IFHP Eligibility
The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides temporary health coverage to eligible refugee claimants and other groups. As a refugee claimant in Canada, you may be eligible for IFHP coverage if you:
- Have filed a claim for refugee protection with IRCC
- Are waiting for your claim to be processed
- Do not have access to provincial health insurance
- Have been referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB)
When you file your refugee claim, IRCC will inform you whether you are eligible for IFHP coverage. You will receive an IFHP letter or document that you can use to access healthcare.
Provincial health insurance is usually free or low-cost for permanent residents, but there is typically a waiting period before it becomes available. During this waiting period, IFHP provides coverage.
What IFHP Covers
IFHP covers essential healthcare services, including:
Doctor Visits
Visits to general practitioners and specialist doctors are covered. This includes diagnosis and treatment of illness and injury.
Prescription Medications
IFHP covers prescription drugs for essential medical conditions. The coverage is comprehensive for necessary medications.
Emergency Dental Care
Emergency dental care for pain relief is covered. Routine cleanings and non-emergency dental work are not covered.
Vision Care
Eye exams and glasses are covered if medically necessary. This includes coverage for children's vision correction.
Mental Health Services
Counseling and therapy services are covered. This is important support for people who have experienced trauma.
Hospital Services
Hospital stays, surgeries, and emergency room visits are covered by IFHP.
Laboratory Tests and X-rays
Diagnostic tests and imaging are covered when prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Finding a Healthcare Provider
Accessing healthcare requires finding a doctor or clinic that accepts IFHP coverage. Most doctors and clinics in Canada accept IFHP patients. Ways to find a healthcare provider include:
- 1.Call your local health unit: Your provincial health authority can provide a list of doctors accepting new patients in your area.
- 2.Community health centers: Community clinics typically accept all patients regardless of insurance status. They often have services in multiple languages.
- 3.Walk-in clinics: Walk-in clinics are available in most neighborhoods and do not require an appointment.
- 4.Ask settlement agencies: Settlement organizations for refugees often have lists of IFHP-friendly healthcare providers.
- 5.Ask friends and community: Other refugee claimants in your community can recommend doctors they have had good experiences with.
Making an Appointment and Visiting a Doctor
When you are ready to see a doctor, follow these steps:
Call to Schedule
Call the doctor's office or clinic and ask to make an appointment. Tell them you are covered by IFHP. If the office does not accept IFHP, ask for a recommendation to a clinic that does.
IFHP Documents for Appointment
The IFHP letter or document should be brought to the appointment. This demonstrates eligibility for coverage to the doctor's office. Photo identification and any previous medical records should be brought if available.
Tell Your Story Honestly
Tell the doctor about your symptoms and health concerns. If you are comfortable sharing, you can mention that you have experienced trauma or are under stress from your immigration situation. This helps the doctor understand your health needs.
Request an Interpreter
If you do not speak English or French fluently, ask for an interpreter. This is your right and it ensures you understand your health information correctly. Many clinics have interpreters available.
Keep Records
Ask for copies of any test results, diagnoses, or treatment recommendations. Keep these records for your future healthcare and for your immigration file.
Getting Prescriptions Filled
After seeing a doctor, you may receive a prescription. To fill your prescription:
- Take your prescription to any pharmacy in Canada. Most pharmacies are part of chains (like Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall) or independent pharmacies.
- Tell the pharmacist you are covered by IFHP
- Provide your IFHP documentation
- The pharmacy will verify your coverage and dispense your medication
- You typically do not pay out of pocket if the medication is covered by IFHP
If your medication is very expensive or not approved by IFHP, the pharmacist may contact your doctor to discuss alternatives or request approval. Do not pay for medications upfront if they are supposed to be covered by IFHP. Ask the pharmacist about coverage before paying.
Emergency Care
Emergency medical care is always covered, with or without IFHP documentation. If you have a medical emergency:
- 1.Call 911: If you are in immediate danger or have a serious injury or illness, call 911. Emergency services do not charge based on immigration status.
- 2.Go to the emergency room: You can go to any hospital emergency room. Bring your IFHP documentation but do not let its absence prevent you from seeking emergency care.
- 3.Inform staff: Tell the emergency room staff that you are covered by IFHP so the correct billing code is used.
- 4.Keep receipts: Keep all receipts and documents related to your emergency care for billing and record purposes.
Example Healthcare Encounters
This shows language such as what you might encounter when accessing healthcare with IFHP.
At the Doctor's Office:
Receptionist:
"Hi, I see you are a new patient. Do you have health insurance?"
Language such as:
"I am covered by IFHP. Here is my document showing my coverage."
Doctor:
"What brings you in today? Are you experiencing any health problems?"
Language such as:
"I have been having headaches and difficulty sleeping. I am also experiencing anxiety related to my situation. I would like to see if there is treatment available."
At the Pharmacy:
Pharmacist:
"Good afternoon. Do you have a prescription for me?"
Language such as:
"Yes, I have a prescription from my doctor. I am covered by IFHP for this medication."
Pharmacist:
"Let me verify your IFHP coverage. Yes, this medication is covered. It will be ready in about 15 minutes."
Additional Healthcare Resources
Beyond IFHP coverage, many communities offer additional health services for refugees and asylum seekers:
- •Refugee health clinics: Many communities have specialized clinics for refugees with staff experienced in refugee health issues
- •Mental health services: Many areas have free or low-cost mental health support specifically for refugees
- •Vaccination programs: Vaccinations are typically provided at no cost through public health units
- •Settlement health services: Many settlement agencies provide health information and navigation services
- •Interpreters: Hospitals and clinics usually provide free interpreters in many languages
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Healthcare coverage and services vary by province and individual circumstances. For specific information about your IFHP coverage, contact your IRCC office or healthcare provider directly.