Non-Insured Health Benefits for First Nations and Inuit

Provinces and territories are responsible for delivering health care services, guided by the provisions of the Canada Health Act. Health care services include insured hospital care and primary health care, such as physicians and other health professional services. Like any other resident, First Nations people and Inuit access these insured services through provincial and territorial governments.

However, there are a number of health-related goods and services that are not insured by provinces and territories or other private insurance plans. To support First Nations people and Inuit in reaching an overall health status that is comparable with other Canadians, Health Canada's Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program provides coverage for a limited range of these goods and services when they are not insured elsewhere.

The Non-Insured Health Benefits Program is Health Canada's national, medically necessary health benefit program that provides coverage for benefit claims for a specified range of drugs, dental care, vision care, medical supplies and equipment, short-term crisis intervention mental health counselling and medical transportation for eligible First Nations people and Inuit.

News and Updates about Your Health Benefits  

This section contains important news and updates about the NIHB Program.

NIHB Program updates are intended to inform First Nations and Inuit clients, as well as their representative organizations, about their coverage as well as NIHB policy and benefit updates:

• November 2013
  • Pharmacy Benefit Information
    • Talwin No longer Covered by NIHB
    • Reducing Acetaminophen Dose Limits for Safety
    • Change in Coverage of Metadol
    • NIHB Will No Longer Cover Some Low Doses of Vitamin B12 Pills
  • Dental Benefit Information
    • NIHB Only Pays for Specific Types of Crowns (Caps)
    • Where to Send Client Requests for Dental Claim Reimbursements, Predeterminations or Appeals

Read more NIHB Program Updates

The Non-Insured Health Benefits Program Annual Report provides national and regional data on the Program's eligible client population, expenditures, and benefit utilization. The Annual Report also provides an update on NIHB's efforts in the area of client safety.

The Drug Benefit List is a listing of the drugs provided as a benefit by the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program. The listed drugs are those primarily used in a home or ambulatory setting. Benefit Updates to the Drug Benefit List are generally issued on a quarterly basis.

Important Resources and Contact Information For Your Health Benefits

This section contains links to important resources and contact information to help answer your questions about the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program.

• Your Health Benefits - A Guide for First Nations to Access NIHB
• Are you a NIHB client in BC? Your health benefits may now be provided by the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA). Read Important information for NIHB clients living in British Columbia to find out how this change affects you
• Read more about the Government's Agreement with the  First Nations Health Authority to provide health benefits to First Nations living in British Columbia
• Information for Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation Band Members
• Have you recently received your Indian Status due to Bill C-3?

Please contact your Regional Office if you have more questions.