Alberta Health Care Coverage: What You Need to Know

Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) provides publicly funded health coverage to all eligible Alberta residents. There are no premiums - coverage is funded through general tax revenue. AHCIP covers physician services (family doctors and specialists), hospital services, some oral surgery, and diagnostic services ordered by physicians. Like other provinces, it also covers medically necessary telehealth consultations. Services not covered include most prescription drugs (Alberta Blue Cross programs provide some coverage), dental care, vision care (except for children under 19 through some programs), ambulance services, and most allied health services (physiotherapy, chiropractic). Alberta offers several supplementary programs. The Alberta Drug Benefit List helps seniors and qualifying groups. Alberta Blue Cross administers non-group coverage that individuals can purchase for dental, drug, and extended health benefits. To use AHCIP, you need a valid Alberta Health Care card. Apply through Alberta Health within 3 months of establishing residency. New residents from other provinces are covered by their previous province for 3 months during the transition. For up-to-date information on coverage, visit Alberta.ca or speak with your physician about which services are included. *This article is for informational purposes only.*

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Content reviewed by licensed Canadian physicians. Last updated February 2026.