Health care coverage for students and international students

Students from Alberta

Albertan students can remain on their parent’s AHCIP account if they are either:

• single dependent children under 21 years of age, or
• single dependent children under 25 years of age, who are in full-time attendance at an accredited educational institute

Parents will receive an annual student renewal document to verify their dependency status.

Studying outside Alberta

If you are attending an accredited school full-time outside Alberta and intend to return after completing your studies, you should maintain your AHCIP coverage during your absence.

Confirmation of enrolment is required annually by November 30 and must include the student’s full name, program of enrolment and study dates. Acceptable documents are:

• a letter from the Registrar, with the Registrar’s signature or certification
• a letter of enrolment printed from the school’s online portal, with the school’s logo, letterhead and mailing address
• a printout of online confirmation of course registration, with the school’s logo and official website address

Submit your proof of enrolment  in person at a participating registry before November 30.

If you are outside Alberta or cannot go to a registry, you can mail your proof of enrolment to the AHCIP office. Make sure it arrives by November 30 to avoid interruption to your coverage.

If confirmation is received after November 30 and it is determined you remain eligible, your AHCIP coverage will be reinstated.

• Learn about AHCIP coverage outside Alberta.
• Restrictions apply. Contact AHCIP for more information.

Canadian students

If you are a student from another province or territory studying in Alberta and intend to return home after your studies, you must maintain health insurance coverage with your home province or territory.

When getting medical services in Alberta, present your photo identification along with your valid health card. Students from Quebec may be required to pay for a doctor’s visit while in Alberta. When getting hospital services in Alberta, present your photo identification along with your valid health card and these services will be covered. 

If you decide to make Alberta your home after your studies, you need to apply for AHCIP coverage.

International students

If you are a student from outside Canada, you may be eligible to apply for AHCIP coverage if you:

• have a 12-month study permit (valid for an Alberta educational institute) and will reside in Alberta for 12 months or more
• have a valid study permit for more than 6 but less than 12 months with a letter from the school confirming your enrollment and confirmation of your intent to reside in Alberta for at least 12 months
• have a valid study permit for another province/territory with 6 months or more remaining to the expiry date but have transferred to a school in Alberta and can provide a letter from the registrar’s office confirming full-time attendance

International students who transfer to an educational institute outside Alberta or move to another province or territory are no longer eligible for AHCIP coverage and must contact AHCIP to have their coverage cancelled.

International Students under 17 years of age must have a parent, guardian or custodian register them for coverage. Complete the Application for Children of Non-eligible Parents. 

• Learn how to apply for AHCIP coverage.