Provincial Medical Care Plan (MCP)

The province of Newfoundland and Labrador has a health insurance plan that covers all basic care for residents of the province.  Prescription drugs are not covered under MCP.  A detailed list of the various types of medical services covered by MCP, eligibility requirements and application forms needed for new applicants can be found by visiting the Medical Care Plan website.  There is no cost to apply for MCP.

Enrollment in a provincial medical care plan is a requirement for membership in Memorial University’s benefits plan.  Eligibility is based on your status in the province.  Temporary Foreign Workers (with appointments and work permits for a period of least 12 months), permanent residents and Canadian citizens are normally eligible for coverage.  Further information can be found by visiting the Medical Care Plan website.

Group Health and Life Benefits Plan

Memorial University offers a comprehensive Group Health and Life Benefits plan.  Coverage in the university’s group health and life benefits plan is dependent on your appointment with the university.  Your letter of appointment will provide you with information on whether you are covered in the university benefits plans.

Further information on these plans can be found here.

Walk-in Medical Clinics

There is a walk-in medical clinic in St. John's.  Appointments are not required.

• Blackmarsh Family Care Clinic
  260 Blackmarsh Road (in the Dominion supermarket building)
  Phone: (709) 576-6555

Local Hospitals

All hospitals and certified medical services in the St. John's metro area are operated under the authority of Eastern Health.

The two main hospitals for adults in St. John's are the Health Sciences Center, Prince Philip Drive and St. Clare's Mercy Hospital, Lemarchant Road.  Both the Health Sciences Centre and St. Clare's offer emergency room services for adults.

The Janeway Children's Health and Rehabilitation Centre is the provinces children's hospital and is attached to the Health Sciences complex.  The Janeway offers emergency room services for children.

The Waterford Hospital primarily provides support and services to people living and working with mental illness, addictions and mental health issues. In 2024 the Waterford Hospital will be closing and relocating to the New Adult Mental Health Acute Facility.

Western Health is the health authority responsible for health services in the Corner Brook area.   The main hospital in Corner Brook is Western Memorial Regional Hospital.

Health Help Line (non-emergency)

If you need advice on a medical issue, call the Newfoundland and Labrador Health Line at 811 or 1-888-709-2929 (TTY: 1-888-709-3555) or visit their website.  A registered nurse provides callers with health advice and information 24 hours per day, seven days a week.  All calls are confidential and free of charge.  Service is availailable in English and French.