The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program covers health-related services and products that aren't covered by provincial health insurance or private insurance. If you're a registered Status Indian or recognized Inuit, you're eligible.
The problem isn't that the benefits don't exist — it's that many people don't know what's covered, or find the process frustrating enough to give up.
What's covered
NIHB covers a wide range. Here's what most people use:
- Dental care — exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures, orthodontics (with prior approval)
- Vision care — eye exams every two years, prescription glasses (frames + lenses)
- Prescription drugs — most medications with a valid prescription
- Mental health counselling — sessions with approved providers, including traditional healers in some regions
- Medical transportation — travel to medical appointments when services aren't available locally
- Medical supplies and equipment — wheelchairs, hearing aids, prosthetics, diabetic supplies
For most services, you just need to present your Status card. The provider bills NIHB directly. No claim forms, no up-front payment for most things.
How to use it
Call ahead and ask if they accept NIHB / First Nations clients. Most dental offices do, but some don't. When you arrive, present your Status card. The dental office submits the claim for you. For major work (crowns, root canals, orthodontics), the dentist will need to submit a predetermination — basically asking NIHB for approval before proceeding.
Present your Status card with your prescription. The pharmacist checks NIHB coverage on the spot. Most common medications are covered. If a medication isn't on the formulary, your doctor can request a special authorization.
NIHB covers counselling with licensed providers — psychologists, clinical social workers, and in some cases traditional healers. You may need a referral for some providers. Coverage is approved per request rather than as a fixed yearly allowance, and how much is approved depends on clinical need and varies by region. Ask your provider or the NIHB regional office what your request covers before you start, and ask again if you need more. Some regions have direct-access programs that don't require a referral.
If the medical service you need isn't available in your community, NIHB can cover travel costs. This includes gas or mileage, meals, accommodation, and sometimes a medical escort. You'll usually need to arrange this through your band's health centre or NIHB regional office before you travel. Keep all receipts.
Common frustrations (and what to do)
Denials happen, and they're not always final. You have the right to appeal. Contact your NIHB regional office and ask for a review. Your health centre or band office can often help with the appeal process. Don't just accept a denial — many are overturned on review.
- "I can't find a provider who takes NIHB" — call the NIHB information line (1-800-580-0950) and ask for a list of providers in your area
- "They said I need prior approval" — this is normal for expensive services. Your provider submits the request. Follow up if you don't hear back within 2 weeks
- "I paid out of pocket" — keep your receipts. You can submit a claim for reimbursement within one year of the service date
What NIHB doesn't cover
A few things to know:
- Cosmetic procedures (teeth whitening, cosmetic surgery)
- Services already covered by provincial health insurance
- Services covered by private insurance you have through work — NIHB is the payer of last resort, meaning other insurance pays first
If you have private insurance through your employer, submit claims there first. NIHB will pick up what's left — the co-pay, the amount over your private plan's limit, or things your private plan doesn't cover at all. This is called coordination of benefits, and it means you can often get full coverage.
Last updated August 2026