The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) is Alberta’s public health insurance program. If you live in Alberta legally and meet eligibility requirements, the government pays for medically necessary health services such as doctor visits, hospital care, diagnostic tests, and some specialist treatments.

However — despite being one of the most generous provincial health plans in Canada — AHCIP does NOT cover everything.
Many newcomers and residents misunderstand what is paid by the government and what requires private insurance.

This guide explains exactly what AHCIP covers, what it does NOT cover, who is eligible, how to apply, and what additional programs exist in 2025.

1. What AHCIP Is — Explained Simply

AHCIP = Alberta’s public medical insurance.
It pays for medically necessary services such as:

• doctor visits
• hospital stays
• surgeries
• diagnostic tests (X-rays, MRIs in hospitals, bloodwork)
• treatment for injuries and sudden illnesses

AHCIP is not the same as:

• dental insurance
• vision/eyeglasses
• prescription drug plans
• travel insurance
• ambulance coverage

These are not fully covered and often require private insurance.

2. Who Is Eligible for AHCIP in 2025?

You are eligible if:

✔️ You live in Alberta for at least 183 days per year

AND

✔️ You are legally entitled to stay in Canada

(citizen, PR, work permit, etc.)

Eligible groups include:

• Canadian citizens & permanent residents

Automatically eligible once they move to Alberta.

• International workers with a valid work permit

Must be 12 months or longer, or have a letter confirming 12-month employment.

• Refugees & protected persons

Eligible with proper IRCC documentation.

• Alberta students

Including those from other provinces temporarily studying in Alberta.

• Children of eligible parents

❌ Not eligible:

• Tourists
• Visitors
• Super visa holders (require private insurance)
• Short-term workers with permits under 12 months
• Students in language programs with short-term permits
• Undocumented individuals

3. What AHCIP Covers (Full List for 2025)

Below is the official coverage breakdown, expanded into simple explanations.

4. AHCIP-Covered Services — Detailed Breakdown

4.1. Doctor Visits (100% Covered)

AHCIP covers:

• Family doctor appointments
• Walk-in clinic visits
• Virtual/telehealth consultations
• Specialist referrals
• Diagnosis & treatment plans

You do not pay:
✔️ consultation fees
✔️ examination fees
✔️ referral fees

This is one of the biggest benefits of the program.

4.2. Hospital Services (100% Covered)

AHCIP covers all medically required hospital care:

• Emergency room visits
• Surgeries (elective + emergency)
• Inpatient stays
• Operating rooms
• Intensive care
• Hospital meals
• Medications given inside the hospital
• Laboratory tests
• Diagnostic imaging (CT, MRI, X-ray) performed in hospitals

✔️ You do NOT pay hospital bills in Alberta.

4.3. Laboratory Tests

Covered fully if ordered by a doctor:

• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• Biopsies
• Pathology
• Prenatal bloodwork

Private labs (Dynalife, LifeLabs) may have exceptions, but hospital-based tests are free.

4.4. Diagnostic Imaging

AHCIP covers medically necessary imaging:

• MRI
• CT scan
• Ultrasound
• X-ray
• Mammography

However:

• MRIs/CTs at private clinics may require payment
• Elective scans (e.g., for curiosity) are NOT covered

4.5. Medically Necessary Surgeries

AHCIP covers:

• Emergency surgeries
• Cancer-related surgeries
• Orthopedic surgeries
• Appendectomy
• Heart surgery
• C-sections

Non-essential cosmetic surgeries (e.g., liposuction, facelift) are NOT covered.

