Canada updates Ukrainian refugee healthcare: What services are no longer free
Photo: Medical services in Canada become partly paid (flickr by Jay_Kay261)
Starting today, May 1, new rules for paying for medical services for refugees take effect in Canada. From now on, part of the costs will have to be covered independently, which is already raising concerns among human rights defenders, according to CBC.
Key points:
- New costs: As of May 1, participants in the IFHP program must pay $4 per prescription and 30% of the cost of certain services.
- What became more expensive: Co-payments are introduced for dental care, optometrist services, as well as psychological and psychiatric care.
- Free services remain: The state continues to fully cover doctor consultations, diagnostics, hospitalization, and vaccinations.
- Financial reasoning: Authorities explain the changes by the rising costs of medical support for refugees.
- Risks: Human rights defenders warn that people may start avoiding treatment, which could later overload emergency services.
What changes for refugees
The new rules apply to participants of the federal Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), including Ukrainians under temporary protection and asylum seekers.
In particular, the following is introduced:
- A fixed $4 fee for each prescription medication;
- A 30% co-payment for certain services;
This includes:
- Dental care;
- Optometrist services;
- Psychiatric and psychological support;
What remains free
Basic medical care remains free of charge. The state will continue to cover:
- Doctor consultations;
- Diagnostics;
- Emergency calls;
- Vaccinations;
- Hospitalization.
The biggest changes concern mental health services. For example, while therapy used to be fully covered, patients will now have to pay part of the cost. Estimates suggest this could be around $45 per session.
Some medical centers report that patients have already started canceling appointments due to the new costs. Human rights defenders fear people may be forced to choose between treatment and basic needs.
Why the decision was made
The government explains the changes by financial pressure on the system. According to official data, in 2024–2025 alone, about CAD 896 million was spent on healthcare for more than 600,000 people.
By 2029–2030, this amount could rise to CAD 1.5 billion, so authorities consider co-payments necessary.
At the same time, lawyers and human rights defenders warn that reduced access to healthcare may have the opposite effect and increase the burden on emergency services.
It's worth noting that Canada has taken in around 300,000 Ukrainians and has extended temporary protection for them, allowing them to live and work in the country for up to three years.
In particular, Canada stands out for its strong Ukrainian diaspora, genuine multiculturalism, and a strong sense of community - Ukrainians tend to integrate more quickly there and feel less like outsiders.
