Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) at Lambton Dental
Lambton Dental is registered with Medavie Blue Cross to bill the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) directly, so eligible refugees, protected persons and other covered groups can book with us without paying upfront. Bring your IFHP coverage document and we handle the paperwork.
What is the Interim Federal Health Program?
The Interim Federal Health Program is a federal program that provides limited, temporary health-care coverage — including dental care — to specific groups in Canada who are not yet eligible for provincial health insurance. It is administered by Medavie Blue Cross on behalf of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and it is designed to make sure that people arriving in Canada without provincial coverage can still see a dentist when they need one.
The program has a defined list of covered dental services and follows the federal IFHP dental benefit grid. The current details, including who is eligible and what is covered, are published on the official Government of Canada IFHP page. We follow those rules and bill Medavie Blue Cross directly for covered services.
Who the program is right for
IFHP is designed for people in Canada who are not yet eligible for provincial health insurance but still need care. You may benefit from talking to us about IFHP if you are:
- A resettled refugee or a person granted protected-person status in Canada.
- An asylum claimant waiting on your refugee protection claim.
- A person detained under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
- A member of another group specifically covered under the current IFHP policy — the Government of Canada page has the full list.
Eligibility and coverage dates are set by the federal government, not by Lambton Dental. If you are unsure whether you qualify, the Government of Canada page above walks through the current categories and how to check your status. Bring your IFHP coverage document to your visit and we will verify your current entitlement with Medavie Blue Cross before treatment begins.
What to expect at your IFHP visit
Share your IFHP details when you book
Your Unique Client Identifier lets us verify coverage before you arrive.
Bring your IFHP document and photo ID
If you have a settlement worker helping you book, they are welcome to attend or send the paperwork ahead.
We verify coverage with Medavie Blue Cross
The front desk confirms your current entitlement and which services are covered for you today.
Care happens
The dentist explains what you need in plain language, using an interpreter or bilingual team member where helpful, and only proceeds with what you have agreed to.
We bill Medavie Blue Cross directly
You do not pay for covered services at the visit and there is no reimbursement paperwork to chase afterwards.
What IFHP covers and what it does not
The IFHP dental benefit covers a defined list of services drawn from the federal IFHP schedule, including basic exams, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, extractions and some emergency care. Frequency limits and eligible services depend on your coverage type and length of eligibility, and the current schedule is published by the Government of Canada and can change year to year.
Some services require pre-authorization from Medavie Blue Cross before they can go ahead, and services outside the IFHP schedule — such as cosmetic or elective work — are not covered by the program. We check your specific coverage before treatment so you know exactly what is included, we prepare any pre-authorization paperwork on your behalf, and we never bill for something outside your coverage without explaining it to you first.
Direct billing Medavie Blue Cross for your IFHP care
Lambton Dental submits your claim to Medavie Blue Cross electronically at the end of the visit, so eligible patients do not pay for covered services on the day. For treatment that needs pre-authorization we handle the paperwork before we begin, and we always let you know if a service is outside your coverage.
If you need or want treatment that IFHP does not cover, we explain what it would cost before starting and give you the choice to go ahead, defer, or focus only on what the program covers today.
Why IFHP patients choose Lambton Dental
- We are registered with Medavie Blue Cross to bill IFHP directly for eligible patients.
- We verify your coverage before treatment so there are no surprises at the desk.
- Our team communicates comfortably in 13 languages, so you can talk about your care in a language you are at ease in.
- Settlement workers, community sponsors and family members are welcome at the visit.
- We handle pre-authorization paperwork for larger treatment so you can focus on your care.
More on insurance and payment
Frequently asked questions
Does Lambton Dental accept IFHP?
Yes. Lambton Dental is registered with Medavie Blue Cross to bill the Interim Federal Health Program directly for eligible patients. Bring your IFHP coverage document to your first visit and we will verify your current entitlement and add your details to your file.
Am I eligible for IFHP?
Eligibility is set by the federal government and depends on your immigration status and category — for example resettled refugees, protected persons, asylum claimants, and people detained under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The official Government of Canada IFHP page has the current list. Lambton Dental does not determine eligibility.
Do I pay anything at the visit under IFHP?
For services covered under your IFHP entitlement, you do not pay Lambton Dental at the visit and we bill Medavie Blue Cross directly. If treatment falls outside your covered services or your entitlement has ended, we explain the cost before starting so you can decide.
What if I need a translator?
Our team communicates comfortably in English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Ukrainian, Mandarin and Cantonese. Let us know when you book and we will make sure the appointment is staffed accordingly. A settlement worker or family member is also welcome to attend.
Can my whole family come together?
Yes. We see patients of all ages and are happy to book family members back-to-back where our schedule allows. Each covered family member has their own IFHP coverage document and we verify each one before care.
What happens when my IFHP coverage ends?
IFHP coverage is time-limited and ends when your circumstances change — for example when provincial coverage begins. If you would like to keep Lambton Dental as your dental home, we can transition you to private insurance, the Canadian Dental Care Plan if you become eligible, or out-of-pocket care with a written estimate.
Book your IFHP visit at Lambton Dental
Bring your IFHP coverage document and we verify entitlement before your appointment. Direct billing to Medavie Blue Cross for eligible services.
Canadian Dental Care Plan
The federal plan for eligible Canadian residents. We direct-bill Sun Life for covered services.
Learn about CDCP →Interim Federal Health Program
Federal coverage for refugees and other eligible groups. We direct-bill Medavie Blue Cross.
Learn about IFHP →Direct billing
We submit claims electronically to major Canadian carriers so you pay only your portion.
How direct billing works →Payment plans
Monthly payment plans for larger treatment through a third-party financing partner, on approved credit.
See payment options →