Through the Non-insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program, eligible clients may access a range of health-related benefits including medications, dental benefits, medical supplies and equipment, vision care, mental health counselling and transportation to medical appointments. To be eligible for NIHB Program benefits, a First Nations person must be registered under the Indian Act with Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC).
A report on “Access to Health Services for Remote First Nations Communities,” tabled as part of the spring 2015 report of the Auditor General of Canada, identified that some First Nations individuals had not registered and therefore may not be able to access benefits under the NIHB Program.
Registration
In order to allow parents time to register their children, infants up to eighteen (18) months of age may access NIHB benefits under a parent who is NIHB eligible. It is important to note that after this period of time registration is required to ensure continued eligibility for NIHB benefits.
Registering is an individual choice; however, Health Canada wants to raise awareness of the importance of registration to ensure access to benefits under the NIHB Program.
Health facilities can be a convenient place where interested parents can get information about the registration process.
Eligibility & Application Forms
Are you eligible?
Application Forms
You may wish make this information available in an area where clients will have access to them, including any prenatal programs.
Questions regarding this information can be referred to the below locations:
AANDC
- Tel: 1-800-567-9604
NHIB Client Information Line
- Tel: 1-800-640-0642
NHIB Dental Client Information Line
- Tel: 1-888-283-8885
NHIB Navigator Toll-free
- Tel: (877)-517-6527