If you arrived in Canada as a refugee or you have made a refugee claim, your health coverage during your first period here comes from the Interim Federal Health Program, usually shortened to IFHP. Most people know it covers doctor visits. Fewer know that it also covers urgent dental care, and that the rules changed in 2026. This guide explains what the IFHP pays for at the dentist, what you pay, and how we handle it at Forest Heights Dental in SE Calgary.
Quick Answer
The IFHP covers urgent and emergency dental care for eligible refugees, refugee claimants and protected persons: relief of pain, treatment of infection, extractions, and related x-rays and exams. Routine cleanings, root canals and braces are not covered. Since May 1, 2026, IFHP members pay 30 percent of the cost of eligible dental services to the clinic, and the program pays the remaining 70 percent. Forest Heights Dental accepts IFHP coverage, confirms your eligibility before treatment, and bills Medavie Blue Cross directly for the covered portion.
Key Takeaways
- The IFHP is temporary federal coverage administered by Medavie Blue Cross.
- Dental coverage is for urgent problems, not routine maintenance.
- You pay 30 percent of eligible dental costs directly to the clinic. Basic medical care stays fully covered.
- Some dental services need approval from the program before treatment.
- Bring your IFHP eligibility document and photo ID to every visit.
Who Is Covered by the IFHP
The program covers people who are not yet eligible for provincial health insurance or who cannot get private coverage. This includes:
- Resettled refugees, including government-assisted and privately sponsored refugees
- Refugee claimants (asylum claimants) whose claim is in progress
- Protected persons in Canada
- Victims of human trafficking and certain other groups identified by the Government of Canada
Coverage usually continues until you qualify for Alberta Health Care Insurance or until your claim is decided. Your eligibility document shows the type of coverage you have and the dates it is valid. If you are not sure whether your coverage is still active, bring the document with you and we will check.
What Dental Services the IFHP Covers
The IFHP treats dental care as a supplemental benefit and limits it to urgent needs. In practice this means care that addresses pain, infection, or damage that would get worse without treatment. Typical covered services include:
- Emergency exams and the x-rays needed to diagnose the problem
- Extractions of teeth that cannot be saved
- Treatment of abscesses and infections
- Certain fillings where decay is causing pain or infection
Not covered are routine services such as regular cleanings, root canals, orthodontic treatment, and cosmetic work. Some services on the covered list require pre-approval from Medavie Blue Cross before the work is done. The exact list is published by the program in its dental benefit grid, and it changes from time to time, so we check the current version rather than relying on memory.
The 30 Percent Co-Payment Explained
Since May 1, 2026, IFHP members are responsible for 30 percent of the cost of eligible supplemental health services, which includes dental care. The program pays the other 70 percent. Basic health care such as doctor visits and hospital care is not affected and remains fully covered.
Here is a simple example. If an eligible emergency extraction costs $200, you would pay $60 to the clinic and we would submit a claim to Medavie Blue Cross for the remaining $140. You do not need to pay the full amount and wait for a refund. We tell you your share before treatment so there are no surprises at the front desk.
How Forest Heights Dental Handles IFHP Patients
Many clinics do not accept IFHP coverage because of the paperwork. We do, and our front desk team manages the process for you:
- Verification. When you book, tell us you have IFHP coverage. Bring your eligibility document with your client ID number. We confirm your coverage with Medavie Blue Cross before your appointment.
- Assessment. The dentist examines the problem and explains what is causing it, which treatments are eligible under the IFHP, and what your 30 percent share would be.
- Pre-approval. If a service needs approval first, we submit the request and the supporting information. We let you know as soon as we have an answer.
- Treatment and billing. After treatment you pay your share and we send the claim for the rest. You do not fill out claim forms yourself.
Our team speaks English, French, Arabic, Punjabi, Urdu, Swahili, Amharic and Tigrinya. If you would prefer to discuss your care in one of those languages, let us know when you book and we will arrange it.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
- Your IFHP eligibility document (Interim Federal Health Certificate of Eligibility) or your client ID number
- Photo identification
- A list of any medications you take
- Any dental records or x-rays you may have from your home country, if available
What Happens When Your IFHP Coverage Ends
Once you become eligible for Alberta Health Care Insurance, your IFHP coverage stops. Remember that the provincial plan does not include dental care, so you will need another way to cover it. Two common paths for former IFHP members are the Canadian Dental Care Plan, for residents who file taxes and have no dental insurance, and the Alberta government dental programs for lower-income families and adults. Our guide to dental care for newcomers in SE Calgary compares the options, and we are happy to point you to the right one at your visit.
You Deserve Dental Care
Being new to Canada, or being in the middle of a refugee claim, should not mean living with a toothache. Forest Heights Dental treats every patient with the same respect and the same standard of care, regardless of status, income or background. If you are in pain, call 403-272-6706 or request an appointment online. We are located at 4721D 17th Avenue SE in Forest Lawn, close to public transit, and we are open six days a week with evening appointments on Monday and Wednesday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the IFHP cover a regular check-up and cleaning?
No. The IFHP covers urgent dental care only. If you would like a check-up, ask us about the Canadian Dental Care Plan or our free new patient exam.
Do I pay the full cost and get reimbursed?
No. You pay your 30 percent share at the clinic and we bill Medavie Blue Cross for the remaining 70 percent.
What if I cannot afford the 30 percent?
Talk to us. We can prioritize the most urgent treatment, explain lower-cost options, and discuss payment arrangements. We would rather help you plan than see you go without care.
My IFHP document has expired. Can I still be seen?
Yes, you can still be seen, but the program will not pay for the visit. Bring the document anyway so we can check its status, and we will explain other coverage options.
Can children be treated under the IFHP?
Yes. Children covered by the IFHP receive the same urgent dental coverage as adults, with the same co-payment rules.
