Table 1.

Summary of Health care coverage for refugees

Refugee Classification	Description	IFHP Coverage Pre-2012	IFHP Coverage 2012–2016
Government Assisted Refugees	Sponsored by the Government of Canada (up to one year)	Basic, supplemental and prescription drug services split between the IFHP and provincial health care coverage	Same as pre-2012 coverage
Privately Sponsored Refugees	Sponsored by private citizens/ groups (up to three years)		IFHP covered basic services; lost supplemental and prescription drug coverage
Claimant Refugees “Safe” Countries	Seeking protection from a Canadian Immigration Officer from a country designated as “safe”, such as Croatia, Mexico and Chile	Basic, supplemental and prescription drug services covered solely by the IFHP, until claimant receives permanent residency and qualifies for provincial health care coverage	Lost all coverage, unless health condition was considered a public health threat
Claimant Refugees “Non-Safe” Countries	Seeking protection from a Canadian Immigration Officer from a country designated as “not safe”, such as Somalia, Iraq and Lebanon		IFHP covered basic services; lost supplemental and prescription drug coverage
Rejected Claimants	Refused refugee status in Canada and must take alternative actions to stay in Canada	Not covered for any health services	Not covered for any health services