How can I find a clinic that provides free services to newcomers?

Every year, Calgary welcomes thousands of newcomers—refugees, immigrants, international students, and those seeking temporary protection. Access to health care is one of the most pressing needs for many of them. The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) starts at least three months after registration, and until then, or if you don't have a PHN card, you'll need to find other options. In this article, we will tell you where and how you can get free or low-cost medical services in Calgary, which clinics specialize in working with newcomers, what you need to know about registration, and how to prepare for your visit.

Medical emergencies for newcomers in the first months

Upon arrival in Canada, new residents face a number of challenges, ranging from acute infections or injuries that may occur during the move to chronic conditions that require stabilization and treatment. Since AHCIP only becomes effective 92 days after residency is granted, and the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) only provides coverage for refugees and certain other categories, many are left without traditional health insurance during this critical period. That is why a network of clinics and community centers providing free or low-cost services has formed in Calgary.

Government and semi-government programs

Before looking at local clinics, it is worth mentioning the basic health insurance and support programs for newcomers.

The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) provides basic government health insurance for residents of the province, but registration can take up to 92 days. Temporary residents, tourists, and some categories of newcomers are not covered by AHCIP. For refugees and protected persons, the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) is the primary program, which provides coverage for only certain services and is valid for up to 12 months.

As a result, until PHN is activated, many newcomers turn to specialized free or subsidized facilities that are fully or partially funded by federal and provincial funds, charitable organizations, and grants.

Specialized clinics for refugees and low-income individuals

Mosaic Refugee Health Clinic

The clinic at Mosaic Primary Care Network is located in Marlborough Mall and works with refugees and people who have been granted protection in Canada. It provides a wide range of services, from birth screenings and immunizations to chronic disease management, women's and children's health, mental health, dentistry, and optometry. After two years, the clinic helps patients transition to a family doctor in the community.
Address: #280, 433 Marlborough Way NE. Phone: 403-569-7251.

Calgary Refugee Health Clinic

Despite financial difficulties and the threat of closure, the clinic continues to serve over 2,500 active patients each year. The main focus is on primary care, treatment of infections, chronic diseases, and mental health. The clinic's activities are supported by the Calgary Health Foundation, which has ensured its stability for another two years.

Signature Medical Center

This family medical center provides assistance to newcomers who have refugee status or temporary protection under the IFHP. The multilingual staff offers consultations in Ukrainian, Russian, Arabic, and other languages, and the administration helps coordinate IFHP registration for those who are eligible.

Community health and crisis centers

The Alex Community Health Center

The Alex is a multifunctional primary and social services center in downtown Calgary that works with vulnerable populations, including newly arrived individuals without insurance. The center's professionals provide family medicine, dentistry, pediatrics, housing support, and food security through the Community Food Centre. Services cover all age groups and aim to prevent crisis situations.

CUPS Calgary

CUPS (Calgary Urban Project Society) provides free medical and mental health services for adults and children with limited access to the healthcare system. Programs include treatment for hepatitis C, chronic pain, diabetes, addiction support, and mobile outreach teams for patients in crisis.

Mobile clinics and outreach

Some organizations, such as Alberta Health Services, are launching mobile medical teams for remote areas and Gap Clinics, which travel to areas with high concentrations of newcomers to provide screenings, vaccinations, and basic diagnostics.

Navigation and language support services

Immigrant Services Calgary

This organization provides not only immigration counseling, but also free legal clinics and social and medical navigation. Through the Healthy Start program, new parents can meet with a nutritionist and pediatrician, receive free food and baby supplies, and through Community Initiatives for Immigrant Seniors, learn computer skills, participate in wellness classes, and receive social support, including first-language counseling.

Translation and interpretation

Almost all of the clinics mentioned above have free interpretation programs in English, French, Ukrainian, Russian, Arabic, and other languages. Before your visit, check with the reception desk to see if language support is available and, if necessary, bring the contact information of an interpreter or a letter stating that you need this service.

How to make an appointment and what to bring

To receive free medical care, simply contact the clinic in person or by phone. In most cases, you do not need a referral from your family doctor. To speed up registration, it is recommended that you bring the following with you:

• Original or copy of your passport or ID card. - A document confirming your immigration status (social security card, AHS letter for refugees).
• Information about previous medical records or vaccination cards (if available).

Comparison table of free and subsidized centers

Tips and next steps

Before visiting, call the clinic you have chosen to confirm their hours and registration process. Newcomers are often advised to go to Mosaic Refugee Health Clinic or Signature Medical Centre first, as they have multilingual staff and experience working with IFHP. Once you have completed your initial care, you can transfer to a family doctor or register with AHCIP for full coverage.

Calgary offers a comprehensive network of free and subsidized health centers for newcomers. Use this guide to find the nearest clinic, prepare the necessary documents, and receive quality care at no cost.