3. Find a doctor or other healthcare provider

You can choose any healthcare provider registered with Medavie Blue Cross. Medavie Blue Cross is a company that manages Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) claims.

To find out if a healthcare provider is registered you can:

• check this list
• call Medavie Blue Cross at 1-888-614-1880, or 711 for TTY
• ask the healthcare provider

You can also call Medavie Blue Cross for help finding a registered healthcare provider.

And you can call 811 to speak with the free Refugee HealthLine for refugee-specific referrals in a variety of languages. You can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For TTY, call 711 and ask for 811.

Family doctors

Family doctors are usually the first to diagnose and treat most medical problems. If you need to see a specialist, you usually need a family doctor to refer you. Family doctors can also order laboratory tests and other tests.

There are not enough family doctors in some areas of Ontario. So it may take you some time to find a doctor.

To find a family doctor, you can:

• ask a friend or family member if their doctor is accepting new patients,
• ask the nearest hospital if it has a family practice unit, or
• use the Doctor Search on the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario website. You can search for a doctor that speaks your language, is in your community, or has a specialization you may need.

You can also ask your local:

• Community Health Centre
• refugee health clinic
• refugee center
• settlement organization

They might have a list of doctors who are accepting new patients or who speak your language.

Mental health services

You or your family members might need help with mental health concerns. For example, help with anxiety and depression.

There are clinics and agencies that specialize in mental health services for refugees. For example, the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture gives free mental health counselling and other supports to refugees.

Tell your lawyer or other licensed representative about any mental health challenges. For example, if you have problems:

• sleeping
• remembering things
• talking about what happened to you

They might recommend an assessment from a psychiatrist or other mental health professional. Their report could be an important part of the evidence at your refugee hearing.

Immigration Medical Exam

All refugee claimants need to get an Immigration Medical Exam from a doctor who is approved to complete the exam.

Learn more in: Do I need to get a medical exam after I make a refugee claim in Canada?