Health Care
For information about how health care works in Canada, click here.
Residents of Nova Scotia need a Nova Scotia Health Card. To register for a Health Card in Nova Scotia, you must call the MSI Registration and Enquiry Department at 902-496-7008 or 1-800-563-8880 (toll-free within Nova Scotia) to start the application process. Blank applications are not available. More information can be found here.
How to get a family doctor
Need a Family Practice Registry is for people in Nova Scotia who do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner. There is no set timeframe determining when you’ll be assigned to a doctor – it could be weeks or months. Registering on this site puts your name in the queue and you’ll be contacted when there is an availability.
Nova Scotia Health – Where to go for Healthcare
People with potentially life-threatening conditions should immediately call 911 or go to their nearest
emergency department. The 24-hour mental health crisis line is also available at 1- 888-429-8167. You
can also visit mhahelpns.ca for non-urgent information on support and available services. See a list of resources and Eastern Zone supports Here.
Your primary care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner) is where most of your health concerns can and should be addressed. However, there are times when you may not be able to see your primary care provider and you need care. You may also not have a primary care provider. YourHealthNS connects you with care by providing information about healthcare services, resources, and information from across the health system. YourHealthNS is available as an app through the Apple and Google Play stores, or online at www.YourHealthNS.ca.
Mental Health & Addictions
Nova Scotian residents have access to a wide range of free Mental Health and Addictions supports. These include the 24/7 Provincial Crisis Line (1-888-429-8167) and Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868). For ongoing needs, you can call the Mental Health and Addictions Intake Line (1-855-922-1122) or even book your first assessment online at prebooking.nshealth.ca. Intake connects you with the right services based on your needs.
Access Wellness Nova Scotia offers up to three single-session counselling appointments per year for issues like stress, grief, or relationships (1-833-691-2282). Recovery Support Centres, including three in Cape Breton, provide help for substance use concerns, with daily walk-in support available at the North Sydney site.
There are also free online tools, including Tranquility, Mindwell U, and Togetherall, which can help with stress, anxiety, depression, or connecting with peer support.
Click here to view the shareable and printable PDF of resourcess. You can also visit MHAhelpNS.ca to learn more.
Pharmacist Primary Care Clinics
A Pharmacy Care Clinic appointment is a consultation with a pharmacist to address your health concerns and care needs. Pharmacists can provide a wide range of healthcare services, including assessment and treatment of minor illnesses and injuries, management of chronic conditions, medication management, lab tests, vaccinations, and medication administration by injection.
In any major emergency call 911
If you go to the emergency room, be sure to have your Nova Scotia Health Card with you.
Click here to submit an addition/edit to this pageLast Modified: September 26, 2025