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Medical
Transportation

Heskw’en’scutxe Health Services Society

Helping Our Members Make Their Appointments

Medical Travel Services

First Nations Health Benefits provides medical transportation (MT) benefits to support clients accessing medically necessary health services not available in their community of residence. Eligible clients living on and off reserve may be provided with funding for meals, accommodation and transportation as required. MT coverage is intended as a supplement and may not cover the full cost of your travel.

Step 1
Submit an MT Request Form with confirmation of your scheduled appointment to get prior approval before travelling.
Step 2
Your community Patient Travel Clerk makes your travel arrangements and sends you the details.
Step 3
You attend your appointment as scheduled.
Step 4
When you return from your trip submit written confirmation of your attendance at your appointment to your Patient Travel Clerk

Transportation is available to access medically necessary health services, which may include:

  • Medical services insured through the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP)
  • Publicly funded diagnostic tests and preventive screening programs
  • Services covered by First Nations Health Benefits (dental, vision)
  • Traditional Healers
  • Treatment at the nearest appropriate facility in BC funded or referred to by the Nation Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program.
  • Medical services insured through the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP)
  • Publicly funded diagnostic tests and preventive screening programs
  • Services covered by First Nations Health Benefits (dental, vision)
  • Traditional Healers
  • Treatment at the nearest appropriate facility in BC funded or referred to by the Nation Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program.

The MT benefit covers the most economical and efficient means of transportation, taking into account the urgency of the situation and the medical condition addressed. Items and services not listed as a benefit MAY be covered on an exceptional basis. Clients should call Health Benefits at 1.855.550.5454 to learn more about exceptional coverage. Coverage may be available for clients to travel with an escort in cases where the client:

  • Is a minor
  • Requires assistance with activities of daily living such as dressing, eating or bathing
  • Is undergoing a medical procedure (day surgery) or has a medical condition that will result in the client requiring assistance
  • Faces a language barrier
  • Will receive instructions on specific and essential home medical or nursing procedures that cannot be given to the client only
  • Is travelling to give birth, including travel to the nearest medical care while awaiting, childbirth (prenatal confinement).
  • Is a minor
  • Requires assistance with activities of daily living such as dressing, eating or bathing
  • Is undergoing a medical procedure (day surgery) or has a medical condition that will result in the client requiring assistance
  • Will receive instructions on specific and essential home medical or nursing procedures that cannot be given to the client only
  • Faces a language barrier
  • Is travelling to give birth, including travel to the near medical care while awaiting, childbirth (prenatal confinement).

Clients living off reserve need to fill the Non-Insured Health Benefits Medical Travel Form and send it in directly to FNHA for approval and or call FNHA 1-855-550-5454.

  • A Referral from a general practitioner or family doctor
  • Confirmation of an upcoming appointment from the health provider or facility