What is the Best Health Insurance in Nova Scotia for 2024?

Did you know that over 30% of medical costs in Nova Scotia are not covered by your provincial healthcare? Most families end up paying this out of the pocket leaving them with a huge financial burden. That's why it's essential to have a good private health insurance.

Private health insurance helps you cover essential yet expensive services like advanced dental and vision care, and prescription medications, many of which are not covered or offered very limited protection by the provincial Nova Scotia Medical Service Insurance (MSI).

But which is the best Nova Scotia health insurance for you? In this guide, we take you through the best private insurances in Nova Scotia, their coverage, pros and cons, prices, how to get an MSI Card and more. You can also compare plans and get quotes using our free comparator at the top of this page.

Top 2024 best health insurance plans in Nova Scotia

Sun Life health insurance: Hassle-free policy access

Sun Life offers three health plans, all with differing levels of coverage which allows you to find a plan that is tailored to your specific needs. It has a comprehensive online portal and an app that allows you hands-on access to your claims and benefits information even while on the go.

The policies of Sun Life personal health insurance are a sensible choice if you do not have benefits through your employer, you are losing your group coverage, or if you would like additional benefits not offered by your employer’s or province’s healthcare (like MSI in Nova Scotia, AHCIP in Alberta, MSP in BC) and drug coverage.

Note that you must have provincial or territorial health and drug coverage to apply for personal health insurance.

If you like what Sun Life offers, you could get a quote right here based on your unique health needs and budget.

GMS health insurance: Comprehensive coverage

GMS offers plans ranging from basic coverage to comprehensive health coverage, all of which have the option to add dental benefits and/or drug benefits. With GMS, you will be able to tailor a plan to fit your health needs.

They have a comprehensive online portal, My GMS, which allows for easy access to your benefit information and the ability to submit a claim online. Their travel plans for certain plans automatically adds Covid-19 treatment coverage.

GMS health insurance Canada is a choice for you if you do not have health benefits through your employer, starting your own business, or if you would like additional benefits not offered by your employer’s or province’s health and drug coverage.

If you think GMS is the right fit for you or would like to give it a try, you can now get a quote from GMS health insurance and get a policy that suits your unique health needs and budget the best.

Green Shield Canada health insurance: Extensive options for every budget

Green Shield Canada, also known as simply GSC, is a non-profit insurance provider. The GSC health insurance can be bundled with other policies to save money.

Green Shield offers more affordable packages than some of its competitors, especially for younger customers who are currently in good health. This could be a great economical choice for non-smoking young adults.

However, its dental insurance policy must be purchased separately for basic plans or as an add-on. But it is one of those rare insurances that covers pre-existing conditions and does not require medical questionnaire for its basic plan.

Manulife health insurance: The most comprehensive options

Manulife offers many comprehensive health insurance plans - whether you are looking for dental benefits, drug benefits, or a combination, you will be able to find a plan that works for your health needs.

There is a comprehensive online portal offered by Manulife health insurance for easy access to policy information and to submit a claim online. All health and dental plans have the option to add Manulife Vitality which gives you the opportunity to earn rewards and save on how much you pay.

Manulife private health insurance is a choice for you if you do not have health benefits through your employer, you are losing your group coverage, or if you would like additional benefits not offered by your employer’s or province’s health and drug coverage such as dental or medication-only coverage.

Blue Cross health insurance: The most flexible choice

The Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans is a federation of non-profit insurance providers operating across Canada since 1938. Its members collectively insure over 7 million Canadians under their federally licensed coverage.

Blue Cross Health Insurance offers several plans that can include health benefits, drug, and dental coverage. It provides an easy-access online portal to your benefits information and lets you submit claims. Their plans of Blue cross health insurance canada allow for the optional add-ons of services such as critical illness coverage and hospital expenses.

Blue Cross private health insurance is intended for people who do not have access to a private group plan, or if they would like additional benefits not offered by their employer’s or province’s healthcare program (like MSI in Nova Scotia, Ontario Health Insurance Plan, or the MSP in BC), and drug coverage such as dental or medication-only coverage.

