NIHB glossary
NIHB terms, in plain language.
What the words on NIHB forms and websites actually mean, for First Nations and Inuit people looking for counselling. Program details can change, so we link the official source where it matters.
- NIHB (Non-Insured Health Benefits)
- A federal program run by Indigenous Services Canada. It covers eligible First Nations and Inuit people for health benefits that provincial health plans and other insurance don't, including prescription drugs, dental, vision care, medical supplies, medical transportation and mental health counselling. Official NIHB page.
- Who is eligible
- Registered (status) First Nations people and Inuit recognized by an Inuit land claim organization. Métis and non-status people are not covered by NIHB.
- Mental health counselling benefit
- The part of NIHB that covers counselling with an enrolled mental health provider, up to 22 hours a year. Your counsellor can request more if needed and bills NIHB directly, so a covered session costs you $0.
- NIHB-enrolled provider
- A registered professional (for counselling: a psychologist, social worker, certified counsellor or psychotherapist, or registered psychiatric nurse) who is enrolled with NIHB and can bill the program directly. See the provider list.
- Status card
- The Secure Certificate of Indian Status (or the older certificate) issued to registered First Nations people. It shows your registration number.
- Registration number
- The number on your status card that identifies you as a registered First Nations person. Counsellors use it when billing NIHB, and the Wapan intake asks for it.
- Land claim organization
- For Inuit, the organization (such as Nunavut Tunngavik, Makivvik, Nunatsiavut Government or the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation) whose enrolment confirms eligibility for NIHB.
- Prior approval
- Some NIHB benefits need approval before they start. For counselling, your counsellor handles any approvals with NIHB, not you.
- Direct billing
- The provider sends the bill to NIHB instead of to you. With NIHB-enrolled counsellors, you never pay up front or file a reimbursement form.
- Medical transportation
- An NIHB benefit that can help with travel to medically required health services that aren't available in your community. Ask your community health office or NIHB about what applies to you.
- Hope for Wellness Help Line
- A free, 24/7 phone and online chat line for First Nations and Inuit people: 1-855-242-3310. Counselling is available in English and French, and on request in Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut.
- 988
- The Suicide Crisis Helpline. Call or text 988, any time.
- MMIWG Crisis Line
- Free 24/7 support for anyone affected by Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people: 1-844-413-6649. See counselling support for MMIWG2S+ families.
- National Indian Residential School Crisis Line
- Free 24/7 crisis support for former residential school students and their families: 1-866-925-4419.
- Jordan's Principle
- A principle that makes sure First Nations children can get the products, services and supports they need, when they need them, including some mental health supports.
- Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program
- An Indigenous Services Canada program offering emotional, cultural and counselling support to former residential school students and their families. See counsellors for residential school healing.
- Métis Nation health benefits
- Métis governments, such as Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S), may offer counselling coverage for their citizens. NIHB does not cover Métis people.
- Trauma-informed care
- An approach where the counsellor understands how trauma affects people and works in a way that avoids causing more harm.
- Cultural safety
- Care where you feel respected and safe in who you are, including your culture, language and history.
- In-person counselling
- Sessions where you and your counsellor are in the same room. Wapan only matches for in-person counselling.
Still not sure what applies to you?
Send the intake anyway. Sorting out coverage is part of what we do.
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