Navigating Health Care in Canada: A Newcomer’s Guide and What’s Changing in May 2026
Moving to a new country means lots of new systems to learn, and Canada’s health care system is one of the biggest ones. For most newcomers, understanding how health care works is essential for settling in with confidence.
In this guide, we’ll break down how health care works in Canada and Ontario, and explain an important change coming in May 2026 that may affect some newcomers’ out-of-pocket costs.
1. How Health Care Coverage Works in Canada
Canada’s health care system is publicly funded, meaning eligible residents can access medically necessary health services without paying directly at the point of care.
Ontario: OHIP
In Ontario, health care is delivered through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Once you’re eligible and have a health card, OHIP covers core medical services like:
Doctor visits
Hospital care
Medically necessary tests and procedures
Most newcomers (permanent residents, protected persons, certain work permit holders) can apply for OHIP. There may be a waiting period when you first arrive before OHIP starts.
2. Temporary Federal Coverage: Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)
Not all newcomers are immediately eligible for provincial health coverage. In many cases — such as for refugees, asylum seekers, and some other groups, the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides temporary health coverage until provincial health insurance begins.
This federal program helps cover urgent and essential medical services while your provincial coverage is not yet active.
3. What’s Staying Free and What’s Changing in May 2026
Core Health Services Still Covered
Even after the changes in 2026:
Doctor visits
Hospital care
Basic medical services under IFHP and OHIP
These remain free when you’re eligible for coverage.
New Co-Payments for Some Supplemental Services
Starting May 1, 2026, the federal government will introduce co-payments: small out-of-pocket fees for supplemental health services for people covered under the IFHP (not OHIP).
Here’s how they work:
$4 for each eligible prescription medication you fill or refill.
30 % of the cost for other supplemental benefits, such as:
Dental care
Vision care
Counselling & mental health services
Assistive devices (e.g., hearing aids, mobility aids)
Other products like therapeutic equipment
At the point of care, you will pay these amounts directly to your provider. The rest of the cost is covered by the IFHP.
4. What This Means for Newcomers
For newcomers with provincial health coverage (OHIP)
If you’re eligible for OHIP, these federal IFHP co-payment changes generally won’t apply to your core medical care. OHIP already provides coverage for medically necessary health care without direct charges at point of service.
For individuals relying on IFHP (e.g., refugees & asylum seekers):
You may pay small amounts out of pocket for certain services that weren’t previously charged. This could include prescription fills or supplemental care like dental or counselling.
5. Practical Steps for Newcomers
Apply for Health Coverage Early
If you’re eligible for OHIP, apply as soon as you arrive so your coverage starts without delay.
If you’re under IFHP, make sure you understand what’s covered and what may have small co-payments starting May 2026.
Ask Questions at the Clinic or Pharmacy
Before receiving a service or picking up a prescription, ask:
“Will I be charged a co-payment?”
“How much will I need to pay?”
As coverage rules change, staying informed can protect you from surprises.
6. Where to Get Help
If you need support understanding your health coverage, CCLC settlement workers can help you:
Apply for OHIP
Understand what IFHP covers
Learn how to prepare for new co-payments starting in May 2026
You’re not navigating this alone — we’re here to help every step of the way.