PEI Health Card
In Canada, our tax money pays for basic health care. To access the publicly funded health care services in PEI you must have a valid PEI Health Card. You have to present this card each time you need health care services at a doctor's or nurse practitioner's office, or the hospital.
All PEI residents are eligible for a PEI Health Card. You are considered a PEI resident if:
- you are legally entitled to be in Canada, and
- PEI is your primary residence for at least six months plus a day of each year.
You are not eligible for a PEI Health Card if you are an international student unable to work off-campus, tourist, transient or visitor to PEI.
Applying for a PEI Health Card
You should apply for your PEI Health Card as soon as possible after you arrive in PEI. Each person has to have an individual card.
To apply, you need to submit a completed health card application and required documentation. A family can use a single form to apply for all family members living together. Photocopies or digital images of the documents are accepted.
Permanent residents must submit confirmation of permanent residency document or PR card.
Work permit holders must submit:
- a valid work permit which entitles the holder to legally work within PEI for at least 183 days, and
- a valid passport.
International students must submit:
- a valid study permit indicating that the applicant can work off-campus, and
- verification of current, full-time enrollment from a designated learning institution.
The completed application and appropriate documents can be submitted in person at any Access PEI location, at the Health PEI office, or PEI Medicare office, by mail, or online. [See Related Resources]
If you are applying by mail, send the completed application form along with copies of the appropriate documents to:
Medicare Services
PO Box 3000, 126 Douses Road
Montague, PE C0A 1R0
The PEI Health Card has an expiry date and needs to be renewed every five years for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail approximately two months before your card will expire.
The eligible international students must submit their documentation on a yearly basis.
Services Covered by PEI Health Card
Your PEI Health Card pays for the cost of most medically necessary services. Here are some examples of the hospital and medical services covered by your card:
- most physician and in-hospital services
- home care, palliative care, long-term care
- addiction services, mental health services, drug programs
- primary care services (dental public health services for children, chronic disease prevention and management, public health nursing, etc.)
Ambulance services are not generally covered, however, they are subsidized for Island residents in certain situations.
Some examples of the hospital and medical services not covered by your PEI Health Card are:
- most prescription drugs
- eye exams and eyewear, like glasses or contacts
- dental services
- appliances such as hearing aids, artificial limbs, or crutches
