Guide 5568 - Application for Interim Federal Health Program Coverage (IFHP)
Table of Contents
This is not a legal document.
This publication is available in other formats on request.
Overview
Application package
This application package has:
- an instruction guide, and
- the forms you need to fill out.
The instruction guide:
- has information you must know before you submit your application, and
- explains how to fill out the forms and gather your supporting documents.
Read the instruction guide completely and then fill out each of the applicable forms.
The forms are designed with questions that will help the processing of your application.
Symbols used in this guide
This guide uses these symbols to draw your attention to important information:
Important information that you need to know to avoid delays or other problems.
Where to get more information.
Note: Tips that will help you with this application.
The application process
Follow these steps to complete your application.
- Gather documents
- Fill out the application
- Submit the application
Before You Apply
Application for Interim Federal Health Program Coverage
Use this application if you want to:
- apply for new coverage, or
- extend your current IFHP coverage, or
- ask for confirmation of IFHP coverage if your original IFHP eligibility document has been lost, stolen or destroyed.
Read these instructions carefully. Processing will be delayed or your application may be returned if:
- your application is incomplete or illegible, or
- you do not include all the documents needed.
Important information
You should only submit an application for IFHP coverage if you are eligible under the program.
If you are applying to extend your coverage, make sure to apply six (6) weeks before your current eligibility period expires.
Important Information about IFHP Eligibility Documents
The IFHP eligibility document is either the Refugee Protection Claimant Document (RPCD) or the Interim Federal Health Certificate of Eligibility (IFHP Certificate). This important document tells registered IFHP health-care providers that you are eligible for IFHP coverage.
When you get your document:
- Read it carefully and sign the “Signature of Holder” area.
- Do not lend or give your IFHP document to anyone.
Each time you need a service or product, you must show your IFHP document to a registered IFHP provider so they can confirm your coverage with the IFHP Claims Administrator, Medavie Blue Cross.
Your eligibility document will not be accepted without your signature.
IFHP Coverage
IFHP coverage includes:
Basic Coverage (similar to health-care coverage from provincial or territorial health insurance plans):
- in-patient and out-patient hospital services;
- services from medical doctors, registered nurses and other health-care professionals licensed in Canada, including pre- and post-natal care;
- laboratory, diagnostic and ambulance services.
Supplemental Coverage (similar to supplemental coverage given to social assistance recipients by provincial and territorial governments):
- limited dental and vision care;
- home care and long-term care;
- services from allied health-care practitioners including clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, speech language therapists, physiotherapists;
- assistive devices, medical supplies and equipment, including:
- orthopedic and prosthetic equipment;
- mobility aids;
- hearing aids;
- diabetic supplies;
- incontinence supplies;
- oxygen equipment.
Prescription Drug Coverage
- Most prescription medications and other products listed on provincial or territorial public drug plan formularies.
Coverage for the Immigration Medical Exam (IME)
For the following groups, the IFHP also covers the cost of one Immigration Medical Exam (IME):
- refugee claimants waiting for a decision;
- ineligible refugee claimants;
- victims of human trafficking, and
- detainees.
The benefits covered by the IFHP are limited and have prescribed maximum dollar amounts. For more details, visit Health Care - Refugees.
Who is eligible?
The IFHP gives full coverage to all eligible beneficiaries, including basic, supplemental and prescription drug coverage.
To be eligible, you must qualify under one of the groups below and must not be a Canadian citizen.
The IFHP does not cover the cost of health-care services or products that a person may claim (even in part) under a public or private health insurance plan. The IFHP does not coordinate benefits with other insurance plans or programs so co-payments are not possible.
| Eligible groups | Length of coverage |
|---|---|
Resettled refugees:
|
Basic Coverage is given only until you qualify for provincial or territorial health insurance. Supplemental and Prescription drug coverage is given as long as you receive income support from the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) or its equivalent in Quebec or until you are no longer under private sponsorship. |
Protected Persons in Canada:
|
Basic, supplemental and prescription drug coverage is given for 90 days from the date the asylum claim or PRRA is accepted, or until you become eligible for provincial or territorial health insurance. |
Refugee Claimants awaiting decision:
Rejected Refugee Claimants:
Ineligible Refugee Claimants:
Positive PRRA decision:
|
Basic, supplemental and prescription drug coverage continues until you leave Canada or become eligible for provincial or territorial health insurance. IFHP coverage will be cancelled immediately when a person’s asylum claim is withdrawn, found to be abandoned by the IRB, or is re-determined as ineligible and is not eligible to apply for a PRRA. |
Victims of human trafficking:
|
Basic, supplemental and prescription drug coverage for the length of the temporary resident permit. |
Detainees under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) |
Basic, supplemental and prescription drug coverage during the time that you are detained by the Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) under the IRPA. |
Your coverage can be cancelled in our system without notice if your immigration status changes.
Important information
In some provinces or territories (PT), refugee claimants can apply for PT health insurance as soon as they have a positive decision on their refugee claim. If you must wait longer than 90 days, you may need to apply for an extension of your IFHP coverage. See the “When to apply” section below.
For more information
More details about the program can be found in the Interim Federal Health Program Policy.
When to apply?
