Apply for PEI Health Card - New Residents

If you have recently moved to Prince Edward Island, you can register on-line for a PEI Health Card using the form below or print, complete and submit the PEI Health Card Application Form to Health PEI.

You must reside in this province for at least six months plus one day each year to be eligible for a PEI Health Card, however, coverage is available three months after you establish residency in PEI.

A resident is defined as anyone who is entitled to remain in Canada and who makes their home, on an annual basis, for at least six months plus a day in Prince Edward Island.

Why should I have a PEI Health Card?

Without a PEI Health Card you will be billed for any hospital and physician services you receive in Prince Edward Island. You will be asked for your health card each time you visit a doctor’s office, receive a medical test or treatment at a health facility.

Your pharmacist will also require your health card to record your prescription medications in the PEI Drug Information System.

What do I need to complete the online form?

You can register your spouse, and up to seven dependent children who are either under the age of 18 and living with you, or are between ages 18-25, and attending a post-secondary institution full-time.

For each individual you are registering, you will need to complete all required identification fields and either accept or decline, with their consent, to become an organ donor and tissue donor.

Please note, parents cannot provide prior consent for the donation of organs and tissues of children under 16 years of age. Parents can only consent on behalf of their children if and when the opportunity to donate arises.

You will be asked to upload copies of the following supporting documents, for each individual on your PEI Health Card application :

Canadian Citizen: Attach copy of former provincial health care card front and back if applicable or birth certificate.
Canadian citizen returning from another country: Attach copy of Canadian passport.
Permanent Resident: Attach copy of Confirmation of Permanent Residence document or both sides of Permanent Resident card.
International Student: Attach copy of Study Permit & proof of enrolment from designated learning institution.
Working Visa: Attach copy of Immigration record.

How long will it take to complete this online form?

If you have all supporting documents ready to upload, you can complete the form in about 15 minutes, depending on the number of family members you include on the form.

Is there a fee for a PEI Health Card?

There is no fee for a PEI Health Card. If you change your name or receive a card with incorrect information, you can request a replacement card at no cost. If your card is lost or stolen, you must pay $10 for each replacement card, with a maximum fee of $50 per household. Print, complete and send the form to Request a replacement health card [PDF | 193 KB] to Health PEI.

Will I have health coverage when I travel?

If you are traveling outside PEI, your PEI Health Card will cover health care services for emergency or sudden illness. Notify Health PEI if your absence will exceed one month to help avoid any delay in payment for an out-of-province service. Provide your departure and return dates, destination and reason for absence. For example, a sabbatical leave, an extended winter vacation, or a student at an off-Island university.

The cost for services outside Canada may be considerably higher and you will be required to pay medical costs up front. Submit your detailed invoice and proof of payment to Health PEI within six months of the date of service to be reimbursed at PEI rates in Canadian currency. Because you will be responsible to pay the difference between the amount charged and the amount paid by Health PEI, private medical insurance for the period you are away is highly recommended.

What if I leave PEI permanently?

Please notify Health PEI if you leave the province permanently. You must register in your new province within 30 days to ensure uninterrupted coverage. If you stay in Canada, you will be eligible for PEI health coverage up to the last day of the second month following the date you arrive in your new province of residence. For example, if you move on July 4, you will be covered until September 30.

If you leave Canada, your coverage ends the day you leave PEI.

How long will it take to process my application?

If you move to PEI from within Canada your coverage begins the first day of the third month following the date you establish permanent residency. For example, if you establish permanent residency in PEI on July 12, your coverage is effective October 1.

If you move to PEI from outside of Canada, you may be eligible for coverage on your date of arrival.

Properly completed applications, accompanied by all the required supporting documentation, are normally evaluated within two weeks. If accepted for coverage, your application will be processed. Please allow an additional three weeks delivery time for same.

A PEI Health Card is valid for five years. A renewal notice will be mailed approximately two months before the expiry date to the address you provided. It is important to notify Health PEI of any change to your contact information to ensure continued coverage. To update information, call 1-800-321-5492.