How to apply for health insurance for new arrivals?

Obtaining health insurance is one of the most important steps for newcomers to Calgary. The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) provides access to essential health care services. This article will detail the process of applying for health insurance for different categories of newcomers to Calgary.

General information about AHCIP

The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) is a provincial health insurance program that provides Alberta residents with access to medically necessary doctor and hospital services. All new and returning residents of Alberta must register with AHCIP to receive insurance coverage.

It is important to understand that AHCIP only covers basic medical services, such as:

  • Doctor visits
  • Hospital services
  • Diagnostic procedures
  • Medically necessary surgical procedures

Eligibility criteria for AHCIP

To be eligible for AHCIP coverage, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be legally authorized to be in Canada and make Alberta your permanent home
  • Commit to physically being in Alberta for at least 183 days during any 12-month period
  • Not be claiming residency or benefits in another province, territory, or country
  • Be a resident or temporary resident, not a tourist or visitor

Application process for different categories of newcomers

For newcomers from other provinces of Canada

If you have moved to Alberta from another province or territory of Canada and intend to live here for 12 months or more, you must apply for AHCIP within 3 months of establishing residency in Alberta.

Important to know:

  • Your coverage begins on the first day of the third month after the date you establish residency in Alberta
  • For example, if you established permanent residence in Alberta on July 12, your coverage begins on October 1
  • While you are waiting to receive your Alberta health care card, continue to use the card from your previous province

Exception for military families: The waiting period for AHCIP coverage is waived for military families moving to Alberta. They are eligible for AHCIP coverage from the date they establish residency in Alberta.

For newcomers from outside Canada

If you are moving, immigrating, or returning to Alberta from outside Canada, you may be eligible for coverage from the date you establish residency.

Important conditions:

  • You must apply within 3 months of establishing residency and provide all required documents
  • If your AHCIP application is not received within 3 months of arrival, your coverage start date will be determined during the application process

For permanent residents: Permanent residents who intend to make Alberta their home are eligible for provincial health coverage from the date of arrival in Alberta. This also applies to your spouse, children, or dependents.

For temporary workers: If you arrived in Alberta on a work visa, you must:

  • Establish residency and intend to stay in Alberta for 12 months or longer
  • Have a work permit valid for at least 6 months

For international students: AHCIP is available to international students who:

  • Are 18 years of age or older
  • Have a 12-month study permit for an Alberta educational institution
  • If your permit is valid for 3-11 months, you may qualify if you provide a letter of intent to remain in Alberta for at least one year

For Ukrainian evacuees

For Ukrainians who arrived in Canada under special measures, there is a special program called the Ukrainian Evacuee Temporary Health Benefits Program (UETHBP). This program provides temporary coverage for Ukrainian evacuees who are not eligible for registration and coverage under AHCIP.

Important to know:

  • The UETHBP program ended on March 31, 2025
  • Ukrainian evacuees who were previously covered by the Alberta Health Benefit for Ukrainian Evacuees program and apply for Non-Group Coverage by April 30, 2025, can transfer directly from Alberta Health Benefit without a waiting period

Steps to apply for AHCIP

Step 1: Complete the application form

Download and complete the AHCIP coverage application form. Forms are available:

  • Online on the official Alberta government website
  • At registry offices

Step 2: Gather supporting documents

When you apply for AHCIP coverage, you must provide supporting documents:

Alberta residency:

  • Alberta driver's license
  • Utility and telephone bills
  • Mortgage or rental agreement
  • Home insurance
  • Vehicle registration

Proof of identity:

  • Passport
  • Permanent resident card (both sides)
  • Indian status certificate issued by the federal government
  • Government-issued driver's license
  • Government-issued registry ID card
  • Canadian citizenship card

Legal right to be in Canada:

  • Canadian passport
  • Permanent resident card (both sides)
  • Indian status certificate issued by the federal government
  • Canadian birth certificate
  • Canadian entry document (e.g., work or study permit)
  • Canadian citizenship card or certificate

