Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program

Indigenous Services Canada operates the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program, which was created to ensure eligible First Nations and Inuit clients have access to health benefits. The program covers health benefits that are not covered through other social programs, private insurance plans or provincial/territorial health insurance.

VLRC staff offer NIHB-recognized low vision rehabilitation services and aids. For coverage details and item codes, refer to the Low Vision Equipment and Supplies Benefits List on the Government of Canada site.

NIHB Eligibility

How do I qualify for NIHB coverage?

To determine if you qualify for NIHB coverage, please refer to the Indigenous Services Canada website for detailed information. Our staff can also assist you in determining your eligibility for NIHB low vision benefits.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, a client must be a resident of Canada and one of the following:

• a First Nations person who is registered under the Indian Act (commonly referred to as a "Status Indian")
• an Inuk recognized by an Inuit land claim organization as outlined in Inuit client eligibility for the NIHB program
• a child less than 2 years old whose parent is an NIHB-eligible client

What are the client identification requirements?

Client identification documentation must include:

• surname under which they are registered
• given names under which they are registered
• date of birth
• client identification number

A. First Nations client identification number

For eligible First Nations clients, ONE of the following client identification numbers is required:

• Indian Act registration number: may be known as "status or treaty card" or official letter marked "Certificate of Indian Status"
• in specific circumstances, instead of a registration number, some First Nations clients may have an identification number issued by NIHB (B-number)

Indian status does not expire. Your registration number confirms your status and can be used to access your NIHB coverage, even if your identification card has expired.

B. Inuit client identification number

For recognized Inuit clients, ONE of the following client identification numbers is required:

• Government of the Northwest Territories health plan number
• Government of Nunavut health plan number
• NIHB client identification number (N-Number) (may also be required to provide photo identification)

British Columbia:

In British Columbia, the NIHB program covers exclusively NIHB-eligible individuals who are:

• Inuit living in B.C.
• Non-B.C. residents

First Nations clients residing in B.C. can access health benefits coverage through the First Nations Health Authority.

VLRC services eligible for NIHB coverage

VLRC staff are authorized to provide low vision assessments, training, and prescribe low vision aids to NIHB-eligible clients. Claims for VLRC services and prescribed products must be pre-approved.

The following VLRC therapists and specialists are NIHB-eligible prescribers of low vision equipment and supplies benefit list:

• certified vision rehabilitation therapists (CVRT)
• certified orientation & mobility specialists (COMS)
• assistive technology specialists (ATS)
• certified low vision therapist (CLVT)
• occupational therapists (OT)

If you are not currently a VLRC client, we encourage you to complete our Self-Referral form to begin your vision rehabilitation journey today.

If you are a current or former member of the Canadian Armed Forces or RCMP, then you may also qualify for our vision rehabilitation services. Please visit our Veterans webpage for more information.

Low vision equipment and supplies benefits list

Please visit the Low vision equipment and supplies benefits list to learn more about NIHB-eligible products and services.

Contact NIHB

For queries regarding low vision equipment and supplies, please contact the applicable NIHB regional office.