We process applications for IFHP eligibility as quickly as possible. See Appendix A for IRCC centre locations.
If you meet the IFHP eligibility conditions and this is the first time you have applied for coverage:
- Submit an application and specify that you are asking for first time coverage.
If your current IFHP coverage will be expiring and because of your situation, you still need coverage:
For example:
- You are a protected person and are still waiting to be eligible to apply for PT health coverage.
You should submit an application for an extension no later than six weeks before the expiry date of your most recent coverage.
If your IFHP eligibility document was lost, stolen or destroyed:
You should submit an application for confirmation of coverage. Once the application is processed, a new IFHC will be sent to you.
Step 1. Gather Documents
What documents do I need?
Your application must include:
- Application for IFHP Coverage (IMM 5564);
- A clear and legible photocopy of one of these documents issued to you by IRCC (or issued to the child under 14 years of age you are applying for). Submit the most recent:
- Refugee Protection Claimant Document (RPCD)
- Interim Federal Health Certificate (IFHC)
- Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
- Single Journey Travel Document
- Permanent Resident Card
- Any other document issued to you and your dependants, if applicable, by Canadian immigration authorities.
Step 2. Fill out the Application
Follow the instructions below to fill out the application form.
You must fill out and submit this form:
Important information
Be complete and accurate
Complete all sections. Answer truthfully and to the best of your knowledge. You must sign your application form and attach the required supporting documents. Your application may be returned if any information or documents are missing.
Application for IFHP Coverage (IMM 5564)
Section A - Personal Details
In this section, write your personal information, such as family name, date of birth, address, etc.
Note: You can find your client identification number (Client ID) on your immigration document, issued by the IRCC office, the Case Processing Centre, or the visa office where you filed your claim.
Section B – Information for Document Replacement
Fill out only if your IFHP document was lost, stolen or destroyed and you are asking for a confirmation of existing IFHP coverage.
Section C – Your Status in Canada
In this section, describe your immigration status in Canada. Your answers in this section will be used to decide if you are eligible for IFHP. Answer truthfully and to the best of your knowledge.
Section D – Other Information
In this section, tell us if you are eligible for or receive coverage under any provincial or territorial health insurance plan. Your answers in this section will be used to decide if you are eligible for IFHP. Answer truthfully and to the best of your knowledge.
Section E – Declaration of Applicant
Read the declaration. Then sign and date at the bottom of the form.
Note
Make sure you attach the supporting documents listed in Step 1: Gather documents.
Step 3. Submit the Application
To submit online:
- Create a MyCIC account;
- Under the heading “What would you like to do today” choose “Apply for the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)”.
Note: You will get an answer to your application by e-mail, through your My account.
To submit by mail:
- Put the forms and supporting documents in an envelope;
- Send your completed application to the nearest IRCC centre listed in Appendix A (at the end of this guide).
(Your name)
(Your Address)
(Your Postal Code)
(See the addresses shown in Appendix A for the closest office).
Note
Sign the form
You must sign and date the application or it will be returned to you.
What Happens Next
The application process
Submission
Once you have submitted your application either online or by mail, an officer will make sure it is complete and that you have sent all the necessary supporting documents.
We may contact you if you need to provide:
- more information,
- more documents, or
- if you need to come for an interview.
Processing
If you are applying:
- for the first time; or
- to extend your IFHP coverage and you meet the conditions; or
- to ask for confirmation of an existing IFHP coverage,
We will issue a new Interim Federal Health Certificate of Eligibility to you.
If your application for IFHP coverage is denied, we will tell you in writing.
What you can do to help processing
There are things you can do to help make sure your application is processed as fast as possible:
- make sure you provide all documents and information when you apply.
- make sure you tell us about any and all changes to your mailing address, family situation, or any other information that is important to your application.
Change of address
If you change your address after you submit your application, tell us immediately by e-mail, using the IRCC on-line service. Follow the instructions on how to complete and send the electronic change of address form.
Protecting your information
When you signed your original document that gave you IFHP coverage or when you sign a new document issued as a result of this application, you agree that your:
- medical and personal information will be shared with IRCC, IFHP claims administration and other appropriate third-parties for the administration of the Interim Federal Health Program, and
- that your personal information may be shared with other government institutions and other third-parties in accordance with the Privacy Act.
For more information. For more information about the protection of your data, visit the Help Centre.
Online services
For more information about the programs offered by IRCC, visit Immigration and Citizenship.
Need help?
If you need help, you can find answers to your questions by visiting the Help Centre.
Appendix A - List of Citizenship and Immigration Centres
Atlantic
Fredericton
495 Prospect Street
Fredericton, NB E3B 9M4
Halifax
1741 Brunswick Street, Suite B110
Halifax, NS B3J 3X8
St. John’s
21 Hallett Crescent
St. John’s, NL A1B 4G2
Quebec
Montréal
1025 St-Jacques Street
Montréal, QC H3C 1G8
Ontario
Etobicoke
5343 Dundas Street West, Suite 105
Etobicoke, ON M9B 6K5
Western Region
Winnipeg
269 Main Street, Suite 400 New
Winnipeg, MB
R3C 1B2
Features
Page details
- Date modified: