Overview
Alberta residents who meet the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) eligibility criteria will get a standalone health card with an expiry date. This applies to new, returning and temporary residents and those who do not have a combined driver’s licence or ID card with their personal health number (also known as an integrated card).
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 standalone 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 an Alberta registry agent. You can also pick up AHCIP forms at registry offices.
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.
If you are an existing Albertan and already have active coverage under the AHCIP, are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and have renewed your driver’s licence or ID card or you have gotten a new driver’s licence or ID card after July 2, 2026, you will not be issued a standalone card. Part of the driver’s licence or ID card service is to add your personal health number to this card when you meet the requirements for an integrated card.
Update to a mobile health card
You may be able to replace your standalone health card with the mobile health card.
If you choose to obtain a mobile health card as a replacement, you may retain your initial health card, however you will no longer be able to request a replacement standalone health card.
Using your standalone health card
A standalone health card proves your eligibility for insured health services in Alberta and is used to access health services in Alberta and elsewhere in Canada
When using your standalone health card, you must present it along with valid photo identification (such as a driver’s licence or ID card).
After July 2, 2026, all standalone health cards will have an expiry date displayed on the card. This is known as an AHCIP expiry date. All health cards in Alberta (standalone, mobile health card or integrated cards) are valid if the expiry date has not passed. Using a card that has expired can result in being turned away at a doctor’s office or health facility or to pay out of pocket.
You will never be turned away from receiving emergency health services, however if your card is expired, you may have to pay for the services provided.
Replace your health card
If you have lost or damaged your standalone health card, you can get a replacement card. Call the AHCIP contact centre for help:
Phone: 780-427-1432
- Toll free in Alberta: 310-0000, then the phone number
Other health card options
Depending on your situation, you may also be eligible for:
- an integrated card (if you have a valid Alberta driver’s licence or ID card)
- a mobile health card (through the Alberta Wallet)
All health card types provide access to insured health services under AHCIP.
Stolen cards
If you believe your card was stolen and is being used fraudulently, phone the AHCIP contact centre to talk to an agent.