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What is the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)?

The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides limited, temporary coverage of health care after you arrive in Canada.

IFHP is for resettled refugees, protected persons, refugee claimants, survivors of human trafficking and certain other groups. People detained by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) are also covered.

The type of IFHP coverage you receive and the length of your coverage depend on your status in Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or the CBSA decide whether you are eligible for the IFHP. You can find the eligibility requirements on the IRCC website. Some people who are covered by IFHP also receive the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage.

What does the IFHP cover?

The following expenses may be covered:

Hospital visits and ambulance services.
Essential vaccines and medications.
Pregnancy and midwifery services.
Some vision and dental care.
Services by clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, speech-language therapists, physiotherapists and other health professionals.
Home care and long-term care.
The Immigration Medical Exam (IME).

IRCC has a summary of covered services on its website.

What documents do I need?

According to IRCC, certain documents will prove your eligibility. For example:

Acknowledgement of Claim and Notice to Return for Interview Letter
Refugee Protection Claimant Document
Interim Federal Health Certificate

An officer from IRCC or CBSA will give you the IFHP eligibility document.

How do I access health care services?

When you visit a health care provider, you must bring your Interim Federal Health Program Certificate or your Refugee Protection Claimant Document with you. You will also need to show government-issued identification.

If you are eligible for the IFHP, you do not need to pay for services. Your provider can’t ask you to pay for covered health services or products. They’ll be paid directly by the IFHP. If you pay for health services, you will not be able to get your money back.

Once you receive your Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, the IFHP will continue to provide coverage for supplemental services, like the ones mentioned above, and prescription drugs for up to one year.

For More Information

Interim Federal Health Program - Information about IFHP eligibility, how to apply for the program and how to access coverage. From IRCC.
Application for IFH Coverage Extension - This application guide is for people who want to apply to extend their IFHP coverage. From IRCC.
Refugee HealthLine - Part of Health811’s service offerings and is a free, multilingual service that connects callers to a maintained registry of health care providers that can provide transitional care and related services. This is not an emergency or crisis line.
Immigration and Refugee Law - Clear language publications on legal topics relating to immigrants and refugees. From Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO).
How can I find a family doctor? - Family doctors are usually the first doctors to diagnose and treat most medical problems.