IFHP Explained: Health Coverage for Refugee Claimants, Protected Persons, and Resettled Refugees

The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides health coverage to refugee claimants, protected persons, and government-assisted refugees in Canada. This resource explains who is covered, what is covered, how to access services, and what happens to coverage over time.

This resource explains Canada's Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) — the federal health benefit program for refugee claimants, protected persons, resettled refugees, and certain other vulnerable individuals. It covers eligibility, the scope of benefits (basic vs. supplemental), how to find IFHP-accepting providers, what happens when coverage expires or changes, and specific considerations for Afghan beneficiaries.

Healthcare access is a critical practical concern for newly arrived Afghans in Canada. Provincial health insurance typically has a waiting period of up to three months — the IFHP bridges this gap and, for some populations, provides ongoing coverage. Without IFHP coverage, medical costs can be prohibitive. Understanding what IFHP covers and how to use it helps refugee claimants and resettled refugees access necessary care without incurring debt.

• IFHP provides two tiers of coverage: Basic Coverage (equivalent to what a Canadian citizen would receive from provincial health insurance) and Supplemental Coverage (additional benefits including vision, dental, prescription drugs, and medical equipment)
• Supplemental coverage is available to government-assisted refugees, resettled refugees in their first year, and certain other categories — not all refugee claimants receive supplemental coverage
• Coverage begins when the refugee claim is referred to the IRB (for inland claimants) or upon arrival in Canada (for resettled refugees)
• Not all healthcare providers in Canada accept IFHP — claimants must find a provider who accepts IFHP before receiving services to avoid out-of-pocket costs
• IFHP benefit cards are issued by Medavie Blue Cross on behalf of IRCC — claimants receive their benefit card or information from IRCC or their settlement worker