Out-of-Province Travel Support Programs

If you are a PEI Resident (with a valid PEI Health Card) and have received prior approval from Health PEI for out-of-province medical services, you may be eligible for travel assistance under one of the following three programs:

1) Maritime Bus Program

Islanders requiring out-of-province health care in Nova Scotia or New Brunswick may qualify for fare subsidy to travel with Maritime Bus.

Do I qualify for assistance?

Eligibility is based on your total annual net household income* (CRA line 236).

You may qualify for:

• 100% bus ticket subsidy, if your annual net household income is $0 - $45,000
• 50% bus ticket subsidy, if your annual net household income is $45,001 - $65,000

_{*Household income is based on combined tax returns (both you and your spouse, if applicable) from the immediately preceding tax year - Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment(s) Line 236.}

How do I apply for the Maritime Bus Program?

To access the Maritime Bus Program, submit a current Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment(s) with your completed Out-of-Province Travel Support Application [PDF | 544 KB] or apply online at least 10 days prior to out-of-province travel.

What if I have to make multiple trips?

If you are required to make multiple trips, confirmation of this may be required.  

Can I travel with any other bus or shuttle company?

Health PEI only subsidizes travel with Maritime Bus.

2) Hope Air - Flights Program

Since 1988, Prince Edward Island has partnered with Hope Air, a national charity, to provide free flights to PEI residents who cannot afford the cost of a commercial airline ticket for travel to medical services in another province.

Do I qualify for assistance?

Hope Air will be reviewing all requests for travel support, taking into consideration the following factors:

• Household expenditures
• Other (i.e. annual health care-related expenses, frequency of out-of-province travel for health services, etc.)

How do I apply for the Hope Air - Flights Program?

To request a flight, or to refer someone for a flight, you can apply online at the Hope Air Travel Request Portal or call Hope Air toll-free at 1-877-346-HOPE (4673). Read Hope Air's Frequently Asked Questions.

For more information about Hope Air, visit https://hopeair.ca/travel-support-services/

3) Hope Air - Bridge/Ferry Program

Beginning December 1, 2016, Hope Air, in cooperation with Health PEI, will subsidize the cost of a Confederation Bridge or Northumberland Ferry pass for pre-approved PEI residents (with a valid PEI Health Card) requiring out-of-province transport by private vehicle for medical services in another province.

Do I qualify for assistance?

Hope Air will be reviewing all requests for travel support, taking into consideration the following factors:

• Household expenditures
• Other (i.e. annual health care-related expenses, frequency of out-of-province travel for health services, etc.)

How do I apply for the Hope Air - Bridge/Ferry Program?

To request or refer someone for a bridge or ferry pass, you can apply online at https://hopeair.ca/travelrequest or call Hope Air toll-free at 1-877-346-HOPE (4673). Read Hope Air's Frequently Asked Questions.

For more information about Hope Air, visit www.hopeair.ca

How do I contact the Out-of-Province Travel Support Program?

Out-of-Province Travel Support Program
16 Garfield Street
Charlottetown, PE   C1A 7N8

Telephone: (902) 368-5918
Fax: (902) 569-0579
Email:  ooptravelsupport@gov.pe.ca