The culture and lifestyles found in Nunavut can be quite a different experience compared to the rest of Canada. While Nunavut has a distinct identity among all of Canada’s provinces and territories, its healthcare system nonetheless parallels those found elsewhere. Novus is here to help you develop a high-level understanding of the system, so you’ll be comfortable when you visit Canada’s newest and largest territory.
Administration
Healthcare in Nunavut is administered by the Nunavut Department of Health and Social Services. The department is responsible for the general administration of health care services in the territory, in addition to healthcare policy development. The Department of Health is also responsible for posting health advisories that may affect residents of the territory.
The Nunavut Health and Social Services (HSS)
Nunavut Health and Social Services (HSS) is Nunavut’s provincial health care plan, covering the cost of medically necessary healthcare and hospital services.
In addition to the basic plan, three other HSS plans exist to provide extended coverage based on eligibility. The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) plan provide non-insured health services for Inuit, Innu and Registered Indians. Extended Health Benefits (EHB) offers similar coverage to non-indigenous who are seniors or who have been diagnosed with a serious chronic disease. Finally, Indigent Health Benefits (IHB) covers people who are on income assistance for any medical expenses that are not covered by the other plans.
If you are travelling outside of Nunavut, don’t worry. HSS provides coverage everywhere in Canada, as long as you present your health card. Be aware that coverage outside of Canada is only provided up to the amount of equivalent service in Canada, or what is billed, whichever is less. As medical expenses outside of Canada can be significantly more expensive, you may end up with a large bill. When travelling abroad, always keep medical travel insurance in mind!
Nunavut Drug Programs
The aforementioned Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) and Extended Health Benefits (EHB) cover prescription drugs for eligible Nunavut residents.
Other Services
In addition to healthcare from public facilities, Nunavut also covers fees from various allied health professionals, as long as care is delivered in a hospital. For special conditions such as cancer care, you may be sent to Yellowknife, Edmonton, Winnipeg or Ottawa as certain procedures are not readily available in Nunavut. However, worry not, as the Department of Health always has contingency plans in place to deal with such situations.
Today, we’ve only touched on the basics of healthcare in Nunavut. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the Nunavut healthcare system, you’re already in the right place with Novus. We wish you the best of health!
For more insight, check out these health articles.
