Alberta Health Care (AHCIP) for Newcomers in 2026

One of the most important aspects of getting settled in Alberta is health care. Although every province in Canada offers publicly-funded healthcare that covers most medically necessary services, all immigrants and newcomers must apply to be eligible.

Today, we’ll guide you through the application process for Alberta health care, and show you what you need to know to secure your Alberta health card.

Key Takeaways

• You must apply for AHCIP — coverage is not automatic for newcomers, even as a legal resident.
• A waiting period applies — coverage begins on the first day of the third month after establishing residency.
• Two ways to apply — in person (5 days processing) or by mail (approximately 6 weeks).
• Three documents required — proof of identity, Alberta residence, and valid Canadian immigration status.
• AHCIP doesn’t cover everything — prescription drugs and some other services require private health insurance.

How does Healthcare Work in Alberta?

In Alberta, healthcare is publicly funded, meaning legal residents receive coverage for most medically necessary services at no direct cost. This coverage is administered through the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), which covers all medically necessary services, including some dental and oral surgical health services. In Alberta, a patient’s doctor is responsible for determining when a procedure or service is medically necessary.

Additionally, some podiatry and optometry services, as well as specialized dental and maxillofacial surgery, may be covered in whole or in part. For example, all Alberta residents under 18 and over 65 years of age are eligible to receive one complete eye exam, a partial eye exam, and one diagnostic procedure through Alberta Health Care every benefit year.

Who qualifies for AHCIP?

To be eligible for public Alberta Health Care, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a legal immigrant to Canada — including temporary foreign workers and students — and intend to make this province your full-time residence for at least 12 months
• Be present in Alberta for at least 183 days during that first 12 months
• Not claim residency or health benefits from any other province, territory, or country

Alberta Health Care is also available to refugees and their dependents who carry documentation from Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada, and are committed to living in Alberta for 12 or more consecutive months.

To apply for Alberta Health Care, you must submit certain documents, including proof of identity, proof of residence, and proof of immigration status. More details are outlined below.

Who is not eligible for AHCIP?

The following are not eligible for AHCIP coverage:

• Visitors
• Failed refugee claimants
• Individuals with expired immigration documents

How to Apply for AHCIP Coverage in Alberta

All newcomers to Alberta must register for health insurance with AHCIP within the first three months of their residency to ensure that they receive health coverage for insured hospital and physician services. To apply, download and fill out the application form, then submit the application with all supporting documents either in-person or by mail.

Applications for Alberta Health Care filed in person must be processed by an authorized registry agent. There, the registry agent will look over your original supporting documents and return them to you that day. If your documents are not in English, you must offer a written translation that has been translated by a government-approved translator. On average, applications that are filed in-person are processed within 5 days.

If you choose to mail in your forms, you must include photocopies of your supporting documentation, not the originals. Processing by mail takes approximately 6 weeks for Alberta Health Care applications.

Application Form and Supporting Documents

To apply for health care coverage, you must download and fill out the application form, then submit the completed application form and provide supporting documents either in-person or by mail. The following supporting documents are required:

1. Proof of identity

• an ID card or driver’s licence issued by any official government
• a valid passport, NEXUS card or permanent resident card

2. Proof of Alberta residence

You must provide documents showing your Alberta address as proof that you are living in Alberta. These are examples of valid documents:

• utility bills, bank or credit card statements showing an Alberta address
• residential lease agreement, mortgage document or land title
• written confirmation of Alberta employment, must be signed and dated

The documents must contain your full name, address and have a date of less than 90 days prior to being presented.

3. Proof of Canadian residence

One of the following original / not-expired documents may be presented as proof that you are a permanent or temporary resident of Canada:

• Canadian birth certificate or passport
• Permanent Resident card
• a confirmation document, work or study permit or resident visa issued by the Government of Canada that gives you resident status in Canada for more than the next 90 days
• refugee claimants with a Refugee Protection Claimant Document and a valid work or study permit
• Certificate of Indian Status

Any valid Canada entry document — such as a work permit, study permit, or permanent resident card — that confirms your status for more than 90 days from the date of application will be accepted.

If your Canadian residence documents are not in English, you must present a written translation from an approved translator.

How do I get a new Alberta Health Care card?

You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Alberta health card by contacting any authorized registry agent in person or by calling AHCIP at +1 (780) 427-1432. You will need to provide proof of identity and your current Alberta address. Once approved, your new health card will be mailed to your home within 2–3 weeks.

What is my AHCIP number?

Your AHCIP number is the personal health number printed on your Alberta health care card. This number is used to access insured health services across the province. If you have lost your card or do not know your number, contact AHCIP by phone at +1 (780) 427-1432 or visit a registry office in person.

How long does it take to get an Alberta Health Card after applying?

Once approved, your health card will be mailed to your home by the AHCIP office within 2-3 weeks. Keep this in mind when planning your first medical appointments after the waiting period ends.

What is the Waiting Period for Healthcare in Alberta?

The waiting period for Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan coverage ends on the first day of the third month after establishing residency in Alberta, but you need to register for the health care insurance plan to access coverage after this period.

