Alberta Cut Health Care Coverage for IEC Workers

The change wasn’t publicly announced, which created a lot of confusion, with many workers only finding out when their coverage application or renewal was rejected. Employers in tourism and hospitality raised concerns quickly, since international workers make up a big part of their workforce. 

Soon after concerns were raised, the province reversed course, at least temporarily. On February 10, 2026, Alberta said it was pausing the decision and reviewing the policy. 

So where does that leave IEC workers now? 

What changed on January 7

Alberta’s health ministry confirmed the change took effect January 7, 2026. The reasoning was that the federal government requires International Experience Canada (IEC) participants to carry private insurance, so the province described public coverage as “redundant” and discontinued it.  

Why the tourism industry raised the alarm 

In tourism-heavy communities like the Bow Valley, a policy change like this becomes real fast. When hotels and restaurants are running on tight staffing, even a small rule shift can ripple through the whole workforce. Towns like Banff rely heavily on temporary foreign workers – including IEC participants – to fill jobs across hospitality and service industries. Local groups that support international workers said the change caused a lot of confusion and anxiety, especially because it wasn’t publicly communicated ahead of time.

For employers, it also created a practical problem when hiring ramps up heading into the spring and summer season. When health coverage rules feel uncertain, it can affect recruitment and retention.

Why having private insurance doesn’t solve the problem 

IEC participants are required to have private health insurance, yes. But private IEC-eligible health insurance is often designed around emergencies, not everyday care. 

IEC participants must have private health insurance for the full length of their stay. It’s not the same thing as provincial health care like AHCIP, and it’s not the same as a basic travel insurance policy either. 

• Provincial health care (AHCIP) = everyday access to the public system (doctor visits, hospital care, many medically necessary tests). 

• IEC-required private insurance = a private policy you buy that often focuses on sudden illness/injury and emergencies, and may not cover routine visits, non-urgent imaging, and ongoing treatment. 

In the CBC reporting, one worker described delaying care because the situation didn’t qualify as an emergency under their travel insurance and paying out of pocket wasn’t realistic. 

It shows that routine and preventative care can be expensive to access, even when a person is fully insured under the IEC health insurance rules. For some IEC participants, an additional private healthcare policy, could help with routine and preventative care. Our partner, BestQuote offers a comparison of rates for many different options on the market, while our partner, Cigna Healthcare, offers flexible international health plans for expats and newcomers. 

The February 10 update: Alberta pauses the change 

On February 10, 2026, Alberta said it was hitting pause on the change while it reviews the policy, calling it a “premature decision” made inside the department. 

According to the province, IEC Type 58 permit holders are once again eligible for AHCIP if: 

• the work permit is valid for at least 12 months, and

• the worker can provide proof of full-time employment 

That’s an important detail; this isn’t a blanket “everyone is covered” statement. Eligibility may still depend on your permit length and work situation. The province has not said how long the review will take. 

What IEC workers in Alberta should do 

If you’re on a Working Holiday or Young Professionals permit in Alberta: 

1. Check your work permit validity (is it 12 months or more?).
2. Gather proof of full-time employment (employer letter, pay stubs, contract).
3. Confirm AHCIP eligibility through a registry before assuming you’re covered.
4. Keep private insurance active regardless, it’s still a federal IEC requirement and can be checked at the border. 

If you’re still shopping for health care coverage, don’t assume all plans are equal. Some policies look great until you need non-emergency care, imaging, or follow-ups. 

This situation exposed two pressure points at the same time: 

• policy changes without public communication, and

• a mismatch between “mandatory private insurance” and real-world access to healthcare 

For IEC participants, this reminder to keep your documents organized, avoid relying on outdated eligibility assumptions, and verify coverage early, especially if you’re moving provinces or starting a new job. 

Want more IEC updates like this? Sign up for our newsletter, and we’ll keep you updated when policies change, plus practical tips during your IEC.