For freelancers, there is the Blue Cross health insurance self-employed package. Blue Cross student health insurance is an affordable package for those in higher education or those who have recently graduated.

Desjardins health insurance review: Wide coverage

Desjardins is a leading provider of insurance in Canada with an illustrious history. It offers private health insurance to bridge the gaps in the provincial healthcare programs like the MSP in BC or the AHCIP in Alberta.

Desjardins health insurance plans can be bundled with other policies like travel, life, dental in order to save money. Compared to competitors, Desjardins premiums are slightly higher however they offer a wider range of coverages.

That said, in some ways the company is behind some of its competitors as it does not offer the ability to sign up for a policy online.

CAA health insurance: The best bundling discounts

The CAA, or the Canadian Automobile Associate, was founded more than 115 years ago. It is one of the largest not-for-profit automobile associations in Canada. It also offers CAA insurance packages, including private health insurance. In Nova Scotia, it's called Atlantic CAA.

CAA has partnered with Manulife health insurance for over 20 years, allowing them to offer pre-packaged plans mix and match plans tailored to your specific health needs. They have a 30-day guarantee where if you are not satisfied with the coverage, you may request a refund within 30 days of receiving your policy.

This provider is a choice for you if you do not have health benefits through your employer, you are losing your group coverage, or if you would like to mix and match prescription and dental coverage. Note that you must have provincial or territorial health and drug coverage to apply for personal health insurance

Canada Life health insurance: Best guaranteed policies

Founded in 1847, Canada Life is the country's first home-grown insurer and today has more than 12 million clients. Canada Life offers a variety of levels of health insurance, all with differing levels of coverage which are designed to suit your needs, including prescription drugs, dental care, vision care and more.

They have comprehensive optional add-ons for you to further personalize your health plan. They also offer a ten-day look-and-see period. You can cancel your policy with no penalty during the first ten days.

Canada Life health insurance is a choice for you if you do not have medical benefits through your employer, you are losing your group coverage, or if you would like additional benefits not offered by your employer’s or province’s health and drug coverage like the Ontario Health Insurance Plan or the MSP in BC.

Note that you must have provincial or territorial health and drug coverage to apply for private health insurance plans.

Among top health insurance companies in Nova Scotia are also other providers like RBC health insurance, TD health insurance, and Costco health insurance.

What is Nova Scotia Medical Service Insurance?

Nova Scotia Medical Services Insurance (MSI) is the provincial plan of insured medical services. MSI will pay for the cost of a wide range of medically necessary physicians’ services, as well as some dental and optometric services. It is completely free to residents of Nova Scotia.

What is MSI's coverage?

What is covered by Nova Scotia's Medical Services Insurance

MSI covers a broad range of services; however, they need to be medically necessary and prescribed by your physician. Some examples of services that MSI will pay for are:

• Surgical services, including the services of
• anesthetists and surgical assistants where necessary
• Obstetrical care, including pre-natal care, cesarean section, post-natal and newborn care or any complications of pregnancy such as miscarriage
• Sterilization procedures, both male and female
• Treatment of fractures and dislocations
• Referrals to specialists, including consultations
• Diagnostic services except those that are available
• under the Insured Hospital Services
• Physical examinations deemed medically necessary
• Supervision of home dialysis
• Well baby care
• Pap smears and other preventative measures

MSI also covers some optometric services. It covers routine eye exams are but it is to once every two years for children age 9 and younger as well as those age 65 and older. If you do not fall into those age groups, you do not have coverage for optometric services. You must pay out of pocket or through a private health insurance.

MSI covers the following dental services:

• Certain basic dental services are insured for children aged 14 and younger. Any private coverage is accessed first.
• Medically required dental services may be covered with a physician’s referral.

Dental services must be received in NS.

