Nunavut Health Care Plan

What Nunavut’s plan covers, who’s eligible and how to contact it.

Who’s covered

Who the plan covers.

The Nunavut Health Care Plan covers all Nunavut residents. It includes basic healthcare services like doctor visits and hospital stays. Residents must apply for coverage through the Department of Health. Registered First Nations and recognized Inuit residents are covered for prescription drugs, dental and vision care through the federal Non-Insured Health Benefits program.

Are you eligible?

To qualify for the Nunavut Health Care Plan, you must be a resident of Nunavut and live in the territory for at least 6 months each year. Certain exceptions apply.

What’s covered

What’s covered.

Coverage details for the Nunavut territorial health care plan.

Coverage by category

HospitalCoveredStandard ward room

The Nunavut Health Care Plan provides coverage for standard hospital services, including ward room accommodations and necessary treatments. Private rooms are not covered but may be available at an extra cost. Residents may need to seek further details from the Department of Health.

Prescription drugsLimitedSeniors and chronic conditions

The Nunavut Health Care Plan offers prescription drug coverage to eligible residents, including seniors and those with chronic conditions. The specific list of covered drugs and copayment requirements may vary, and individuals may need to apply for additional programs based on medical need.

VisionLimitedSeniors 65 and over

Vision care coverage under the Nunavut Health Care Plan is limited. Routine eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses are generally not covered, and residents may need to explore private insurance or specific programs for assistance. Non-Indigenous residents aged 65 and older may be covered for vision care services and products through Extended Health Benefits Seniors’ Coverage.

DentalLimitedSeniors 65 and over

The Nunavut Health Care Plan does not typically cover dental services. Residents may need to seek private insurance for dental care or explore specific government-funded programs that offer assistance for children or those with unique medical needs. Non-Indigenous residents aged 65 and older may be eligible for dental care, up to a yearly limit, through Extended Health Benefits Seniors’ Coverage.

The federal Canadian Dental Care Plan (opens the Government of Canada website) also helps pay for dental care for residents who don’t have dental insurance and whose family income is below a set limit.

ParamedicalNot covered

Nunavut’s Health Care Plan does not offer coverage for paramedical services such as chiropractic care, acupuncture, or massage therapy. Residents should explore private insurance or government programs for assistance with paramedical services.

Hearing aids and medical suppliesLimitedBased on medical need

Hearing aid coverage is limited under the Nunavut Health Care Plan, and residents are encouraged to explore other government assistance programs or private insurance for the cost of hearing devices. The plan covers essential medical supplies and devices for eligible residents based on assessed medical need, and assistance may be available for devices such as prosthetics, glucose monitors and other necessary equipment. Non-Indigenous residents aged 65 and older may also be covered for audiology services and products, and for medical supplies and appliances, through Extended Health Benefits Seniors’ Coverage.

AmbulanceLimitedSeniors 65 and over

The Nunavut Health Care Plan does not typically cover ambulance services. Residents are usually responsible for the costs of both ground and air ambulance services, though non-Indigenous residents aged 65 and older may be covered for ambulance transportation within Nunavut through Extended Health Benefits Seniors’ Coverage. More information can be obtained through the Department of Health.

Nursing and home careLimitedBased on medical need

Home care coverage in Nunavut is provided based on medical need and includes services such as nursing care, personal support, and rehabilitation. The aim is to support residents in receiving the care they need within their home environment when appropriate.

Out of countryLimitedEmergencies, up to territorial rates

The Nunavut Health Care Plan offers limited coverage for emergency medical services outside the country. Residents are reimbursed based on territorial rates for hospital care and physician services, but are responsible for any excess costs. Private health facilities and non-hospital services are not covered.

Accidental death and dismembermentNot covered

The Nunavut Health Care Plan does not cover accidental death and dismemberment. Residents should seek private insurance options if they need coverage for these types of incidents.

Last reviewed October 2026

The information provided on this page is intended for general informational purposes only and may be subject to change. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, provincial and territorial health coverage details can vary and are regularly updated. We recommend contacting your provincial or territorial plan or consulting a legal, tax, or insurance advisor for advice tailored to your specific situation.

Beyond your provincial plan

Where private coverage fills the gaps.

Three layers of coverage. Your provincial or territorial plan covers hospital and doctor care; workplace benefits add prescriptions, dental and vision where offered; personal health and dental insurance fills the same gaps if you have no workplace coverage.
  1. Everyone who lives hereYour provincial or territorial planHospital care and doctor visits, at no cost when you receive them.
  2. If your employer offers a planWorkplace benefitsPrescriptions, dental, vision and paramedical care, where your employer offers them.Employee group benefits
  3. If you buy your ownPersonal health and dental insuranceThe same gaps, if you don’t have workplace coverage or when you leave it.Health and dental insurance

A general guide. What each plan covers varies by province or territory.

  • Bridge the gaps in coverage

    Provincial health plans often leave gaps, such as prescription drugs, dental visits and vision care. Personal health insurance can cover expenses your government plan doesn’t, so you’re not left with unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

  • Plan for the long term

    Personal health insurance can help you avoid paying high costs for treatment or services later. Taking a proactive approach helps you get the care you need now, and avoid bigger bills later on.

Contact

How to contact your territorial plan.

For the latest coverage details, contact the Nunavut territorial health care plan directly.

Nunavut Health Care Plan

Department of Health
P.O. Box 1000, Station 1000

Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0

This page is for general information.

Garrett Agencies is not licensed in Nunavut, so we can’t advise residents here. Licensed in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick and the Northwest Territories.