Travel Subsidy for Out-of-Province Medical Referrals

Sometimes, a patient needs medical treatment or care that cannot be provided in Manitoba. Manitoba is one of only a few provinces in Canada that offers assistance to help cover transportation costs related to getting medical care in another province or the U.S.

The Manitoba Out-of-Province Travel Subsidy Program offers financial assistance to help reduce your costs. It is not designed to cover 100% of your expenses.

Before you can be considered for help with your transportation costs, you must first be approved for an out-of-province medical referral. You may be eligible for medical care or treatment outside Manitoba when:

• an appropriate physician recommends that you need a necessary, specific medical service (i.e., care or treatment); and
• that treatment is not available in Manitoba.

What are the first steps?

After you have been approved for out-of province medical treatment, contact your (Manitoba) physician to find out the date and details of your out-of province appointment.

Do I make my own travel arrangements?

Yes. If you choose to fly, book an economy class or seat sale ticket at least 14 days ahead of your appointment, if possible, to take advantage of lower airfares for advance bookings. Keep your original cancelled airline ticket. If you have purchased an electronic ticket over the Internet, ask for an electronic confirmation (e-ticket) showing a breakdown of costs, including the flight cost, taxes and fees. Print this confirmation and keep it.

If you choose another way to travel, be sure to keep your original receipt(s) for your transportation costs.

Should I buy an open airline ticket?

No. Open tickets are usually more expensive than tickets with specific leave and return dates. Purchase a lower-cost ticket that allows you to change your flight date for a fee. Manitoba Health will reimburse the "change fee" if you have to reschedule your flight because of an appointment change or other medical reason.

What about cancellation insurance?

Manitoba Health does not reimburse the cost of cancellation insurance. If the date of your appointment changes, you will be reimbursed the amount of the "change fee" to reschedule your flight.

What amount is covered?

Manitoba Health will generally cover economy airfare (not executive or first class); train fare or bus fare to transport a patient for approved out-of-province care.

Only out-of-pocket costs will be reimbursed. For example, if the cost of your flight is paid for or reduced through a discount program (e.g., Air Miles), you will be reimbursed only for the actual amount you paid for your ticket.

Do I pay the transportation costs myself?

Yes. Pay the cost up-front for your airfare. Then apply to Manitoba Health for reimbursement when you return. Transportation claims for approved out-of province medical care are always given priority for processing and reimbursement.

What about my meals and hotel costs?

The Travel Subsidy Program does not cover meals, accommodations, car rental, taxi fares, parking fees or other expenses associated with out-of-town travel.

How do I get my money back?

Click here for a Travel Subsidy claim form (pdf). You must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer before you can read or print this form.  To download a free copy of the reader, click here.

Send us the completed form and your original cancelled airline, train or bus ticket or e-ticket (i.e., electronic Internet ticket) when you return. If you had to pay a "change fee" to reschedule your flight, include the original receipt from the airline. Be sure to include your six-digit Manitoba Health registration number and your full address on the claim form.

Mail your claim for reimbursement to:

Out-of-Province Claims
Manitoba Health
300 Carlton Street
Winnipeg MB R3B 3M9

Can I drive instead?

Yes, but you will be reimbursed an amount equal to the cost of a return economy airfare from Winnipeg to your destination, regardless of how much you spent to drive.

What if I need an escort?

Transportation costs for an escort to travel with you will be covered only if your doctor confirms in writing that an escort is medically required for your well being. If there is no medical evidence that an escort is needed, Manitoba Health will not cover this cost.

If the patient is a child 18 years of age or younger, the transportation cost for an escort is covered. Manitoba Health will reimburse return travel costs for one parent (or other caregiver over 18 years of age) to travel with a child who has been approved for medical care outside of Manitoba.

What if I need to make more than one trip?

If more than one return trip is necessary to treat your medical condition, your (Manitoba) physician must send a letter of referral to Manitoba Health for each trip.

What else do I need to know?

The Out-of-Province Travel Subsidy Program does not cover transportation by ambulance.

In emergency cases, air ambulance transportation may be required based on information supplied by your physician. If you require such transportation, you will not be billed for the cost of the air ambulance trip. You may, however, need to arrange your own travel to get back to your home community when you are ready to return.

The program will not pay your travel costs if another program or benefit plan will cover this expense on your behalf.