Health care in Newfoundland and Labrador for newcomers

In Newfoundland and Labrador, publicly funded healthcare for all legal residents is provided by Medical Care Plan Newfoundland, which is most frequently called MCP Newfoundland. This healthcare is available to all newcomers to Newfoundland and Labrador who apply through the proper channels.

While both MCP Newfoundland offices are presently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they are still processing applications for health cards. However, it often takes a few days or even weeks to collect the documentation necessary to apply.

To ensure that they have health care access during their first weeks in Newfoundland and Labrador, many newcomers apply for private health insurance before arriving in Canada.

This private health insurance helps to cover the cost of any medical treatment or care that may be necessary while awaiting MCP Newfoundland coverage.

Your first weeks in a new country are not the time to take risks with your health coverage. To guarantee that you are protected from unexpected out-of-pocket costs, consider purchasing health insurance from a private company like Cigna. Visit the Cigna website and get a free quote that matches your precise needs in just minutes.

Learn about MCP Newfoundland

MCP Newfoundland, the province’s comprehensive medical care plan, is administered and overseen by the Department of Health and Community Services. The plan covers all medically necessary services provided by a doctor or nurse in any setting, including a doctor’s office, hospital, care home, or private residence.

Additionally, MCP Newfoundland coverage also includes:

• Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures
• All hospital care, including meals and accommodations
• Complete maternity care
• Radiological interpretive services
• Medically necessary dental procedures (when performed in a hospital)

Eligible residents in Newfoundland and Labrador may also qualify for the province’s Prescription Drug Program (NLPDP), which provides access to necessary medications for individuals that are below a certain income threshold, or who require expensive medications costing between 5-10% of their yearly income. Medications for certain diseases like Cystic Fibrosis or Growth Hormone Deficiency are also covered.

Unlike some other provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador does not cover ambulance services, eye examinations, or telemedicine.

Determining your eligibility for a Newfound and Labrador health card

All newcomers to Newfoundland and Labrador are eligible for coverage by MCP Newfoundland, as long as they can prove they are in the country legally and intend to make the province their home.

Newfoundland and Labrador does not specify a number of days or months per year that the individual must be present in order for this province to be considered their primary residence. However, they may be asked to show proof of their intention to remain, using documentation like a lease or house title.

Individuals on a work visa are also eligible if they have a full-time job and intend to be in the province for at least 12 months. The only exception is health care workers, who may be offered coverage with any contract lasting 6 months or more.

How to apply for your Newfoundland and Labrador health card

To apply for a Newfoundland and Labrador health card, newcomers can either mail, fax, or drop off their completed application form and supporting documentation.

You can either send your original supporting documents or good-quality photocopies. All original documents will be returned after the application is processed.

Currently, the MCP Newfoundland offices in St. John’s and Grand Falls-Windsor are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, both offices offer 24-hour drop boxes where applications can safely be left for review. It usually takes 2 weeks for applications to be evaluated.

Your first months in Newfoundland and Labrador as a newcomer

Even though there is no waiting period for health coverage in Newfoundland and Labrador, it can still take a few weeks to get all the necessary documentation together, plus at least 2 weeks of processing time. During these busy first few weeks in a new country, no one wants to deal with the stress of navigating a new healthcare system plus unexpected medical bills.

To protect yourself in the event of an illness or injury, many newcomers to Newfoundland and Labrador invest in private health coverage from companies like Moving2Canada’s trusted partner Cigna. This health insurance is available to anyone and can be purchased online in a matter of minutes.

Want to explore their coverage options for yourself? All their plans are flexible and work well for individuals or families moving to Newfoundland and Labrador.

Click here to get your free quote today.