Guidelines for obtaining an Alberta Health Care Card

Canada's publicly funded health care system has a stellar reputation and is one of the main draws for international migrants. Each of Canada's provinces and territories is responsible for providing access to health services. This service is provided in Alberta by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)The Alberta Health Care Insurance Program (AHCIP). Learn more about the ACHIP and the application process below.

Alberta's universal health care system

Applying for AHCIP is required for Albertans who want access to the province's public health care system. If you meet the requirements, you'll be issued a photo ID health care card. Residents who qualify for AHCIP receive complete coverage for all medically necessary services.  

Which medical expenses are paid for by AHCIP

If you are a resident of Alberta and are enrolled in AHCIP, the provincial government will pay for all of the following medical services.

• Travel to a family doctorlocal physician , if a doctor's order is necessary
• Procedures and tests for diagnosis in medicine, like x-rays and bloodwork
• Mental health services
• Inpatient care in a hospital, including all necessary nursing, diagnostic, and surgical procedures, as well as room, board, and medication in a standard ward.
• Transfers of patients via ambulance between Alberta hospitals
• Children under 18 and adults over 65 should get annual eye exams.
• Provides midwifery care from the time of conception until six weeks after the baby is born.
• Male to female genital mutilation and other gender transition surgeries
• Patients who meet the criteria for bariatric surgery under the Weight Wise programInitiative for Healthier Weight  
• Surgery of the face, mouth, and jaws

For what reasons does AHCIP not pay

Most non-medical services are not paid for by AHCIP. A number of procedures are not covered by Alberta's health care system.

• Chiropractic, massage therapy, naturopathic medicine, nutritional counseling, and social work are all examples of complementary and alternative medicine.
• Psychologist 
• Correctional procedures for the face (e g a liposuction of the abdominal region (commonly known as a "tummy t
• Drugs prescribed by a doctor that were not given to the patient during their inpatient stay
• Except in extreme cases, adults 19-64 should get annual eye exams.
• Solution(s): corrective lenses, lenses, or laser surgery
• Instruments used for mobility or medical use
• Assisted listening devices
• Care for Teeth
• Unless moving between hospitals, ambulance services are not necessary.

In which groups does AHCIP provide coverage?

Anyone moving to Alberta with the intent of making it their permanent home is immediately covered by the province's universal health care system. Your family members who depend on you financially and who are also permanent residents will also be eligible for One must apply for AHCIP within the first three months of residency in Alberta in order to be eligible for coverage. Temporary workersWorkers on temporary assignments to be eligible for health care in Alberta, you must plan to stay in the province for at least 12 months, have a valid work permit for at least six months, and be employed full-time during that time.  

International studentsStudents from other countries AHCIP is available to those over the age of 18 who are enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Alberta for a minimum of 12 months. You may still be eligible to apply if you are an international student with a permit valid for between three and eleven months. Please provide AHCIP with a letter stating your intention to reside in Alberta for a minimum of one year.  

Exactly when does protection begin   

If you immigrate to Albertacome to Alberta from abroad To qualify for health insurance from outside of Canada, there is no pre-existing condition or waiting period. The coverage will start as soon as your application is complete with all required documents. If at all possible, new Alberta residents should submit an application no later than three months after they move there. Coverage will begin on the date your application is processed, regardless of whether you submit it within the three-month window.  

In order to apply for AHCIP, what paperwork is required?

Applying for Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) promptly is essential if you are a new Alberta resident. The presence of a waiting period emphasizes the importance of securing private health insurance.  

To enroll in AHCIP, you will need the following:

• Documentation of one's identity (e g Identification (e.g., a passport or Permanent Resident Card issued by Canada, or a driver's license issued
• Documentation demonstrating eligibility to work in Canada (e.g., a work visa) g Proof of Canadian citizenship (e.g., a passport, Permanent Resident Card, entry visa, or birth certificate)
• Expenses incurred while living in Alberta (e g Documents such as a mortgage or rental agreement, utility or phone bill, proof of home insurance, proof of vehicle registration, or a valid driver's license from Alberta will suffice.
• Request for Proposal AHCIP coverageBenefits for the AHCIP

Obtaining enrollment in AHCIP and the steps involved

You can submit your AHCIP application either in person or through the mail. Enrolling in the AHCIP does not necessitate any sort of payment or premiums.  

1. Submit your application in person

You must submit your application in person at a registry office. A comprehensive catalog of places can be found herefindable here Completed application forms, along with original identification and immigration documents, and Alberta residency documentation are required. Within five days of submitting your application, you will receive your health insurance card via regular mail.  

2) Send in your application by snail mail

To apply for AHCIP, please send in a completed application form and photocopies of the following documents (front and back, if applicable) to the AHCIP office:

Ministries of Health, Government of Alberta
Health Insurance Plan of Alberta, Please Read!
Mail stop, main station, box 1360
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
T5J 2N3

Original documents should not be sent, according to AHCIP. It can take up to six weeks to process a card application submitted by mail.  

If you need assistance with the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan, you can try contacting a local community organization or newcomer servicecatering to first-time customers In addition, you can email AHCIP directly at health ahcipmail@gov ab ca call (780-)427-1432, or (800)-310-0000 (toll-free). , or visit their websiteCheck out their webpage.

Here are some helpful hints and links to resources to get you settled in quickly once you arrive in Canada, so be sure to download our free guide today.