Refugee Physiotherapy & IFHP Claims (Canada)
++ Simple claims - No surprises. +
++ At Rapha Rehab, we make it easy for refugees and refugee + claimants to access physiotherapy using Canada’s Interim + Federal Health Program (IFHP). We handle the paperwork, explain + your coverage in plain language, and focus on what matters + most - your recovery. +
+Who’s eligible under IFHP?
++ IFHP is temporary health coverage for people in Canada who + aren’t yet eligible for provincial/territorial health insurance + - this includes refugee claimants, protected persons and many + resettled refugees. It’s a payer of last resort while you wait + for provincial coverage. +
+Does IFHP cover physiotherapy?
++ Yes. IFHP’s Supplemental Coverage includes physiotherapy, along + with other allied health services. For physiotherapy, the + official benefit grid specifies: +
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- + Initial assessment (in-clinic): 1 per calendar year + +
- + Subsequent physiotherapy visits (in-clinic): up to 12 per + calendar year + +
- + Home-based physio: available when a client can’t attend a + clinic and shows clinical need (e.g., significant mobility + impairment), with specific criteria noted in the grid + +
- + Medical referral: services require a referral from a + physician or nurse practitioner + +
- + Fees/limits: reimbursed to the clinic per provincial fee + schedule set out in the grid + +
+ We arrange any prior approval the grid requires before + treatment begins. +
++ + Why this matters: you get a clear number of covered visits + and no out-of-pocket surprises for approved services. + +
+How IFHP claims work at Rapha Rehab (so it’s easy for you)
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- + IFHP eligibility document (with your UCI/Client ID and valid coverage dates) + +
- + A doctor or nurse practitioner referral for physiotherapy (we can help you understand what’s needed) + +
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+ We verify your eligibility & benefits
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+ IFHP is administered by Medavie Blue Cross. Our team confirms your coverage and handles provider billing directly with them. +
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+ We obtain any required approvals
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+ Some services have visit limits and prior-approval rules. We submit what’s needed so your care is authorized before you start. +
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+ Start your care - no upfront cost for approved services
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+ You focus on recovery. We direct the IFHP bill for covered treatments. (If something isn’t covered, we’ll tell you in advance so you can decide.) +
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What your treatment includes
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- + A 45-60 minute initial visit with assessment, goal setting, and a simple home program + +
- + Evidence-based hands-on care (manual therapy, mobility work) and targeted exercise + +
- + Education on posture, safe activity, and self-care strategies + +
- + Progress reviews and reporting that align with IFHP documentation requirements (so your visits remain covered) + +
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need a referral?
++++++++ Yes - IFHP requires a referral from a physician or nurse + practitioner for physiotherapy services. Bring the referral + to your first visit (or send it to us securely beforehand). +
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How many physio sessions are covered?
++++++++ Typically 1 initial assessment + up to 12 in-clinic treatment + visits per calendar year. We’ll review your case and handle + any approvals for home visits when medically necessary. +
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What if I can’t come to the clinic?
++++++++ When a client cannot attend in person and shows clinical + signs of deterioration or impairment, home-based + physiotherapy may be covered under IFHP criteria. We’ll + assess and request approval where applicable. +
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What happens when I get provincial coverage (like OHIP)?
++++++++ IFHP is temporary. Once you’re eligible for a provincial + plan, that plan becomes your primary coverage. We’ll help you + transition smoothly. +
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What to bring to your first appointment
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- Your IFHP eligibility document (with UCI) +
- Photo ID (if you have it) +
- Physiotherapy referral from an MD or NP +
- + Any medical reports (imaging, hospital notes) that may help + us tailor your care. + +
Why choose Rapha Rehab for IFHP-covered care?
