Canada is changing the rules for covering medical expenses for some refugees, asylum seekers, and others who receive assistance through the federal Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP). Starting May 1, 2026, copayments will be introduced for certain medical goods and services, meaning that individuals will have to pay a portion of the cost directly to the healthcare provider.
This does not mean the complete elimination of medical care. Basic medical services, including doctor visits and hospital care, remain fully covered under the IFHP without additional copayments. At the same time, the changes apply to so-called additional medical services and goods, including prescription medications, dental care, vision services, consultations, and assistive devices.
What exactly is changing
Starting May 1, 2026, IFHP members will be required to pay:
- $4 for each eligible prescription medication, meaning for each qualifying prescription drug or its refill;
- 30% of the cost of other supplementary medical goods and services covered by IFHP, including dental care, vision services, counseling, and assistive devices.
These amounts will need to be paid directly to the healthcare provider when receiving the service or product. The remaining cost, if the service meets the program’s eligibility criteria, will be covered by IFHP.
Who This May Apply To
IFHP is a federal temporary health coverage program for people who do not yet have access to provincial or territorial health insurance but belong to specific categories. Among those who may be eligible for this coverage, the Government of Canada lists refugee claimants, protected persons, resettled refugees, and certain other groups.
Eligible groups may also include individuals covered by specific temporary public policies, victims of human trafficking, victims of domestic violence with a valid temporary resident permit, and individuals detained under immigration laws. However, eligibility for IFHP depends on the individual’s specific immigration status and category.
What Remains Free
The Canadian government specifically emphasizes that basic health benefits remain free under the IFHP. Basic coverage includes standard medical services, such as:
- hospital services;
- services provided by doctors, nurses, and other licensed healthcare professionals;
- emergency care;
- laboratory and diagnostic services, such as blood tests or ultrasounds.
In other words, the main change does not concern basic treatment but rather supplementary coverage: medications, dental care, vision services, counseling, physiotherapy, assistive devices, medical equipment, and similar services.
Why the government is introducing copayments
IRCC explains that the changes are due to growing demand for the program and the need to ensure its long-term sustainability. According to the government, copayments are intended to help maintain access to additional medical services for eligible beneficiaries while better managing program costs.
However, these changes have already drawn criticism from healthcare professionals and advocates. According to Al Jazeera, protests have taken place in Canada calling for the planned changes to be scrapped, and critics warn that even relatively small copayments could become a barrier for low-income individuals.
What IFHP Recipients Need to Do
IRCC advises people using IFHP to continue seeing healthcare providers registered with the program. Before receiving a service, it is important to confirm whether a copayment will apply, how much exactly will need to be paid, and to keep receipts for all payments made.
Recipients can also check their coverage through the IFHP portal. This requires a UCI number and an email address. Through the portal, you can find out if you have coverage, what services are available, and where to receive medical care.
Important for Ukrainians in Canada
These changes do not mean that all Ukrainians in Canada will automatically have to pay for medical care starting May 1. The new rules apply specifically to those who receive coverage through the Interim Federal Health Program. If a person has provincial or territorial health insurance, their situation may differ.
Therefore, the most important thing is to check which system provides your health coverage: provincial, territorial, private, or IFHP. If you use IFHP, starting May 1, 2026, you should be prepared to pay copayments for prescription drugs and some additional medical services.
Conclusion
Starting May 1, 2026, Canada is not eliminating health care for refugees, but is changing the rules for paying for certain services under IFHP. Basic health care, including doctor visits and hospital treatment, remains covered. However, you will have to pay a portion of the cost for prescription drugs and additional medical services yourself.
For people who rely on IFHP, this is an important change to plan for in advance: check your coverage, confirm the cost of services before your appointment, and keep all receipts.