What is not covered by Nova Scotia's MSI

MSI does cover a variety of medically necessary services but they are many things they do not cover. You would be responsible for paying for the following services:

Service	Items not covered
Acupuncture	No acupuncture services are covered
Annual or Periodic Complete Physicals	Not covered if no disease or symptoms
Completion of Forms	Certificate of illness, government, insurance, daycare
Examination or Physicals	Treatments unrelated to an illness or medical symptom, such as: employment, immigration, insurance, motor vehicle or pilot licence, private adoption, school, camp or sports physical
Health Aids or Devices	Eyeglasses and hearing aids, contact lenses, surgical appliances, wheelchairs, crutches, most orthotic and prosthetic appliances except those insured under the MSI Prosthetic Services Program that insures for limb prostheses, ocular prosthesis and mastectomy prosthesis
Medical Advice by Telephone, Letter, Fax or E-mail	These services are not covered under MSI
Medical-Legal Services	Correspondence for legal purposes, court appearances as a witness
Medical Supplies	Drugs, syringes, sutures and dressings, allergy sera, vaccines not issued by the Department of Health and Wellness
Office Expenses	Chart transfer costs, photocopies
Patient Requested Services	Cosmetic surgery (e.g. facelift, removal of tattoos), cosmetic treatment of varicose veins, ear piercing, in-vitro fertilisation, services solely delivered by osteopaths, chiropractors, dental hygienists, massage therapists, reversal of tubal ligation or vasectomy
Prescription Renewal when Patient is Not Seen

Some other medical epenses are not covered by MSI:

• Paramedical personnel when providing counselling or treatment
• Services of chiropractors, naturopaths, psychologists, podiatrists and osteopaths
• Group immunizations (except those approved by the Department of Health and Wellness)
• Services available under the Workers’ Compensation Act, Department of Veteran’s Affairs or any other statute

While MSI does offer life-saving coverage, there's still a big chunk of healthcare that it does not cover. Services like dental care, IVF, physiotherapy, could be truly critical in ensuring a healthy lifestyle. That's why we recommend having a private health insurance to make sure you have access to these services that might otherwise be very unaffordable.

All you need to do is just use our free comparator to compare the best plans and get quotes based on your unique needs, from the best health insurance Nova Scotia providers. You get quotes in seconds and while also retaining your anonymity.

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Should you get private health insurance in Nova Scotia?

While the provincial healthcare in Nova Scotia covers essential healthcare, it doesn't cover many services that may not be considered "medically necessary" however essential for good quality of life. These services might include prescription medications, dental care, vision care, certain types of therapy, and elective medical procedures among others.

Here are a few reasons why you must choose a good personal health insurance Nova Scotia plan:

1. Coverage for Non-Medically Necessary Services: Private insurance provides coverage for services that are not deemed medically necessary but are still important for an individual's health and well-being.
2. Prescription Medications: The cost of prescription medications are quite high, and many medications are not covered by the public healthcare system. Private insurance can help mitigate these costs.
3. Dental and Vision Care: Public healthcare does not generally cover routine dental and vision care, such as dental cleanings, eyeglasses, and contact lenses. Private insurance helps you manage these expenses.
4. Specialised Services: Private plans cover specialised services or therapies such as physiotherapy, chiropractic care, or important psychological counselling. Public health insurance does not cover them.
5. Quicker Access to Services: Private health insurance provide quicker access to certain services or specialists, reducing wait times for non-urgent procedures.

What does private health insurance in Nova Scotia cover?

Here's a breakdown of what a private health insurance Nova Scotia plan typically covers:

Covered Services	Details
Prescription Medications	Coverage for various prescription drugs that may not be covered by the public system.
Dental Care	Includes routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and other dental treatments.
Vision Care	Coverage for eye exams, eyeglasses, contact lenses, and vision-related expenses.
Paramedical Services	Coverage for services like chiropractic care, physiotherapy, and massage therapy.
Mental Health Services	Some plans may offer coverage for therapy sessions, counseling, and psychiatric care.
Medical Equipment	Coverage for medical devices such as hearing aids or mobility aids.
Travel Insurance	Coverage for medical expenses when traveling outside the province or country.
Elective Medical Procedures	Coverage for non-essential surgeries or treatments not covered by the public system.
Alternative Therapies	Some plans might cover alternative therapies like acupuncture or naturopathy.