4.6. Maternity & Childbirth Care

AHCIP covers:

• Prenatal doctor visits
• Ultrasounds ordered by a doctor
• Delivery in hospital
• C-sections
• Postpartum hospital care

Not covered:

• Private rooms
• Doula services
• Elective 3D ultrasounds

4.7. Eye Exams (Partial Coverage)

Covered for:

• Children under 18
• Seniors 65+
• Medically necessary exams (eye injury, diabetes complications)

Not covered:

• Eyeglasses
• Contact lenses
• Routine exams for adults (18–64)
• Laser eye surgery

4.8. Dental & Oral Surgery (Very Limited Coverage)

AHCIP only covers dental procedures performed in hospitals, such as:

• Surgery for jaw fractures
• Oral cancer surgeries
• Emergency trauma requiring operating room

Does NOT cover:

• Cleanings
• Fillings
• Root canals
• Crowns
• Braces
• Whitening

Most dental care requires private insurance.

4.9. Mental Health Care

Covered:

• Psychiatrist visits (MD-level)
• Hospital-based mental health treatment

Not covered:

• Psychologist therapy
• Counsellors
• Life coaches
• Private therapy programs

4.10. Prescription Drugs (Limited Coverage)

AHCIP does not cover medications outside the hospital.

However, Alberta has additional optional drug plans:

✔️ Coverage for Seniors Program

✔️ Non-Group Coverage Plan

These reduce costs for:

• chronic medications
• diabetes drugs
• inhalers
• heart medications

But AHCIP alone does NOT cover prescriptions.

4.11. Ambulance Services

NOT fully covered — this surprises many newcomers.

Typical cost:

• $250–$385 per ground ambulance
• $600+ for flights

Exceptions:

• Seniors (partially covered)
• Medical transfer between hospitals

4.12. Other Covered Services

AHCIP covers:

• Medically necessary podiatry emergencies
• Immunizations
• Flu shots
• COVID-19 vaccines
• Tuberculosis tests (public health)
• Cancer screening programs (mammography, PAP tests)

5. What AHCIP Does NOT Cover (2025)

❌ Dental care

❌ Prescription drugs (outside hospital)

❌ Adult eye exams

❌ Glasses & contacts

❌ Physiotherapy

❌ Chiropractor

❌ Massage therapy

❌ Dermatology cosmetic procedures

❌ Private MRI clinics

❌ Travel vaccines

❌ Ambulances (mostly not covered)

❌ Cosmetic surgery

This is why many Albertans also have private insurance (work benefits or personal plans).

6. Additional Alberta Health Benefit Programs (2025)

These programs provide extra coverage beyond AHCIP:

6.1. AHCIP + Non-Group Coverage Plan

For individuals without employer benefits. Helps cover:

• Prescription drugs
• Hospital accommodations
• Diabetic supplies

6.2. Coverage for Seniors

For Alberta residents 65+:

• Drug coverage
• Some dental
• Vision benefits
• Ambulance subsidies

6.3. Alberta Child Health Benefit

For low-income families:

• Dental for children
• Prescription drugs
• Eye exams & glasses
• Essential health services

6.4. Income Support Health Benefits

Helps individuals with low income or in crisis situations access:

• Vision
• Dental
• Drugs
• Emergency services

7. Do Newcomers Need Private Insurance?

YES — newcomers should always have private health insurance until:

• Their AHCIP is active
• Waiting periods (if applicable) are over
• Travel coverage ends

This protects you from:

• $500+ ER visits
• $300 ambulance fees
• $200+ prescription costs

8. FAQ: AHCIP Explained

1. Is AHCIP free?

Yes — as long as you’re eligible.

2. How long does it take to get AHCIP?

Usually 2–6 weeks.

3. Do students qualify?

Yes, if enrolled full-time in eligible programs.

4. Does AHCIP cover eye exams?

Only for children, seniors, and medical emergencies.

5. Does AHCIP cover dentistry?

Almost entirely no.

6. Does AHCIP cover ambulance?

Mostly no — fees apply.

9. Summary: What AHCIP Covers in 2025

AHCIP is strong for:

✔️ hospitals
✔️ emergency care
✔️ doctor visits
✔️ maternity care
✔️ diagnostics

But weak for:

❌ dental
❌ prescriptions
❌ vision
❌ therapy
❌ ambulance

Most Albertans use AHCIP + private insurance together.

Yaroslav Mykolaienko