About the Non-Insured Health Benefits program
Find out about the program, and who and what is covered.
On this page
About the program
The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program provides registered First Nations and recognized Inuit with coverage for a specified, nationally consistent range of health benefits not otherwise covered through:
- provincial or territorial health insurance
- private insurance plans
- other publicly-funded plans or programs
The NIHB program is part of a broader system of federal, provincial and territorial health programs and services contributing to the health of Indigenous people in Canada. For more information on the health system, see Indigenous Health Care in Canada.
What the program covers
Indigenous Services Canada’s NIHB program provides eligible clients with coverage for medically necessary goods and services, in the following benefit areas:
- pharmacy
- vision care
- dental care
- mental health counselling
- medical supplies and equipment
- medical transportation to access medically required health services not available:
- on reserve
- in the community of residence
Health benefits and services are listed as eligible based on medical evidence for their effectiveness. Health services outside of the benefit areas listed above are not covered by the NIHB program.
Benefit claims
Eligible clients need to show client identification to access their coverage. Prior approval may be required.
Health benefit providers are encouraged to enrol with the NIHB program so they can submit claims directly for eligible benefits provided to clients. This avoids clients having to cover costs upfront. Health benefit providers can visit Express Scripts Canada for information on enrolment, claims submission and payment.
Contact the NIHB regional office or your community for information on medical transportation benefits.
Clients who pay providers directly for eligible benefits may submit claims to NIHB using the client reimbursement process.
Working with partners
The NIHB program works with First Nations and Inuit partner organizations at the national and regional levels to share program and benefit information, identify areas for improvement and obtain input and guidance.
Indigenous Services Canada is working with the Assembly of First Nations on a joint review of the NIHB program.
The department also facilitates First Nations and Inuit control of the program at a time and pace of their choosing, by working with Indigenous partners to fund the provision of benefits through contribution agreements, as well as through broader health transformation projects and as part of self-government agreements.
Annual reports
- Non-Insured Health Benefits program: First Nations and Inuit Health Branch: Annual report 2023 to 2024
- Non-Insured Health Benefits program: First Nations and Inuit Health Branch: Annual report 2022 to 2023
- Non-Insured Health Benefits program: First Nations and Inuit Health Branch: Annual report 2021 to 2022