The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program provides travel benefits to Indigenous peoples with “Indian Status” when it is deemed medically necessary for patients to access medical care provided outside of their community.
If you have questions regarding the NIHB Program during COVID-19 pandemic, review the NIHB Program COVID-19 Questions and Answers document (PDF). For more information, read the NIHB July 2020 Update (Web) or download it here (PDF).
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Travel arrangements
The following information is required for travel requests to be approved:
- Referral and proper medical documentation from a physician
- 10 digit band number
- The client’s name must be the same name registered with the band (including children)
- All travel must be medically necessary and related to the condition of the client, especially for escorts (family member or caregiver) to travel under the program
Registering babies
Infants need to be registered with a band before their first birthday to avoid delays in receiving NIHB benefits.
Phone: 1-855-336-2947 or 705-336-2947 (service in Cree is available)
Email: WAHA.NIHB@waha.ca
Fax: 705-336-2637
To learn more about Indian status and the Indian Registry visit Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada.