Interior Health – Refugee Sponsors Healthcare FAQ: This 2-page document provides a Q&A on healthcare coverage fo privately sponsored refugees (PSRs) in British Columbia.
Topics covered are:
- What health insurance is available to privately sponsored refugees (PSRs)?
- How do PSRs register with MSP?
- How do PSRs register with IFH?
- What does IFH cover?
- How do I find a family doctor for the refugee family I’ve sponsored?
- Where do I find a dentist?
- Interior Health maintains a list of dentists that have agreed to accept IFH insurance.How will a non English-speaking refugee communicate at a medical visit?
- The refugee patient was sent for labs/xray by the doctor. Where do I take him?
- Where should a prescription be filled? Will it be covered?
- The refugee patient was asked for money by the lab/xray/pharmacy even though she has IFH coverage. What should we do?
- How does a refugee family get vaccinations?
- Where should I take a refugee who is urgently unwell upon arrival?
Checklist for sponsors to ensure successful integration into the healthcare system:
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First Day… |
Within First 2 Weeks… |
Before the end of the first year… |
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❏ Provide access to healthcare for urgent medical needs |
❏ Set up medical appointment with community family doctor for each family member |
❏ Set up optometrist or dental appointments if necessary (within first 6 months) |
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❏ Provide information on emergency services 911, nearest hospital |
❏ Set up vaccination appointment either with family doctor or local public health office |
❏ Apply for Pharmacare just before the one year mark |
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❏ Register for Interim Federal Health Insurance (IFH) |
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❏ Register for MSP |
