Non-Insured Health Benefits program for First Nations and Inuit: Medical transportation benefits
Learn about medical transportation benefits available to eligible clients under the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program to access health services not available locally.
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About medical transportation benefits
Eligible clients can access medical transportation benefit coverage to support travel in Canada to access medically necessary health services not available in the client's community of residence.
The NIHB program provides eligible clients with coverage for eligible health benefits when not available through provincial or territorial health insurance, private insurance plans, or other publicly-funded plans or programs.
Medically necessary health services include:
- medical services, defined as insured services by provincial or territorial health plans, such as:
- appointments with physicians
- hospital care
- services covered by provincial or territorial health plans, such as:
- diagnostic tests
- medical treatments
- publicly-funded alcohol, solvent, drug abuse and detox treatments
- traditional healers
- non-insured health benefits, such as:
Medical transportation benefits include:
- travel costs, such as:
- bus
- airline
- private vehicle
- living expenses, such as meals and accommodations
- emergency transportation, such as ambulance by air or ground
Medical transportation benefits may also be provided for an aide, also known as an escort to travel with the client. NIHB coverage for escorts depends on certain requirements being met.
In some cases, the NIHB program may cover travel costs to bring health professionals into isolated communities to deliver health services.
How to access medical transportation benefits
Benefit coverage is outlined in the NIHB Program for First Nations and Inuit: Medical Transportation Policy Framework (Interim). Prior approval may be required.
Clients can request coverage for this benefit and assistance to make travel arrangements where necessary by contacting their:
- NIHB regional office at Contact the NIHB program
- local First Nations or Inuit community health centre
Wherever possible, the NIHB program works with providers such as hotels, airlines and food services providers to bill the program directly for eligible expenses, so clients do not have to pay up front.