What is the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)?
How does it work?
To use IFHP dental coverage, you must visit a provider that accepts IFHP and show your IFHP eligibility document. This allows the clinic to confirm that you are eligible for IFHP coverage at the time of your visit.
Dental coverage under IFHP is limited to urgent services and does not include routine or preventive dental care. Some dental services may require approval before treatment can be provided.
How do I get IFHP coverage?
The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) coverage is provided to eligible individuals through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
IFHP provides temporary health and dental coverage to people in Canada who are not yet eligible for provincial or territorial health insurance, including: government-assisted refugees (GARs), privately sponsored refugees (PSRs), blended visa office-referred refugees (BVORs), refugee claimants (asylum seekers), and protected persons.
If you have one of the status' listed above, IRCC issues IFHP coverage and provides an IFHP eligiblity document. You do not need to apply for coverage but will need an account on the IFHP portal for information on your coverage. Creating an account requires your unique client identifier (UCI) number, which can be found on your official documention from IRCC, and an email address.
How To Apply
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What is the process to apply for IFHP coverage?
If you are eligible, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issues IFHP coverage and provides an IFHP eligibility document, which is proof of coverage for providers.
Those with refugee status can use the Medavie Blue Cross portal to check eligibity, find providers and more information on benefits. -
Do all dentists accept IFHP coverage?
IFHP coverage is accepted at participating dental clinics. Because participation is optional, acceptance can vary from one clinic to another. Patients are encouraged to contact the dental office in advance to confirm whether IFHP coverage is accepted before booking an appointment.
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Who qualifies for IFHP?
IFHP is available to individuals who are eligible under the Interim Federal Health Program, as determined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Eligibility is based on a person’s refugee or protected persons status and is confirmed by IRCC when IFHP coverage is issued.
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What do I need to bring to a dental clinic?
You must bring your IFHP eligibility document when visiting a dental clinic that accepts IFHP, as required under IFHP coverage guidelines.
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What dental services are covered under IFHP?
IFHP dental coverage is limited and applies only to certain urgent dental services. These services are generally related to relieving pain, treating infection, or addressing dental injuries. In some cases, dentures may also be covered. Some treatments also require prior approval.
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Which services are not covered by IFHP?
IFHP provides dental coverage for urgent needs. Routine care, including cleanings, check-ups, and cosmetic treatments, are not part of the program.
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How much does IFHP cover?
Payment rules are outlined in the IFHP Dental Benefits grid. For most treament types, the program will cover 100% of the provincial or territorial Dental Fee Guide amount. Coordination of benefits with other insurance plans or programs is not permitted. Providers bill Medavie directly and additional fees cannot be billed to the patient.
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Can IFHP dental coverage change over time?
Yes. IFHP coverage, including dental coverage, may change depending on your immigration or refugee status and your eligibility under the program.
For further information on services covered, please visit the Government of Canada website.
