Medical travel services coordinated by NTHSSA

This page explains how to access medical travel services coordinated by the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA). It applies to residents who qualify for travel benefits under the Medical Travel Policy’s high and low income, Extended Health Benefits (EHB), Métis Health Benefits (MHB), or Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB).

Who this applies to

You may be eligible for medical travel services coordinated by NTHSSA if you:

• Are a resident of the Northwest Territories
• Have a valid NWT Health Care Card
• Have been referred by a health care provider for insured medical services not available in your home community
• Do not have access to a Medical Travel benefit through a 3rd party or employer.

What you need to know

Medical travel is not something you apply for directly. Your health care provider will determine if travel is medically necessary and submit a benefit application to the Medical Travel Office.

Each follow-up appointment requires separate approval. If your travel is approved, NTHSSA may book your travel or provide instructions for reimbursement.

How to access medical travel

Step 1: Get a medical referral
Your health care provider will confirm that travel is medically necessary and refer you to the nearest location where care is available. Once an appointment is confirmed, they will complete and submit the Medical Travel Benefit Application to your regional Medical Travel Office. This includes any request for a non-medical escort.

Step 2: Wait for approval
The Medical Travel Office will review your application. If approved, they will contact your referring clinic to advise them of the approval.  The referring clinic will advise you of the approval and to contact medical travel to make travel arrangements.

Step 3: Prepare for travel
Bring your photo ID (if flying), NWT Health Care Card, appointment sheet, and any approved escort documentation. Keep all receipts.

Step 4: Submit an expense claim (if applicable)
If you booked your own travel, submit the Medical Travel Expense Claim Form within 3 months of your return date. Include receipts, boarding passes, and proof of attendance.

What may be covered

Coverage must be approved in advance. To see what may be covered, visit www.gov.nt.ca/medicaltravel.

Escort eligibility

A non-medical escort may be approved if you meet criteria under the NWT Medical Travel Policy. Your health care provider will need to make this request as part of your application for travel benefits.

To learn more about escort criteria and approvals, visit www.gov.nt.ca/medicaltravel.

Appeals and exceptions

Appeals and exceptions are managed by the Department of Health. If you have an extraordinary health need, financial hardship or wish to have a decision reviewed, please visit www.gov.nt.ca/medicaltravel for exception and appeal documents.

Regional Medical Travel Offices

Beaufort Delta Region
Phone: 867-678-8034
Fax: 867-988-0557
Email: inuvik_medicaltravel@gov.nt.ca

Dehcho Region
Phone: 867-695-7005
Fax: 867-695-3313
Email: fortsimpson_medicaltravel@gov.nt.ca

Fort Smith Region
Phone: 867-872-5626
Fax: 867-872-4233
Email: fortsmith_medicaltravel@gov.nt.ca

Hay River Region
Phone: 867-874-8165 / 867-874-8166
Fax: 867-874-8167
Email: hayriver_medicaltravel@gov.nt.ca

Sahtu Region / Yellowknife
Phone: 867-669-4115
Fax: 867-920-2172
Email: ykmedicaltravel@gov.nt.ca

Tłı̨chǫ Region
Phone: 867-392-3004
Fax: 867-392-6778
Email: medicaltravel@tlicho.net

If you still need help

Contact your regional Medical Travel Office or visit www.gov.nt.ca/medicaltravel for policy, appeals, and exceptions.