed by their physical Medicare card.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for a New Brunswick Medicare card, you must be a Canadian citizen or legally entitled to remain in Canada, and you must make New Brunswick your primary residence.

If you are a newcomer, you will need to provide proof of identity, proof of residence, and either proof of Canadian citizenship or a copy of all immigration records plus the entry stamp in your passport. All documents should be photocopied if you are mailing your application, as the return of original documents cannot be guaranteed.

If you are not a newcomer, you may still be eligible for a health card if you do not have coverage under another plan. However, in some cases, a health card may only be required for identification purposes, with no coverage, or partial coverage. This includes if you are a student with compulsory health insurance coverage, or a status Indian (Native).

If you are a senior citizen, you may be eligible for extended health benefits from the Medavie Blue Cross Seniors' Health Program.

Required documents

To obtain a New Brunswick health card, you must provide the following documents:

• Proof of Canadian citizenship or a copy of all immigration records plus the entry stamp in your passport.
• Proof of identity.
• Proof of residence.

If you are mailing in your application, you should provide photocopies of your documents as the Service New Brunswick offices cannot guarantee the return of your original documents.

If you are a student, your dependent's coverage should be clarified as they may be covered by their respective health plans for some costs.

If you are a newcomer, it is recommended that you obtain private health insurance to cover you during the 3-month waiting period before you can access covered medical services.

Application process

The application process for a New Brunswick health card is straightforward. You can either apply in person at a Service New Brunswick office or mail in your completed application package. The application form can be found online or at a Service New Brunswick office.

To be eligible for a health card, you must be a Canadian citizen or legally entitled to remain in Canada, as well as making New Brunswick your primary residence. Along with the application form, you will need to provide proof of identity and residence. If you are a Canadian citizen, you will need to show proof of citizenship. If not, you will need to provide a copy of all immigration records plus the entry stamp in your passport. All documents should be photocopied if you are mailing in your application, as the Service New Brunswick offices cannot guarantee the return of your original documents.

Once your application and documentation have been received, it will take 4 to 6 weeks to process. If you have not received correspondence after 8 weeks, you can contact Service New Brunswick Teleservices at 1-888-762-8600.

The review process for a Medicare application takes around 10 weeks. After your application has been processed, you will receive a letter indicating the official start date of your Medicare coverage, followed by your physical Medicare card in the mail.

It is recommended that you also purchase private health insurance to cover you during the application process, as you will be liable for all medical costs until you receive your Medicare card.

Coverage and costs

New Brunswick Medicare is the provincial health plan for all New Brunswick residents. It provides coverage for most basic healthcare services. To qualify, you must be a Canadian citizen or legally entitled to remain in Canada, and you must make New Brunswick your principal home.

The New Brunswick Drug Plan provides drug coverage for those with a valid Medicare card who enrol in the drug plan. You pay a premium based on your income and a 30% copayment up to a maximum per prescription.

The New Brunswick Prescription Drug Program (NBPDP) provides support for those who may not have insurance available elsewhere, those requiring assistance with specialty medications, and seniors aged 65 and older who receive the Federal Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). The program covers drugs listed on the New Brunswick drug formulary, including drugs for the treatment of cystic fibrosis, HIV-positive residents, growth hormone products, organ transplant recipients, multiple sclerosis, and residents covered under Family & Community Social Services.

There is no coverage for routine or major dental services such as cleanings, fillings, extractions, crowns, and dentures. However, some surgical dental procedures are covered when medically required and rendered in a hospital. This does not include extractions or dental work, even in a hospital.

The Health Services Vision Program assists those without vision coverage from any other plan and who qualify for assisted healthcare. There is a 30% participation fee for dispensing and diagnostic services and frames. Routine eye exams, prescription glasses, and contact lenses are not covered.

The Health Services Hearing Aid Program covers some of the costs for various hearing aids and repairs for those who qualify. This program has a 'payer of last resort' policy, and repairs are only eligible after the manufacturer's warranty expires.

The Extra-Mural Program (EMP) provides home care services to residents with a valid Medicare card, provided that their healthcare needs can be met at home.

Seniors aged 65 and older may borrow medical equipment without charge from the Canadian Red Cross Society through the Seniors' Rehabilitative Equipment Program.

New Brunswick Medicare does not provide any coverage for accidental death and dismemberment.

The province covers emergency hospital visits (with a daily maximum rate), emergency physician services at New Brunswick rates, and services that you received prior approval for.

Personal health insurance can supplement your coverage to ensure you are not paying out of pocket for unexpected expenses.

Additional health insurance

New Brunswick Medicare covers most basic healthcare services, but there are some exceptions. Ambulance services are covered, but only for in-province hospital-to-hospital transfers. Dental work is not covered, except for some surgical procedures performed in a hospital. Routine eye exams, prescription glasses, and contact lenses are not covered, but the Health Services Vision Program can assist those who do not have vision coverage from any other plan and qualify for assisted healthcare. There is no coverage for acupuncture or paramedical services provided by chiropractors, naturopaths, opticians, optometrists, orthodontists, osteopaths, physiotherapists, podiatrists, psychologists, or private-duty nurses.

If you require additional coverage, you can purchase private health insurance. This is especially important if you are a newcomer to New Brunswick, as there is a 3-month waiting period before you can access covered medical services. Private health insurance can help cover you during this time and ensure you are not liable for unexpected medical costs.

The Health Services Dental Program may provide some coverage for those without dental insurance, and the Health Services Hearing Aid Program can help cover the costs of hearing aids and repairs for those who qualify. Seniors aged 65 and older may purchase extended health benefits from the Medavie Blue Cross Seniors' Health Program, which covers diabetic supplies.

If you are visiting New Brunswick, it is recommended that you purchase private emergency medical insurance for travellers.

Frequently asked questions