The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides temporary health care coverage for refugees and other eligible individuals in Canada who are not yet enrolled in a provincial health insurance plan. This updated guide explains who qualifies for IFHP, what dental services are covered in 2026, recent policy changes, and how to access IFHP dental benefits correctly
Understanding the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)
The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) is a federally funded program administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It ensures that eligible individuals—such as refugee claimants, resettled refugees, and protected persons—can access essential health services while waiting for provincial coverage.
Rather than providing care directly, IFHP works with registered health care providers, including dentists, who bill the program through Medavie Blue Cross. Eligibility is determined by IRCC or the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and coverage is time-limited based on immigration status.
Important IFHP Dental Coverage Changes in 2026
As of May 1, 2026, IFHP dental coverage is no longer fully free.
New Cost-Sharing Rule
Under updated IFHP regulations:
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Patients must pay 30% of the cost for eligible supplemental services, including dental care
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IFHP covers the remaining 70%
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Payment is made directly to the dental clinic at the time of service
Basic medical services (doctor visits, hospital care) remain fully covered, but dental services fall under supplemental benefits and are affected by this change.
IFHP Dental Coverage: What Is Covered in 2026
The IFHP dental benefit is designed to ensure access to urgent and medically necessary dental care for eligible individuals who are not yet covered by provincial health insurance plans. Rather than functioning as full dental insurance, IFHP prioritizes treatments that address immediate pain, active infection, trauma, or conditions that could worsen without prompt intervention. Coverage is limited to essential services required to stabilize oral health and prevent serious medical complications. Routine, preventive, and cosmetic dental services are not the focus of IFHP, and many non-emergency procedures may require prior approval before treatment is provided.
Covered Dental Services Under IFHP:
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Emergency dental examinations
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Treatment for dental pain, infection, or trauma
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Necessary X-rays for urgent diagnosis
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Simple tooth extractions
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Emergency prescriptions related to dental care
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Denture repairs or relines (when medically necessary)
Some procedures—such as fillings or complex extractions—may require prior approval before treatment.
❌ IFHP generally does not cover:
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Routine check-ups or cosmetic dentistry
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Most preventive cleanings
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Orthodontic treatment
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Non-urgent restorative procedures
Accessing IFHP Dental Services in Canada
To receive dental care under IFHP, patients must:
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Present a valid IFHP eligibility document
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Confirm the estimated 30% patient payment before treatment
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Ensure no other dental insurance is active (IFHP does not coordinate benefits)
- Ensure that the dental care provider is registered with the IFHP and will bill Dentistry on Guelph directly for the services.
Always ask the clinic to verify your IFHP coverage in advance to avoid unexpected charges
Using Your Eligibility Document
Your IFHP eligibility document contains your Unique Client Identifier (UCI), which dental providers use to verify your coverage through the IFHP system before delivering treatment. Presenting this document at your appointment ensures that the clinic can confirm your eligibility and determine which dental services are covered under the program. After your treatment, you may be asked to sign a confirmation form acknowledging the services you received, which is a standard part of IFHP billing and record-keeping.
If you experience any issues related to billing, coverage verification, or eligibility, it is important to take action promptly:
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Contact the dental clinic directly to clarify the situation and ensure your IFHP benefits are correctly applied
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Update your personal information—such as your name or date of birth—through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) if there have been any changes or errors
Keeping your IFHP information accurate and up to date helps avoid delays in care, claim rejections, or unexpected out-of-pocket expenses, and ensures uninterrupted access to eligible dental services under the IFHP program.
IFHP Dental Benefit Updates (2025-2026)
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April 17, 2025: Updated IFHP Dental Benefit Grid introduced (all provinces except Quebec)
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May 1, 2026: Cost-sharing introduced (30% patient contribution for dental services)
These updates ensure continued access to emergency dental care while aligning IFHP with broader federal health policy changes.
IFHP-Registered Dental Providers – Dentistry on Guelph
Dentistry on Guelph is proud to serve IFHP-eligible patients, providing emergency and essential dental care in a welcoming and supportive environment.
✔ IFHP-registered provider
✔ Experience working with refugee and newcomer patients
✔ Clear explanation of covered services and patient cost share
✔ Modern equipment and strict hygiene standards
Please note: As of 2026, IFHP dental services may require a 30% patient payment, depending on the t
Frequently Asked Questions About IFHP Dental Coverage
1. Is IFHP dental care free in 2026?
No. As of May 1, 2026, patients must pay 30% of the cost for covered dental services.
2. Does IFHP still cover emergency dental care?
Yes. IFHP continues to cover urgent dental care related to pain, infection, or trauma.
3. Can IFHP be used with private insurance?
No. IFHP does not coordinate benefits with other dental insurance plans.
4. How do I know how much I need to pay?
Your dental clinic should confirm coverage and estimate your 30% share before treatment
📩 Covered Under IFHP and Looking for Free Dental Care in Guelph?
Book your free dental cleaning at Dentistry on Guelph, where compassionate care meets eligibility under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP).