Coverage begins on the first day of the third month after establishing residency in Alberta — but you must register for AHCIP in advance to access your benefits once the waiting period ends.

In addition to reimbursing services typically covered by Alberta Health Care (AHCIP), private insurance (depending on the type you purchase) can also be extended to pay for expenses that are not generally covered by public health insurance, such as prescription drugs.

Cigna’s newcomer health insurance plans can bridge the gap during your waiting period, reimbursing costs for medical visits, hospitalization, and prescription medication. Their plans are built for people in transition — giving you one less thing to worry about as you settle into Alberta.

Compare coverage plans and select the best for you. Check our partners below.

What does Alberta Healthcare AHCIP Cover?

The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) provides eligible residents with full coverage for medically necessary physician services and some dental health services. It is up to your physician to determine which services are considered medically necessary and insured. Generally, the following medical services are covered under the AHCIP, though you should always consult with your physician to be sure:

• AHCIP covers a broad range of insured health services, including medically necessary physician and surgeon visits, hospital stays, and diagnostic procedures.
• psychiatrist visits
• medically required hospital stays & certain hospital services
• medically required diagnostic services including laboratory, radiological and other diagnostic procedures
• oral and maxillofacial surgery services
• bariatric surgery for Albertans who are eligible under the Weight Wise program
• breast augmentation and mastectomy for transgender surgery

For a complete list of services the AHCIP covers, see Alberta’s Schedule of Medical Benefits.

AHCIP also provides partial coverage for podiatry and optometry services, as well as for some specialized dental and oral surgical services.

Does Alberta Health Care cover eye exams?

AHCIP covers eye exams only for residents under 18 and over 65 years of age. Adults between 19 and 64 are not covered for routine eye exams, eyeglasses, or contact lenses under Alberta Health Care. If you fall outside the covered age range, you will need private health insurance to cover vision care costs.

What is not covered by Alberta Health Care?

While AHCIP covers most medically necessary services, several services are not included. Here is what you should know:

Medical services not covered:

• Cosmetic and non-medically required procedures (such as tummy tucks or vasectomy reversals)
• Services provided by chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists, psychologists, or nurse practitioners
• Routine eye exams for residents aged 19 to 64, eyeglasses, and contact lenses
• Routine dental care such as cleanings, fillings, and wisdom teeth extractions
• Prescription drugs outside of hospital settings
• Fertility treatments and assisted reproductive technologies
• Medical forms, notes, and third-party medicals (for employment or insurance purposes)
• Travel vaccinations and some immunizations

Hospital services not covered:

• Private or semi-private hospital rooms (unless medically necessary)
• Ambulance services, except inter-facility transfers
• Experimental procedures or those undergoing clinical trials
• Hearing aids, prosthetics, and mobility devices

Services not covered outside Alberta:

• Vision and dental care
• Mental health and addiction services
• Physiotherapy, midwifery, and home care services
• Cancer services, podiatry, and optometry

For a complete and up-to-date list of services not covered by AHCIP, visit the official Alberta Health Care website.

Updating Alberta Health Care Insurance Information

In the case of certain events, you need to update your AHCIP information. It is important to contact Alberta Health to report a change of address, change in relationship/marital status, new dependents, and if a member of your family dies outside Alberta.

If you are a student, including those leaving Alberta to study or coming into Alberta to study, you must ensure you understand how your studies impact your eligibility for health insurance.

If you move out of Alberta, please contact AHCIP so they can update or cancel your coverage.

Denied or Cancelled Coverage: Next Steps

Your Alberta healthcare application could be denied or your existing coverage may be cancelled if the supporting documents you provided are not acceptable, expire, or if you do not meet the eligibility requirements.

In the event that you are denied coverage, you may request to have your application and documents reviewed. As part of the review, you must provide sufficient evidence to the AHCIP office to demonstrate your eligibility for coverage if your application is denied.

To request an eligibility review, write an appeal letter to the AHCIP office including reasons for your request and any additional supporting evidence. Mail your letter and supporting documents (photocopies only) to Alberta Health.

When an eligibility review has taken place and a decision has been made to deny or cancel AHCIP coverage, you will receive a letter outlining the reasons for the decision.

AHCIP Office & Contact Information

If you need to contact AHCIP, you can speak with an agent in-person or by phone. AHCIP also has an email address, but this is for general information only, not for questions relating to personal information.

In-Person

You can apply for AHCIP, update your Alberta health care card, and make inquiries in-person at any participating registry office.

By Phone

You can contact AHCIP by phone at +1 (780) 427-1432. Offices are open from 8:15am to 4:30pm Alberta time (MST) from Monday to Friday.

You can also reach out for general inquiries by email at [email protected].

Further Resources for Newcomers in Alberta

• Wondering about your prescription options? Dive into our article, where we explore everything you need to know about obtaining a prescription in Canada. Discover the process and make informed decisions about your healthcare!
• Learn about getting private health insurance to cover your first months in Canada while waiting for Alberta coverage.
• Want to learn more about how healthcare works in Canada? Check our article on all you need to know about the Canadian Healthcare System.
• If you are on maintained status, healthcare can be confusing. Read our guide Health Insurance While on Maintained Status in Canada