Newfoundland and Labrador Healthcare

Newfoundland and Labrador Healthcare coverage is provided by the Medical Services Plan (MCP) and is designed to cover the costs of physician's services. Healthcare that isn't covered by the Provincial plan can be very expensive so please ensure that you have adequate protection.

The Hospital Insurance Plan covers insured hospital services received within the Province when recommended by a medical practitioner. All beneficiaries of the Medical Care Plan are automatically entitled to coverage under the Hospital Insurance Plan.

These services are funded by the Provincial and Federal Government. There is also a Dental Health Plan which covers children up to 12 years old and recipients of social assistance. This is only provided for Eligible residents of the Province. As with all of Canada, it is imperative to have some kind of health insurance as the cost of healthcare is very expensive.

If you are a Canadian citizen, or have Immigration status and a permanent resident of Newfoundland and Labrador who physically lives in the province for at least 4 consecutive months out of each 12 month period, you are eligible for the Newfoundland and Labrador healthcare Medical Care Plan.

If you are coming from somewhere else in Canada, you will become eligible on the first day of the third month after you become resident in Newfoundland and Labrador. If you are arriving from outside of Canada you should be eligible from the day you become resident in the province.

Everyone must register for Medical Care Plan to be eligible for Newfoundland and Labrador healthcare benefits. You will need to provide documentation of citizenship or immigration status when applying. Once the application has been approved each member of your family will be issued with an MCP card. You must carry your card at all times to present if you require health services.

As the Newfoundland and Labrador healthcare only covers necessary medical treatments it is highly recommended that you have additional coverage.

Prescription drugs, dental care and even a trip in an ambulance can be very expensive. Benefit packages that cover your Newfoundland and Labrador healthcare are sometimes offered by employers or alternatively you can purchase your own, private plan.

Health Issues

As a whole there are very few serious issues that concern Newfoundland and Labrador. The major illness that continues to hit the headlines is the continued threat of West Nile Virus.

With the arrival of the summer comes the Mosquito. Unfortunately mosquitos are everywhere - especially near water - and some carry the West Nile Virus that is known to cause illness in humans to varying degrees. It does seem that the younger you are the less prone to the effects, though this is by no means clinically proven.

The best protection is to avoid being bitten in the first place, so wear long sleeves and pants (trousers) with a good quality repellant. The best one we have found is "Deep Woods Off" that also comes in a kids formula. Stay away from bodies of still or stagnant water especially around evening time when they are most active. If you feel the symptoms (see link above) see a doctor as soon as possible.