As of April 1, the federal government will be restoring refugee health care to its pre-2012 status via the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP). Through the IFHP, the federal government provides limited and temporary health care coverage to resettled refugees and refugee claimants until they are eligible for provincial health insurance.
In April 2012, changes were made to the program that reduced the health care coverage provided. As a result of advocacy efforts from health and other stakeholders, including a legal challenge, some additional coverage was provided in December 2014. With this new announcement, the coverage will return to its original state.
In addition, starting April 1, 2017 additional coverage will be provided to refugees for before their departure to Canada including required medical examinations, vaccinations, medical support during travel and treatment of disease outbreaks in camps.
For more information about the Interim Federal Health Program, please visit the Service Canada website.