Yes - IFHP requires a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner for physiotherapy services. Bring the referral to your first visit (or send it to us securely beforehand).
At Rapha Rehab, we make it easy for refugees and refugee claimants to access physiotherapy using Canada’s Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP). We handle the paperwork, explain your coverage in plain language, and focus on what matters most - your recovery.
IFHP is temporary health coverage for people in Canada who aren’t yet eligible for provincial/territorial health insurance - this includes refugee claimants, protected persons and many resettled refugees. It’s a payer of last resort while you wait for provincial coverage.
Yes. IFHP’s Supplemental Coverage includes physiotherapy, along with other allied health services. For physiotherapy, the official benefit grid specifies:
We arrange any prior approval the grid requires before treatment begins.
Why this matters: you get a clear number of covered visits and no out-of-pocket surprises for approved services.
IFHP is administered by Medavie Blue Cross. Our team confirms your coverage and handles provider billing directly with them.
Some services have visit limits and prior-approval rules. We submit what’s needed so your care is authorized before you start.
You focus on recovery. We direct the IFHP bill for covered treatments. (If something isn’t covered, we’ll tell you in advance so you can decide.)
Yes - IFHP requires a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner for physiotherapy services. Bring the referral to your first visit (or send it to us securely beforehand).
Typically 1 initial assessment + up to 12 in-clinic treatment visits per calendar year. We’ll review your case and handle any approvals for home visits when medically necessary.
When a client cannot attend in person and shows clinical signs of deterioration or impairment, home-based physiotherapy may be covered under IFHP criteria. We’ll assess and request approval where applicable.
IFHP is temporary. Once you’re eligible for a provincial plan, that plan becomes your primary coverage. We’ll help you transition smoothly.
The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) is administered through Medavie Blue Cross, one of Canada’s leading health insurance providers. Their role is to process claims, reimburse clinics, and ensure refugee clients receive timely access to covered services like physiotherapy.
At Rapha Rehab, we work directly with Blue Cross to verify eligibility, obtain approvals, and bill services on your behalf - so you don’t have to worry about navigating insurance paperwork. This partnership allows us to focus on your healing, while Blue Cross ensures that your care is supported and covered.
Need help with a referral or paperwork? Message us - we’ll guide you step by step.
At Rapha Rehab, we want your recovery journey to be smooth and worry-free. That’s why we make payment and insurance simple for everyone - whether you have a private health plan, coverage through work or auto insurance, or you are a refugee supported by the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP).
Step | For General Patients | For Refugee Patients |
---|---|---|
1. Check Coverage | Bring your insurance card or policy details. We’ll confirm your coverage. | Bring your IFHP eligibility document (with UCI number) and a doctor’s referral. |
2. Verification | We confirm benefits with your private insurer, WSIB, or auto insurance. | We verify IFHP eligibility and confirm coverage with Medavie Blue Cross. |
3. Direct Billing | We directly bill many insurers, WSIB, and auto insurers. | We bill Medavie Blue Cross directly for covered services. |
4. Out-of-Pocket Costs | If your plan doesn’t fully cover a service, we’ll explain the cost upfront. | If a service isn’t covered, we’ll let you know in advance so there are no surprises. |
Our team will review your insurance or IFHP eligibility and guide you through every step of the process.