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 eligible First Nations and Inuit clients with coverage for a range of health benefits that are not covered through other:
- social programs
- private insurance plans
- provincial or territorial health insurance
What the program covers
The program provides coverage for the following medically necessary goods and services:
- vision care
- dental care
- mental health counselling
- medical supplies and equipment
- prescription drugs and select over-the-counter products
- medical transportation to access medically required health services not available:
- on reserve
- in the community of residence
Benefit claims
You will need to show client identification in order for providers to bill the program directly.
We encourage providers to enrol with the program in order to submit claims directly so clients avoid covering upfront costs.
Some health service providers bill the program directly through Express Scripts Canada. This website provides information on the claims administration and payment processes for providers of:
- dental
- pharmacy
- medical supplies and equipment
Where a client does pay, the program accepts claims using the client reimbursement process.
Vision care and mental health providers can contact the NIHB regional office if they need more information. Medical transportation is also managed by the regional office.
A First Nations or Inuit community, self-government or health authority may be responsible for providing some or all NIHB benefits.
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.
Annual reports
- 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
- Non-Insured Health Benefits program: First Nations and Inuit Health Branch: Annual report 2020 to 2021
- Non-Insured Health Benefits program: First Nations and Inuit Health Branch: Annual report 2019 to 2020
- Non-Insured Health Benefits program: First Nations and Inuit Health Branch: Annual report 2018 to 2019
- Non-Insured Health Benefits Program: First Nations and Inuit Health Branch: Annual report 2017 to 2018
- Non-Insured Health Benefits Program: First Nations and Inuit Health Branch: Annual report 2016 to 2017