First Nations Health Benefits (Patient Travel)
Helping First Nations community members access medically required care by coordinating travel coverage, answering questions and supporting families through the Medical Transportation process.
At a Glance
Helping First Nations community members access medically required care by coordinating travel coverage, answering questions and supporting families through the Medical Transportation process.
Who's It for
- First Nations people who are eligible for First Nations Health Benefits (FNHB) and need to travel for medically required care
- Parents, caregivers or guardians arranging travel for children and youth under age 19
- Community health staff supporting patients with Medical Transportation requests
Where It's Offered
- Administered by Carrier Sekani Family Services from the Prince George office. Full service support for:
- Takla Nation
- Yekooche First Nation
- Limited administrative support for:
- Saik’uz First Nation
- Ts’il Kaz Koh
- Wet’suwet’en First Nation
- Cheslatta Carrier Nation
- Skin Tyee Nation
- Nee Tahi Buhn Band
- Stellat’en First Nation
- Nadleh Whut’en First Nation
What We Help With
- Understanding First Nations Health Benefits Medical Transportation coverage
- Coordinating requests for travel to medically required appointments
- Answering questions about eligibility, mileage, meals and other benefits
- Working with community health staff to support patients
How To Access
Please call the Prince George office directly
About the Program
The First Nations Health Benefits (FNHB) Medical Transportation program helps eligible First Nations clients travel to medically required health services that are not available on reserve or in their home community.
CSFS administers this program in line with policies set by FNHA. We help clients and community health staff understand what is covered, prepare requests and navigate decisions from FNHA.
FNHB Medical Transportation provides supplementary funds for travel when care cannot be obtained in the community of residence. This may include support for mileage, meals or other approved costs, based on FNHA’s guidelines.
Our role is to walk alongside clients, explain options clearly and advocate within the guidelines set by First Nations Health Authority.
Travel benefits are provided according to First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) Medical Transportation policies.
Who This Serves
Children and youth under 19
- When travel is for a child or youth, coverage is provided in the name of the parent, caregiver or guardian
Infants
- Infants may receive coverage without their own Indian Registration number up to 24 months of age if at least one parent has Indian Registration
- After 24 months, infants must be registered and have their own Indian Registration number to continue accessing benefits
Trip eligibility
Medical travel must:
- Be for medically required health services not available in the client’s home community
- Be for services insured through the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP)
- Be provided by a health care provider enrolled in MSP
Travel may be supported for
- Medical specialty services not available locally
- Dental services not available locally
- Treatment at First Nations Health Authority–funded substance use treatment centres
Nations supported through CSFS administration
- Full administration:
- Takla Nation
- Yekooche First Nation
- Limited medical transportation administration:
- Saik’uz First Nation
- Ts’il Kaz Koh
- Wet’suwet’en First Nation
- Cheslatta Carrier Nation
- Skin Tyee Nation
- Nee Tahi Buhn Band
- Stellat’en First Nation
- Nadleh Whut’en First Nation
Important to know
- If a trip does not meet First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) Medical Transportation criteria, it cannot be covered
- CSFS staff are unable to change eligibility requirements or overturn FNHA decisions
For full details on eligibility, rates and coverage, visit the First Nations Health Authority website.
Eligibility
You may be eligible for support if you:
- Have Indian Registration (status) and are eligible for First Nations Health Benefits
- Live in British Columbia and have a valid Personal Health Number (PHN)
How to Access Support
You can connect with the First Nations Health Benefits (Patient Travel) team by:
- Contacting the CSFS First Nations Health Benefits office in Prince George
- Asking your community health staff to help you submit a request
- Calling to ask questions before you book travel
Simple steps to get started:
- Confirm eligibility: Make sure you have your Indian Registration number and Personal Health Number.
- Gather appointment details: Collect your appointment date, time, location, provider name and type of service.
- Contact the CSFS First Nations Health Benefits team: Reach out before you travel so staff can review your request according to FNHA policy.
- Follow FNHA decision and keep records: Keep any receipts or documents you are asked to provide and follow up if you have questions about a decision.
Support is grounded in respect, privacy and clear communication so you know what to expect before you travel.
Please Note: CSFS employees advocate on behalf of members within FNHA’s policies. We do not have the ability to change mileage or meal rates or to overturn FNHA decisions.
