Alberta Health Services: Apply for Government-Supported Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)
Alberta Health Services (AHS) manages the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), which provides eligible residents with access to publicly funded health services. AHCIP is one of Canada’s most comprehensive provincial health coverage programs and offers a clear path to affordable, high-quality healthcare for all Albertans.
Why Choose Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan?
The AHCIP is not just a health coverage program—it’s a vital part of ensuring every resident can receive medical care when they need it. Here’s why it stands out:
1. Government-Supported Coverage
AHCIP is publicly supporteded, which means Alberta residents don’t have to worry about the cost of basic healthcare services. This eliminates financial barriers to seeing a doctor, going to a hospital, or receiving medically necessary treatments.
2. Comprehensive Health Benefits
Whether you’re new to Alberta or a long-term resident, the plan covers a broad range of services, including visits to family doctors and specialists, diagnostic tests, hospital stays, and surgery. The plan is designed to support all ages and income levels.
3. No Additional Fees at Point of Service
With a valid Alberta Health Care number, you can directly visit most approved health facilities, be hospitalized, and receive necessary medical treatment. This allows you to focus on your health without worrying about unexpected bills.
4. Accessible to All Eligible Residents
AHCIP is open to most people who live in Alberta. This includes Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and certain temporary residents who plan to make Alberta their home. Once eligibility is confirmed, you and your dependents will be covered without having to worry about the cost.
Essential Coverage for Every Life Stage（From birth to 65 +）
You don’t have to bear the stress of health care costs alone. With AHCIP, children, youth, adults, and seniors are all covered for core medical services. Alberta Health Services manages this program to help ensure everyone stays protected at every stage of life.
Eligibility for AHCIP
To qualify for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan as of 2025, you must:
Be a resident of Alberta who is physically present in the province at least 183 days per year.
Have legal status in Canada (citizenship, permanent residency, or an approved work/study permit).
Submit the required documentation (e.g. proof of address, identification, and immigration status if applicable).
These eligibility criteria ensure that everyone, whether long-term residents, international students or those holding temporary work permits, has access to necessary health care coverage.
Coverage begins once your application has been approved and you are registered.
Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan: Real-Life Success Stories
Take David’s story as an example. David moved to Alberta for work and needed to make sure he had healthcare coverage. After applying for AHCIP as a new resident, David was quickly enrolled. When he had a minor injury at work, David was able to visit a local clinic and get treated without any worry about cost. Thanks to Alberta’s publicly funded program, David could focus on his recovery instead of worrying about medical bills.
What Services Are Covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan?
Once enrolled in AHCIP, a wide range of services are covered for you and your family, including:
Physician Services – Visits to your family doctor or specialists are covered. AHCIP allows you to address health concerns early and receive regular checkups.
Hospital Services – The cost burden of medically necessary hospital stays, surgeries, and diagnostic tests can be transferred to AHCIP, so you can receive hospital care without worry.
Diagnostic Tests and Procedures – Laboratory tests, X-rays, and other diagnostic services recommended by your doctor are covered.
Essential Healthcare – Physiotherapy, mental health consultations, maternity care, and other specialized healthcare services may also be included under certain conditions.
How to Apply for Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)
Applying for health coverage is easy with Alberta Health Services. Follow these simple steps:
Visit the AHCIP Website – Go to the official Alberta Health Services website and find the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan section.
Check Eligibility – Review eligibility requirements and make sure you have all the necessary supporting documents, such as proof of Alberta residency and personal identification.
Submit the Application – Complete the AHCIP application form online or mail it to the nearest registry office with your supporting documents.
Start Your Healthcare Coverage with Alberta Health Services
AHCIP is here to support every resident of Alberta with access to vital healthcare services.