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Introduction
To get your health card and be covered for insured health services in Alberta, you must be registered with the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
Eligibility cannot be determined until your AHCIP application, along with the required supporting documentation, are received and reviewed.
- Coverage begins once your application has been approved and you are registered. If you need medical attention before you get your card, you may be asked to pay or be billed if you do not have other insurance. You will not be refused emergency care.
- Your paper personal health card is mailed to you and it can be laminated. You may also choose to get a mobile health card.
In focus
What is required to apply for AHCIP coverage and what to do if your coverage is denied or cancelled.
What you need to do and what information is needed to apply for AHCIP coverage.
Participating registry agents will help you apply for or update your AHCIP account information.
Moving to Alberta
- Apply for AHCIP coverage if you move to Alberta
- Coverage for temporary residents
- Coverage for refugees
Opt out of AHCIP
Residents who choose not to be covered under the AHCIP must formally ‘opt out’ of the plan. All dependants of an opted-out registrant are also opted out.
If you opt out:
- you, or your secondary insurer (if applicable), will have to pay for all medical and hospital costs incurred by you or your dependants
- you will not be eligible for government-sponsored supplementary benefits such as Alberta Blue Cross Non-group Coverage
- you can change your mind and register for coverage under AHCIP
Contact
Due to high call volumes, it is recommended you read through our web content before you call us.
To register or update your information, go to a participating registry agent.