A Guide to PEI Health Plan and Health Card

A pharmacist requires a PEI Health Card to record certain prescription medications in the PDIS (PEI Drug Information System). PEI Health Card does not cover prescription drugs generally.

Nonetheless, senior citizens that meet certain financial requirements or with certain diseases might be eligible for partial or full coverage. Here are some of the available drug programs;

• Generic Drug Program
• Financial Assistance Drug Program
• Catastrophic Drug Program
• Erythropoietin Drug Program
• Family Health Benefit Drug Program
• AIDS/HIV drug Program
• Community Mental Health Drug Program

Post-secondary international students can apply for a PEI Health Card by submitting the following documents;

• A copy of a valid study permit that indicates you're eligible to work off-campus. You need to submit a copy for annual extensions
• Verification of full-time, current admission from a designated institution of learning
• A copy of valid passport

Note: It is important to note that PEI Medicare doesn't authorise acceptance letters, student ID cards, or tuition cost forms

International student spouses might apply for PEI Health Card by submitting these documents;

• Marriage certificate
• Visitor permit

Dependent children of international students might also be eligible by providing these documents;

Birth certificate

Visitor permit or study permit

Note: PEI Medicare might request proof of residency if applicable for instance enrollment letter from the school, lease/rental agreement, etc.

If you temporarily leave the territory for one reason or another, the PEI Health Card will cover you for sudden illness or emergency health care services. It is strongly recommended to have additional private insurance for purposes of health coverage when outside Canada.

Take note of the following out-of-province situations that might apply to your case;

• If you're travelling within Canada, you need to notify PEI Medicare if you intend to be outside for more than one month. Doing this will go miles in preventing any form of delay in processing payment for an out-of-province service. You need to provide both departure and return dates, your destination, and your reason for leaving. For instance, you can indicate a sabbatical leave or winter vacation.
• If you're travelling outside Canada, note that the cost of medical and health services outside the country might vary considerably and you'll be needed to pay for the medical costs upfront. When you pay for the services, reimbursement will be at PEI rates in CAD. However, you'll be responsible for the difference between the amount paid by PEI Medicare and the amount charged. It is necessary to submit a detailed invoice as well as proof of payment to PEI Medicare within 6 months of the service date.
• If you're an island student that'll be studying outside the province, you need to notify PEI Medicare of your intentions at the start of every academic school year to make sure you enjoy appropriate medical coverage. Do you have a legit PEI Health Card and you'll be studying within Canada? If yes, then you'll be insured for sudden illness care or emergency health services. Such emergency care consists of a walk-in clinic for life-threatening or sudden illness or visiting an emergency department and being admitted to the hospital for emergency treatment or procedure. Non-emergency care like elective treatments and surgeries or treatment for chronic ailments or conditions need prior approval from the Health PEI if the service is to be insured.
• If Prince Edward Island is your primary residence and your job needs you to work and live out-of-province or out of the country for a long period, then you need to notify PEI Medicare for guaranteed appropriate medical coverage.