Who is eligible and for how long
You can create an account(opens in a new tab) in the IFHP portal to find out:
- if you’re covered
- what you’re covered for
- where to get health services
- other resources
You’ll need your unique client identifier (UCI) number and an email address to register. Your UCI is on the official documents we send you.
Groups that are eligible
Refugee claimants
As a refugee (asylum) claimant, you’ll get IFHP coverage if:
- you are waiting for a decision on whether your claim is eligible to be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB)
- your claim for refugee protection has been referred to the IRB and you are now awaiting a final decision from the IRB on your claim
- your claim for refugee protection has been rejected by the IRB
- your claim for refugee protection is ineligible to be referred to the IRB but you are eligible to apply for a pre-removal risk assessment (PRRA)
- you received a positive decision on your PRRA and received a stay of removal
How long your coverage will last
You coverage will start once you receive an Acknowledgment of Claim (AOC) or Refugee Protection Identity Document (RPID).
You’ll remain eligible for IFHP coverage until:
- you qualify for health insurance from your province or territory, or
- you leave Canada
You’ll lose your IFHP coverage if you:
- withdraw or abandon your claim
- aren’t eligible to be referred to the IRB and aren’t eligible to apply for a PRRA
Protected persons in Canada
You’re part of this group if you:
- receive a positive decision on your refugee (asylum) claim
- receive a positive decision on your pre-removal risk assessment (PRRA) and become a protected person in Canada
How long your coverage will last
Your coverage will last:
- for 90 days after your claim or PRRA application is approved or
- until you qualify for health insurance from your province or territory
Resettled refugees
You’re part of this group if you’re a:
- government-assisted refugee
- blended visa office-referred refugee
- joint assistance sponsorship refugee
- privately sponsored refugee
- refugee being resettled under another initiative, or through a cost-sharing arrangement with IRCC
How long your coverage will last
- Basic coverage will last until you qualify for health insurance from your province or territory.
- Supplemental benefits and prescription drugs are covered until you are no longer receiving
- income support from the Resettlement Assistance Program (or its equivalent in Quebec), and/or
- financial assistance through private sponsorship
Victims of human trafficking
You can qualify for IFHP coverage if you’ve received a temporary resident permit (TRP) as a victim of human trafficking.
How immigration officers look for human trafficking
Officers look for these signs that someone may be a victim of human trafficking:
- They were recruited through lies or threats.
- They were forced into a job or activity.
- Their work or living conditions were exploitative.
- Their freedom was restricted.
How long your coverage will last
Your coverage will last until your TRP expires.
Victims of family violence
You can qualify for IFHP coverage if you’ve received a temporary resident permit (TRP) as a victim of family violence.
What counts as family violence
How long your coverage will last
Your coverage will last until your TRP expires.
Detainees
You qualify as part of this group if you’re detained under the Immigration Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
How long your coverage will last
Coverage will last
- while you’re detained or in the custody of the Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA)
- until you are released from detention
Individuals under specific temporary public policies
Eligibility and duration may vary according to the public policy you are eligible for.
Individuals who have been granted eligibility at the Minister’s discretion
Eligibility and duration will vary, as they are assessed on a case-by-case basis, through the exercise of discretion of the Minister.
Read the full policy
You can read the full public policy for a more detailed description of who and what is covered under the IFHP.