Healthcare Access

The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides temporary federal health coverage to refugees, protected persons, refugee claimants, and certain other groups. CUAET holders are explicitly NOT included — because people who arrived through CUAET received temporary resident status rather than refugee status, they are not eligible for the IFHP. This is an important distinction: even though many Ukrainians came to Canada fleeing war, their immigration category is "temporary resident under a public policy," not "refugee." For healthcare, you must rely on provincial coverage (when eligible) and, during any gap, on private insurance.

Ontario has extended the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) to Ukrainian nationals covered by CUAET and similar public policies. As of 2026, Ontario has waived the 3-month OHIP waiting period for all newcomers (not just CUAET holders), so eligible individuals can access OHIP immediately upon establishing Ontario residency. To register, visit a ServiceOntario centre with your passport, work or study permit, and proof of residence in Ontario. Coverage is tied to maintaining valid temporary resident status — if your work permit expires, your OHIP will eventually be cancelled, so keep your status up to date. Source: Ontario Ministry of Health, 2026.

Quebec has opened its provincial health insurance (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec — RAMQ) to Ukrainian nationals who arrived under CUAET and related public policies. Quebec has also extended RAMQ coverage for this group until March 31, 2028 — going further than Ontario or most other provinces. RAMQ coverage in Quebec includes hospital and doctor visits, as well as prescription drug coverage through the public drug insurance plan for enrolled individuals. To apply, register with RAMQ with your passport, work or study permit, and proof of residence in Quebec. As always, coverage requires that your federal immigration status remains valid.

Outside Ontario and Quebec, Alberta (AHCIP), British Columbia (MSP), Saskatchewan (Saskatchewan Health), Manitoba, and Atlantic provinces generally provide provincial health coverage to CUAET holders as long as they legally reside in the province with valid work or study permit status. Manitoba, in particular, offered immediate access (no waiting period) to arrivals from Ukraine. Some provinces apply their standard waiting periods; check your province's Health Ministry website for current rules. In all cases, coverage ends when your temporary resident status expires — so maintaining your work permit is essential to keeping healthcare.

Every provincial health insurance plan that covers CUAET holders requires you to maintain valid temporary resident status. If your work permit expires and you do not apply for an extension in time, provincial authorities will eventually cancel your health card. This means no covered doctor visits, no covered emergency care, and potentially very large medical bills if you need treatment. The chain is clear: maintain your work permit → maintain your provincial health coverage → protect your family's access to medical care. Never let your permit expire without first submitting an extension application. If you have already let it expire, seek help from an immigration lawyer or RCIC immediately — status restoration is time-limited.

The trauma of war and displacement affects many Ukrainian families. Free and low-cost mental health support is available: Hope4Ukraine offers free counselling specifically for Ukrainians in Canada. The 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline offers bilingual support 24/7. Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) is available for children and youth and offers service in Ukrainian. Many community health centres offer sliding-scale counselling to newcomers regardless of insurance status. Ukrainian churches and community organizations often run peer support groups. Do not hesitate to seek help — mental health is health.