Non-Insured Health Benefits Navigator

The Non-Insured Health Benefits Navigator is the local administrator of the federal Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program.

Call the First Nations Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) in Whitehorse, Yukon at 1-800-949-2718 for transfer to one of NIHB services.

The navigator is available at the health centre on weekdays, except statutory holidays, during regular office hours. They can:

  • Help clients in accessing the NIHB program and policies
  • Advocate for clients to have a voice in their health decisions
  • Assist with reimbursements and appeals when denied benefits
  • Educate on NIHB policy and procedure updates
  • Liaise with other Navigators to integrate concerns for changes, recommendations, and feedback to AFN/NIHB Joint Review Committee
  • Network with community health service providers, First Nations, NIHB Regional departments and analysts
  • Support to resolve related issues within a complex health system for improvements to NIHB
  • Identify gaps and barriers to implement actions and update to NIHB policy and service delivery
  • Adapt role and activities to meet Regional needs in addressing policy challenges and changes
  • Ensure cultural competency

Eligible clients

  • A registered Indian according to the Indian Act
  • A Inuk not recognized by an Inuit land claim organization
  • An infant less than 18 months old with at least one eligible parent
  • A Canadian resident registered and eligible under a territorial or provincial health insurance plan
  • Someone with no coverage with another self-governing, provincial/territorial agreement (Nunatsiavut, Nisga’a Tribal Council, Nisga’a Lisims Government)

Status registration is maintained by Indigenous Service Canada on the Status Verification System (SVS).