Apply for PEI Health Card

If you (and members of your family) have recently moved to Prince Edward Island to live, work, or study, you may apply for a PEI Health Card to receive publicly funded health services. 

Eligibility

You are eligible for a PEI Health Card if:

• you are legally in Canada; and
• PEI is your primary residence for at least six months plus a day each year.

You must be physically present in the province of Prince Edward Island before applying for health coverage. You can apply for a PEI Health Card as soon as you arrive in PEI.  

You are not eligible for a PEI Health Card, if you are:

• an International student who is unable to work off-campus
• a tourist, transient, or visitor to PEI
• a member of the Canadian Armed Forces
• an inmate of a Federal penitentiary or
• a citizen eligible for certain services under other government programs, such as the Interim Federal Health Program for Refugees, Workers Compensation, or the Department of Veterans Affairs.

To apply for a new or temporary PEI Health Card 

You can apply for a new or temporary PEI Health Card in the following ways. 

• Complete the online form (takes about 15 minutes, depending on the number of family members)
• Complete the printable PEI Health Card application form which is available in various languages: English/French English/Spanish English/Vietnamese English/Filipino English/Arabic English/Hindi English/Mandarin and either:
  • bring it to any Access PEI location with your required supporting documents; or
  • mail it to: 
    PEI Medicare
    PO Box 3000, 126 Douses Rd.
    Montague, PE C0A 1R0 PEI
• Visit your local Access PEI location for same-day approval if you are:
  • a Canadian citizen moving from another Canadian province
  • a returning PEI resident moving from another Canadian province with a new surname (last name)
  • a Canadian citizen returning from out of the country or
  • a Permanent Resident moving from a Canadian province where you had health coverage

Race and Ethnicity Data Collection

When you apply for a PEI Health Card, you may choose to voluntarily share your race and ethnicity. 

You may also provide your race and ethnicity before or after your renewal period by submitting a Notice of Change to Race and Ethnicity Data form to PEI Medicare. You may also request to change or remove your race and ethnicity data, at any time, using this form.  

You can complete the Notice of Change to Race and Ethnicity Data form online, or download a printable form to complete at your convenience.

The collection of this data will be used to better understand differences in health outcomes, identify gaps in care, and improve services. It will not be listed on your PEI Health Card, added to your medical chart, or seen by your health care provider. It will be used at the population level for health planning and quality improvement, not for individual care. To learn more, visit Race and Ethnicity Data Collection Project.

Why am I being asked to complete the resident experience survey during my PEI health card application or renewal process?

You are requested to complete this survey to help us understand your experience and/or hesitations sharing your race and ethnicity information during PEI health card application or renewal processes. Your feedback is important to evaluate this approach and make sure race and ethnicity data collection is done in an effective and respectful way. Taking the survey is voluntary and will not affect your health card application or renewal, or access to health services.

Complete the Resident Experience Survey

How long will it take to process my application?

Applications are reviewed in the order they are received. If you are applying by any method other than booking an appointment with Access PEI for same-day approval (see above), please allow up to eight weeks for processing. 

Required supporting documentation

You will be asked to upload copies of the following documents for each person listed on your PEI Health Card application as described below. 

Canadian citizen moving from another province in Canada

Your previous province of residence will provide your health coverage for the first three months. PEI Health coverage will begin on the first day of the third month following the date you permanently reside in PEI. For example, if you arrive on July 4, coverage will begin on October 1.  

You will be required to submit a copy of your Health card(s) from your former province, front and back if applicable, or birth certificate(s).

Note: Contact PEI Medicare at 1-800-321-5492 if you are the spouse of a Canadian citizen assuming first-time residency in PEI who may be eligible under spousal sponsorship.

Canadian citizen returning from another country  

You may be granted first-day coverage when moving to permanently reside in PEI from outside Canada by submitting a copy of your Canadian passport(s) or Canadian Citizenship Certificate.

Permanent resident  

When you move to permanently reside in PEI from outside Canada, you may be eligible for first-day coverage if you submit a copy of your document confirming your Permanent Residence status or both sides of your Permanent Resident card.  

Canadian student

Students who temporarily move to PEI from another province in Canada continue to be covered under their provincial health plan and do not need a PEI Health Card. Contact your home province regarding continuous coverage. 

International student  

Individuals who move to PEI for study will be issued a Temporary PEI Health Card. You will be required to submit a copy of your passport, study permit indicating eligibility to work off campus, and proof of enrollment from a designated learning institution for the current study year.   

Note:  PEI Medicare will not authorize acceptance letters, tuition cost forms, or student ID cards.

If your spouse and/or dependent child(ren) under age 18 are living with you while you complete your study term, you may include them in your application with a copy of their Visitor and/or Work Permit, marriage certificate and/or birth certificate as applicable.

You are responsible for renewing your temporary health card. For more information see Renew Temporary Health Card Online.

Working permit holder 

An International worker will be issued a Temporary PEI Health Card valid only for the period approved for work in PEI.

You will be required to provide a copy of your valid work permit which must entitle you to legally work within PEI for at least 183 days and a copy of your passport. PEI Medicare may also request a proof-of-employment letter and proof of residency (i.e., rental agreement or utility bill) if applicable.

If your spouse and/or dependent child(ren) under age 18 are living with you while you complete your work term, you may include them in your application. 

Required documentation may include a copy of visitor, study and/or work permits, marriage certificate and/or birth certificates.

If an International worker returns to their home country before coming back to work in PEI, they are considered a new applicant and must complete a new application.

The cardholder is responsible for renewing their Temporary Health Card each new work term using the health card number previously assigned and updated immigration and employment documents.  

Ministerial permit holder 

Please contact PEI Medicare at 1-800-321-5492 to discuss eligibility for coverage.

You can now access your diagnostic imaging reports, laboratory test results and immunization history online through your MyHealthPEI account.  Learn more about how to use MyHealthPEI.