Healthcare in Calgary

If you are moving to Calgary, you’ll be delighted to know that, as a legal permanent resident of Alberta, you have access to free healthcare during your stay in Canada through the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Canada prides itself on providing high-quality, universal, and accessible healthcare. That said, a growing population and a shortage of healthcare workers continue to put pressure on the country’s healthcare system, which often results in long waiting lists for doctors and hospitals.

Public healthcare in Calgary

Public healthcare in Calgary is accessible to anyone relocating to Alberta from outside of Canada, and coverage under the AHCIP will start from the date of your arrival in the province.

To qualify for AHCIP coverage, you must be a legal permanent resident of Alberta. This means you need a valid residence or work visa and must be physically present in Alberta for at least 183 days of the year. There are exceptions to this rule, such as for students studying out of province or workers temporarily assigned elsewhere, but you should contact AHCIP directly to confirm your specific situation.

How to apply

Applying for AHCIP coverage is fairly straightforward. You can download an application form from the Alberta Health and Wellness Department’s website. Complete the form, sign it, and submit it by mail or in person at a registry office. To ensure a smooth application process, include the following supporting documents:

• Proof of Alberta residency, such as a recent rental agreement or utility bill (dated within the last 90 days)
• Government-issued photo ID, like a copy of your passport
• Proof of legal entitlement to reside in Canada, such as a copy of your work visa, study permit, or visitor record

It’s a good idea to double-check that all your documents are valid and up-to-date to avoid delays or denials during processing. If you’re unsure about anything, contact AHCIP or visit a registry office for guidance on acceptable documentation.

Although coverage technically begins from the first day of your arrival in Alberta, you won’t be officially covered until your documents have been submitted and your application for the AHCIP card has been processed and approved. This can take anywhere from five days for in-person applications to up to six weeks for mail-in submissions. Submit your application within 90 days of establishing residency to avoid unnecessary delays.

We recommend having private medical insurance for the first few months in Calgary to cover this gap period, just in case you need to pay out-of-pocket for any medical expenses during the waiting period. You will be reimbursed once your coverage is approved.

Coverage and types of care

The coverage offered by AHCIP is extensive. It includes GP visits, hospital stays and surgeries, palliative care, and limited community-based rehabilitation services. Additionally, the coverage extends to optometry for children under 18 years old.

Another great feature of Calgary’s healthcare system is the availability of walk-in clinics. There are many throughout the greater Calgary area, most of which are open in the evenings and on weekends. Staffed by dedicated professionals, these clinics can provide treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, vaccinations, and basic health assessments when needed, making them an excellent option for non-emergency situations.

While AHCIP coverage is comprehensive, it does not include prescription drugs collected at pharmacies, dental care, mental healthcare, ambulance transport, or midwifery. If you require any of these services, purchasing private insurance to supplement AHCIP is a good idea. Many employers also offer additional health benefits that can help cover these extra services.

Useful links

• Alberta Government: Health

Private health insurance in Calgary

If you don’t have permanent residency in Alberta and reside in the province for less than 183 days a year, you will need to invest in private health coverage.

It might be necessary to engage the services of a private health insurance provider to help pay for dental care, psychological counselling, physiotherapy, and similar services. Ensure you understand each plan’s scope and choose what best suits your needs. Private insurance can also cover services not included in AHCIP, such as ambulance transport and dental and vision care, which are essential for many people.

Hospitals in Calgary

Alberta Children’s Hospital

www.childrenshospital.ab.ca 
Address: 28 Oki Dr NW

Foothills Medical Centre

www.albertahealthservices.ca
Address: 1403 29 Street NW

Sheldon M Chumir Health Centre

www.myhealth.alberta.ca 
Address: 1213 4 Street SW

East Calgary Health Centre

www.albertahealthservices.ca 
Address: 4715 8 Avenue SE