Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Care Plan (MCP)

What Newfoundland and Labrador’s plan covers, who’s eligible and how to contact it.

Who’s covered

Who the plan covers.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Care Plan (MCP) covers all residents of the province. It provides basic healthcare services such as doctor visits and hospital stays. Residents must apply to receive coverage.

Are you eligible?

To qualify for the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Care Plan (MCP), you must be a resident who is lawfully entitled to remain in Canada, makes their home in the province, and is ordinarily present. Tourists and visitors are not eligible. Certain exceptions apply.

What’s covered

What’s covered.

Coverage details for the Newfoundland and Labrador provincial health care plan (MCP).

Coverage by category

HospitalCoveredStandard ward room

The Newfoundland Hospital Insurance Plan covers standard hospital accommodations and medically necessary services when recommended by a medical practitioner. Additional fees apply for private or semi-private rooms unless no standard rooms are available.

Prescription drugsLimitedSeniors, low income and high drug costs

Prescription drug coverage is available for residents aged 65 and older who receive Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement, with a capped dispensing fee. Coverage is also provided to low-income families and those whose drug costs exceed a certain percentage of their net income. Residents with conditions such as cystic fibrosis or growth hormone deficiency are eligible for specific drug coverage. The Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program (NLPDP) covers only biosimilar versions of eligible drugs under the Biosimilars Initiative.

VisionLimitedChildren starting kindergarten

There is no coverage available for routine eye exams, prescription glasses, or contact lenses under Newfoundland and Labrador’s provincial health plan. However, through the Eye See Eye Learn program, children starting kindergarten can get a free eye exam and one free pair of glasses if they need them and aren’t covered by personal insurance or another government program.

DentalLimitedSome groups, through dental programs

Residents may be eligible for coverage through one of the provincial Dental Health Plans, depending on their circumstances. Specific programs provide coverage for different groups, such as children, seniors, or low-income families.

The federal Canadian Dental Care Plan (opens the Government of Canada website) also helps pay for dental care for residents who don’t have dental insurance and whose family income is below a set limit.

ParamedicalNot covered

No coverage is available for paramedical services under the Newfoundland and Labrador health plan. Residents must seek private insurance or other supplementary options for these services.

Hearing aids and medical suppliesLimitedSupplies for some; no hearing aids

There is no provincial coverage for hearing aids under the Newfoundland and Labrador health plan; residents will need to seek private insurance or other programs for help with hearing devices. The Special Assistance Program provides coverage for medical supplies and devices for residents who meet the program’s eligibility criteria. This may include equipment to support daily living and health management for those with chronic or severe conditions.

AmbulanceLimitedMostly covered; fees may apply

A significant portion of air and ground ambulance services in Newfoundland and Labrador is covered by the provincial government, but residents may still be required to pay fees. Coverage varies based on the location and the type of ambulance service needed. For more details, residents are encouraged to review the specific billing information for ambulance services in the province.

Nursing and home careLimitedBased on an assessment

In Newfoundland and Labrador, home care services are provided based on your assessed needs. The provincial government covers a range of services, including home nursing, personal care, and therapeutic support, allowing residents to receive care in their homes or communities.

Out of countryLimitedEmergencies, up to provincial rates

The Newfoundland Hospital Insurance Plan covers insured emergency hospital services received outside of the country, based on provincial rates. Residents must pay any costs that exceed these rates, and private healthcare services are not covered.

Accidental death and dismembermentNot covered

There is no coverage available under the Newfoundland and Labrador health plan for accidental death and dismemberment. Private insurance options should be considered for this type of coverage.

Last reviewed October 2026

The information provided on this page is intended for general informational purposes only and may be subject to change. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, provincial and territorial health coverage details can vary and are regularly updated. We recommend contacting your provincial or territorial plan or consulting a legal, tax, or insurance advisor for advice tailored to your specific situation.

Beyond your provincial plan

Where private coverage fills the gaps.

Three layers of coverage. Your provincial or territorial plan covers hospital and doctor care; workplace benefits add prescriptions, dental and vision where offered; personal health and dental insurance fills the same gaps if you have no workplace coverage.
  1. Everyone who lives hereYour provincial or territorial planHospital care and doctor visits, at no cost when you receive them.
  2. If your employer offers a planWorkplace benefitsPrescriptions, dental, vision and paramedical care, where your employer offers them.Employee group benefits
  3. If you buy your ownPersonal health and dental insuranceThe same gaps, if you don’t have workplace coverage or when you leave it.Health and dental insurance

A general guide. What each plan covers varies by province or territory.

  • Bridge the gaps in coverage

    Provincial health plans often leave gaps, such as prescription drugs, dental visits and vision care. Personal health insurance can cover expenses your government plan doesn’t, so you’re not left with unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

  • Plan for the long term

    Personal health insurance can help you avoid paying high costs for treatment or services later. Taking a proactive approach helps you get the care you need now, and avoid bigger bills later on.

Contact

How to contact your provincial plan.

For the latest coverage details, contact the Newfoundland and Labrador provincial health care plan directly.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Care Plan

45 Major’s Path
St. John’s, NL A1A 4Z9

This page is for general information.

Garrett Agencies is not licensed in Newfoundland and Labrador, so we can’t advise residents here. Licensed in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick and the Northwest Territories.