How to change my address with the Medical Services Insurance?
To notify MSI of a change of address, you have two options:
- Online via the Government Online Services Website
- Contact the MSI office (Hours of operation: Monday to Friday between 8am-5pm)
- Phone: 902-424-5818
- Toll-free: 1-800-387-6665
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I am moving permanently from another province to Nova Scotia?
If you are a Canadian or permanent resident and you are moving permanently to Nova Scotia from another province in Canada, the MSI coverage will start on the first day of the third month you arrived in Nova Scotia. Make sure to contact your previous province’s health services to inquire whether your coverage will be maintained until the MSI coverage starts.
What if I am moving out of Nova Scotia permanently?
If you are a Canadian or permanent resident leaving Nova Scotia to establish yourself elsewhere in Canada, your MSI coverage will stay valid until the last day of the second month you arrived there. Make sure to register for benefits in your new province of residence as soon as possible upon arrival!
What if I am moving out of Nova Scotia temporarily?
If you are deemed a resident for MSI coverage and are physically present in Nova Scotia for 183 days in every calendar year, you may keep your coverage while temporarily absent for up to one year, as long as you intend to return permanently to Nova Scotia.
If you don’t meet the requirement of being physically present, you may still retain your MSI coverage, if you are:
- attending an educational institution on a full time basis and provide documentation from the institution
- a mobile worker – your employment requires you to travel frequently outside Nova Scotia and you do not establish residency elsewhere
- engage in employment/volunteer work outside Canada which does not exceed 24 months and your permanent and primary home is in Nova Scotia
- travelling outside of Nova Scotia on vacation for up to seven months per calendar year
Finally.
While changing your address for your health card is an important task to do during your moving process, an equally important step is changing your address on your driver’s licence. To find out more on how to do so in the province of Nova Scotia, read our article dedicated to the subject!
