Eligible Toronto IFHP dental care is available for certain refugees, protected persons, refugee claimants, and other eligible groups. Since May 1, 2026, eligible dental services are subject to a 30% co-payment, with IFHP covering 70% of the eligible amount. Coverage depends on the procedure, clinical need, program limits, and any required prior approval. In this guide, we explain what IFHP dental care in Toronto may cover, what you may have to pay, and how to book with a registered provider.
What Is IFHP Dental Care in Toronto?
IFHP dental care is part of Canada’s Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), which provides temporary health benefits, including limited dental coverage, to eligible refugees, refugee claimants, protected persons, and certain other groups who are not yet eligible for provincial health coverage.
In Toronto, IFHP dental claims are administered through Medavie Blue Cross. Coverage is generally limited to eligible, medically necessary dental services and is subject to program rules, service limits, and any required prior approval. Cosmetic dental services are generally not covered.
Who Can Get IFHP Dental Coverage?
IFHP eligibility depends on your immigration or protection status and other program rules. The main eligible groups may include:
- Refugee claimants
- Resettled refugees
- Protected persons
- Certain victims of human trafficking or family violence
- Detainees
- People covered under specific temporary public policies
- Individuals granted eligibility at the Minister’s discretion
For the current eligibility criteria, check the Government of Canada’s IFHP eligibility page.
Important: Your IFHP coverage must be active on the day you receive dental treatment.
What Dental Services Does IFHP Cover?
IFHP dental coverage is limited to eligible services under the current Dental Benefit Grid. Coverage, frequency limits, and prior-approval requirements vary by procedure:
| Dental service | General IFHP coverage |
|---|---|
| Emergency dental examination | May be covered when needed for emergency relief of pain or infection, subject to frequency limits. |
| Diagnostic X-rays | May be covered when needed to assess an urgent dental problem, within program limits. |
| Emergency restorative care | Certain fillings and other restorative services may be covered when clinically necessary for pain or infection, subject to program rules and limits. |
| Tooth extraction | Eligible emergency extractions may be covered. Surgical or complicated extractions may require prior approval and supporting X-rays. |
| Periodontal abscess / pericoronitis | May be covered when the service meets IFHP eligibility criteria. |
| Denture services | Certain partial, full, or transitional denture services may be covered. Prior approval and lifetime limits may apply. |
| General anesthesia | Covered only in specific circumstances and subject to prior approval and age- and procedure-specific limits. |
A dentist’s recommendation does not automatically mean a treatment is covered. The specific procedure should be checked against the current IFHP Dental Benefit Grid and any prior-approval requirements before treatment.
Routine preventive services such as regular dental cleaning are not generally part of this emergency-focused dental coverage. Coverage can also be subject to frequency, dollar, and lifetime limits. The current Benefit Grid is the appropriate source for checking the rules that apply to a specific procedure.
How Much Does IFHP Dental Care Cost?
Since May 1, 2026, eligible IFHP dental services come with a 30% co-payment. IFHP covers 70% of the eligible amount. You pay the remaining 30% directly to the dental clinic.
For example:
If an eligible service costs $200 and the full amount qualifies under IFHP rules:
- You pay $60
- IFHP pays $140
Your actual cost can be higher if:
- Part of the treatment is not covered
- The fee goes beyond program limits
- Prior approval is required but not obtained
Before any treatment starts, ask the clinic for a clear estimate of your 30% share and whether anything falls outside IFHP coverage. Non-covered services are your responsibility.
What Dental Care Is Not Covered?
IFHP focuses on urgent care for pain or infection. These are generally not covered:
- Routine cleanings and preventive care
- Cosmetic work (whitening, veneers)
- Orthodontics
- Dental implants
- Most elective procedures
- Anything outside the current Benefit Grid or past its limits
Coverage always depends on the exact procedure and program rules. Confirm with the clinic before treatment.
Further reading: Government Dental Coverage for Seniors in Canada
Have IFHP? Let’s Get Your Dental Care Started
Skip the confusion around eligibility and coverage. Lisgar Park Dental can help verify your IFHP status, explain the next steps, and arrange an appointment for eligible dental care in Toronto.
Check Your IFHP & Book Now
How to Book an IFHP Dental Appointment in Toronto
Knowing the steps before you book can help you avoid unexpected costs and delays. Use the steps below to check your coverage, find a registered provider, and confirm what is covered before treatment:
- Confirm your IFHP is active: Check that your coverage is still valid on the day you want treatment.
- Find a registered provider: Use the official IFHP Provider Search. Then call the clinic and ask if they currently accept IFHP patients. You can also call nearby clinics and ask if they accept IFHP and can verify your eligibility before your appointment.
- Tell them you have IFHP when you book: Mention it right away so they can prepare.
- Describe your dental problem clearly. Tell them what hurts, how long it has hurt, if there is swelling, bleeding, or infection, and if you have trouble opening your mouth.
- Bring the right documents:
- Your valid IFHP eligibility document
- UCI / client number (if you have it)
- Government-issued ID (if available)
- Old dental records or X-rays (helpful, but not required)
- Ask about costs before treatment: Confirm what part is covered by IFHP, how much your 30% co-payment will be, whether anything falls outside coverage, and if prior approval is needed.
- Get clear confirmation: Do not assume a recommended treatment is automatically covered. Ask the clinic to confirm everything before they start.
Explore other ways to get affordable dental care if you have no insurance: How to Get Affordable Dental Care When You Have No Dental Insurance
Toronto IFHP Dental Care at Lisgar Park Dental
IFHP is a lifeline for many newcomers in Toronto, which offers fast access to dental care when you need it most. Lisgar Park Dental is a registered IFHP provider on Queen Street West. We accept eligible urgent dental care under the Interim Federal Health Program and handle verification and billing directly with Medavie Blue Cross.
If you need emergency treatment for pain or infection, bring your valid IFHP eligibility document. We will explain what is covered, confirm your expected 30% co-payment, and let you know if any part of the treatment falls outside the program before we begin. Book or ask questions: Contact us or call (647) 370-0590.
FAQ
How to extend the coverage of IFHP?
You generally cannot extend it yourself; it follows your immigration status. If coverage is ending soon and you still qualify, apply for an extension with IRCC (form IMM 5564) at least 6 weeks before expiry.
Do I need to pay anything up front?
Yes. Since May 1, 2026, you pay 30% of the eligible amount directly to the clinic. IFHP pays the other 70%.
What should I do if my IFHP claim is denied?
Ask the clinic for the reason. Provide any missing documents and contact Medavie Blue Cross.
What is the IFHP contact number?
IFHP inquiries are handled through Medavie Blue Cross: (888) 614-1880
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