The Interim Federal Health Program–Refugees
The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides limited, temporary coverage of healthcare benefits to people in the following groups who aren’t eligible for provincial or territorial health insurance:
- Protected persons in Canada
- Resettled refugees
- Refugee claimants
- Individuals detained under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) while in detention
- Victims of human trafficking.
The IFHP coverage includes the ‘basic coverage’ similar to health-care coverage from provincial or territorial health insurance plans
- in-patient and out-patient hospital services
- services from medical doctors, registered nurses, and other health-care professionals licensed in Canada, including pre and post-natal care
- laboratory, diagnostic, and ambulance services
Supplemental coverage
- limited vision and urgent dental care
- home care and long-term care
- services from allied health-care practitioners including clinical psychologists, psychotherapists, counseling therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language therapists, physiotherapists
- assistive devices, medical supplies, and equipment, including:
- orthopedic and prosthetic equipment
- mobility aids
- hearing aids
- diabetic supplies
- incontinence supplies
- oxygen equipment
Prescription drug coverage
Prescription medications and other products are listed on provincial/territorial public drug plan formularies.
The benefits covered by the IFHP have certain limits including maximum dollar amounts. You need to consult a lawyer or your community settlement agency for further advice in obtaining these services.
