Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP): Coverage and Eligibility

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?

• Website: www.canada.ca/ifhp-copayments

• Medavie portal: https://ifhp.medaviebc.ca/

• Call: 1-888-614-1880 (Canada only)

• TTY: 1-800-855-0511 or 711

The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) is the health care coverage provided by the Government of Canada to refugee claimants.

IFHP is for refugee claimants awaiting a decision and for persons whose claim was refused. 

 

Important points to keep in mind regarding the IFHP:

• When going to see a doctor, you should ALWAYS bring with you a proof of eligibility for the IHFP program. This proof can be any of the following:
  • An Acknowledgement of Claim and Notice to Return for Interview Letter—you get this letter after you make a refugee claim and you’re scheduled for an interview.
  • A Refugee Protection Claimant Document—you get this document after your interview and your claim was either referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB), or your claim was rejected and you are eligible to apply for a pre-removal risk assessment
  •  An Interim Federal Health Certificate—you get this certificate if you’re a resettled refugee going to live in Canada or a member of another eligible beneficiary group.
• Before using any services, ask if the provider (doctor, pharmacist, psychologist, etc.) takes part in the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) and agrees to send their bill to Medavie Blue Cross.
• The IFHP is identical to the RAMQ coverage (except in a few rare cases, such as fertility treatment). 
• You don’t have to accept services from health-care providers who don’t take part in the IFHP. For example, if a pharmacy asks you to pay for medication, you can find another pharmacy that is registered with the IFHP.
• If you go to a pharmacy that is not located in your province of residence (e.g. if you live in Ontario and request a prescription medication in Quebec), your claim may be rejected. Make sure that you tell the IRCC if you move to another province.
• If you are eligible for coverage for the service or product under the IFHP, you will not have to pay for it.
• If you pay a provider for a service or product that is covered by the IFHP, you will not get any money back.
• If you need a health-care service or product that is not covered you will have to pay for it.

https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/questions-answers-by-topic.asp?top=33

 Your coverage will terminate if:

• Your claim is accepted, 90 days after the decision or receipt of the card from the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ); 
• The claim is refused, on the date set for deportation.