Drugs aren’t usually covered
in the Northwest Territories.
The Northwest Territories provides its residents with federal health benefits through the Northwest Territories Healthcare Plan. The following is an examination of what the plan actually covers when it comes right down to it.
What is Covered
- Diagnosis and treatment of illness and injury, including surgery
- Eye exams and procedures done by an ophthalmologist
- Obstetrics, including pre- and post-natal care
In Hospital
- Standard meals and accommodation
- Nursing services
- Required diagnostic services, including X-rays and labs
- Drugs when they are administered in hospital
- Radiotherapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy
- Detoxification services
What is Not Covered
- Ambulance services, except transfers between hospitals
- Dental services, unless they are tied to a jaw injury or other oral disease
- Alcohol or drug rehab, unless the patient received prior approval
- Prescription drugs
- Annual physical examinations
- Optometry services
Métis Benefits
The Northwest Territories is the only province or territory in Canada that offers medical benefits specifically to Métis residents. These benefits are as follows:
- Dental services
- Eyeglasses
- Medical equipment
- Medical travel
- Prescription drugs
The above Métis benefits are also available to those 60 or over and extended medical benefits are available for those with specific conditions or diseases that aren’t regularly covered.
