How to apply for AHCIP

Overview

All new and returning eligible Alberta residents must be registered for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). That means, you need to apply for your Alberta personal health care card to receive insured hospital and physician services.

When accessing services you will need to show your personal health care card along with photo identification.

How to apply

Step 1. Eligibility

Learn about AHCIP eligibility requirements.

Step 2. Complete the application form

Complete and save the Application form for AHCIP Coverage

For Canadian children of non-eligible parents

Application form for AHCIP Coverage: Canadian Children of Non-Eligible Parents (PDF, 169 KB) – Only use this form to apply for AHCIP coverage for your Canadian child if you are the child’s parent, you have established residency in Alberta, and you, the parent, are not eligible for AHCIP coverage.

AHCIP forms are also available from a participating registry.

Step 3. Gather your supporting documents

When you apply for AHCIP coverage, you must provide supporting documents that prove:

• Alberta residency
• identity
• legal entitlement to be in and remain in Canada

Alberta residency documents include:

• Alberta driver’s license
• bills such as utilities and phone bills
• mortgage or rental agreement
• home insurance
• vehicle registration

Identity documents include:

• passport
• permanent resident card (both sides)
• certificate of Indian Status issued by the Federal Government
• government issued driver’s license
• government issued registries ID card
• Canadian citizenship card

Legal entitlement to be in Canada documents include:

• Canadian passport
• permanent resident card (both sides)
• certificate of Indian Status issued by the Federal Government
• Canadian birth certificate
• Canada entry document (for example, work or study permit)
• Canadian citizenship card or certificate (both sides), permanent resident card or confirmation document or letter

If these supporting documents are not provided, your application cannot be processed.

You may be asked to provide additional supporting documents to confirm AHCIP eligibility.

Step 4. Submit the application

In person

Processing time can take up to 5 days.

Bring the completed application form and your original documents to a participating registry. There is no charge for this service.

Cards are mailed to your home by the AHCIP office.

By mail

Processing time can take up to 6 weeks, and may be longer between October and February.

Send your completed application form and photocopies of your supporting documents to the AHCIP office:

Alberta Health
Attention: Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan
PO Box 1360, Station Main
Edmonton, Alberta  T5J 2N3

Include photocopies of supporting documents with your application. Photocopies must include front and back of the document, if applicable. Do not send original documents in the mail.

Cards are mailed to your home by the AHCIP office. Ensure you provide your current mailing address.