Canada Service MapMenu
Canada Service Map
Search services

Newfoundland and Labrador · Health

Health card renewal and replacement in Newfoundland and Labrador

Compiled by Mahmoud Halat, checked

Short answer

To get an MCP card in Newfoundland and Labrador, fill in the Application for Newfoundland and Labrador Health Care Coverage and send it with clear copies of your ID and citizenship or immigration papers by mail, fax, email or an MCP office mail slot. Registering and renewing are free, and a complete application usually gets a response in about two weeks.

Who handles it

Medical Care Plan (MCP), Department of Health and Community Services

Handles it in Newfoundland and Labrador.

New applications use a paper form; some Canadian citizens can renew online through MyGovNL.

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

Who can apply

  • You must live in Newfoundland and Labrador to register. Students and short-term residents from other provinces stay on their home province's plan.

    Source: gov.nl.cachecked #

Steps

  1. Canadian citizens with a MyGovNL account linked to their MCP card can renew online if they have lived in the province for at least a year. Online renewal is not offered to permanent residents or people on work, study or visitor permits.

    Source: gov.nl.cachecked #

  2. To replace a lost card or update your name or address, send in an MCP Card Replacement/Information Update form.

    Source: gov.nl.cachecked #

What you need

  • Canadian citizens must include proof of citizenship, such as a Canadian birth certificate, an unexpired Canadian passport or a citizenship certificate. People moving from another province should include their old health card number or a copy of the card.

    Source: gov.nl.cachecked #

Cost

  • There is no fee to register with MCP or to renew your card.

    Source: gov.nl.cachecked #

How long it takes

  • A complete application with all supporting documents usually gets a response in about two weeks. Missing documents or information will delay or stop your registration.

    Source: gov.nl.cachecked #

Where to go

  • Send the completed application by regular mail, fax or email, or drop it in the 24-hour mail slot at an MCP office.

    Source: gov.nl.cachecked #

  • MCP offices are in St. John's and Grand Falls-Windsor, but they do not serve walk-in clients. Call toll-free at 1-866-449-4459 or 1-800-563-1557.

    Source: gov.nl.cachecked #

Questions people ask

How long does it take to get an MCP card in Newfoundland and Labrador?

A complete application with all required documents usually gets a response in about two weeks. Once approved, a plastic wallet card showing your health number and expiry date is mailed to you.

Source: gov.nl.cachecked #

Can I renew my MCP card online?

Only if you are a Canadian citizen with a MyGovNL account linked to your card before it expires, have lived in the province for at least a year, and your card expires within 30 days or expired less than a year ago.

Source: gov.nl.cachecked #

Does it cost anything to renew an MCP card?

No. Newfoundland and Labrador does not charge for MCP card renewal. You must still meet the residency rules to be renewed.

Source: gov.nl.cachecked #

Can I apply for MCP in person?

No. The MCP offices in St. John's and Grand Falls-Windsor do not take walk-in clients. You can drop your application in the 24-hour mail slot at an office, or send it by mail, fax or email.

Source: gov.nl.cachecked #

How do I register my newborn for MCP?

The hospital gives parents a Newborn/Adopted Child Registration form after the birth. Send it to MCP with a copy of the child's birth certificate and a parent's valid MCP number.

Source: gov.nl.cachecked #

In every province and territory

The same service across Canada: who handles it and the official link. Newfoundland and Labrador 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 BrunswickNew 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 LabradorThis pageMedical 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.

Cite this page

Canada Service Map, "Health card renewal and replacement in NL", checked 13 October 2026, https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card/newfoundland-and-labrador