• Can I receive financial assistance to help cover the cost of travel to an eligible community in Ontario to assess practice opportunities in the area?
• How can NHP help me determine which communities fit my practice and lifestyle needs?
• How often does the listing of Recruitment Opportunities for Rehabilitation Professionals change?
• Which communities can I travel to?
• How many trips will NHP pay for?
• If I am a Free Tuition recipient, can I use this program to assess communities I am considering for return-of-service?
• Which expenses are covered under this program?
• Will my spouse's travel expenses be covered?
• Which expenses are not covered under this program?
• How do I apply for travel assistance?
• Can I use my own vehicle to travel?
• What happens if I am travelling from another province or country?
• How and when can I expect to be reimbursed?
• Can I use this program to assess a community that I am considering for locum or part-time opportunities?

Can I receive financial assistance to help cover the cost of travel to an eligible community in Ontario to assess practice opportunities in the area?

Yes, if you apply to the NHP for financial assistance and receive prior written approval before traveling to eligible communities in Ontario to assess practice and lifestyle opportunities and meet with the recruitment officials, as well as head(s) of your discipline in these communities.

How can NHP help me determine which communities fit my practice and lifestyle needs?

NHP maintains a listing of eligible communities for Family Physicians and Medical Specialists as well as a listing of Recruitment Opportunities for Rehabilitation Professionals that may be used to explore practice opportunities. Please contact NHP for more information.

How often does the listing of Recruitment Opportunities for Rehabilitation Professionals change?

The listing is updated quarterly. You are encouraged to view the listing on NHP’s website.

Which communities can I travel to?

For physicians any community with a RIO score of 40 or greater, or one of the five Northern Ontario Urban Referral Centre census metropolitan areas (North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Thunder Bay and Timmins) would be eligible communities to assess. For a complete listing of eligible communities, view NHP’s website.

Rehabilitation professionals can view the current listing of Recruitment Opportunities for Rehabilitation Professionals.

If possible, you are encouraged to visit more than one designated community in your professional specialty during each trip, or assessment visit.

How many trips will NHP pay for?

Funds will be provided for a return trip from the applicant's place of residence in Ontario. Professionals living outside of Ontario will be reimbursed for travel from within Ontario or the nearest point of entry into Ontario (Montreal or Winnipeg). A second trip to the same area(s) will not be approved/funded.

If I am a Free Tuition recipient, can I use this program to assess communities I am considering for return-of-service?

Yes, if NHP provides prior written approval.

Which expenses are covered under this program?

Travel costs from the applicant’s place of residence in Ontario or from the nearest point of entry into Ontario (Montreal or Winnipeg). Travel costs from one community to another for the purpose of attending meetings and touring facilities are also covered, should an applicant receive approval for visiting several communities in one trip. Travel expenses are calculated on the least possible expensive mode of travel (economy airfare, or use of a personal vehicle). Standard room rate for single-occupancy expenses, unless accompanied by a spouse, are also covered.

Will my spouse's travel expenses be covered?

Health care professionals are encouraged to travel with their spouse during the community assessment visit(s). The NHP will cover his/her travel expenses if the request is approved in writing before the trip. However, expenses relating to children are not reimbursed.

Which expenses are not covered under this program?

Expenses such as meals, personal long distance telephone calls, travel to Ontario from other provinces or countries (unless travel expenses meet the criteria specified in item #1 of allowable expenses), relocation costs and expenses related to children are not covered.

How do I apply for travel assistance?

1. Review the listing of eligible communities on NHP’s website.
2. Contact facilities/community contacts and set up meetings and interviews.
3. Request the community contact to submit your itinerary, CV and letter(s) of invitation from the community(ies) that you will be visiting to the NHP. You must receive written approval from NHP before you travel. Claims that have not been approved by NHP prior to the travel occurring will not be reimbursed. The request should be forwarded to NHP at least one month before the visit is scheduled to take place.
4. For reimbursement, original receipts must be sent to NHP with a completed claims expense form. Copies of credit card vouchers are not acceptable receipts. Airfare is based on economy class. The receipt is the last page(s) of the airline ticket or a copy of the e-ticket.
5. Claims for reimbursement must be received by NHP within 90 days of completing the trip. Claims received after 90 days will not be paid.

Can I use my own vehicle to travel?

If approved by NHP in advance, expenses will be paid for the use of a personal vehicle within Ontario. Only travel costs within Ontario or from the nearest point of entry into Ontario (Winnipeg from the west and Montreal from the east) are covered. The kilometre rate for use of a personal vehicle is 41¢/km.

What happens if I am travelling from another province or country?

NHP pays the most feasible economic mode of travel. If you travel by motor vehicle, reimbursement will be based on the distance from the Ontario border. If travelling by air, health professionals will be reimbursed up to the amount of full fare from the point of entry into Ontario (Montreal from the east, or Winnipeg from the west), or from Toronto to the Ontario destination.

How and when can I expect to be reimbursed?

Payment can be expected within four to six weeks after NHP has received your claims expense form and original receipts.

Can I use this program to assess a community that I am considering for locum or part-time opportunities?

No. Community visits are for health care professionals who are considering permanent relocations to eligible communities in Ontario, and are not meant to be used for the purpose of assessing a locum site, providing locum services, visiting specialist clinic sites, or assessing part-time employment opportunities.