A PEI Health Card is an 8-digit Personal Health Number (PHN). It usually lasts for five years from the date it is issued. It also
A PEI Health Card is an 8-digit Personal Health Number (PHN). It usually lasts for five years from the date it is issued.
It also has personal data like your name, birth date, gender, address, and the card expiry date.
Moreover, in the event of renewing your health care, it will have your intention for organ and tissue donation and the official language you will like to receive health services.
This health card is essential to make newcomers enjoy the benefit of PEI health care. On every visit to a medical office or medical service at a government health centre, your PEI Health Card will be demanded before you receive any free health service.
Failure to have a valid PEI Health Card will result in you paying for any medical services rendered to you.
Irrespective of whether you have obtained a permanent residence card, newcomers can get private health insurance to protect them from sudden health challenges.
Benefits Of Getting A PEI Health Card As A Newcomer
There are many benefits of getting a PEI health Card as a newcomer.
It is because Health PEI is in control of most healthcare centres. They also manage all community-oriented programs and services designed to protect the nation.
Getting a valid PEI Health Card entails that you are covered on any medically necessary treatment or service.
Some of these services include:
- Most physician and in-hospital treatments and services
- Long-term home or palliative care
- Addiction services
- Mental health services
- Public health nursing
- Dental public health programs for children
- Ambulance services
However, Health PEI does not cover:
- Dental services for adults
- Eye exams and eyewear (i.e., glasses or contact lenses)
- Medical devices
- Some prescription drugs except on the ground that you qualify for one of the drug programs operated by PEI Pharmacare. These programs help to subsidize or cover the cost of specific medications based on use, expense, or family/individual income.
Read also: How To Manage Your Finances As A Newcomer New To Canada
Eligibility To Get A PEI Health Card As A Newcomer
One must meet to make one eligible to get a PEI health card as a newcomer.
Some of these criteria include:
- If you are a married mate of a Canadian citizen who is taking up residence for the first time in PEI, you may be eligible under the sponsorship of a spouse.
- A copy of an official study permit showing that you can work off-campus if you are an international student.
- Proof of confirmation of current, full-time registration from a designated study institution if you are a student
- You must be living in Canada.
- PEI is your first place to stay for at least six months and a day each year.
- If you have moved to PEI from outside Canada, you may be eligible for first aid with one of the following documents:
- Permanent residence documents;
- A valid Canadian passport, i.e. a Canadian citizen from another country; or
- Certificate of Canadian citizenship, i.e. a Canadian citizen born outside Canada
However, you will not be able to get a PEI Health Card if you are:
- An international student who can work without a compass;
- Visitor, passenger or visitor to PEI
- Member of the Canadian Armed Forces
- Federal Penitentiary Prisoner
- A citizen who is eligible for certain services under other government programs.
Supporting Documents To Get A PEI Health Card As A Newcomer
There are essential documents that must be uploaded to get a PEI health card as a newcomer.
Some of these documents include:
- A copy of the health care from the former province, front and back, if applicable
- Birth certificate.
- visitor permit and marriage certificate for the spouse of an international student
- A Canadian passport.
- A copy of the Confirmation of Permanent Residence document or both sides of the Permanent Resident Card.
- A copy of the Study Permit & proof of enrolment from the designated learning institution.
- A copy of the Immigration record.
Applying For Your PEI Health Card
Applying for a PEI Health Card is easy but needs to be done carefully to ensure that coverage can start as soon as possible.
Completed applications and accompanied by all the required paperwork are usually checked within two weeks. If approved, they will process your request.
Please allow three more weeks for processing.
Suppose all the supporting documents are ready to upload; you can fill out the form in 15 minutes. Although it depends on the number of family members you submit the form.
Read also: 4 Things You Need To Know About Credit Scores As A Newcomer To Canada
Using Your PEI Health Card As A Newcomer When Out Of Province
When you are out of province and eventually leave PEI for unavoidable events like travelling, studying or a job, your PEI Health Card will protect you from health-related emergency cases.
However, it is best to get private insurance while outside the territories of Canada.
Below are likely scenarios you might find yourself in:
Travelling Within Canada
It is essential to notify PEI Medicare if your absence lasts more than one month to help avoid any delays in out-of-state service payments.
You must also provide details of your departure and return dates, destination and reason for failure to be present.
Students From Outside The Province
If you study in Canada and have a valid PEI health card, you will be offered emergency health insurance or medical care.
Such emergency care includes visiting the emergency department or clinic you are attending because of an emergency or life-threatening illness and hospitalization with an emergency procedure or treatment.
Non-emergency care such as specialized surgery and treatment or treatment of a chronic condition or illness requires approval from Health PEI for the service to be guaranteed.
Island Students From Outside The Province
Island students studying outside the province should inform PEI Medicare of their plans by the start of each school year to ensure that they have appropriate medical care.
If you study in Canada and have a valid PEI health card, you will be offered emergency health insurance or medical care.
Such emergency care includes visiting the emergency department or clinic you are attending because of an emergency or life-threatening illness and hospitalization with an emergency procedure or treatment.
Off-Island Activity
If PEI is your main residence and your job requires that you stay and work outside the state or Canada for a long time, you should inform PEI Medicare to make sure you have the proper treatment.