Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP): Hearing Aid Coverage, Eligibility, and Hearing Tests
If you’re covered under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), you may be wondering whether your hearing test or hearing aids are covered.
IFHP provides temporary health care coverage for eligible refugees, asylum claimants, and certain protected individuals while they establish themselves in Canada. Depending on your eligibility and hearing needs, the program may cover certain hearing services and hearing devices when they’re considered medically necessary.
In this guide, we’ll explain who qualifies for IFHP, what hearing services may be covered, how long benefits last, and what to expect when seeking hearing care.
Key Takeaways
- The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides temporary health care coverage for eligible refugees, asylum claimants, and certain protected persons.
- IFHP may provide coverage for hearing assessments, hearing aids, repairs, and other hearing-related services.
- Eligible patients are responsible for a 30% co-payment on covered hearing services starting May 1, 2026.
- Coverage is based on medical necessity and IFHP program guidelines.
- Your hearing care provider can help determine your eligibility and submit any required documentation.
- IFHP coverage lasts for different lengths of time depending on your immigration status.
What is the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)?
The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) is a federal program that provides temporary health care coverage to eligible individuals who are not yet covered by a provincial or territorial health insurance plan.
The program is funded by the Government of Canada and administered through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Its purpose is to help ensure eligible individuals have access to essential health care services while their immigration status is being processed or until they qualify for provincial or territorial coverage.
Depending on your eligibility, IFHP may help cover physician visits, hospital services, prescription medications, mental health services, vision care, dental care, and certain medical devices.
Who is Eligible for IFHP in Canada?
Eligibility for IFHP depends on your immigration status. People who may qualify include:
- Refugee claimants
- Protected persons
- Resettled refugees
- Certain victims of human trafficking
- Certain victims of family violence
- Other eligible individuals identified by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Not everyone who arrives in Canada qualifies for IFHP, and the level of coverage may vary depending on your specific immigration category.
If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, you can review your immigration documents or speak with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for confirmation.
Does IFHP Cover Hearing Aids?
Yes, eligible IFHP patients may receive coverage for hearing aids and audiology services, but coverage is not fully paid by IFHP.
Starting May 1, 2026, IFHP patients are responsible for a 30% co-payment on eligible hearing aids and audiology services. IFHP covers the remaining portion, up to the program’s applicable maximums.
The 30% co-payment is calculated automatically through Medavie Blue Cross and should be discussed before treatment begins. Depending on your eligibility and hearing needs, IFHP coverage may include:
- Hearing aids
- Hearing assessments
- Hearing aid fittings and programming
- Follow-up appointments
- Hearing aid repairs
- Related hearing aid services and supplies
The amount covered depends on IFHP guidelines, your eligibility, and the cost of your recommended treatment. If the total cost exceeds IFHP limits, additional out-of-pocket expenses may apply beyond the 30% co-payment.
Your hearing care provider can help explain your coverage, review expected costs and guide you through the process before moving forward with treatment.
Does IFHP Cover Hearing Tests?
A hearing test is often the first step in determining whether hearing aids or other hearing care services are appropriate.
For eligible individuals, IFHP may cover medically necessary hearing assessments performed by participating providers. During your appointment, your hearing care professional will evaluate your hearing, discuss any symptoms you’re experiencing, and determine whether further treatment is recommended.
A comprehensive hearing assessment may include:
- A review of your hearing and medical history
- A physical examination of your ears
- Hearing tests to measure hearing levels
- Speech understanding tests
- A discussion of your treatment options
If hearing loss is identified, your hearing care professional will explain the next steps and discuss whether hearing aids or other solutions may be appropriate for your needs.
How Long Does IFHP Last?
The length of IFHP coverage depends on your immigration status and individual circumstances.
For many refugee claimants, coverage continues while their claim is being processed and until they become eligible for provincial or territorial health insurance, or until they are no longer eligible for the program.
Protected persons generally remain covered until they qualify for provincial or territorial health coverage following a positive protection decision. Other eligible groups, such as certain temporary resident permit holders or victims of human trafficking, may have different coverage periods.
Because every situation is different, it’s important to keep your immigration documents up to date and confirm that your IFHP coverage is still active before receiving health care services.
How to Use IFHP for Hearing Care
If you’re eligible for IFHP, receiving hearing care is usually a straightforward process. Your hearing care provider can help guide you through each step. The process typically includes:
- Schedule a Hearing Test – Book an appointment with a participating hearing care provider to assess your hearing.
- Bring Your IFHP Documentation – Provide your IFHP eligibility documents so your provider can verify your coverage.
- Confirm Your Benefits – Your provider will review your eligibility and determine which hearing services may be covered.
- Receive Any Required Approvals – If additional documentation or authorization is needed, your provider can help complete the necessary paperwork.
- Receive Your Hearing Care – Once everything is in place, you’ll receive your hearing assessment, hearing aids (if appropriate), fittings, and any recommended follow-up care.
Working with a provider who is familiar with IFHP can help make the process smoother and ensure you understand your available benefits.
Other Ways to Reduce Hearing Aid Costs
If you’re not eligible for IFHP, or if your hearing care isn’t fully covered, there are other programs that may help make hearing aids more affordable.
Government Funding Programs
- Assistive Devices Program (ADP) – Ontario’s Assistive Devices Program helps eligible residents with long-term hearing loss pay for hearing aids.
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) – Eligible individuals receiving ODSP benefits may qualify for additional hearing aid coverage.
- Ontario Works (OW) – People receiving Ontario Works may be eligible for financial assistance for hearing aids in certain situations.
- Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) – Eligible veterans may receive coverage for hearing aids, hearing tests, and related hearing care services.
- Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) – If your hearing loss is related to workplace noise exposure, WSIB may provide funding for hearing aids and treatment.
Additional Funding Options
- Private Health Insurance – Many extended health benefit plans include coverage for hearing aids and hearing tests.
- Flexible Financing – If you’re paying out of pocket, Hearing Solutions offers flexible financing options to help make hearing care more affordable.
Next Steps
If you’re covered under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) and have noticed changes in your hearing, ringing in your ears, or difficulty understanding conversations, a comprehensive hearing assessment is the best place to start.
At Hearing Solutions, our hearing care professionals can evaluate your hearing, explain your treatment options, and help you understand whether your IFHP benefits may apply to your hearing care. We’ll also guide you through the process and answer any questions you have about your available coverage.
Book your hearing test today and take the first step toward better hearing.
References:
Government of Canada (1, May 2026). Interim Federal Health Program. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/help-within-canada/health-care.html