Please note that coverage of private health insurance Nova Scotia and the specifics can vary widely depending on the insurance provider and the specific policy chosen. Review the terms and conditions of any private health insurance plan in Nova Scotia. Understand the coverage, and the limitations or exclusions.

How much is private Nova Scotia Health insurance?

The cost of private health insurance in Nova Scotia can vary widely based on several factors, including the type of coverage, the insurance provider, the level of coverage, the age of the insured individual, and any pre-existing medical conditions.

On average, basic private health insurance plans in Nova Scotia can start at around $50 to $100 per month for an individual. However, more comprehensive plans that offer broader coverage for services like prescription medications, dental care, and vision care can cost significantly more, potentially ranging from $100 to $300 or more per month for an individual.

Family coverage plans that include dependents will typically cost more due to increased coverage needs. Premiums can also increase as individuals age, as older individuals generally require more medical care.

How to buy private Nova Scotia Health insurance?

Here are steps you can follow to get the best health insurance plan in Nova Scotia:

1. Research Plans: Look into different private health insurance options in Nova Scotia, considering coverage for medications, dental, vision, and more.
2. Contact Providers: Get in touch with insurance companies offering coverage in the province through their websites, phone, or in-person visits.
3. Get Quotes: Ask for cost estimates for the plans that interest you, sharing your details and coverage preferences.
4. Check Details: Review plan terms, coverage limits, costs, and any exceptions to ensure they match your needs.
5. Select and Enroll: Choose the plan that fits best and complete enrollment by providing personal information and finalizing paperwork.

To get a private helath insurance quote personalized for your needs, use our free comparison tool at the top of the page.

Go for health and dental insurance Nova Scotia plans to ensure you get holistic coverage. Dental care in particular can be very expensive so it's essential to get coverage. Most health insurance plans offer dental care as an add-on while comprehensive plans have extensive coverage.

How to apply for an MSI health card?

To apply for your Nova Scotia Medical Insurance health card, you will need to contact the MSI Registration and Inquiry Department at 902-496-7008 or at 1-800-563-8880 (toll-free within Canada), to begin the application process. Blank applications are not provided.

Applications are assessed on an individual basis and you will have to show proof of Citizenship or Immigration. Some examples of proof of citizenship include:

• Canadian birth certificate
• Valid Canadian passport (or one that has not expired for more than five years)
• Canadian citizenship card or certificate (both sides)
• NEXUS card
• Registration of Birth Abroad
• Canadian military ID
• RCMP ID card
• Proof of Canadian Old Age Security (OAS), Proof of date of birth will also need to accompany this
• Certificate of Indian Status Card

Once your application has been processed, MSI will issue health cards for each family member. You must present your health card to health care providers before receiving insured health services.

How to renew you MSI health card?

Your Nova Scotia MSI Health Card periodically expires and needs to bed renewed. Three months before your renewal date, MSI will mail you a Health Card Renewal form which you must complete, sign and return to MSI. Once you submit the form, and no additional information is required, coverage will be renewed and a new card sent out with a new expiry date.

Didn't receive the form? You can download the renewal form below or call the MSI office.

The MSI Health Card Renewal form that Nova Scotia residents receive in the mail every 4 years was recently updated. Work and Study Permit holders and need to renew their MSI health card, you cannot use the Health Card Renewal form and must call MSI in order to renew their health card.

What is MSI's phone number?

If you need to contact MSI, you can do so by phone or by email. The phone number for MSI is:

• Toll-free phone: 1-800-563-8880 (in Canada)
• Phone: 902-496-7008

A representative will be available to assist you Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you would prefer to email them instead, you can email them at [email protected].