Northern Health Travel Grant
Also known as: NHTG
If you live in one of Northern Ontario's ten eligible districts and travel 100+ km one-way to the nearest specialist or ministry-funded facility, the NHTG pays 41 cents/km on the round-trip distance, plus an accommodation allowance of $175 (1 night) up to $1,150 (8+ nights) for service dates after Dec 1, 2024. Apply online or by mail within 12 months of treatment; the ministry says payment follows within 6 weeks of a complete application.
Key facts
- Amount
- No dollar cap on mileage. Accommodation allowance for service dates on/after Dec 1, 2024: $175 (1 night), $350 (2 nights), $475 (3 nights), $1,025 (4-7 nights), $1,150 (8+ nights), original receipts in applicant's name required.
ontario.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
- Instrument
- Grant (non-repayable)
- Status
- Open, continuous intake no fixed deadline; approvals on the funder's cycle
- Who qualifies
- Individual
- OHIP-insured on the date the service is provided
- Primary residence in the districts of Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury, Thunder Bay or Timiskaming (Muskoka is NOT eligible)
- Travelled a one-way distance of at least 100 km to the NEAREST medical specialist or ministry-funded health-care facility able to provide the required OHIP-insured service not available locally
- Qualifying providers: RCPSC-certified specialists, CPSO-certified specialists, Manitoba Health specialists, GP Focused Practice designees, participating dentists in cleft/seniors programs, ministry-funded facilities
- Application form section must be signed and completed by the medical specialist or ministry-funded facility provider
ontario.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
Application process
- Receive referral to a distant specialist/ministry-funded facility; the provider completes and signs their section of the application
- Travel and receive treatment (keep accommodation receipts and any commercial-fare receipts)
- Submit online (encrypted form with instant submission confirmation and ability to update) or mail the paper form to the Sudbury claims office, within 12 months of the service date
- Ministry issues payment within 6 weeks of receiving a correctly completed application
ontario.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
Common questions
How long does the Northern Health Travel Grant take to pay out?
The ministry states payment within 6 weeks of receiving a CORRECTLY completed application. The most common delay is an incomplete provider section, the specialist or facility must sign and complete their part of the form before you submit. The online form gives instant submission confirmation and lets you update your application.
Is the first 100 km deducted from my grant?
The current ontario.ca program page describes 100 km one-way as the eligibility threshold and states the grant is paid at 41 cents/km on the full round-trip distance; no deductible appears in the current published calculation. The older 100-km deductible language no longer appears on the official page.
Does the grant cover hotel costs?
Yes, for service dates on or after December 1, 2024 there is a tiered accommodation allowance: $175 for 1 night, $350 for 2, $475 for 3, $1,025 for 4-7 nights, and $1,150 for 8+ nights. Original receipts in the applicant's name are required. Companions of hospitalized patients are also eligible for an accommodation allowance as of that date.
Can a family member travel with me?
A medical travel companion (16+, travelling with the patient) is supported: commercial fares are claimable with receipts, and when travelling by private vehicle you and your companion may qualify for an equal share of one grant. As of Dec 1, 2024 companions of hospitalized patients also qualify for the accommodation allowance.
Apply
Apply on the funder’s site and confirm current terms there: