2. Check what the IFHP covers
The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides free basic healthcare coverage to:
- refugee claimants
- some people who are eligible for a (PRRA), and
- other eligible groups
IFHP also helps pay for eligible prescription medications and some health services and products through co-payments.
Co-payment means you pay part of the cost and IFHP pays the rest.
Free basic medical services
If you qualify for IFHP, you get free unlimited, basic medical services. This is similar to the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) that permanent residents and Canadian citizens use.
The free IFHP basic medical services include:
- care in a hospital, including emergency services and treatment, whether the person is admitted or not
- help from medical doctors, registered nurses, and some other licensed health-care professionals
- ambulance services
- medical tests like blood tests and ultrasounds
- care during pregnancy and after birth from a midwife or obstetrician
Example: If you have IFHP coverage and you go to the emergency department for chest pains, you do not have to pay anything.
Co-payment for prescription medication
IFHP covers some of the cost of prescription medications. You pay $4 for each prescription that IFHP covers.
Example: If you have IFHP coverage and you get 2 prescriptions, you pay the pharmacy $8. The IFHP pays the rest.
Co-payment for some health services
There's usually a maximum amount that the IFHP will pay for health services and products. And it only covers some services and products.
The services include:
- urgent dental care
- some vision care
- some mental health counselling from a psychologist, registered psychotherapist, or licensed social worker
- occupational therapy
- speech language therapy
- physiotherapy
- home care and long-term care
The medical products include:
- hearing aids
- diabetic supplies
- wheelchairs or walkers
- prosthetics, meaning artificial body parts
- other medical supplies and equipment, for example, oxygen supplies
You will pay 30% and IFHP will pay 70% of the cost of these health services and products.
But the IFHP will not pay more than the maximum amount it covers for the service or product. This means that the person must pay any remaining amount.
IFHP used to pay the full cost of eligible:
- prescription medications and
- some health services and products.
This changed on May 1, 2026. You do not have to pay a co-payment for any services you got before May 1, 2026.