Studying Outside the NWT
This section provides information on health care benefits for NWT students attending an educational institution outside the Northwest Territories.
- Eligibility
- General Information
- Studying Within Canada, But Outside NWT
- Attending Schools Outside Canada
Eligibility
You are eligible for health care coverage if you are a permanent resident of the Northwest Territories with a a valid NWT Health Care Card.
As a post-secondary student temporarily living outside the NWT to attend an educational institution, you will continue to be covered by the NWT Health Care Plan provided:
- you are going to return to the NWT when you have completed your education and
- you do not establish permanent residence elsewhere during this period.
If you are studying outside the NWT for three months or longer, you must fill out a Temporary Absence Form (PDF - 72.33 KB) for each academic year.
General Information
Always carry your NWT health care card with you. Before receiving health care services outside the NWT, you generally will be asked to produce a valid NWT health care card. If you cannot prove you are covered under the NWT Health Care Plan, you may be required to pay for the services received.
If you have paid for medically-necessary doctor or hospital services, obtain the original copy of a detailed receipt, which includes:
- your full name, current address and NWT Health Care Plan number
- details of the service provided
- date of service
- doctor's name and address
- name and address of hospital
- diagnosis or itemized claim
Photocopies are not accepted. Include proof of payment and send along with the receipt to the Health Services Administration Office.
Only medically necessary services will be considered for refund. If you do not have the original receipt, you will not be reimbursed.
If you legally change your name or name(s) of your dependent(s), notify the Health Services Administration Office immediately in writing. Provide a copy of a birth certificate along with a change of name order, adoption order or divorce certificate.
Studying Within Canada, But Outside NWT
Most doctor visits and hospital care will be billed directly to the NWT Department of Health and Social Services. Frequently, you will be required to pay for physician services provided in Quebec. And you may be required to pay for services received by a physician in some other province/territory.
It is important that you consider additional medical insurance through a private insurance company before you leave the NWT.
Attending Schools Outside Canada
In some countries, medical and hospital costs are much higher than in the NWT. Medically necessary doctor visits and hospital care received outside Canada are paid at NWT rates. For example, if you need medically necessary doctor or hospital services outside Canada that cost $1,000, and the NWT rate for the same service is $250, you are responsible for paying the $750 difference. If the service you receive outside Canada is not medically necessary, you will be responsible for paying the full amount. You are responsible for any additional costs.
If you receive medical services outside Canada, you may be required to pay for the full cost of the services received up front. To apply for reimbursement, follow the procedure described under General Information.
It is important that you consider additional medical insurance through a private insurance company before you leave Canada.