Medicare Facts

Did You Know That...

• Residents leaving the province for more than one month should notify New Brunswick Medicare by calling the toll-free number 1-888-762-8600 to ensure their benefits continue.
• Students who normally reside in New Brunswick but are in full attendance at a recognized university or other institution outside the province or Canada must notify Medicare annually. Each year, students studying outside Canada must provide New Brunswick Medicare with proof of enrollment from the school or university they are attending.
• New Brunswickers studying outside Canada should inquire with their school regarding coverage offered through the school’s insurance policy.
• When moving from New Brunswick, residents should contact Medicare to ensure coverage until application for coverage in the new province of residence is made. Application for coverage should be made upon arrival.
• An immigrant living in New Brunswick in a common-law relationship must have a valid personal immigration document to obtain Medicare coverage.
• There is a 3-month waiting period for all applicants entering New Brunswick from another province or country when applying for Medicare coverage.
• For New Brunswickers travelling outside Canada, Medicare covers out-of-country medical and hospital services for emergency out-patient and in-patient services only.
• Medicare defines an emergency as: "Any condition that requires immediate treatment; where delay in treatment would threaten life. An emergency must relate to a circumstance that occurs suddenly and does not pertain to a pre-existing illness, which requires ongoing monitoring." Please note: a follow-up visit is not a payable service. Any service for diagnostic purposes will not be considered for reimbursement.
• Out-of-country hospital services will be paid at a standard rate of $50 (CDN) per day for out-patient emergency services and $100 (CDN) per day for in-patient services.
• Even when Medicare has been informed of a resident’s absence from the country for whatever reason, coverage remains at emergency rates only.
• Physician services for an emergency intervention are paid at New Brunswick rates according to the New Brunswick Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. New Brunswick residents who seek and receive out-of-country services will assume responsibility for the total cost, unless it is an emergency service or one not available in Canada. Medical services not available in Canada require prior approval from Medicare.
• Most out-of-country physician and hospital service costs are considerably higher than rates paid by New Brunswick Medicare. It is strongly advised that out-of-country travelers obtain supplementary insurance from private insurers to cover the portion of charges not paid by Medicare. Before travelling outside the country, New Brunswickers should inquire with their private carrier regarding pre-existing conditions that may not be covered by Medicare.

REMEMBER: ALWAYS CARRY YOUR MEDICARE CARD WITH YOU.
Telephone: 1-888-762-8600