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Part of Health cards

Paper health card

The standard health card issued to anyone who meets the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) eligibility criteria.

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Health cards

Overview

All Alberta residents who meet the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) eligibility criteria can get a paper health card. This applies to new, returning and temporary residents.

If moving from another province, there may be a waiting period before coverage begins. While waiting to receive your new health card, continue to use your health card from your previous province or territory when accessing insured health services.

Get a paper health card

To get your health card, you need to apply for the AHCIP by completing an AHCIP Application Form and taking the form to a participating registry. You can also pick up AHCIP forms at participating registries.

AHCIP applications are typically processed within 5 days. Once approved, your health card will be mailed to you. Make sure your documents are accurate, and your mailing address is current to avoid delays. Depending on when you apply, your card will be mailed the date your application is processed or 10 days prior to the effective date.

Update to a mobile health card

You may be able to replace your paper health card with the mobile health card.

If you choose to obtain a mobile health card as a replacement, you may retain your initial paper health card, however you will no longer be able to request a replacement paper health card.

Learn more: Mobile health card 

Replace your paper health card

If you have lost or damaged your health card, you can get a replacement card.

Fill in and download the form – AHCIP Notice of Change – UPDATE.

Bring the completed form to a participating registry. The registry will also have paper forms you can fill out.

Replacement cards are mailed to you from the AHCIP office.

Order a card by phone

You can call the AHCIP contact centre to update your account information or request a replacement health card.

Stolen cards

If you believe your card was stolen and is being used fraudulently, phone the AHCIP contact centre to talk to an agent. 

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