Overview
The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) is a federally funded program that provides temporary healthcare coverage to eligible refugee claimants, refugee protection holders awaiting permanent residence, and other specified groups. IFHP covers essential services when provincial health insurance is not available.
Healthcare access is critical for refugees who may be fleeing violence, trauma, or persecution. Understanding what IFHP covers and how to access it is essential for protecting your health and your family's health while you are in Canada.
Who is Eligible for IFHP
IFHP covers several categories of people, including:
- Refugee claimants (persons who have filed a refugee claim and are awaiting a decision)
- Protected persons awaiting permanent residence (whose refugee claim was approved)
- Persons with a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) in progress
- Government-assisted refugees and privately sponsored refugees for a limited period after arrival
- Failed refugee claimants and persons under a deportation order (limited coverage)
Eligibility begins when you file your refugee claim and typically continues until you become a permanent resident, at which point you become eligible for your province's health insurance. Some categories have limited coverage after a certain time period.
What is Covered
IFHP covers a range of essential health services:
- Prescribed medications, including psychiatric medications
- Dental care for emergency treatment and basic care (with limitations)
- Vision care, including eyeglasses and contact lenses
- Medical supplies and equipment (bandages, dressings, crutches, wheelchairs, insulin injectors, test strips for diabetics)
- Mental health services and counseling
- Paramedical services (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic)
- Medical transportation to healthcare appointments
- Supplementary nutrition for persons with medical needs
IFHP also covers hospital and physician services through provincial health systems. Once you are eligible for provincial health insurance, IFHP is no longer needed for basic medical care.
Coverage Gaps
IFHP does not cover all healthcare needs. Notable gaps include some services that may be important for your health and well-being:
- Dental Coverage: Only emergency and basic care are covered; cosmetic dental work, orthodontics, and some preventive care are excluded.
- Vision Care: Coverage is limited to one pair of glasses or contacts per 24 months, and special lenses or frames may not be covered.
- Private Duty Nursing: In-home nursing care is not covered unless deemed medically necessary by a physician.
- Counseling and Therapy: While some psychological services are covered, access can be limited and long-term therapy may not be fully covered.
- Certain Medications: Some newer or brand-name medications may not be covered; only generic equivalents may be funded.
If a medical need is not covered by IFHP, healthcare providers can discuss available options and community health organizations may provide additional resources.
Provincial Health Coverage
Once you are eligible for your provincial health insurance (which typically occurs when you become a permanent resident, though timing varies by province), your coverage through IFHP ends. Registering with your province's health insurance is important to ensure continuous coverage.
Each province has different rules for health insurance eligibility. Some provinces may allow registration once a refugee claim is approved (before permanent residence is obtained); others require permanent residence. Application for provincial health coverage should occur as soon as eligibility is established.
Understanding provincial coverage is important because the benefits, covered services, and costs may differ from IFHP. Some provinces provide more comprehensive coverage than IFHP; others may be more limited.
Accessing IFHP Services
To access services covered by IFHP, you must provide proof of your IFHP eligibility when you visit a healthcare provider. IFHP provides a health certificate or letter confirming your eligibility.
When you file your refugee claim, IRCC will provide you with information about how to access IFHP. You may receive an IFHP identification number or certificate. Present this when seeking healthcare services.
Not all healthcare providers accept IFHP directly. Some may require upfront payment with reimbursement sought from IRCC. All receipts and documentation should be retained if out-of-pocket payment is made.
Applying for IFHP
You do not need to submit a separate application for IFHP coverage if you are a refugee claimant. Your eligibility is automatic when you file your refugee claim. However, it may take a few days for your coverage to be processed.
If eligibility for IFHP is believed to exist but confirmation has not been received, IRCC or the organization assisting with the claim can help clarify status. Community organizations and legal clinics can also assist in verifying IFHP eligibility.
Documentation of claim filing and any documents confirming IFHP status should be retained. If delays occur in receiving IFHP identification, the issue should be escalated to ensure healthcare access when needed.
If Your Application is Denied
In rare cases, IFHP coverage may be denied or terminated. If IFHP benefits are denied, understanding the reason is important. IRCC can provide clarification and documentation of the decision.
If you disagree with the decision, you may be able to request a review or appeal, depending on the circumstances. Community legal clinics and immigration NGOs can help you challenge a denial or termination of IFHP coverage.
If access to healthcare is limited due to lack of IFHP coverage, community health centers and some hospitals provide care on a sliding scale fee basis or for free. Forgoing necessary medical care due to cost concerns is not advisable.