Health coverage when you travel within Canada

When you travel within Canada, your NWT health care card helps cover insured medical services you may need while you are away. This page explains what is covered, what is not covered, and what to do if you receive care while travelling.

Your NWT health care card is accepted across Canada for most medically necessary insured hospital and physician services.

These services are usually billed directly between provinces and territories, and you will not often see a bill.

Some providers, including many in Quebec, may require you to pay up front before receiving care.

If this happens, you can apply for reimbursement for eligible insured services.

Always carry your valid NWT health care card when you travel.

While most insured services are billed directly, some providers may ask for payment.

You may need to pay up front if:

• You are receiving care in Quebec.
• A clinic or provider in another province or territory requires direct payment.
• The service is considered insured, but the provider does not bill other jurisdictions.

If you pay up front, you can apply for reimbursement for eligible insured services.

Basic NWT health coverage does not include:

• Air or ground ambulance services in another province or territory.
• Private clinic fees that are not part of insured services.
• Services that are not insured in the place where you receive care.
• Prescription drugs purchased outside the NWT.

If you have Extended Health Benefits or Métis Health Benefits, your prescription drug coverage may still apply.

Check your benefit program rules before you travel.

If you plan to be away from the NWT for an extended period, you may need to complete a Temporary Absence Form.

This helps confirm that the NWT remains your primary place of residence so your health coverage stays active.

• Keep your coverage during a temporary absence

1. Get an itemized receipt that shows the service provided and the amount paid.
2. Complete the correct out‑of‑territory claim form.
3. Submit the form and receipt to the Health Services Administration Office within 12 months of the date on the receipt.

Learn more about submitting a claim:

• Claim for medical care outside the NWT or Canada 

Your health care card covers insured services you receive while travelling within Canada.
Medical Travel benefits are separate and are supported through different coverage types and insurance plans. It does not apply to most personal travel within Canada.

• Help with GNWT medical travel: what’s covered and how to appeal or request an exception