Canadians pride themselves on their free healthcare. So much so that it has become part of our national identity.
You break a leg? No problem, the doctor will see you. Found a weird lump? Don’t worry. A doctor will be there to check it out. Feeling anxious? A doctor will be there to help you through it.
Even in rural and northern towns in Ontario, where finding a family doctor can be a hassle, free healthcare is available through hospitals, walk-in clinics and virtually as long as they qualify for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Our healthcare system is something that Canadian-born residents take for granted. We rarely take the time to consider a world where not only do doctor visits cost a lot of money, but appointments aren’t freely available.
That is the case for much of the world, however. And it is even more difficult for refugees who may not have seen a doctor in years. Fleeing from war-torn countries with very little doesn’t give many opportunities for check-ups after all.
Before arriving in Canada, refugees must undergo a medical examination to rule out dangerous infectious diseases. Yet that does nothing for medical issues that pop up once they land.
Typically when people move to Ontario, they must wait three months before becoming eligible for OHIP.
So how does healthcare work for refugees?
The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)
The IFHP was created as a stop-gap measure for those who are not immediately eligible for OHIP.
It provides limited, temporary coverage of healthcare benefits to people, and it is for resettled refugees, protected persons, refugee claimants, and victims of human trafficking. People detained by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) are also covered.
There are maximum costs that the program covers.
The IFHP can also treat certain conditions and illnesses before the refugee arrives in Canada.
What it covers includes:
Hospital visits and ambulance services.
Essential vaccines and medications.
Pregnancy and midwifery services.
Some vision and dental care.
Clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, speech-language therapists, physiotherapists, and other health professionals’ services.
Home care and long-term care.
The Immigration Medical Exam (IME)
OHIP for Refugees
If a person is considered a “convention refugee” or if they have permanent resident status, they may be eligible for OHIP.
A convention refugee is exempt from the 3-month waiting period for OHIP.
People of Ukraine
In light of the war in Ukraine, the Health Insurance Act has been amended to provide OHIP coverage to people in Ontario who have been granted an emergency authorization to enter into and remain in Canada.
This authorization includes individuals arriving under Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET). For them, the three-month waiting period has been waived.
Those without coverage can apply for OHIP at a ServiceOntario office. They will be provided with a transaction record that confirms their health card number and version code. This can be used in health care facilities while the patient waits for the card to arrive within four to six weeks.
