Escort / Client Responsibility

We have assembled this information to in an effort to help ensure that your medical travel goes as smoothly as possible. This checklist addresses the issues most frequently asked about. For full details, you may visit the First Nations Health Authority (previously Non-Insured Health Benefits) Transportation Policy Framework. We will also be pleased to answer your questions and provide assistance and invite you to call us at 1-888-624-5504 or 250-624-4646.

Your responsibilities are as follows:

• Give at least 5 (five) day's notice (or as per the community's policy) prior to leaving the community. Upon receipt of the notice, the proper transportation arrangements can be made. NOTE:Clients who do not provide sufficient notice may be required to reschedule their appointment or pay for the travel and get reimbursed. 
• Obtain all of the necessary paperwork for their trip prior to leaving the community: i.e. referral from your doctor (GP), confirmation of appointment with specialist.
• Get prior approval for all non-emergency trips. The only exception is the case of medical emergency. 
• Attend your medical appointment as scheduled. Clients who do not attend medical appointments may be required to pay back any benefits they have received and/or pay for travel costs for subsequent medical travel. 
• Get a signed confirmation of attendance from the health professional and return it to the Transportation Coordinator after the medical appointment.
• Protect all of the original warrants issued to them for your medical trip. Warrants will not be reissued if lost or stolen.
• Give notification when canceling an appointment prior to the date of the appointment; including 24 hours notice to cancel any hotel arrangements. 
• Retain and submit all necessary receipts required. 
• Do not damage property or abuse accommodation arrangements, such as excessive noise. 
• Do not become verbally abusive or threatening to the patient transportation clerk/coordinator.

Clients may be required to pay for their own travel arrangements and submit a client reimbursement form with appropriate documentation, or may have charges deducted off their next travel arrangements in such cases as:

1. Client is verbally or physically abusive.
2. Client fails to provide the required medical documentation (referral or confirmation of attendance) or receipts.
3. Client is no longer accepted in commercial establishments or on commercial transportation because of inappropriate behaviour or intoxication.
4. Client does not make it to their scheduled appointment.
5. When First Nations Health Authority or First Nation organization is charged for damages, bill for keys or no shows.