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Toll Free: 1-877-838-0020
New Brunswick Medicare is a provincially administered plan in accordance with the terms of the Canada Health Act.
Residents may be temporarily absent from New Brunswick for up to 212 days in a 12 month period without affecting Medicare coverage.
DENTAL
- What is covered: New Brunswick provincial healthcare covers certain specified surgical dental procedures provided by a dentist when the service is medically required and rendered in an approved hospital. Please note that extractions and dental work are not insured services even when performed in a hospital. However, anesthesia for dental procedures may be covered in specific circumstances.
- What is NOT covered: No coverage for routine dental care, dentures, and dental services provided by a physician under New Brunswick Medicare.
DRUGS
- What is covered: Enrolment in the government Drug Plan is on a voluntary basis. Premiums are based on income. The maximum annual premium is $2,000 per adult ($166.67 per month). Children 18 and younger will not pay premiums but a parent must be enrolled in the plan. All plan members must pay 30% co-pay, up to $30 per prescription.
- What is NOT covered: New Brunswick provincial healthcare insurance does NOT cover drugs and medicines outside of a hospital or without a Drug Plan.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
- What is covered: New Brunswick Medicare only covers emergency hospital services (limited to $50.00 CAD for out-patient emergency services, and $100.00 CAD a day for in-patient services resulting from an emergency admission); emergency physician services at New Brunswick rates; and services for which you have received prior approval.
- What is NOT covered: The costs of most out-of-country services are considerably higher than rates paid by New Brunswick Medicare and the difference between the two is your responsibility. Travelers are strongly advised to obtain additional insurance from private insurers to cover the portion of charges not paid by New Brunswick Medicare.
VISION
- What is covered: Healthy Smiles, Clear Vision is New Brunswick’s dental and vision plan for children of low-income families. The vision program will cover basic items such as yearly exams, lenses, and frames (maximum of $220 every 2 years) for children age 18 and younger.
- What is NOT covered: New Brunswick Health insurance does NOT cover eye-glasses, frames or contact lenses, as well as refractions for prescription eye-glasses.
PARAMEDICAL
- What is covered: Coverage for physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and audiology when performed in a hospital.
- What is NOT covered: New Brunswick Medicare does NOT cover acupuncture and services provided by chiropractors, chiropodists, dentists (except as stated previously), massage therapists, naturopaths, opticians, optometrists, orthodontists, osteopaths, pharmacists, physiotherapists, podiatrists, and psychologists.
HOSPITAL ROOM
- What is covered: A New Brunswick Medicare card allows you to access the following insured hospital services: standard hospital accommodation and meals; necessary nursing service; drugs administered while in the hospital; operating room, delivery room, and anesthetic facilities; laboratory, X-ray, and other diagnostic services as deemed necessary; therapies such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and audiology; radiotherapy; and routine surgical supplies.
- What is NOT covered: New Brunswick Health does NOT cover the difference in rate between standard hospital accommodations and a semi-private or private room.
PRIVATE DUTY NURSING AND MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
- What is covered: Coverage for medical supplies and prosthetics for eligible residents through Social Development Health Services programs. Residents aged 65 and over may borrow, without charge, rehabilitative equipment from the Canadian Red Cross Society. Supports available for children under the age of 19 with diabetes from low-income families to obtain fair and affordable access to insulin pumps and supplies. Home healthcare coverage provided for all ages, when eligible, through the Extra-Mural Program.
- What is NOT covered: New Brunswick Medicare does NOT cover: private duty nurses and prosthetic devices or appliances, artificial limbs and such returnable items as walkers, special crutches, and braces.
HEARING AIDS
- What is covered: The provincial healthcare insurance provides some coverage for those eligible under the Health Services Hearing Aid Program.
- What is NOT covered: No coverage for Hearing Aids for residents not eligible for Health Services Hearing Aid Program.
AMBULANCE
- What is covered: Coverage only for air ambulance and inter-facility transfer within the province.
- What is NOT covered: New Brunswick Medicare does NOT cover ambulance services, as well as transportation costs to and from your place of residence to obtain medical or hospital services.
Helpful links:
- New Brunswick Drug Plans Formulary
Visit www.ExtendedHealth.ca or call toll free 1-877-838-0020 to get a quote or apply for Extended Health care insurance.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The information on this web page is for illustration purposes only. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information. Coverage details are subject to change. For complete benefits, terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions, please contact the New Brunswick Department of Health.
Last revised in September 2020.