Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program
The Non Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program is funded by the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch of Health Canada (FNIHB).
In Nunavut, administration of the program is divided between Health Canada’s Northern Region Office and the Health Insurance Programs Office in Rankin Inlet through a Contribution Agreement.
Eligibility
To be eligible for NIHB a person must be a resident of Canada and one of the following:
- An Inuk recognized by one of the Inuit Land Claim organizations
- A registered Indian according to the Indian Act
- An infant less than one year of age, whose parent is an eligible recipient
To access NIHB in Nunavut or while travelling outside the territory, eligible clients must either have a Nunavut Health Care Card which identifies them as Inuit (the last digit of the health care card will end in 5), an NIHB client number (such as an “N” number) or an Indian Band card (INAC).
Click here to learn how to enrol in the Nunavut Health Care Plan.
Applying for NIHB in Nunavut
Newborn Children of Inuit or First Nations Mothers
Newborn children of Inuit birthmothers are registered as Inuit.
The child’s parents must fill out an application to enrol their child in the Nunavut Health Care Plan.
After the application is approved, the Health Insurance Programs Office in Rankin Inlet sends the child’s information to Health Canada.
The child is given an “N” number by Health Canada’s NIHB Program.
The child’s Nunavut Health Care Card will be attached to the “N” number, which will allow the child access to the NIHB program.
First Nations children must be registered with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) to access the NIHB program.
Click here for more information on how to apply for the Nunavut Health Care Plan.
Newborn Children of Inuit or First Nations Fathers
If the newborn child’s biological father is Inuit or First Nations, and the birthmother is not, the parent must send a letter with the health care plan application form from a recognized Inuit organization or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) showing that the child is Inuit or First Nations.
After the application is approved, the Health Insurance Programs Office in Rankin Inlet sends the child’s information to Health Canada.
The child is issued an NIHB client number (such as an “N” number) if the child is Inuit.
The child’s Nunavut Health Care Card will be attached to the “N” number, which will allow the child access to the NIHB program.
First Nation children must be registered with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) to access the NIHB program.
Click here for more information on how to apply for the Nunavut Health Care Plan.
Moving to Nunavut
If you are Inuit or First Nations and are moving to Nunavut, you will need to include proof from a recognized aboriginal organization that you are Inuit or First Nations when you apply for the Nunavut Health Care Plan.
You will get NIHB benefits with your Nunavut Health Care Card. Please note: First Nations must have an INAC card to get benefits.
Click here for more information on how to apply for the Nunavut Health Care Plan.
Coverage
If you have insurance through your work or any other insurance, you must use those insurance plans before applying for repayment from Non-Insured Health Benefits.
NIHB offers coverage for medical services and medical travel.
Click here to see what medical services NIHB covers.
Click here to see what NIHB covers for medical travel.
Click here to see the NIHB Benefits website.
NIHB Personal Reimbursement Claims - Ottawa
Reimbursement claims for prescriptions, medical supplies and equipment or dental services should be sent to the Northern Region at the address below.
Eligibility
I want to make a claim for prescriptions, medical supplies and equipment or dental services.
Steps:
- Download the form Personal Reimbursement Request Form – Ottawa
- Print and fill out the form
- Staple your original receipts to the form
- Mail your form to the address listed below
Mail your Personal Reimbursement Request Form with your original receipts to the following address:
Northern Region, Health Canada
Program Officer, NIHB / Nunavut
14th Floor, Postal Locator 3914A
Sixty Queen Building
60 Queen Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1Y 5Y7
Email: @email
NIHB Personal Reimbursement Claims – Rankin Inlet
Reimbursement claims of medical travel expenses should be sent to the Health Insurance Programs Office in Rankin Inlet.
Eligibility
I want to make a claim for medical travel expenses
Reimbursement for eyeglasses purchased or eye exams provided outside of Nunavut must be submitted to the jurisdiction where you purchased the glasses or had the eye exam. See above for the NIHB website which will provide you with further information
Steps:
- Download the form NIHB - Personal Reimbursement Request Form - Rankin Inlet
- Print and fill out the form
- Staple your original receipts to the form
- Mail your form to the address listed below
Mail your Personal Reimbursement Request Form with your original receipts to the following address:
Nunavut Health Insurance Programs Office
Department of Health
Box 889
Rankin Inlet, NU
X0C 0G0
Phone: 1-867-645-8001
Fax: 1-867-645-8092
Toll Free: 1-800-661-0833
Email: @email
More Information
For more information, visit Health Canada’s NIHB program website:
Health Canada: Non-Insured Health Benefits for First Nations and Inuit.