Temporary absence from Nova Scotia: Health Card

When you move to Nova Scotia

When you move to Nova Scotia from outside Canada you need to live in Nova Scotia for at least 90 days, before you’re entitled to be absent from the province for up to 6 months. You may be exempt if you’re required to travel for work.

When you move to Nova Scotia from outside Canada you need to live in Nova Scotia for at least 183 days, before you’re entitled to be absent from the province for up to 12 months. You may be exempt if you’re required to travel for work.

Canadian citizens and Permanent residents

If you’re a Canadian citizen or Permanent resident, you’re entitled to be absent from Nova Scotia for up to:

• 6 months, each calendar year
• 6 months to 1 year, every 6 years (you must meet all Nova Scotia Health Insurance Program requirements in each of the 5 previous years)

Additional extended absences

Additional extended absences for Canadian citizens and permanent residents may be approved if you’re:

• attending an educational institution full-time
• a mobile worker and your employment requires that you travel frequently outside of Nova Scotia, but you continue to make your primary home in Nova Scotia
• employed or work as a volunteer outside of Canada and are absent less than 24 months
• vacationing outside of Nova Scotia for up to 7 months each calendar year
• a permit holder and travelling outside of Nova Scotia for up to 6 months each calendar year

Contact MSI Resident Services if you’ll be temporarily absent for more than 90 days to confirm your coverage. You may need to provide:

• the date you plan to leave Nova Scotia
• the reason for your absence
• the date you plan to return to Nova Scotia

You may also need to sign a Declaration that you’re a Nova Scotia resident.