Access to health care is a vital part of settling and living well in Canada. For many whose immigration or protection process is still underway, or who are awaiting provincial health coverage, the federal government’s Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) serves as an important bridge.
In this article we’ll explain what the IFHP is, who can benefit, what services and treatments are covered, how it works, and why it matters. Whether you’re newly arrived, working in front-line settlement, or simply want to understand this critical safety net, this guide is for you.
Read more Everything You Need to Know About the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
What is the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)?
The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) is a federal health-care benefit program managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that provides temporary and limited health coverage to certain groups of people while they await provincial or territorial public health coverage.
Essentially, the IFHP “fills the gap” for those who are not yet or will not be covered under a province’s public health insurance plan, such as the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), until they become eligible (or for a designated period).
From the patient perspective: if you are a refugee claimant, a protected person, a resettled refugee, or eligible under other specific categories, the IFHP means you do not have to forgo essential medical or dental care because you are still waiting for provincial coverage. It gives you peace of mind and access when it matters most.
Who is eligible for the IFHP?
Understanding eligibility is key. The IFHP covers various categories of individuals, including:
Resettled refugees (government-assisted, privately-sponsored, etc.) arriving in Canada who will eventually qualify for provincial coverage.
Refugee claimants (asylum seekers) inside Canada, while their claim or assessment is pending.
Protected persons (those granted refugee protection status) and certain other defined groups (for example some victims of human trafficking).
It’s important to note that eligibility depends on immigration or protection status, not simply on being uninsured. Also, eligibility documents are issued via IRCC or the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the program is administered through a third-party claims administrator (Medavie Blue Cross).
For you as a patient or provider: Always check that the individual has the correct IFHP eligibility document, and ensure the service provider is registered under IFHP. If not, coverage may be refused.
What does the IFHP cover?
One of the most critical questions is: what services are included? The IFHP categorises coverage into three broad types: basic, supplemental, and prescription drug coverage.
- Basic coverage includes the foundational services of health care: hospital services, licensed physician services, ambulance, lab and diagnostic services.
- Supplemental coverage addresses additional health-care needs: allied health professional services (e.g., physiotherapists, occupational therapists), assistive devices (mobility aids, hearing aids, prosthetics), home care, limited vision and urgent dental care.
- Prescription drug coverage means the IFHP will cover many medications prescribed by health-care professionals, according to benefit grids.
Why this matters: For someone eligible, the IFHP offers a comprehensive safety net—not just emergency care. It supports a range of health-and-wellness concerns while other public insurance coverage is being arranged.
How long and how does coverage work?
Coverage under the IFHP is temporary—it bridges the gap until provincial/territorial insurance comes into effect (or in some cases other status changes). For example, newly arrived resettled refugees often have IFHP basic coverage until they formally qualify for provincial health insurance (typically around 3 months) and supplemental/prescription coverage for up to 12 months under certain conditions.
From a practical standpoint:
You must present your eligibility certificate or document when you access care.
The provider must be registered with IFHP and bill through the claims administrator. If a provider isn’t registered, you may be asked to pay and then claim reimbursement—but in many cases this is not supported.
IFHP is a payer of last resort, meaning if someone has other public or private insurance, IFHP may not cover overlapping services.
Understanding this helps avoid surprise bills and ensures you access care responsibly and cost-effectively.
Why IFHP matters for dental and oral health
While much of IFHP’s coverage centres on general health, urgent dental care is explicitly part of the supplemental services.
For instance: if a refugee claimant or protected person experiences severe tooth pain, infection, or other dental emergency, IFHP can cover the cost of urgent dental intervention—diminishing barriers and helping maintain oral health. Dental issues can quickly escalate if deferred, turning into systemic health issues or emergency visits.
At our clinic, Dentistry at Waterview, we welcome patients who are eligible under programs like the IFHP and help ensure they understand their coverage and what to expect. Book your visit with us today and let us help you navigate the process confidently.
How to access IFHP services
Here are the practical steps for patients or providers:
Confirm your eligibility: Ensure you have the correct certificate/document from IRCC/CBSA.
Locate a provider registered with IFHP. Many clinics and dental offices list their registration status.
At the appointment, present your eligibility document and confirm that the clinic is willing to bill IFHP directly.
Follow the treatment plan: If your care involves major intervention, check whether pre-authorization is required.
Once you qualify for provincial/territorial health coverage, inform your provider/clinic so billing transitions appropriately.
For you: It’s always wise to ask your dental office ahead of time: “Are you IFHP-registered?” and “Will there be any cost to me today?” This helps avoid unexpected out-of-pocket charges.
Common scenarios and what you should know
If you are a refugee claimant who hasn’t yet received provincial coverage, the IFHP ensures you’re not left waiting in pain.
If you are newly arrived as a resettled refugee, you may have supplemental coverage under IFHP for a period—so you can address not just immediate health issues, but some follow-up care.
If your immigration status changes (for example, you become a permanent resident and qualify for provincial health insurance), your IFHP coverage may end and transition will occur.
If you are a health-care provider or dental clinic, knowing the process and your registration status helps you serve this patient population properly and ensure clear communication about billing and coverage.
Dentistry at Waterview is proud to accept the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), providing essential dental services for refugees in our community. We welcome eligible patients and ensure they receive compassionate, high-quality dental care with full support in understanding their IFHP coverage. Our team is here to make your experience comfortable, accessible, and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) is an important piece of Canada’s health-care landscape, particularly for refugees, claimants and protected persons whose health-care coverage situation is in transition. By understanding who is covered, what services are available, how to access care, and what to ask your provider, you can navigate the system with more confidence and less worry. From urgent dental care to prescription coverage to hospital services the IFHP helps bridge the gap.
If you’re eligible or believe you may be and you need dental or health-care support, don’t delay. Book your visit at Dentistry at Waterview, let our team help verify your eligibility, explain your options and deliver the quality care you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are seven common questions gathered from “People Also Asked” on Google, Reddit threads and Quora discussions, with clear answers:
What is the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)?
The IFHP is a federal program that provides temporary health-care coverage for eligible people in Canada who are not yet covered by provincial/territorial insurance—such as refugees, claimants or protected persons.Who qualifies for IFHP coverage?
Qualifying categories include resettled refugees, refugee claimants, protected persons, and other specified groups. Eligibility depends on immigration/protection status, not simply being uninsured. Your eligibility document from IRCC/CBSA will specify your status.What dental services are covered under IFHP?
While IFHP primarily covers medical and hospital services, it also includes urgent dental care under the supplemental category. This means major dental emergencies, not necessarily full elective cosmetic dentistry.Do I have to pay for services under IFHP?
If you are eligible and receive services from a registered IFHP provider, you should not have to pay out of pocket for covered services. Always confirm ahead of time with the clinic.How long does IFHP coverage last?
Coverage duration varies depending on your status. For instance, resettled refugees may get basic coverage until provincial insurance starts (often ~3 months) and supplemental coverage for up to 12 months. Claimants may receive coverage until they transition to other coverage or leave Canada.Can I choose any health-care provider under IFHP?
You can choose any provider registered with IFHP. It’s important to check in advance whether a provider (doctor, dentist, clinic) accepts IFHP billing. If they are not registered, they may ask for payment.What happens when I become eligible for provincial health coverage?
When you qualify for provincial/territorial health insurance, your IFHP coverage typically ends or transitions. At that point you will be billed under the public health plan. Make sure your provider is informed of this change.