New Brunswick Medicare is the provincial plan for all New Brunswick residents. It provides coverage for most of your basic healthcare services.
To qualify, you must be a Canadian citizen or legally entitled to remain in Canada, as well as make New Brunswick your principle home. See if you're eligible for coverage.
What’s covered with the New Brunswick Medicare
| Benefit | Coverage details |
|---|---|
| Prescription drugs |
The New Brunswick Drug Plan provides drug coverage for those who have a valid Medicare card and enrol in the drug plan. You pay a premium (based on your income) and a 30% copayment up to a maximum per prescription. See if you qualify. The New Brunswick Prescription Drug Program (NBPDP) provides support for those who may not have insurance available elsewhere, those requiring assistance with specialty medications, and Seniors aged 65 and older who receive the Federal Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). The program covers drugs listed on the New Brunswick drug formulary including drugs for treatment of cystic fibrosis, HIV positive residents, growth hormone products, organ transplant recipients, multiple sclerosis and residents covered under Family & Community Social Services. See if you’re eligible for coverage. N.B launched the Biosimilars Initiative which means the N.B Drug Plan will only cover the biosimilar versions of eligible drugs. |
| Ambulance |
You’re covered for in-province hospital-to-hospital transfers only. |
| Dental benefits |
There is no coverage for routine or major services such as cleanings, fillings, extractions, crowns, dentures, etc. You’re covered for some surgical dental procedures when medically required and rendered in a hospital. This does not include extractions or dental work, even in a hospital. The Health Services Dental Program may provide some coverage to those who do not have dental insurance by any other party. See if you qualify. |
| Vision care |
The Health Services Vision Program assists those who do not have vision coverage from any other plan and qualify for assisted health care. There is a 30% participation fee on dispensing and diagnostic services, and frames. You aren’t covered for routine eye exams, prescription glasses or contact lenses. |
| Hospital | You’re covered for standard accommodations and meals. Learn more about hospital stays. |
| Paramedicals |
There is no coverage for acupuncture or paramedical services provided by chiropractors, naturopaths, opticians, optometrists, orthodontists, osteopaths, physiotherapists, podiatrists, psychologists or private duty nurses. |
| Hearing aids | The Health Services Hearing Aid Program aids in covering some of the costs for various hearing aids and repairs for those that qualify. This program has a ‘payer of last resort’ policy and repairs are eligible only after the manufacturer’s warranty expires. |
| Nursing benefits and home care | The Extra-Mural Program (EMP) provides home care services to residents with a valid Medicare card as long as healthcare needs can be met at home. |
| Medical supplies | You may be covered for medical equipment loans for seniors 65 years and older, without charge from the Canadian Red Cross Society through the Seniors’ Rehabilitative Equipment Program. |
| Accidental death and dismemberment | New Brunswick Medicare does not provide any coverage for accidental death and dismemberment. |
| Out of country | The province covers emergency hospital visits (with a daily maximum rate), emergency physician services at New Brunswick rates, and services that you received prior approval for. Learn more about out of country coverage. |
Personal health insurance can help supplement your coverage where you need it most.
Though you’re covered, you still pay for some of your provincial health coverage. Personal health insurance can help make sure you aren't paying out of pocket for unexpected expenses.
These highlights from the New Brunswick Medicare Plan are for general reference only and are subject to change, corrections and updates. Other government programs may also be available. For more information on the latest coverage details, contact:
New Brunswick Department of Health and Wellness
HSBC Place
P.O. Box 5100
Fredericton, NB E3B 5G8
Phone: 506-457-4800
New Brunswick
Last updated: April 2022