All eligible residents of Nova Scotia, including Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and certain individuals on work permits or study visas. Temporary residents may also be covered under specific conditions.
Eligibility criteria for Nova Scotia include being physically present in the province for at least 183 days in a 12-month period, with specific exceptions for students, armed forces members, and others. Registration with the respective health insurance program is mandatory.
What's covered?
Nova Scotia provides coverage for prescribed medications through its public drug plan, though certain conditions, income levels, or age groups may apply. Coverage often includes essential medications, but individuals may need private or supplemental plans for full coverage.
Ambulance services in Nova Scotia are covered for medically necessary transportation to the nearest hospital. Some out-of-pocket expenses may apply depending on the circumstances, and certain types of transport may require private insurance.
Basic dental services are not generally covered by the public health system in Nova Scotia. However, some services may be available to children, seniors, or those in low-income brackets through specific government programs.
Routine vision care such as eye exams and corrective lenses are not covered under Nova Scotia's health plan, except for certain groups like children and seniors. Medical treatments related to eye diseases are typically covered.
Hospital stays, including medically necessary surgeries and treatments, are fully covered for residents of Nova Scotia under the provincial health insurance plan. This includes diagnostic tests, surgeries, and inpatient care.
Nova Scotia may offer limited coverage for paramedical services, such as physiotherapy or chiropractic care, primarily for those with specific medical needs or through supplementary programs.
Coverage for hearing aids in Nova Scotia is limited, often available to children or individuals with specific needs. Some government programs may offer partial subsidies, while most adults will require private insurance or out-of-pocket payments.
Medical supplies such as prosthetics, orthotics, or other essential devices may be covered under Nova Scotia's health plan for individuals with specific needs. Coverage typically depends on income or medical necessity, with some costs potentially requiring private insurance.
Hospital stays, including medically necessary surgeries and treatments, are fully covered for residents of Nova Scotia under the provincial health insurance plan. This includes diagnostic tests, surgeries, and inpatient care.
Nursing and home care services in Nova Scotia are available to eligible individuals, often those with chronic conditions or recovering from surgery. These services are typically subsidized but may involve co-payments or additional costs depending on income levels.
Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is generally not included in Nova Scotia's public health care plan. Private insurance is typically needed for this type of protection.
Residents of Nova Scotia are covered for emergency medical services while traveling abroad, but reimbursement is often limited to the equivalent cost within the province. Travelers are encouraged to purchase additional private insurance for full protection.
The content on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and may change over time. Although we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information, the details of provincial and territorial health coverage can differ and are frequently updated. For personalized advice or the most current information, we recommend reaching out directly to your provincial or territorial GHIP, or consulting with a qualified legal, tax, or insurance professional.
Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness
P.O. Box 488
Halifax, NS B3J 2R8
Phone: 902-424-5818
Toll-free: 1-800-387-6665
TTY/TDD: 1-800-670-8888
Email: health@novascotia.ca
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