The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides limited, temporary health coverage to refugees, protected persons, refugee claimants, and certain other groups while they wait for provincial coverage. If you have IFHP coverage and live in Edmonton, you can use it for some urgent dental services through participating clinics. Per Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), as of May 1, 2026, IFHP beneficiaries pay 30% of the cost of dental care, vision care, counselling, and assistive devices, while basic medical care is still fully covered with no co-payment. hellodent can help you search for participating providers and request an appointment.
What Is the IFHP in Edmonton?
The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) is a federal program administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It provides limited, temporary health and dental coverage to specific newcomer groups, including resettled refugees, protected persons, refugee claimants, and victims of human trafficking with a temporary resident permit. Coverage runs from arrival or eligibility until provincial health insurance begins, usually about three months, or until your immigration status changes. Coverage details and dollar limits are set by IRCC and can change.
Who May Be Eligible for IFHP Coverage in Edmonton
The IFHP is intended for people who are not yet eligible for provincial or territorial health insurance. You may be eligible if you fall into one of these groups:
- Resettled refugees and government-assisted refugees
- Privately sponsored refugees, in some cases
- Protected persons under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
- Refugee claimants
- Victims of human trafficking with a temporary resident permit
- Certain detainees
Eligibility is determined by IRCC. Your IFHP eligibility document tells you what type of coverage you have and how long it lasts. For full eligibility rules, check the Government of Canada website.
What Dental Care May Be Covered Under the IFHP
Coverage is generally limited to urgent dental care related to pain, infection, or trauma. Coverage may include:
- Emergency exams and X-rays, if required
- Treatment to relieve pain or treat infection
- Extractions
- Fillings, in some cases
- Treatment for conditions that could worsen without prompt intervention
Some treatments may need to be pre-authorized before they are covered. Coverage is generally more limited than the CDCP or private insurance, and dollar limits may apply per service or per coverage period.
How Much Does Dental Care Cost Under the IFHP in Edmonton?
Under the Interim Federal Health Program changes announced in Budget 2025, IFHP beneficiaries now pay a co-payment for dental care. If you are covered under the IFHP, the program pays 70% of the cost of covered dental services and you are responsible for the remaining 30%, effective May 1, 2026. Basic medical care is still fully covered with no co-payment.
Edmonton IFHP Dental Cost Breakdown
| Service Category | IFHP Pays | You Pay (co-payment) |
|---|
| Covered dental care | 70% | 30% |
| Vision care | 70% | 30% |
| Counselling | 70% | 30% |
| Assistive devices | 70% | 30% |
| Basic medical care (doctor, hospital) | 100% | 0% |
For the 70% IFHP portion, the program pays participating providers directly. You pay the remaining 30% out of pocket at the clinic. If a treatment is not covered by the IFHP at all, you may need to pay the full cost yourself. Ask the clinic for a written estimate before treatment starts so you know what is covered and what your co-payment will be. The cost of your visit can also vary across Edmonton based on the clinic's overhead, such as higher rent in busier core areas like Downtown versus lower facility costs in suburban neighbourhoods.
Where to Find IFHP Dental Providers in Edmonton
Not all clinics choose to register with the IFHP claims system. To use your IFHP coverage, you can look for participating providers. Use hellodent to search by location or address and sort by rating or distance to compare options near you.
Central Edmonton: Downtown, Garneau, Strathcona, Whyte Ave
North Edmonton: Westmount, The Highlands
South and East Edmonton: Cloverdale, Bonnie Doon
Before booking, call the clinic to confirm they accept IFHP coverage and to ask what documents to bring. Experience with newcomer patients and clear communication about the 30% co-payment can matter as much as how close the clinic sits to your home.
How to Choose an IFHP Dental Provider in Edmonton
Credentials to Look For
Every dentist practising in Alberta is registered with the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA). You can verify a dentist's credentials through the CDSA before booking. Whether a clinic accepts IFHP coverage is a separate clinic policy.
General Dentist or Specialist
Many IFHP-covered treatments can be performed by general dentists, including common treatments like extractions, fillings, and care for pain or infection. More complicated procedures like periodontal treatment or oral surgery may be referred to a specialist who works within that specialty only. Ask if the specialist also accepts IFHP coverage.
Questions to Ask at Your First Visit
- Do you accept IFHP coverage for new patients?
- Do you offer the treatment I think I need for my specific issue?
- What is the estimated cost of my visit, including my 30% co-payment?
- What documents should I bring to confirm my IFHP eligibility?
Other Coverage Options for Newcomers in Edmonton
Provincial Coverage
Once you become eligible for Alberta's provincial health plan, the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), you should apply. Routine dental care is typically not covered by AHCIP. For most Alberta residents, dental care is paid out of pocket or through private insurance. Dental work done in a hospital may be covered.
CDCP Coverage
If you no longer qualify for IFHP and you do not have private dental insurance, you may be eligible for coverage under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), a dental program funded by the federal government and administered by Sun Life. To qualify for the CDCP, your household income must be under $90,000 per year and you must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes who has filed a tax return. Frequency limits may apply. Coverage will need to be renewed annually. Apply for coverage through the Government of Canada website.
Community Dental Programs
Some community health centres and university dental clinics in Edmonton may offer reduced-cost dental services. If you need help finding low-cost options, your settlement agency or family doctor may be able to point you in the right direction.
*The content provided in this article, including text, graphics, and referenced material, is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your dentist or another qualified oral health professional for questions regarding your dental condition. Never disregard professional dental advice or delay seeking it based on information from this article. If you believe you have a dental emergency, contact your dentist, or seek immediate assistance from an oral healthcare professional. The information in this article has been gathered based on information available online and has not been fact checked by a dental professional.
