Federal health program raises co-payments for refugee prescriptions and dental

The federal government made significant changes to temporary health coverage for refugee claimants and resettled refugees on May 1, 2026, introducing new out-of-pocket cost requirements that shift some medical expense burden to vulnerable newcomers.

As of May 1, 2026, refugees using IFHP now pay $4 per prescription and 30% co-payment on supplemental services — basic care remains free. The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides limited and temporary health care coverage until you're eligible for provincial or territorial insurance. It also covers some medical services for resettled refugees and certain other groups before they arrive.

The IFHP (Interim Federal Health Program / Programme fédéral de santé intérimaire / PFSI) is a federal program administered by Medavie Blue Cross on behalf of IRCC. It provides temporary health coverage to: refugee claimants (from the date of Acknowledgment of Claim), government-assisted refugees (GARs), privately sponsored refugees (PSRs), and protected persons (until they obtain provincial health coverage).

Basic medical services including doctor visits, hospital care, surgery, and diagnostic tests remain fully covered with no co-payments. However, the changes mean refugees must now budget for supplemental costs that were previously covered without charge.

For refugee and asylum-seeking newcomers: Understand that IFHP is a bridge, not full coverage. Once you qualify for provincial health insurance (typically after a 3-month waiting period), you will need to transition to that plan. In the meantime, budget for $4 per prescription fill and 30% of prescription, dental, and vision care costs. Seek pro-bono or charity dental and vision services through settlement agencies if costs become a barrier.

Sources

• Canada.ca — Interim Federal Health Program coverage summary
• SiLaw — Quebec RAMQ Health Insurance 2026 guide (IFHP update notes)