Northwest Territories
NWT medical travel and Extended Health Benefits
Starting September 1, 2026, NTHSSA-administered medical travel for certain residents will be coordinated under Extended Health Benefits. GNWT says this is an administrative change only and supports stay the same.
This page explains the territorial coordination change published on the GNWT Extended Health Benefits site. It does not decide your eligibility, estimate travel amounts, or replace Alberta Blue Cross or NTHSSA adjudication.
At a glance
- September 1, 2026: NTHSSA-administered medical travel for residents with a valid NWT health care card and no benefits or private insurance will be coordinated under Extended Health Benefits.
- GNWT states this is an administrative change only. Medical-travel supports stay the same.
- If this applies to you, GNWT asks you to apply now using the Extended Health Benefits application form.
- Your health care provider referral process for medical travel does not change.
Who may need to apply
Only residents in the group described on the official EHB page, not every NWT resident.
GNWT's notice targets residents who receive NTHSSA-administered medical travel because they have a valid NWT health care card and no other benefits or private insurance coverage. Those residents will need Extended Health Benefits registration for coordination starting September 1, 2026.
- You rely on territorial medical travel because you have an NWT health care card and no employer, private, NIHB, Métis, or other supplementary coverage.
- You are not already enrolled in GNWT Extended Health Benefits.
- GNWT published the EHB application form for residents in this group to apply before the change takes effect.
Who is not affected
- People currently enrolled in Extended Health Benefits.
- First Nations and Inuit residents covered through federal Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB).
- Métis residents covered through GNWT Métis Health Benefits.
- Residents with private insurance or other supplementary benefits that already coordinate medical travel.
Most NWT residents do not need to take action. Only the group described above should apply for Extended Health Benefits because of this coordination change.
Medical travel still starts with your provider
Coordination changes; the referral pathway does not.
Medical travel is not a cash benefit you apply for on your own. Your health care provider submits a referral to the NTHSSA Medical Travel Office before travel when insured care is not available in your home community.
GNWT confirms the health care provider referral process does not change with the September 2026 coordination update.
Related health benefit pathways
Medical travel, Extended Health Benefits, and Indigenous health programs are separate entry points.
Extended Health Benefits (EHB)
Territorial supplementary coverage for prescriptions, dental, vision, medical supplies, and extended health travel for eligible income bands and seniors 60+. Alberta Blue Cross adjudicates claims on behalf of GNWT.
NWT medical travel
Travel, meals, and lodging when approved care is not available locally. May route through EHB, Métis Health Benefits, NIHB, or the territorial Medical Travel Policy depending on your coverage.
Federal NIHB
Non-Insured Health Benefits for eligible First Nations and Inuit clients. GNWT states the September 2026 coordination change does not affect NIHB.
NWT Métis Health Benefits
Territorial health benefits for eligible Métis residents, including medical travel coordinated by NTHSSA. GNWT states the September 2026 change does not affect Métis Health Benefits.
Apply for Extended Health Benefits
Use the official GNWT application if you are in the affected group.
Apply or renew through GNWT's Extended Health Benefits application page. You need a valid NWT health care card. GNWT states applicants must not be eligible for Métis Health Benefits or NIHB.
Official contact
Health Benefits Program, Health Services Administration: toll-free 1-800-661-0830, email healthcarecard@gov.nt.ca (published on GNWT EHB materials).
Official sources
- GNWT Extended Health Benefits
- Applying for Extended Health Benefits
- GNWT medical travel
- NWT Métis Health Benefits
- Indigenous Services Canada NIHB
Last reviewed for this tool: 2026-08-23. Amounts may change.
Common questions
- Is GNWT cutting medical travel support?
- GNWT states the September 1, 2026 change is administrative only and medical-travel supports stay the same. Coordination moves under Extended Health Benefits for the affected resident group.
- Does every NWT resident need to reapply for Extended Health Benefits?
- No. GNWT says the change does not affect people already enrolled in EHB, NIHB, or Métis Health Benefits. Only residents in the published group (valid NWT health card, no other coverage) who were receiving NTHSSA medical travel under the territorial policy should apply.
- Do I still need a provider referral for medical travel?
- Yes. GNWT confirms your health care provider referral process does not change. Medical travel still begins with a referral to the NTHSSA Medical Travel Office.
- Where do I apply for Extended Health Benefits?
- Use GNWT's Applying for Extended Health Benefits page and the published application form. Contact healthcarecard@gov.nt.ca or 1-800-661-0830 if you need help.