Cover yourself during the waiting period
First week · The essentials you need straight away
One illness without coverage can cost a lot.
- Where to go
- Refugees and asylum claimants: the federal IFHP. People approved under the family-based pathway for those affected by the conflict in Sudan: three months of free IFHP coverage. Others: private health insurance.
- What to bring
- Your status document (for IFHP)
- For private insurance: passport and arrival date
- What to do, step by step
- Check whether your province has a waiting period (previous step).
- Eligible for IFHP? Ask the clinic or pharmacy before care whether they accept IFHP.
- Not eligible? Compare private plans: coverage and exclusions.
- Buy coverage before you need it, not after.
Depending on your status:
- Refugee or asylum claimant: Resettled refugees: IFHP basic coverage lasts until you qualify for provincial insurance. Asylum claimants and protected persons are also covered under its rules.
- Permanent resident: Permanent residents: private insurance only bridges the wait until provincial coverage starts.
- Work or study permit: Permit holders: some provinces cover you, some don’t. International students should ask their school about its plan.
Note: many private plans exclude conditions you had before buying — read the terms carefully.
Official sources · Last checked: IRCC · IFHP eligibilityIRCC · Sudan family-based pathwayIRCC · Types of health insurance