Unveiling the Ultimate Guide to Access the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in a Snap!

To access insured hospital and physician services, both returning and new Alberta residents must register for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

When availing services, a personal health care card along with photo identification must be presented.

Eligibility

Know more about eligibility requirements for AHCIP.

Application process

Step 1: Fill up the application form

Download the Application form for AHCIP Coverage.

For Canadian children whose parents are non-eligible for AHCIP coverage, use this Application form for AHCIP Coverage: Canadian Children of Non-Eligible Parents (PDF, 169 KB). This form is only for parents who are physically present in Alberta and are not eligible for AHCIP coverage.

AHCIP forms can also be obtained from any participating registry office.

Step 2: Gather required documents

While applying for AHCIP coverage, you will need supporting documents that verify:

Alberta residency identity legal entitlement to be in and remain in Canada

Documents required for Alberta residency include: Alberta driver’s license bills such as utilities and phone bills mortgage or rental agreement home insurance vehicle registration

Identity documents required include: Passport Permanent resident card (both sides) Certificate of Indian Status issued by the Federal Government Government issued driver’s license Government issued registries ID card Canadian citizenship card

Documents that verify legal entitlement to being in Canada include: Canadian passport Permanent resident card (both sides) Certificate of Indian Status issued by the Federal Government Canadian birth certificate Canada entry document (for example, work or study permit) Canadian citizenship card or certificate (both sides), permanent resident card or confirmation document or letter

Application processing may not be possible if the supporting documents are not provided. Additional supporting documents may also be required for confirming AHCIP eligibility.

Step 3: Submit the application

In-person: Take the application form and original documents to a participating registry office. There is no fee for this service. The processing time may take up to five days. The card will be issued by the AHCIP office and sent via mail.

By Mail: The completed application form and the photocopies of supporting documents must be submitted to the AHCIP office at:

Alberta Health

Attention: Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan

PO Box 1360, Station Main

Edmonton, Alberta  T5J 2N3

Include photocopies of supporting documents with your application. Photocopies must include front and back of the document, if applicable. The processing time for applications submitted via mail may take up to six weeks and the processing time may be longer between October and February.

The AHCIP office sends all cards directly to the concerned applicant’s mailing address, so make sure your current mailing address is provided.