The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is committed to improving the quality and responsiveness of its programs and services to support First Nations people on their health and wellness journeys. As part of this ongoing commitment, FNHA is updating meal rates, the commercial accommodation rate guide, and removing certain Exception requirements under the Medical Transportation (MT) Benefit. Please note that all updates outlined below will be reflected in the MT Benefits schedule as of December 1, 2025.
Meal rates
To ensure Clients have access to healthy food options while travelling for medical care, the FNHA is making an inflationary adjustment to all meal rates.
Effective December 1, 2025, meal rates will change as reflected in the table below:
Fee schedule for meal rates
|
| Rate type | Previous rate | Updated rate effective December 1, 2025 |
Daily rate for same-day trips lasting more than six hours.
| $35.50 per person
(5+ years) | $36.75 per person
(5+ years) |
$17 per person
(under 5 years) | $17.50 per person
(under 5 years) |
| Nightly rate for overnight trips up to six nights in duration. | $70 per night per person
(5+ years) | $73.00 per night per person
(5+ years) |
$30 per night per person
(under 5 years) | $31.00 per night per person
(under 5 years) |
| Weekly rate for overnight trips of seven nights or more. | $283 per week per Client | $294.75 per week per Client |
| $425 per week per Client and approved escort* | $442.75 per week per Client and approved escort* |
*Note: The weekly rate of $442.75 is an inclusive rate that covers both the Client and their escort, and applies only when the Client is receiving outpatient care. If an approved escort is supporting a Client who is hospitalized, the escort will receive a weekly meal rate of $294.75.
Clients travelling for less than six hours may still be eligible for the daily rate if they have a medical condition that requires regular meals, such as diabetes or pregnancy.
Commercial accommodation rate guide
To support Clients in accessing safe and comfortable accommodations while travelling for medical care, the FNHA has updated its commercial accommodation rate guide based on current market prices.
Effective December 1, 2025, the commercial accommodation rate guide will be adjusted as outlined in the table below:
Fee schedule for nightly accommodations
|
| | High season (May-Oct) | Low season (Nov-Apr) |
| Metro Vancouver | $315 | $220 |
| Victoria | $265 | $170 |
| Rest of BC | $175 | $160 |
Updated Exception requirements
In response to ongoing feedback from PT Clerks, several Exception requirements have been removed. These changes aim to simplify travel arrangements, reduce administrative workload, and improve alignment with related policies under the MT Benefit.
Effective December 1, the following changes will take effect:
1. Long-term stays
Previously, an Exception was required for all stays over five nights. This has now been updated to apply only to stays of seven nights or more. This change streamlines the travel arrangement process and improves alignment across other policies in the MT Benefits Schedule. For example, Clients on medical travel of seven or more nights are eligible for the weekly meal rate and should be booked into accommodations with kitchenette facilities.
Please note that shorter stays may still require an Exception if they fall under another Exception category, such as travel that is not to the closest appropriate health provider.
2. Preventative screening programs
Exceptions will no longer be required for travel to preventative screening programs, such as mammograms, that are funded by the province or a health authority. This update reduces administrative burden and streamlines the travel approval process, while continuing to support Client's access to their closest appropriate health provider. Please note that when services are available within the Client's community of residence, such as a mobile mammogram clinic, that service should be accessed within the community.
3. Non-FNHA-funded treatment centres for substance use treatment
Exceptions are no longer required for travel to substance use treatment programs that are licensed under the Community Care and Assisted Living Act or registered through the Assisted Living Regulation. This includes facilities listed under:
This change is intended to streamline administrative processes for those seeking access to treatment, particularly in time-sensitive situations.
Information on how to apply for funding toward the cost of attending a non-FNHA-funded treatment centre is available on our website.
4. Clients travelling for procedures requiring sedation
Exceptions will no longer be required for escort requests when a Client is undergoing surgery or a procedure that involves sedation and will require assistance afterward.
This reduces the approval steps for Clients who need support during recovery. Escort requests in these cases may now be approved without an Exception, provided there is written confirmation that the Client will be sedated as part of their medical travel. Please note that if the travel is not to the closest provider, an Exception will still be required.
All of the above changes will be reflected in the MT Benefits Schedule, which will be posted to the FNHA webpage on December 1, 2025. PT Clerks and Health Leads should also refer to the updated MT Administrator Guide for guidance on assessing eligibility and submitting Exception requests. For an up-to-date copy of the guide, please contact transportation@fnha.ca
Information for communities with funding agreements
The FNHA will ensure that all communities delivering MT locally through a funding agreement will receive additional funding necessary to support the increased meal and accommodation rates. The FNHA will follow up separately with agreement holders regarding the increase.
For additional information or support, please contact First Nations Health Benefits MT Operations at 1-855-550-5454.
