This page provides information to help sponsors connect refugees with health care services in the Island Health region.
If someone is seriously ill or injured when they arrive, take them to the nearest Emergency Department.
Bring any available health insurance documents and show them at registration.
Privately sponsored refugees (PSRs) may have coverage through two programs:
Check the person's coverage and start date before arranging care.
MSP enrolment is not automatic. Help newcomers apply for coverage when they arrive.
Coverage may not begin immediately. Confirm the person's coverage start date with HIBC.
Many eligible refugees receive IFHP coverage automatically. If someone is eligible but has not received their coverage documents, help them confirm their eligibility and apply if needed.
The IFHP may cover eligible health services for:
Learn about IFHP eligibility and coverage.
If a person needs to apply for coverage or replace missing documents, visit the IFHP application page.
If a newcomer needs a family doctor or nurse practitioner and lives in a participating Primary Care Network community, they can register for the Health Connect Registry to request a provider.
Some Divisions of Family Practice on Vancouver Island maintain lists of family doctors who accept IFHP coverage. Contact the local division to ask about available options.
Health care providers must be registered with the IFHP to bill the program for covered services.
If a family doctor is willing to see a refugee but is not registered with the IFHP, they can register through Medavie Blue Cross. A printable registration form (PDF) is also available.
For questions, contact Medavie Blue Cross at 1-888-614-1880.
Use the IFHP provider search tool to find registered dental providers.
For additional information, visit the BC Dental Association.
If you need an interpreter during a medical appointment, Island Health sites can access phone interpretation through the Provincial Language Service.
Call 1-888-603-5087.
With advance notice, the following settlement organizations may also be able to arrange an interpreter to attend an appointment in person:
Contact the organization in advance to ask about availability.
The IFHP has limits on the services and products it covers. Some benefits also have maximum dollar amounts or require the patient to pay part of the cost.
Review the benefit information before arranging care:
For the latest information, visit the official IFHP coverage page.
Island Health outpatient laboratory and X-ray departments accept IFHP coverage.
When attending an appointment, bring:
Before paying for a service, ask the provider to confirm your coverage. Make sure the provider is registered with the IFHP and that the service is covered. If there is a billing problem, ask the provider to contact Medavie Blue Cross to confirm coverage before paying.
Book an appointment with a family doctor or contact your local Public Health Unit to review vaccination records and identify any vaccines that family members may need.
For information about vaccine requirements for children and youth attending school, visit Vaccine requirements for children and youth accessing schools.
Use this checklist to help newcomers connect with health care services after arriving in the Island Health region.
On the first day
Help arrange urgent medical care if needed.
Explain how to call 911 in an emergency.
Identify the nearest Emergency Department.
Within the first two weeks
Help each family member find a family doctor or nurse practitioner.
Arrange an appointment to review vaccination records.
Confirm each person's IFHP coverage and make sure they have the required documents.
Apply for MSP and confirm the expected coverage start date.
During the first six months
Help family members arrange dental or vision appointments if needed.
Check which services are covered before booking appointments.
Before the end of the first year
Review health insurance coverage and confirm when IFHP benefits will end.
Explore eligibility for B.C. Fair PharmaCare and other available assistance programs.
Explore eligibility for low-income dental coverage, if needed.
