Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this is a question for Minister of Health and Social Services. So I want to ask the Minister what specific financial supports are currently available to NWT residents who fall ill outside the territory and incur illness-related costs, such as extended accommodations -- accommodations or rebooked flights? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Minister of Health and Social Services.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When NWT residents leave the territory for personal reasons, there is no cover from the government for those instances; however, across Canada, you know, as long as you have a current health care card, you will be able to access health services, any insured services, so hospital service to see a doctor and things like that. However, if you haven't been referred out of the territory by a practitioner from the Northwest Territories, then you're not considered on medical travel. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister explain why access to Larga accommodations is strictly tied to prior GNWT-approved medical travel even in cases where a resident experiences an unforeseen medical emergency while away? Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, when people leave the territory for personal reasons, they are not referred out of the territory therefore they're not a medical travel patient therefore they're not eligible to stay in Larga. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services. Final supplementary. Member for Monfwi.
Thank you. Will the Minister consider creating a clear exception process for residents who become unexpectedly ill outside the Northwest Territories and face unavoidable costs related to that illness? Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, what we have done is that we have done some information -- I can share it with the Members. They can share it with their constituents. They can share it on their social media -- that when you're leaving the Northwest Territories and -- you know, if you were leaving the country, most people are -- always buy travel insurance but not necessarily when we leave to drive to Edmonton. Not -- people are not thinking that, you know, certain things aren't covered. But when you're driving out of the territory or flying out of the territory and on personal reasons, then I would encourage people to buy travel insurance. That would help to cover the costs if an unexpected medical issue comes up. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services. Oral questions. Member from Frame Lake.
