Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)

• • As a refugee claimant, you have access to gender-affirming care through IFHP and local clinics in BC
• • Services may include:
•     - Hormone therapy
•     - Referrals for surgery
•     - Mental health support
•     - Letters for name and gender marker changes
• • Clinics like REACH, Three Bridges, and BC Trans Care Team can support you
• • No MSP is required while your IFHP is valid

Your coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program begins once your refugee claim has been officially received and your Acknowledgement of Claim (AOC) is issued.

Your IFHP coverage generally expires 90 days after a final decision is made on your refugee claim:

• • If your claim is accepted, you are expected to apply for provincial healthcare coverage as a Protected Person (e.g., OHIP in Ontario, MSP in British Columbia).
• • If your claim is refused, your IFHP coverage will end unless you file an appeal or submit another application for status in Canada, in which case you may be eligible for continued or renewed coverage.

More information can be found on the Government of Canada’s website: Interim Federal Health Program – Government of Canada