Your Health Travel Companion Program Northern Health Travel Grant (NHTG)

Greetings, travelers!

We know that accessing medical specialist services in Northern Ontario can be quite a journey. That's why Kasper Transportations is here to share some exciting news about the Northern Health Travel Grant (NHTG) Program. Get ready to embark on a smoother, more affordable, and stress-free healthcare adventure!

What is the Northern Health Travel Grant (NHTG) Program?

The NHTG Program is designed to help Northern Ontario residents who must travel long distances (at least 100 kilometers one-way) to reach medical specialist services or ministry funded health care facilities. If you qualify for the program, the Ministry of Health provides funding to cover a portion of your travel expenses.

Read on Official Ministry of Health resource

How Does the Travel Grant Program Work?

Great question! The NHTG Program offers financial assistance to cover travel costs based on the distance between your home and the nearest medical specialist or ministry funded health care facility. Whether you drive or use commercial transportation, you'll be reimbursed at 41 cents per kilometer (round-trip), after subtracting a deductible of 100 kilometers.

For example, if your one-way distance is 160 kilometers, the grant calculation would be ((160 x 2) - 100) x 0.41 = $90.20.

Accommodation Allowance: Rest Easy on Your Trip

When you need to travel at least 200 kilometers one-way to access a medical specialist or ministry funded health care facility, you might be eligible for an accommodation allowance. This helps cover your lodging expenses during the trip. The amount of the allowance varies based on the number of necessary lodging nights required by your healthcare provider.

For instance, the accommodation allowance can range from $100 for up to 2 lodging nights to $550 for 8 or more lodging nights. Remember, you must provide an accommodation receipt in your name to qualify for this allowance.

Who Qualifies for the Travel Grant?

To be eligible for the NHTG Program, you should meet the following criteria:

• You are an OHIP-insured Ontario resident residing in specific Northern Ontario districts.
• A healthcare provider from Northern Ontario has referred you to a certified medical specialist or ministry funded health care facility that is at least 100 kilometers away from your residence.

How to Apply?

Applying for the travel grant is a breeze! Just follow these steps:

1. Obtain the NHTG application form from your northern health care provider or online.
2. Fill out all required information in section 1 of the application form.
3. If you need a referral, get it from your northern health care provider. You typically need a new referral for each different specialist or health care facility.
4. Ensure your medical specialist or ministry funded health care provider completes section 3 of the application form, including the necessary number of lodging nights for your trip.
5. Submit your application form along with travel and accommodation receipts, if applicable, to the Ministry of Health, Claims Services Branch office in Sudbury.

Lastly: Your Journey, Our Mission

At Kasper Transportations, we're thrilled to share this incredible opportunity to make your healthcare travel experience easier. The Northern Health Travel Grant Program is your health travel companion, ensuring that you can access the medical services you need without overwhelming expenses.

If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, reach out to the Ministry of Health. We're here to support you on your journey to better health and wellbeing!

Please note that the information provided in this blog post is based on the Northern Health Travel Grant Program as of the knowledge cutoff date in 2 August 2023. For the most up-to-date information, refer to the official Ministry of Health resources.