MSI Eligibility

To be eligible for Nova Scotia Medical Service Insurance 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
  • registered with MSI. 

The following individuals are not eligible for coverage:

  • Members of the Canadian Armed Forces (however, family members are eligible on the date they establish residency in Nova Scotia)
  • Members of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) (however, family members may be eligible to apply for Medical Services Insurance (MSI) on the date they establish residency in Nova Scotia). NATO members themselves, and families of United States of America (USA) NATO members, are not eligible.

Refer to Moving to Nova Scotia from Outside Canada if you're a Non-Canadian.

Refer to Referrals for out-of-province, out-of-country treatment, if you're referred by a physician to receive a health service outside Nova Scotia.

If you are a full-time student from another Canadian province, you are not eligible for MSI coverage. Your home province will continue to provide coverage as long as you are a student. Contact your home province to ensure your coverage is maintained.

Proof of citizenship or immigration status is required for the application process. To complete an application please contact the MSI Registration at:

902-496-7008 or toll free in Canada 1-800-563-8880

Mailing address: PO Box 500, Halifax NS B3J 2S1
Location address: 230 Brownlow Ave, Dartmouth NS