Canada has announced a major update to the Interim Federal Health Program, commonly known as IFHP, that will affect thousands of refugee claimants and protected persons across the country. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has confirmed that beginning May 1, 2026, beneficiaries will be required to pay new co-payments for certain health services.
This policy change was first outlined in Budget 2025 and is now officially moving forward. While essential medical care will remain fully covered, supplemental benefits such as prescriptions, dental care, vision services, and assistive devices will now involve out-of-pocket costs at the point of service.
This article explains the IFHP in simple terms, what is changing in May 2026, which services are affected, how co-payments will work, and what beneficiaries and health care providers should do to prepare.
The Interim Federal Health Program is a temporary federal health coverage program for certain non-citizens in Canada who are not yet eligible for provincial or territorial health insurance.
It primarily covers refugee claimants, protected persons, resettled refugees, and some other vulnerable groups. The goal of the program is to ensure access to essential and urgent health care while individuals wait to transition into a provincial health plan.
Most eligible individuals do not need to apply separately for IFHP. Coverage is automatically activated or cancelled based on immigration status. Health care services are delivered through a network of registered providers across Canada, and all coverage must be verified at the time of care.
According to the federal government, the program is designed to provide limited and temporary support rather than comprehensive long-term health coverage.
Starting May 1, 2026, IRCC will introduce co-payments for supplemental health benefits under the IFHP. These costs will be paid directly by beneficiaries to their health care providers.
Two new co-payment rules will apply:
These charges apply only to supplemental benefits. They do not apply to basic medical care.
The government has stated that the change is intended to help manage rising costs and growing demand for the program while maintaining access to essential services.
One of the most important clarifications from IRCC is that core medical services remain fully covered.
There will be no co-payments for:
This distinction separates primary health care from supplemental benefits. IRCC has emphasized that no beneficiary will be denied access to urgent or essential medical treatment due to the new policy.
IRCC describes the new co-payment structure as a sustainability measure. The number of IFHP beneficiaries has increased significantly in recent years, placing pressure on federal health spending.
By shifting a small portion of supplemental costs to beneficiaries, the government believes it can continue providing support to current and future refugees without reducing the availability of core medical services.
The department maintains that essential care will remain accessible while encouraging responsible use of supplemental benefits.
Beginning May 1, 2026, the process at clinics and pharmacies will include additional steps for supplemental services.
When seeking care, the following process will generally apply:
This means beneficiaries should ask about potential costs before receiving non-urgent supplemental care to avoid unexpected charges.
The $4 prescription co-payment will apply every time an eligible medication is filled or refilled. For individuals with ongoing medical needs, this cost may occur regularly.
The 30 percent co-payment can vary significantly depending on the service or product. IRCC has identified several categories that fall under this rule, including:
Because costs vary widely within these categories, beneficiaries are encouraged to confirm pricing in advance.
To reduce confusion and financial stress, IRCC has issued practical guidance for IFHP beneficiaries starting May 2026.
Beneficiaries should:
Receipts are essential in case of billing disputes or misunderstandings about coverage. They serve as proof of payment and may be required to resolve issues with providers or insurers.
IRCC has also issued detailed instructions for health care professionals participating in the IFHP.
Providers are required to verify eligibility each time they see a patient. This includes:
Providers must also inform patients in advance if a service is not covered.
One important operational detail affects newly approved beneficiaries. IRCC states that it can take up to two business days for coverage to appear in the Medavie Blue Cross system after it is issued.
During this time, beneficiaries are still eligible for care. Providers may deliver services if the effective date is within two business days, but must wait before submitting invoices.
This delay explains why some patients experience confusion even when their coverage is valid.
The introduction of co-payments represents a significant change for IFHP beneficiaries. However, basic medical care remains protected, and the new costs apply only to supplemental benefits.
To prepare, beneficiaries should familiarize themselves with their coverage, choose registered providers, ask questions before receiving care, and maintain clear records of payments.
Health care providers are also expected to play a key role in explaining costs and ensuring transparency at the point of service.
Will doctor visits and hospital care still be free after May 1, 2026?
Yes. IRCC has confirmed that basic medical services remain fully covered with no co-payments.
Do co-payments apply every time a prescription is refilled?
Yes. The $4 co-payment applies each time an eligible prescription medication is filled or refilled under IFHP.
