The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides limited, temporary coverage of health-care benefits for resettled refugees.

  • IFHP is funded by IRCC and administered by Medavie Blue Cross.
  • A Certificate of Eligibility is issued upon arrival by Canada Border Service Agency and will be given to the newcomers at their Port of Entry.
  • To use IFHP coverage, you must present the certificate to the service provider.
  • Coverage lasts 12 months.

IFHP provides coverage in addition to Provincial programs.

Coverage:
• Benefits have certain limits, including maximum dollar amounts.
• IFHP will not approve care that can be accessed through OHIP. This means that resettled refugees are only likely to access supplemental and prescription drug coverage through IFHP

BASIC SUPPLEMENTAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG

Medical services:

  • Doctor visits
  • Standard immunizations
  • Prenatal & obstetrical care
  • Lab tests & xrays

Hospital services:

  • Emergency room visits
  • Hospital stays
  • Medical & surgical care
  • Diagnostic imaging

Limited Vision Care:

  • One pair of eyewear (glasses &/or lenses every 2 years)
  • One vision test per year

Urgent Dental Care:

  • Emergency dental exams
  • Dental x-rays
  • Extractions
  • Dentures

Mental Health Services:

  • Psychological counselling
  • Assistive devices, medical supplies & equipment.

Prescribed medication and other pharmacy products. 

(Note: Coverage for prescriptions covers only generic drugs.)

Service Providers:

  • Service providers (doctors, dentists, etc.) must be registered with Medavie Blue Cross to accept IFHP coverage. Any service provider can register easily by filling out this form.
  • Sometimes, service providers can advocate for discretion in coverage. This depends greatly on the health care provider.

There is a list of service providers that accept IFHP on the Medavie Blue Cross website (including Pharmacies, Doctors, Specialists etc.)

Helpful Links:

IFHP Policy
IFHP Summary of Benefits

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