IFHP Coverage
Checker Tool
Check what healthcare coverage you may be eligible for under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP).
Your Immigration Status
About IFHP
What is IFHP?
IRCC describes the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) as limited and temporary health care coverage that lasts until the person is eligible for provincial or territorial health insurance. It also covers some medical services for resettled refugees and certain other groups before they arrive in Canada.
Who is Eligible?
IRCC lists these groups: asylum claimants (including those whose claim was rejected or who can apply for a PRRA), protected persons in Canada, resettled refugees, victims of human trafficking or family violence holding a temporary resident permit, people detained under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, people covered by specific temporary public policies, and people granted eligibility at the Minister's discretion. Coverage depends on the eligibility group.
How to Access IFHP
An IRCC or CBSA officer gives the eligibility document: the Acknowledgement of Claim letter, the Refugee Protection Claimant Document or Refugee Protection Identity Document, or an Interim Federal Health Certificate for resettled refugees and other groups. The document is shown to a health care provider registered with the IFHP; the Medavie Blue Cross search tool lists registered providers. A person without a document who believes they are eligible may need to apply for an Interim Federal Health Certificate.
Coverage Limitations
Basic coverage is free. Prescription medications carry a $4 co-payment per eligible prescription and supplemental benefits carry a 30% co-payment, both paid to the provider. Not every service is covered, some benefits have a maximum dollar amount, and anything that can be claimed under other public or private insurance is not covered. The provider must say before treatment whether a co-payment applies or whether the treatment is not covered at all.