Medical Travel Assistance Program

For many Métis citizens living in rural, remote and urban areas, accessing necessary medical care can be challenging. The Métis Nation–Saskatchewan Medical Travel Assistance Program (MTAP) helps registered Métis citizens requiring medical, cancer or dialysis appointments outside their home communities. The program offers support such as reimbursement of fuel costs, accommodation support and a healthy food allowance.
 
The purpose of the program is to serve low-income citizens and those with a high need. Income is considered when assessing program applications.

MTAP Guidelines and Policies

For more information, contact the MN–S Health & Mental Health & Addictions Ministry at 1-877-MétisSK or email healthprograms@mns.ca
 
Program operating hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM
 
Please note, reimbursement can take a few weeks to arrive in the mail. If you would like to receive reimbursements faster, please fill out the “Electronic Payment Request Form” found under “Citizen Forms” so funds can be directly deposited to you.

What The Program Covers

The Medical Travel Assistance program supports the cost of meals, accommodation and transportation to help you travel to your medical appointments outside of your residence community. Program coverage is intended as a supplement and may not cover the full cost of your travel.

You can access medical transportation support for:

• Travel to medical services covered by a public health facility that is not provided in your home community. This includes primary care (e.g., eye care, dental, family doctor) or specialist and referral appointments.
• Travel to access traditional healers.
  Primary care appointments (e.g., eye care, dental, family doctor)
  • Up to one night of hotel stay will be supported per appointment.
  • Up to three primary care appointments per year.
• Specialist and referral appointments
  • Up to three nights of hotel stay will be supported per appointment.
• Travel to appointments for which you have submitted a Confirmation of Appointment Form prior to your appointment, and Confirmation of Attendance from your physician, following your appointment.

Fuel Rates

Citizens will be reimbursed fuel costs based on distance travelled by vehicle. You do not need to provide receipts for fuel reimbursement.

Meal Rates

• Day trip rate for same-day trips lasting more than 6 hours  $25.00
• Overnight rate for overnight trips up to 6 nights  $50.00
• Weekly rate for overnight trips of one week (7 nights) up to one month  $250.00
• Monthly rate for extended trips that last a month or more  $500.00

Accommodation Rates

You can request to have MN–S Health staff book your hotel room for you. For citizens seeking reimbursement of hotel fees paid for medical stays, the program will reimburse a flat rate of $100 per night. You will be required to fill out a Hotel Disclaimer and Liability Form [PDF].

Escorts

If you need someone to accompany you on your trip to your appointment, you may be eligible to travel with an escort. Escorts are covered under certain conditions, including if you:

• Are a minor
• Need help with activities of daily living (e.g., dressing, eating or bathing)
• Are undergoing a medical procedure (e.g., day surgery) or have a medical condition that means to need help to get home
• Will face a language barrier
• Are travelling to give birth

You may be asked to provide documentation from your health care provider to show you need an escort. Download the “Medical Transportation Physician Escort Form” found under the “Citizen Forms” header.

What This Program Does Not Cover

• Applications requesting accommodations submitted less than five (5) business days prior to the appointment date
• Travel when the medically necessary service is available in your community
• Cost of prescription drugs
• Cost of medical supplies or equipment
• Payment of fees for a doctor’s notes
• Funeral costs
• Compassionate travel (e.g., travelling to visit a family member who is receiving medical treatment)
• Travel where the only purpose is to pick up items that do not need to be fitted (e.g., prescriptions, prescription glasses or contacts, some medical supplies and equipment)
• Travel back to your community of residence if you became sick or injured while away from home
• Travel to access medical appointments located outside of Canada
• Travel to access services that are not considered medically necessary
• Accommodations out of province