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    Important Update: Changes to IFHP Coverage – Starting May 1, 2026

    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) wants to let you know about important changes to your health coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP).

     

    1. What is changing

    • Starting May 1, 2026, you will need to pay a small part of the cost (co-payment) for some health services in Canada.

    • Basic care is still free: visits to the doctor and hospital care do not cost anything.

     

    2. How much you pay

    Type of service Your cost (co-payment)
    Prescription medicine $4 per prescription
    Other services (like dental, vision, mental health, therapy, assistive devices, home care) 30% of the cost

     

    3. Services that may cost you

    • Prescription medicine

    • Urgent dental care

    • Eye care

    • Mental health counselling

    • Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy

    • Devices like prosthetics, wheelchairs, hearing aids

    • Home care and long-term care

    • Medical supplies and equipment

     

    4. Important things to know

    • Services before May 1, 2026 are free.

    • You only pay your share for services on or after May 1, 2026.

    • IFHP still pays the rest of the cost.

    • If a service costs more than the IFHP limit, you pay the extra.

     

    5. How to get care after May 1, 2026

    1. Check your coverage online: https://ifhp.medaviebc.ca/

    2. Choose an IFHP-approved health provider near you.

    3. Show your IFHP document at every visit (IFHP certificate or refugee ID).

    4. Ask how much you will pay before getting the service.

    5. Always get a receipt for your co-payment.

     

    6. Need help?

    If you are having an emergency, call 911 immediately

    Note: Most CLSC’s and Super/GMF Clinics accept the IFHP, it is very important to ask before accessing their services).

     

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    How to make a doctor's appointment?

    • You can make a medical appointment by calling 811, option 3 (GAP). Only in English or French. 
       

    Before calling you must register online at the Primary Care Access Point. Follow the instructions below:

     

    1. Click "fill the questionnaire" button

     

    2. Select the service you need

    3. Fill out the requested information and click " I do not have an insurances number" if you only have your acknowledgment of claim (white paper) or brown paper. 

     

    • You can also make an appointment through ClicSanté
    1. From the page main page "CHOOSE A CATEGORY" select the desired service

    2. Select a subcategory (specific service)
       
    3. Click on the "Select this service" button 


       
    4.  Select a location by entering your postal code and click on the search button.

    5. You will get a list of all the medical establishments and the type of services they offered. Make sure you choose the ones that say "insured" as these services are covered by the insurance and click on the "book" button.

      Note: The services that say " with fees" mean that you will have to pay to access them. 


       
    6. Choose the date and time and click "continue"


       
    7. Enter you personal information and click "submit"
    8. You will receive an email or text message confirming your appointment. 

     

    What is a Local Community Service Centre (CLSC)?

     CLSCs are part of the Integrated University Health and Social Services Centres (CIUSSSs). They provide health and social services at their locations, in schools and at home.

    CLSC services include:

    • Routine health services (nursing care, nutritional counselling, blood tests, vaccinations, morning-after contraception, etc.);
    • Preventive or medical services (medical consultations with or without an appointment) ;
    • Psychosocial services (social workers, psycho educators, psychologists)
    • Rehabilitation and reintegration services (occupational therapists, physiotherapists, homecare)
    • Public health activities (breast-feeding support groups, parenting groups, dental hygiene in schools, etc.).

    Find your local CLSC 

     

    Medical clinics in Montreal

    In Montreal there are several types of medical clinics that offer medical and social care. Like the CLSC’s, the medical clinics are groups of family doctors who work together and in close collaboration with other health and social services professionals (e.g., nurse, social worker). In addition to regular medical clinics, there are 3 other types of medical clinics you may go to:

    1. GMF’s (Family Medicine Groups)
    2. GMFU’s (University Family Medicine Groups) 
      • These are affiliated with University research and training
    3. Super Clinics
      • These offer public specimen collection (blood tests, urine samples, etc.) and imaging services (x-rays, ultrasounds, etc.) on-site or nearby
      • It can be easier to access specialized services (e.g., orthopedics or rheumatology) in some super clinics

    Find a medical clinic near you by using your postal code

     

    List of known medical clinics that accept the IFHP per neighbourhood (it is still important to always make sure to ask them if they offer services to people covered under the Interim Federal Health Program).

     

    Avertissement: Les informations fournies par Le Collectif Bienvenue sur le Guide de Bienvenue ne doivent pas être interprétées comme étant un avis médical ou juridique. Toute information est fournie à des fins informatives et éducatives uniquement et ne remplace pas les conseils d'un·e professionnel·le. Nous ne pouvons garantir, de manière explicite ou implicite, l'exactitude, l'adéquation, la validité, la fiabilité, la disponibilité ou l'exhaustivité de toute information figurant sur le site. Par conséquent, avant d'entreprendre toute action basée sur ces informations, nous vous encourageons à consulter les professionnels appropriés. Nous déclinons toute responsabilité quant aux actions que le lecteur pourrait entreprendre

    Disclaimer: The information provided by Welcome Collective on The Welcome Guide should not be taken as medical or legal advice. All information and resources provided are for general information and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional advice.  We make no representation or  guarantee of any kind, expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability and/or completeness of any information on the website. Our site will not be held accountable for any actions the reader may take. Accordingly, before taking any action based on the  information provided, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals.

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