The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program, through Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), has updated its commercial meal allowance rates under the Medical Transportation Program. These new rates are effective April 1, 2026, until further notice, and apply to meals purchased at restaurants. All amounts include applicable taxes.

Please note: Meal allowances are not automatically provided for all travel. Eligibility depends on travel time, medical appointment details, and prior approval requirements where applicable.

Other reimbursement rates have not changed and are listed as follows:

• Private vehicle travel: $0.28/km
• Hotel accommodations: up to $160/night
• Private accommodation: $13.50

Submitting Your Reimbursement

To claim your eligible meal and travel expenses:

1. Complete the NIHB Medical Transportation Client Reimbursement Form.
2. Include receipts for travel. Gas and meal receipts are not required.
3. Submit your form and receipts:
   • By email (preferred):
     1. Send your completed form and receipts to mtreimbursement@qalipu.ca.
     2. Submit your documents as a PDF. Files in other formats, such as photos, screenshots, or Word documents, may not be processed and could be returned.
   • In person: Drop off paper copies at Qalipu First Nation offices in Corner Brook, Stephenville, Grand Falls-Windsor, or Glenwood.

Get Faster Payments with EFT
Members should also sign up for direct deposit (EFT) payment. EFT payments are faster and more secure than mailed cheques.

Click here to submit an EFT form: Non Insured Health Benefits Direct Deposit Form

Click here for the NIHB Medical Transportation Client Reimbursement Form: NIHB Medical Transportation Client Reimbursement Form
Updated Medical Transportation Program Fact Sheet

This fact sheet explains how to submit claims, what expenses are covered, pre-approval requirements, submission options (email, mail, or in person), EFT sign-up, eligibility, and time limits.

Click here to view the fact sheet: Non-Insured Health Benefits Medical Transportation Fact Sheet

The Health and Wellness Department would like to remind members that NIHB (Non-Insured Health Benefits) claims should be submitted on a regular basis.

Submitting claims more frequently helps ensure faster processing and more accurate record keeping. Members are encouraged to submit claims based on their appointment schedule, such as after each appointment, weekly, once per month, or once every two months depending on how often you receive care.

How to Submit
Completed NIHB claims, forms, and supporting documentation can be emailed to: mtreimbursement@qalipu.ca

Claims may also be dropped off to these office locations:
• 3 Church Street, Corner Brook, NL
• 43 Main Street, Stephenville, NL
• 28 Hardy Avenue, Grand Falls-Windsor, NL

Please note: Faxed forms are not accepted.

Forms & Direct Deposit
Please ensure all receipts and supporting documentation are included with your claim submission to avoid processing delays.

Medical Transportation Reimbursement Form
This form must be completed with all receipts and supporting documentation to process your reimbursement request.
Medical Transportation Reimbursement Form

Direct Deposit (EFT) Enrollment
To receive reimbursements directly into your bank account, members are encouraged to enroll in Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). This is the fastest and most secure method for receiving reimbursement payments.

Please ensure a void cheque is included.
NIHB EFT Form

Questions or Additional Support
If you have any questions or require additional support, please contact the Manager of NIHB, Melissa Muise, by telephone at 709-634-3144 or by email at mmuise@qalipu.ca.

The NIHB Navigator supports members by helping them understand and access their NIHB benefits, including assistance with coverage questions and advocacy.

For assistance, please contact:

• NIHB Manager: Melissa Muise
  • Email: mmuise@qalipu.ca
  • Phone: 709-634-3144
• Medical Transportation
  • Email: mtpreapprovals@qalipu.ca
  • Phone: 709-634-3386
• Mental Health Counselling
  • Mental Wellness Navigator: Susan Bryan
    • Email: sbryan@qalipu.ca
    • Phone: 709-679-2238
• NIHB Atlantic Office: 1-800-565-3294
  • Vision Care: Coverage for eye exams and corrective eyewear
  • Medical Supplies & Equipment (MS&E): Requests for mobility aids, hearing aids, and other necessary medical equipment
• Pharmacy (Drug Exception Centre): 1-800-580-0950
• Dental (Dental Predetermination Centre): 1-855-618-6291

Members who use Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) are advised that our offices will be closed from Thursday, December 18, 2025, and will reopen on Monday, January 5, 2026.

New pre-approval requests for medical transportation will not be processed during this time. To ensure your medical travel is approved, submit your requests and all supporting documentation by Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Pre-approvals will be arranged for appointments scheduled up to Friday, January 9, 2026. To arrange this, please call 709-634-3386 or email mtpreapprovals@qalipu.ca with the required information and documentation.

The NIHB Medical Transportation Program is not an emergency service and cannot provide same-day or urgent travel arrangements.

Pre-approvals and reimbursements are for scheduled medical care only. Eligible expenses can be reimbursed by completing a reimbursement form: https://qalipu.ca/qalipu/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Vendor-Request-for-EFT-Direct-Deposit.pdf

Completed forms can be emailed to mtreimbursement@qalipu.ca or dropped off at a Qalipu office upon reopening on January 5, 2026. Faxed forms are not accepted.

For questions, contact the Manager of Non-Insured Health Benefits at 709-634-3144 or mmuise@qalipu.ca.

Due to the Canada Post strike, mailed cheques for medical transportation reimbursements will not be delivered.

For faster and more efficient reimbursements, funds can be deposited directly into a client’s bank account using Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).

To enroll in EFT, please complete the Direct Deposit form available here:
https://qalipu.ca/qalipu/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/NEW-NIHB-EFT-Form-MEMBERS-NOV-2021.pdf

Once completed, email the form along with a void cheque to:
📧 mtreimbursement@qalipu.ca

f you are unable to enroll in EFT and need to request a printed cheque, please contact the NIHB Manager, Melissa Muise:
📞 709-634-3144
📧 mmuise@qalipu.ca

Using EFT ensures faster, more secure, and more reliable payments during the mail service disruption.

Need a Hotel for Your Medical Appointment?

If you have a medical appointment scheduled in St. John’s this summer, we kindly encourage you to submit your supporting documentation for hotel pre-approval as early as possible. This helps us do our very best to secure your accommodations ahead of time.

What to Know:
St. John’s will be a busy place this summer, with many events and activities taking place—including the 2025 Canada Summer Games. While we are here to support all members in need of travel assistance, early submissions will help us better meet your needs during this high-demand period.

Already Paid for a Hotel?
You may be eligible for reimbursement. To claim hotel expenses, please complete the NIHB Medical Transportation Reimbursement Form and include a detailed hotel receipt.

Click here for the NIHB Medical Transportation Client Reimbursement Form

Reimbursement Rates:

• Up to $135 per night for hotel accommodations
• $13.50 per night for private accommodations

Please send completed forms and receipts to: mtreimbursement@qalipu.ca