Federal

Non-Insured Health Benefits

Easy application

Tax filing not required

The Non-Insured Health Benefits program provides coverage for the following medically necessary goods and services:

To be eligible for the Non-Insured Health Benefits program:

You must be a resident of Canada and any of the following:

  • You are a First Nations person who is registered under the Indian Act (commonly referred to as a status Indian)
  • You are an Inuk recognized by an Inuit land claim organization.
  • You are a child less than 18 months old whose parent is a registered First Nations person or a recognized Inuk.

To make sure that your child continues to be eligible for the program, you should apply for your child's:

  • Indian status.
  • Recognition from your Inuit land claim organization.

This should be done as soon as possible.

For some clients, a self-government, or First Nations or Inuit health authority may be responsible for providing health benefits.

To access benefit coverage, show your health care provider your client identification to confirm your eligibility with the program.

Coverage is available only for eligible goods and services obtained in Canada.

Certificate of Indian Status

A document showing that you are registered as an Indian under the Indian Act. For example, a Secure Certificate of Indian Status (secure status card) or a Certificate of Indian Status (status card).

You will need to show client identification for providers to bill the program directly.

Where a client does pay, the program accepts claims using the client reimbursement process.

A First Nations or Inuit community, self-government, or health authority may be responsible for providing some or all NIHB benefits.

Last updated: October 28, 2021