Physiotherapy for Canadian Refugees
Physiotherapy for Canadian Refugees – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the IFHP?
The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) is a government-funded, temporary health coverage program in Canada for people who don’t yet have provincial health insurance, including:
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Refugee claimants waiting for a decision
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Resettled refugees and protected persons
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Some other vulnerable groups as determined by the government
2. Do I need a referral to start therapy?
You need to see a medical doctor (family physician/walk in clinic doctor) to provide the diagnosis and to provide a referral for the IFHP Program. This is required PRIOR to attending any physiotherapy sessions.
3. How do I prove my IFHP eligibility when I come in for my first visit?
When you arrive for your appointment, bring:
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Your IFHP documents or certificate, including your UCI number
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Photo ID (if available)
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Medical Doctors Referral
The clinic will verify your coverage with Blue Cross, the IFHP administrator.
4. What physiotherapy services are covered?
IFHP covers physiotherapy delivered by one of our Registered Physiotherapists. This can include:
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Assessment and treatment for injuries or pain
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Rehabilitation after surgery or trauma
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Exercises to improve strength, mobility, and function
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Work-related or daily activity recovery plans
5. Do I have to pay for IFHP-covered physiotherapy?
As of May 1, 2026 there have been changes made to the IFHP physiotherapy plan. The plan now pays for 70% of the treatment and the patient is responsible for the remaining 30% of the cost. So the fee breakdown looks like below.
Initial visit fee - $134. IFHP pays $93.20. Patient pays $40.20.
Follow Up Visits (Max of 12) - $84. IFHP pays $58.80. Patient pays $25.20.
6. Who will provide my therapy?
At Kinetca you will be working one on one with one of our 2 Registered Physiotherapists - Carmen or Anugrah.
7. What if I need more treatment after the 12 follow ups.
After the 12 follow up visits you will have no more government coverage and can continue therapy but have to bear 100% of the out of pocket expense.($85 per follow up visit)
8. Where is the IFHP program available?
The Physiotherapy for Canadian Refugees program is available at our Physiotherapy health clinic located at 179 Danforth Avenue between Broadview and Chester Stations in East Toronto.