The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is aware of misinformation circulating about travel to traditional ceremonies. Please see below for clarification on the Medical Transportation (MT) traditional healing policy.
Is travel to traditional ceremonies an eligible Medical Transportation benefit?
Travel to traditional ceremonies is not eligible for coverage as it is outside the scope of the MT benefit. The First Nations Health Benefits (FNHB) MT benefit does, however, cover travel to see a traditional healer when approved as an Exception.
What is an Exception?
An Exception refers to a specific type of request that requires review by FNHB MT Operations. Your MT Benefit Administrator, who could be your local PT Clerk or an Assessor at the FNHB office, is responsible for submitting an Exception request. Clients are required to provide the necessary medical documentation as per standard practice. For more information on Exceptions, please see section 4 of the MT Benefits Schedule.
When is travel to a traditional healer eligible?
Travel to a traditional healer may be approved as an Exception under the following criteria:
- The traditional healer is recognized as such by the community or Tribal Council;
- The traditional healer is located in the traditional territories where the Client currently resides; and
- The Client has a medical condition confirmed, in writing, by a licensed physician or community health professional for which the traditional healer will provide care.
Note: To receive coverage for Medical Transportation benefits, Clients must provide at least five days' notice prior to travel to access medically necessary services, allowing time for travel arrangements to be made.
Is the cost of travel to bring a traditional healer into the community covered?The cost of travel to bring a traditional healer into the community may also be approved as an Exception. Please note that the Health Benefits program does not cover the cost of honoraria, ceremonial expenses, and medicines from traditional healers.
For more information about what the Medical Transportation program covers, please visit our MT webpage or see the resources below:If you have additional questions about your MT benefits or are unsure who to contact for travel arrangements, please contact the FNHB MT Operations Team at 1-855-550-5454 or transportation@fnha.ca
