Explore New Brunswick health-care system
As a new New Brunswicker, you are entitled to basic, universal, government-funded health care. Health care coverage, including most medically required services, is provided by the provincial government. Many employers offer additional coverage to their employees as part of their benefits package. Make sure you bring your medical records with you to share with your new doctor, dentist and other service providers.
1. Health-care regions
Our province is divided into two health care regions Vitalité Health Network and Horizon Health Network. Your region of service will be determined by where you settle.
2. Medicare card
To obtain health-care services, you will need a New Brunswick Medicare card Medicare covers most medically required services, and your card is a key piece of identification.
See more: Immigration program in New Brunswick
3. Tele-Care 811
Tele-Care is a free, confidential, health advice and information line. Dial 811 for access to bilingual, registered nurses, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You will speak to a registered nurse when you call Tele-Care about health symptoms, injuries or illnesses. The nurse will assess your situation and provide information and advice to help you decide what to do. In an emergency, call 911 or visit the local emergency department.
4. Family doctor
Family doctors are your first stop for health care in Canada. It is important to start looking for one right away. Do not wait until you are sick.
People covered by New Brunswick Medicare can access family doctors and hospitals, and do not have to pay for regular visits.
Patient Connect NB is the provincially-managed, bilingual patient registry for New Brunswickers without a primary health-care provider. Anyone who is eligible for a New Brunswick Medicare card is eligible to register with Patient Connect NB.
People currently living outside the province but planning to move to New Brunswick can register for Patient Connect NB but must have a valid Medicare card from another Canadian province to register.
People can register online or by calling Tele-Care 811.
Until you have been accepted as a patient by a family doctor, there are a number of walk-in or after-hours clinics where you can go for care.
5. Medical clinics
In New Brunswick, you have access to care at local, walk-in medical clinics. Walk-in clinics do not take appointments. After-hours medical clinics may allow you to make an appointment. You can look for your nearest medical clinic in the telephone directory, by calling Tele-Care, or by contacting local immigrant serving agencies for a list of clinics.
If there is no clinic in your community, care is available from the outpatient department at your nearest hospital.
6. Emergency services 911
You can reach any emergency service in New Brunswick by dialing 911 on your telephone. The 911 operator will help identify what service you will need: fire, police, medical, or poison control.
7. Dental care
In addition to a family doctor, many New Brunswickers have a family dentist whom they see regularly for preventative care. Talk to your medical insurer and your employer about how your dental coverage works. To find a dentist in New Brunswick, refer to, New Brunswick Dental Society
8. Mental health services
If you are feeling upset, depressed or overcome by stress, talk to your doctor, a counselor at your immigration settlement agency, or a counselor located in your area. For emergency mental health care, there are community mental health centres, crisis centres and a number addiction services throughout the province.
- Mental health services
- 24-hour crisis help lines
- Addiction information and resources
9. Persons with disabilities
There are many services available to people with disabilities including counseling, education, employment assistance, financial assistance, housing support, recreational activities, and transportation.
For futher information please read Frequently Asked Question about New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program or contact Odin Land hotline 0906.827.700
