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New Brunswick · Health

Health card renewal and replacement in New Brunswick

Compiled by Mahmoud Halat, checked

Short answer

New residents of New Brunswick apply for Medicare with the online application, or with a paper form sent by mail or email or taken to a Service New Brunswick office. Include copies of proof of status in Canada, identity and New Brunswick residency. Processing takes 10 to 12 weeks. Renewal cards are mailed to the address on file, and a lost card costs $10 to replace.

Who handles it

New Brunswick Medicare (Department of Health), through Service New Brunswick

Handles it in New Brunswick.

Renewals and changes cannot be done online; call 1-888-762-8600 or visit a Service New Brunswick centre.

Canada Service Map is independent and not a government website. The official page always has the final word.

Who can apply

  • If you move to New Brunswick from another province or territory, coverage usually starts on the first day of the third month after the month you settle in the province.

    Source: gnb.cachecked #

  • You can only apply once you have physically moved to New Brunswick. Students from another province are not covered and should stay on their home province's plan.

    Source: gnb.cachecked #

Steps

  1. Apply with the Online Medicare Application. If you cannot apply online, fill in the PDF form and mail or email it to Medicare, or take it to a Service New Brunswick office.

    Source: gnb.cachecked #

  2. You do not apply to renew. If Medicare has your current address, a new card should arrive about one month before the old one expires.

    Source: gnb.cachecked #

What you need

  • Send photocopies of documents that prove your status in Canada, your identity and your New Brunswick residency. One document cannot be used for more than one of these.

    Source: gnb.cachecked #

  • Proof of residency must be current and show the applicant's name and New Brunswick home address, for example a lease, a utility bill, a pay stub or an NB driver's licence.

    Source: gnb.cachecked #

Cost

  • Replacing a lost, stolen or damaged card costs $10. Seniors on the Guaranteed Income Supplement and people on income assistance do not pay the fee.

    Source: gnb.cachecked #

How long it takes

  • Allow 10 to 12 weeks for Medicare to process an application. If you hear nothing after 14 weeks, call Service New Brunswick at 1-888-762-8600.

    Source: gnb.cachecked #

Where to go

  • For a replacement card, visit a Service New Brunswick office, or mail the signed change request form with a $10 cheque or money order made out to the Minister of Finance.

    Source: gnb.cachecked #

Questions people ask

How long does it take to get a New Brunswick Medicare card?

New Brunswick asks you to allow 10 to 12 weeks for an application to be processed. If you have not heard back after 14 weeks, call Service New Brunswick TeleServices at 1-888-762-8600. Do not send a second application.

Source: gnb.cachecked #

Can I renew my New Brunswick Medicare card online?

No. Renewal cards are mailed to the address on file. If your card has already expired or your coverage ended, call TeleServices at 1-888-762-8600 or go to a Service New Brunswick office.

Source: gnb.cachecked #

How much does it cost to replace a lost Medicare card in New Brunswick?

A replacement card costs $10 per person. If you report the card stolen, it is cancelled and you get a new Medicare number and card once the fee is paid.

Source: gnb.cachecked #

When does Medicare coverage start if I move to New Brunswick from another province?

Coverage usually starts on the first day of the third month after the month you move. If you arrive in July, July counts as the first month and coverage begins October 1. Ask your old province about coverage during the wait.

Source: gnb.cachecked #

How do I register my newborn for New Brunswick Medicare?

The hospital usually gives you a newborn registration form and sends it to Medicare. Once it is processed, a card is mailed. You can also call 1-888-762-8600 or visit a Service New Brunswick office.

Source: gnb.cachecked #

In every province and territory

The same service across Canada: who handles it and the official link. New Brunswick is marked.

Province or territoryWho handles itOfficial linkGood to know
British ColumbiaHealth Insurance BC (Medical Services Plan)Apply for MSPchecked Enrol in MSP first; adults then get the photo BC Services Card at an ICBC driver licensing office.
AlbertaAlberta Health Care Insurance Plan (Government of Alberta)Apply for AHCIP coveragechecked Apply free at a participating registry agent or by mail to the AHCIP office.
SaskatchewaneHealth SaskatchewanApply for a health cardchecked
ManitobaManitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term CareRegister for a health cardchecked
OntarioServiceOntario (Ministry of Health, OHIP)Apply for OHIPchecked First-time applicants 16 and over must apply in person at a ServiceOntario centre.
QuebecRégie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)About health insurancechecked RAMQ mails a renewal notice about 3 months before your card expires.
New BrunswickThis pageNew Brunswick Medicare (Department of Health), through Service New BrunswickApply for Medicare coveragechecked Renewals and changes cannot be done online; call 1-888-762-8600 or visit a Service New Brunswick centre.
Nova ScotiaMSI Resident Services (Department of Health and Wellness)Apply for a Health Cardchecked There is no in-person counter; apply online, by mail or fax, or use the MSI drop box.
Prince Edward IslandPEI Medicare (Health PEI)Renew a PEI health cardchecked
Newfoundland and LabradorMedical Care Plan (MCP), Department of Health and Community ServicesApply, renew or replacechecked New applications use a paper form; some Canadian citizens can renew online through MyGovNL.
YukonYukon Health Care Insurance Plan (Government of Yukon)None on recordCards are replaced automatically when they expire; keep your address up to date.
Northwest TerritoriesHealth Services Administration Office (Department of Health and Social Services)Apply for health care coveragechecked
NunavutHealth Insurance Programs Office (Nunavut Department of Health)Apply or replace a cardchecked No fee; email or mail the form to the Health Insurance Programs Office in Rankin Inlet.

Where to go in person

Places in the biggest cities, from open data. Check the official link for hours and what each office offers before you go.

Cite this page

Canada Service Map, "Health card renewal and replacement in New Brunswick", checked 13 October 2026, https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card/new-brunswick