Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Canada Face New Health Co-payments
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New changes to Canada’s Interim Federal Health Program, known as IFHP, came into effect today, Friday, May 1, 2026, affecting many refugees, asylum claimants and other eligible beneficiaries who rely on temporary federal health coverage before moving into provincial or territorial health insurance systems.
Under the new rules, beneficiaries will pay $4 for each eligible prescription medication filled or refilled under the program. They will also pay 30% of the cost of other eligible supplemental health products and services, including urgent dental care, vision care, mental health counselling, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, assistive devices and certain medical supplies.
The federal government says basic health care benefits, including doctor visits, hospital care and ambulance services, will remain fully covered with no co-payments required.
Beneficiaries are being advised to check that their health care provider is registered under IFHP, ask in advance whether a co-payment applies, confirm the amount before receiving treatment or filling a prescription, and keep receipts for any payments made.
The change is important for immigrant and refugee communities across Canada because even small out-of-pocket costs can become difficult for newcomers still trying to stabilize their lives, especially families managing several prescriptions or repeated health needs.
Health and refugee advocacy organizations have criticized the measure, warning that new fees may delay access to care for vulnerable people. The federal government says the change is intended to help keep the program sustainable while demand continues to grow.
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Tahani Elghazaly5098 Posts