Step 3: Submit your application

There are two ways to apply for AHCIP: In person:

  • Bring the completed application form and original documents to an authorized registry agent
  • This service is free

By mail:

  • Send the completed application form and photocopies of your supporting documents to the AHCIP office
  • Include photocopies of your supporting documents with your application
  • Photocopies must include the front and back of the document, if applicable
  • Do not send original documents by mail

Mailing address: Alberta Health Attention: Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan PO Box 1360, Station Main Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2N3 text

Registry Offices in Calgary

There are several registry offices in Calgary where you can apply for AHCIP. Not all registry offices in Alberta provide AHCIP services, only those listed below:

Calgary – Registry at Marda Loop

  • Address: 2106 33 Avenue SW, Calgary
  • Phone: 403-246-6510

Calgary – Registry Services

  • Address: 610, 19587 Seton Crescent SE, Calgary, Alberta T3M 2T5
  • Phone: 403-243-8935

Calgary – Registry Unlimited

  • Address: 2754 32 Street NE, Calgary
  • Phone: 403-291-9696

Calgary – Richmond Road Registry

  • Address: 5767 Signal Hill Centre SW, Calgary
  • Phone: 403-246-0130

Calgary – Riverbend Registries

  • Address: 318 - 8338 18 Street SE, Calgary
  • Phone: 403-720-3315

Calgary – Shawnessy Licence and Registry Ltd.

  • Address: 124 - 250 Shawville Boulevard SE, Calgary
  • Phone: 403-254-4222

Registry@South Trail Crossing Ltd.

  • Address: 66-4307 130 Avenue SE, Calgary

The Licensing Company (Calgary) Inc.

  • Address: Bow Valley Square IV, 246-250 6 Avenue SW
  • Phone: 403-299-2373

Application processing time and card receipt

The processing time for an AHCIP application may vary:

  • Application processing may take up to 6-8 weeks
  • For Ukrainian evacuees, application processing times can range from 3 to 8 weeks
  • If you apply through a registration office, processing times can be up to 5 days

Once your application has been processed, your personal health insurance card will be mailed to your home address. Based on user experience, the card usually arrives within 2-4 weeks after the application is processed.

Additional programs and coverage

Non-Group Coverage

The Non-Group Coverage program provides all Albertans with access to an affordable program of additional health benefits not covered by AHCIP. Alberta Blue Cross administers Non-Group Coverage on behalf of the Alberta government.

Eligibility:

  • Available to all Alberta residents under 65 and their dependents registered under AHCIP
  • A monthly premium is charged for Non-Group Coverage

Coverage for Seniors Program

The Alberta government provides seniors with free coverage for prescription drugs and other health-related services not covered by AHCIP.

Eligibility:

  • To be eligible for Coverage for Seniors, you must have active AHCIP coverage and be 65 years of age or older

Practical tips for newcomers

  1. Apply as soon as possible - Apply for AHCIP within the first 3 months of arriving in Alberta to ensure continuous coverage.

  2. Keep copies of all documents - Make copies of all documents you submit with your application in case you need them in the future.

  3. Check your address is correct - Make sure your mailing address is correct in the AHCIP system so you can receive your card.

  4. Contact the registration office in advance - Contact the registration office in advance to make sure they have health care agents available to assist you.

  5. Consider temporary private insurance - If you are waiting for your AHCIP application to be processed, consider purchasing temporary private insurance to cover any medical expenses that may arise during this period.

Conclusion

Applying for health insurance is an important step for newcomers to Calgary. The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) provides access to essential health services, but the application process can be complicated for newcomers.

By following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully apply for AHCIP and obtain health insurance in Alberta. Remember that it is important to apply within the first 3 months of arriving in Alberta to ensure continuous coverage.

If you have questions about the application process or your eligibility, contact the AHCIP office or visit one of the registration offices in Calgary for more information and assistanc