New Brunswick provincial health care plan (New Brunswick Medicare)

Eligibility and coverage details for New Brunswick

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GHIP

Who is covered by the New Brunswick provincial government health care plan?

New Brunswick Medicare covers all residents of the province. It provides basic healthcare services, including doctor and hospital care. Coverage begins after registration with Medicare.

GHIP

Are you eligible?

To qualify for New Brunswick Medicare, you must be a Canadian citizen or legally entitled to remain in Canada and make New Brunswick your principal home. Certain exceptions apply.

What's covered

Coverage details for the New Brunswick provincial Health Care Plan (New Brunswick Medicare)

Benefit
Coverage details
Prescription Drugs

The New Brunswick Drug Plan offers prescription drug coverage for residents with a valid Medicare card who enroll in the plan. Enrollees are responsible for paying a premium and a 30% copayment, up to a maximum per prescription. The New Brunswick Prescription Drug Program (NBPDP) offers additional support to seniors receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and those with specialized medical needs, such as cystic fibrosis or organ transplants. The province’s Biosimilars Initiative ensures that only biosimilar versions of eligible drugs are covered under these programs.

Ambulance

Ambulance coverage in New Brunswick is limited to hospital-to-hospital transfers within the province. Residents who require ambulance services for other situations will need to pay out of pocket. Additional coverage may be available through private insurance. Learn more about ambulance service billing information.

Dental benefits

Routine dental services, including cleanings, fillings, crowns, extractions, and dentures, are not covered under the New Brunswick health plan. However, some surgical dental procedures are covered when medically necessary and performed in a hospital, though extractions and routine dental work are excluded, even if performed in a hospital. The Health Services Dental Program may provide limited coverage for individuals without private dental insurance.

Vision care

The Health Services Vision Program provides assistance for those who qualify for assisted health care and do not have vision coverage from another plan. The program requires a 30% co-payment for dispensing and diagnostic services, including frames. Routine eye exams, prescription glasses, and contact lenses are not covered under the general plan.

Hospital

New Brunswick Medicare covers standard accommodations and meals for hospital stays, as well as medically necessary services. Residents may have the option to upgrade to private or semi-private rooms for an extra fee. Learn more about hospital stays.

Paramedicals

New Brunswick does not provide coverage for paramedical services such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, naturopathy, optometry, physiotherapy, podiatry, psychology, or private nursing. Residents seeking these services will need to rely on private insurance or pay out of pocket.

Hearing aids

The Health Services Hearing Aid Program offers partial coverage for hearing aids and repairs for qualifying residents. This program operates under a "payer of last resort" policy, meaning it only provides coverage after all other insurance or warranties have been utilized. Hearing aid repairs are covered once the manufacturer’s warranty expires.

Medical equipment & supplies

The Seniors’ Rehabilitative Equipment Program in New Brunswick provides medical equipment loans for seniors aged 65 and older, free of charge through the Canadian Red Cross Society. Eligible medical supplies include a wide range of rehabilitative devices and equipment for senior residents.

Paramedicals

New Brunswick does not provide coverage for paramedical services such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, naturopathy, optometry, physiotherapy, podiatry, psychology, or private nursing. Residents seeking these services will need to rely on private insurance or pay out of pocket.

Nursing benefits and home care

The Extra-Mural Program (EMP) in New Brunswick provides comprehensive home care services for residents with a valid Medicare card. The program delivers care in your home as long as your healthcare needs can be safely met there. Services include nursing, physiotherapy, and home support.

Accidental death and dismemberment

New Brunswick Medicare does not cover accidental death and dismemberment. Residents are encouraged to seek private insurance plans if they require this type of protection.

Out of country

New Brunswick Medicare provides coverage for emergency hospital visits and physician services at New Brunswick rates, with a daily maximum for hospital stays. Coverage is also available for services that have received prior approval from the province. Residents are responsible for any costs that exceed the provincial limits. Learn more about out-of-country coverage.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is intended for general informational purposes only and may be subject to change. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, provincial and territorial health coverage details can vary and are regularly updated. We recommend contacting your respective GHIP or consulting a legal, tax, or insurance advisor for advice tailored to your specific situation.

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Extended Health Care

How Personal Health & Dental Insurance Complements Your Provincial Plan

While your provincial or territorial health plan covers many essential medical services, there are important areas where personal health insurance can help extend your coverage, giving you broader protection and peace of mind.

Bridge the Gaps in Coverage

Provincial health plans often leave gaps, such as prescription drugs, dental visits, and vision care. Personal health insurance can bridge these gaps by covering expenses your government plan doesn’t, ensuring you’re not left with unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

Be Ready for Life’s Health Changes

Even with your government health coverage, there are still costs that can catch you off guard, like prescription drugs, dental care, and vision expenses. A personal health plan can step in to cover these out-of-pocket expenses, making sure you’re protected from financial surprises.

Secure Your Health & Financial Future

Investing in personal health insurance today can save you from paying high costs for treatments or services down the road. By taking a proactive approach, you can ensure you get the care you need now, avoiding bigger health issues—and bigger bills—later on.

Get in touch

Talk to an advisor who can understand your situation, answer your questions and help you build an insurance plan appropriate for you and your family.

How to contact your GHIP

For more information on the latest coverage details, please contact the New Brunswick provincial health care plan directly at:

New Brunswick Department of Health
HSBC Place
P.O. Box 5100
Fredericton, NB E3B 5G8
Phone: 506-457-4800
Email: [email protected]

Website: New Brunswick Department of Health