Taking care of you and your family
As a new New Brunswicker, you are entitled to basic, universal, government-funded health care. Health care coverage, including most medically required services, is provided by the provincial government after your first three months living here. Many employers offer additional coverage to their employees as part of their benefits package. Make sure you bring your medical records with you to share with your new doctor, dentist and other service providers.
Details on Canada’s health care system.
Health-care regions
Our province is divided into two health care regions (Vitalité Health Network and Horizon Health Network). Your region of service will be determined by where you settle.
You will need a Medicare card
To obtain health-care services, you will need a New Brunswick Medicare card. Medicare covers most medically required services, and your card is a key piece of identification.
Tele-Care 811
Tele-Care is a free, confidential, health advice and information line. Dial 811 for access to bilingual, registered nurses, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You will speak to a registered nurse when you call Tele-Care about health symptoms, injuries or illnesses. The nurse will assess your situation and provide information and advice to help you decide what to do. In an emergency, call 911 or visit the local emergency department.
Finding a family doctor
Family doctors are your first stop for health care in Canada. It is important to start looking for one right away. Do not wait until you are sick.
People covered by New Brunswick Medicare can access family doctors and hospitals, and do not have to pay for regular visits.
You may ask friends, neighbours, and immigrant settlement agencies to recommend family doctors. You may go to your local hospital and ask if there are any doctors taking new patients. You may look in the local telephone directory under “Physicians and Surgeons.” Also, you may call, toll-free, 1-866-554-5959 to have your name added to the list of people looking for a doctor.
Until you have been accepted as a patient by a family doctor, there are a number of walk-in or after-hours clinics where you can go for care.
Medical clinics
In New Brunswick, you have access to care at local, walk-in medical clinics. Walk-in clinics do not take appointments. After-hours medical clinics may allow you to make an appointment. You can look for your nearest medical clinic in the telephone directory, by calling Tele-Care, or by contacting local immigrant serving agencies for a list of clinics.
If there is no clinic in your community, care is available from the outpatient department at your nearest hospital.
Emergency services 911
You can reach any emergency service in New Brunswick by dialing 911 on your telephone. The 911 operator will help identify what service you will need: fire, police, medical, or poison control.
Dental care
In addition to a family doctor, many New Brunswickers have a family dentist whom they see regularly for preventative care. Talk to your medical insurer and your employer about how your dental coverage works. To find a dentist in New Brunswick, refer to, New Brunswick Dental Society.
Mental health services
If you are feeling upset, depressed or overcome by stress, talk to your doctor, a counselor at your immigration settlement agency, or a counselor located in your area. For emergency mental health care, there are community mental health centres, crisis centres and a number addiction services throughout the province.
Mental health services
24-hour crisis help lines
Addiction information and resources
Persons with disabilities
There are many services available to people with disabilities including counseling, education, employment assistance, financial assistance, housing support, recreational activities, and transportation. Refer to, Premier’s Council on the Status of Disabled Persons.
Additional Resources