IFHP Health Coverage Changes Starting in Canada May 2026

What IRCC Announced

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a change to refugee health coverage.
From May 1, 2026, people covered under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) will need to pay a small part of the cost for some health services.
However, basic medical care will still be free.

What Is the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)

The IFHP is a temporary health insurance program provided by the Canadian government.
It helps certain people get basic and urgent health care until they are covered by provincial health insurance.

In simple terms, it supports:

• Refugee (asylum) claimants
• Protected persons
• Resettled refugees
• Some other eligible groups

Usually, there is no need to apply separately, because IFHP coverage starts automatically based on immigration status.

How IFHP Coverage Works

Under IFHP:

• Coverage starts and ends automatically
• Care is provided through registered doctors, clinics, and pharmacies
• Eligibility and services are checked each time you visit a provider

So, your health care provider always confirms your coverage before treatment.

What Is Changing From May 1, 2026

Starting May 1, 2026, co-payments will apply to extra (supplemental) health services.

This means:

• IFHP will still pay most of the cost
• You will pay a small portion directly

This change was first mentioned in Canada’s 2025 Budget.

New Co-Payments You Need to Know About

There are two main co-payments:

Prescription Medicines

• $4 for each eligible prescription
• Applies every time a medicine is filled or refilled

Other Supplemental Health Services

• 30% of the cost
• Applies to services like dental, vision, counselling, and devices

You will pay this amount directly to the provider at the time of service.

What Is NOT Changing

Even with the new rules, basic health care stays free.

This includes:

• Doctor visits
• Hospital treatment

So, there are no co-payments for core medical care under IFHP.

Why IRCC Is Making This Change

According to IRCC:

• More people are using IFHP
• Costs are increasing

Therefore, co-payments help:

• Share costs fairly
• Manage growing demand
• Keep the program running long-term

In short, the goal is sustainability, not removing support.

How Co-Payments Will Work at Clinics and Pharmacies

From May 1, 2026, the process will look like this:

First, the provider checks if you are still eligible under IFHP.
Next, they confirm whether the service is covered.
Then, they tell you if a co-payment applies and how much it is.
After that, you pay your share directly.
Finally, the provider bills the remaining amount to IFHP through Medavie Blue Cross.

Because of this, asking questions before treatment is very important.

Services Most Likely to Cost You Money

Some services may involve out-of-pocket costs:

• Prescription medications
• Urgent dental care
• Vision care
• Mental health counselling
• Physiotherapy and occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Assistive devices (hearing aids, mobility aids, prosthetics)
• Home care and long-term care
• Medical supplies and equipment

Costs can vary, especially for higher-priced services.

What IRCC Advises Beneficiaries to Do

To avoid confusion, IRCC recommends:

• Use IFHP-registered providers only
• Ask in advance if a co-payment applies
• Confirm the amount before treatment
• Always keep receipts

Receipts are important if there is a billing issue or dispute later.

What Health Care Providers Must Do

Health care providers must follow strict rules:

• Verify IFHP eligibility at every visit
• Check if the patient has other insurance
• Confirm the service is covered under IFHP
• Inform patients in advance if something is not covered
• Get pre-approval for certain services when required

This is why eligibility checks happen often.

Important Timing Information About Coverage

Coverage activation may take up to 2 business days to show in the system.

During this time:

• You are still eligible
• Providers can treat you
• However, billing must wait until the system updates

This explains why delays or confusion sometimes happen at clinics.

Final Summary

• From May 1, 2026, IFHP will introduce co-payments
• $4 per prescription and 30% for other supplemental services
• Doctor visits and hospital care remain free
• Beneficiaries should confirm costs in advance and keep receipts

Overall, IFHP continues to provide essential care, with small shared costs for extra services.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive advice on any of your questions regarding Immigration Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).