The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) is the provincial planOpens in a new window for all Alberta residents. It provides coverage for most of your basic healthcare services.
To qualify, you must be a resident of Albert for at least 6 months every year. Coverage starts once your application has been approved and registered. Certain exceptions applyOpens a new website in a new window.
What’s covered with AHCIP
| Benefit | Coverage details |
|---|---|
| Prescription drugs |
The AHCIP provides coverage for eligible drugs listed on the Alberta Drug BenefitOpens a new website in a new window list for low income residents, including seniors 65 years or olderOpens a new website in a new window, who are eligible. Where applicable you pay quarterly premiums and a percentage of the cost of prescription drugs, up to a dollar maximum per prescription (unless the chosen drug is not the lowest cost alternative, in which you pay the difference). Those without group coverage may be eligible for the Non-Group Coverage programOpens a new website in a new window which provides some coverage for supplementary health benefits. The Alberta government has launched the Biosimilars InitiativeOpens a new website in a new window which means AHCIP will only cover the biosimilar versions of eligible drugs. |
| Ambulance |
You’re generally not covered for ground ambulance services unless you are:
Learn more about ambulance service billing information.Opens a new website in a new window |
| Dental benefits | There is no coverage for routine dental services such as cleanings, fillings and extractions. You are partially coveredOpens a new website in a new window for some specific dental, oral or maxillofacial surgical services. |
| Vision care |
You’re covered for 1 complete eye exam, 1 partial eye exam and 1 diagnostic procedure per benefit year if you are 18 and under or 65 and older. You aren’t covered for routine eye exams if you’re 19-64 years old (unless medically necessary), prescription glasses or contact lenses. Learn more about eye exam coverage.Opens a new website in a new window |
| Hospital | You’re covered for standard level accommodations and meals. Learn more about hospital stays.Opens a new website in a new window |
| Paramedicals |
No coverage for services provided by a chiropractor, acupuncturist, massage therapist, homeopath, nutritionist, psychologist, physician assistant or nurse practitioner. Alberta seniors may be eligible for chiropractic and psychological services if enrolled with the Coverage for Seniors health benefitOpens a new website in a new window. You’re covered for some podiatric servicesOpens a new website in a new window and appliances, which are payable at a specific rate per services, per person, per benefit year. Private insurers cannot pay benefits for services provided by some paramedical practitioners until the Alberta government’s yearly benefit maximum has been reached. |
| Hearing aids and medical supplies |
If you are disabled, chronically ill, or terminally ill, you receive limited coverage for hearing aids and other medical devices and supplies through the Alberta Aids to Daily Living ProgramOpens a new website in a new window. Continuous Glucose MonitorsOpens a new website in a new window are eligible for those 18 years and under who meet certain eligibility requirements. |
| Nursing benefits and home care | Continuing care centre and home care coverage varies by need. If you qualify, the Alberta government provides coverage for a variety of services in your home and communityOpens a new website in a new window. |
| Accidental death and dismemberment | AHCIP does not provide any coverage for accidental death and dismemberment. |
| Out of country |
You are covered for physician services outside of Canada up to Alberta rates onlyOpens a new website in a new window. You are also covered for hospital services provided these services are covered by AHCIP and rendered in a hospital setting. You are not covered for any ambulance services outside of Alberta. Hospital-services rates still apply and payment for services provided in a private health facility are not covered. |
Personal health insurance can help supplement your coverage where you need it most.
Though you’re covered, you still pay for some of your provincial health coverage. Personal health insurance can help make sure you aren't paying out of pocket for unexpected expenses.
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These highlights from the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan are for general reference only and are subject to change, corrections and updates. Other government programs may also be available. For more information on the latest coverage details, please contact Alberta Health and Wellness at:
Alberta Health
Attention: Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan
P.O. Box 1360 Station Main
Edmonton, AB T5J 2N3
In Edmonton, phone: 780-427-1432
Toll-free for the rest of Alberta, dial 310-0000 then 780-427-1432
AlbertaOpens a new website in a new window
Last updated: April 2022