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- + Welcoming & culturally sensitive:{" "} + trauma-informed, dignity-first care + +
- + Direct billing & paperwork handled: we + manage Medavie Blue Cross claims for you + +
- + Clear communication: visit limits, + approvals, and coverage are explained upfront + +
- + Results-focused rehab: practical goals, + home programs, and steady progress tracking. + +
Blue Cross: Trusted Partner in Refugee Health Coverage
++ The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) is administered + through Medavie Blue Cross, one of Canada’s leading health + insurance providers. Their role is to process claims, reimburse + clinics, and ensure refugee clients receive timely access to + covered services like physiotherapy. +
++ At Rapha Rehab, we work directly with Blue Cross to verify + eligibility, obtain approvals, and bill services on your behalf + - so you don’t have to worry about navigating insurance + paperwork. This partnership allows us to focus on your healing, + while Blue Cross ensures that your care is supported and + covered. +
++ Need help with a referral or paperwork? Message us - we’ll + guide you step by step. +
+Payment & Insurance at Rapha Rehab Physiotherapy
+At Rapha Rehab, we want your recovery journey to be smooth and worry-free. That’s why we make payment and insurance simple for everyone - whether you have a private health plan, coverage through work or auto insurance, or you are a refugee supported by the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP).
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- In case if you are injured in a motor vehicle accident (MVA), the auto insurance covers the cost of the treatment. +
- Please get in touch with rapharehab Physiotherapy clinic etobicoke for assistance to know about your coverage. +
- We Accept Cash/Cheque/Visa/Direct Payment. +
Coverage Options We Accept
+For the General Public
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- + Extended Health Insurance Plans - Most private insurance + providers cover physiotherapy, massage, chiropractic, + acupuncture, and related services. + +
- + Workplace Injuries (WSIB) - If you’ve been hurt on the + job, we accept WSIB claims for physiotherapy and rehab. + +
- + Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Insurance - If your injury + is from a car accident, your auto insurer may cover the cost of + your treatments. + +
For Refugees
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- + IFHP (Interim Federal Health Program) - Refugee + claimants, protected persons, and resettled refugees may receive + physiotherapy coverage under IFHP. + +
- + IFHP is administered by Medavie Blue Cross, which means we bill + them directly - so you don’t need to worry about out-of-pocket + costs for approved services. + +
- + Coverage usually includes an initial physiotherapy assessment + and up to 12 treatment visits per year, with additional home + visits available in special cases. + +
- + A referral from a physician or nurse practitioner is required + for physiotherapy services under IFHP. + +
How Billing & Payments Work
+| Step | +For General Patients | +For Refugee Patients | +
|---|---|---|
| 1. Check Coverage | ++ Bring your insurance card or policy details. We’ll confirm + your coverage. + | ++ Bring your IFHP eligibility document (with UCI number) and a + doctor’s referral. + | +
| 2. Verification | ++ We confirm benefits with your private insurer, WSIB, or auto + insurance. + | ++ We verify IFHP eligibility and confirm coverage with Medavie + Blue Cross. + | +
| 3. Direct Billing | ++ We directly bill many insurers, WSIB, and auto insurers. + | ++ We bill Medavie Blue Cross directly for covered services. + | +
| 4. Out-of-Pocket Costs | ++ If your plan doesn’t fully cover a service, we’ll explain + the cost upfront. + | ++ If a service isn’t covered, we’ll let you know in advance so + there are no surprises. + | +
What To Bring To Your First Appointment
+General Patients:
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- Insurance card or plan details +
- Doctor’s referral (if required by your insurer) +
- + Any medical reports, X-rays, or imaging related to your condition + +
Refugee Patients:
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- IFHP eligibility document with UCI number +
- + Physician or nurse practitioner referral for physiotherapy + +
- Photo ID (if available) +
- + Any hospital or medical notes that may help guide your care + +
Why Choose Rapha Rehab
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- + Stress-free insurance process - we verify, submit, and + track claims so you don’t have to. + +
- + Direct billing available - for private plans, WSIB, auto + insurance, and IFHP/Blue Cross. + +
- + Clear communication - we explain coverage, visit limits, + and approvals upfront. + +
- + Inclusive care for all - whether you’re a local patient + or a newcomer to Canada, you’ll receive the same compassionate, + high-quality physiotherapy. + +
+ Our team will review your insurance or IFHP eligibility and guide + you through every step of the process. +
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