Apply for PEI Health Card - New Residents

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. A separate card will be issued for each family member listed on the application. For more information at PEI Health Card.

You must be physically present in the province before you begin the application process. The terms of the health card issued to you and the documents you need to provide with your application will vary according to your residential status.  

Residents, who reside in PEI on a permanent basis shall meet the residency requirements of six months plus one day (183 days) each year.  These residents will be issued a PEI Health Card, to be renewed every five years at which time Health PEI will issue a renewal notice to you.  

Register for a new or temporary PEI Health Card using the online form below or submit all required documentation with a completed PEI Health Card application [PDF | 858 KB] to one of the following locations:

• PEI Medicare at 126 Douses Road in Montague; or
• Any Access PEI Centre.

What do I need to complete the on-line form?

When you move to PEI, you will be asked to upload copies of supporting documents for each person listed on your PEI Health Card application as described below. 

Canadian Citizen:  When moving to permanently reside in PEI from another province in Canada you can apply for a PEI Health Card as soon as arriving in PEI.  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 July 4, coverage will begin 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:  Please 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.

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 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.

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.
You are advised to contact your home province regarding continuous coverage.  Upon graduation, if you decide to reside in PEI permanently, you may then apply for a PEI Health Card.

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 designated learning institution (new enrolment document to be submitted each 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 documentation such as; a copy of their Visitor and or Work Permit, marriage certificate and or birth certificate.

Cardholder is responsible for renewing their temporary health card each study year using the health card number previously assigned and updated immigration and enrolment documents.  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 (PEI Medicare may request a proof-of-employment letter) and a copy of your Passport.

Note:  PEI Medicare may also request proof of residency (i.e. rental/lease agreement, utility statement, etc., 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.

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.  Renew Temporary Health Card Online. 

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

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.

How long will it take to process my application?

Applications properly completed and accompanied by all required supporting documentation are normally evaluated within two weeks. Please allow an additional three weeks for processing once your application is approved.