The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides temporary healthcare coverage, including emergency dental care coverage, for specific groups of people in Canada who don’t have access to provincial, territorial, or private healthcare coverage.
Coverage under the IFHP includes:
- Resettled refugees
- Protected persons in Canada
- Refugee claimants
- Victims of human trafficking
- Victims of domestic violence
- Detainees
IFHP emergency dental coverage has a number of limitations, as outlined in the dental benefit grid.
| Category | Examples of Covered Services | Coverage Details / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic Services |
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| Restorative Services |
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| Endodontic Services |
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| Periodontal Services |
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| Prosthodontic Services |
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| Oral Surgery / Extractions |
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| Adjunctive General Services |
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| Non-Covered Services |
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IFHP Dental Coverage Eligibility
In most cases, eligibility is based on immigration status, and an application is not necessary. However, individuals may need to complete an application to extend coverage, to replace documents or if their claim was rejected, but they believe themselves to be eligible.
Treatment must be provided by a dental care provider registered with the IFHP claims administrator, Medavie Blue Cross. Individuals with IFHP coverage will not need to pay for covered services upfront.
To receive dental services covered by the IFHP, the recipient will need to show any one of these documents to the dental care provider to prove eligibility:
- An Acknowledgement of Claim and Notice to Return for Interview Letter
- A Refugee Protection Claimant Document
- An Interim Federal Health Certificate
The document must be shown to the dental provider at each visit.
IFHP coverage begins on the day the documents are issued. Coverage lasts until:
- The refugee claim has been withdrawn
- The Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) finds the claim to be abandoned
- A claim is deemed ineligible
- The claimant leaves Canada
- There is a positive IRB decision (90 days after the decision)
- The Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) is successful (90 days after successful completion)
For those who have resettled in Canada as refugees, IFHP provides temporary coverage until provincial health coverage starts, usually within 3 months.
Key IFHP Dental Coverage Details
Not all dental services are covered. The coverage extends only to emergency relief of pain or infection. Before receiving care, individuals should check with the dental provider to confirm which services are covered. Any services not covered will need to be paid for out of pocket.
Claims are not submitted by the individual receiving care. The dental care provider will submit the claim directly to Medavie Blue Cross.
Individuals may receive a letter from Medavie Blue Cross to confirm the services received. This document is not a bill. Its purpose is to help prevent fraud. Signing it will not impact eligibility for IFHP coverage or immigration status.
FAQs
Can I be reimbursed if I paid for services that were covered by IFHP?
No; reimbursement is not offered for services that have already been rendered, even if they were covered under the program.
I am covered under the IFHP. Why did my dental care provider ask me to sign a form after I was treated?
This form is used as proof of services rendered when the dental care provider submits the claim. You will not need to pay for the services listed, and this form will not impact your eligibility in any way.
How can I extend my IFHP coverage?
If you are still eligible and need to extend your coverage, you can do so by downloading and filling out the application form, providing the supporting documents, and submitting them either online or by mail.
References
- Government of Canada, About IFHP
- Government of Canada, IFHP Eligibility
- Government of Canada, IFHP Coverage
- Government of Canada, IFHP Applications
- Government of Canada, Receiving Services
- Medavie Blue Cross, IFHP FAQs
*The content provided in this article, including text, graphics, and referenced material, is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your dentist or another qualified oral health professional for questions regarding your dental condition. Never disregard professional dental advice or delay seeking it based on information from this article. If you believe you have a dental emergency, contact your dentist, or seek immediate assistance from an oral healthcare professional.