Immigrants are eligible for coverage under Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan on the day they arrive in Alberta from another country. It is important to apply for coverage immediately upon arrival to Alberta and to provide the necessary documents. The application form can be found at Alberta Health’s website.
If you require health care services before your application is processed you will be required to pay for these services. However you will be reimbursed once you have your personal health card and can show eligibility for the period when you received the services.
In Alberta, health care premiums must be paid to have health coverage. Once employed, many employers pay for all or a portion of your Alberta Health Care premiums. However, until you gain employment, you will be required to pay these premiums.
The costs for Alberta health care premiums are $44 per month for individuals and $88 per month for families. The Alberta government has programs that help qualifying individuals and families pay for health care premiums and other health related costs. More information can be found atAlberta Health’s website Dental services and prescription medications are not generally covered by Alberta Health Care. Many employers have additional health benefit programs that help to pay for these costs.