What documents are required to register with AHCIP?

To register for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), you must provide documents that confirm three key aspects: your place of residence in Alberta, your identity, and your legal right to be in Canada. Let's take a closer look at what documents are required for each of these categories.

Documents confirming residence in Alberta

To confirm your residence in Alberta, you must provide one of the following documents:

  • Alberta driver's license
  • Utility or telephone bills (issued within the last 90 days)
  • Mortgage or rental agreement
  • Home insurance
  • Vehicle registration
  • Bank statement with an Alberta address
  • For students: letter of confirmation of enrollment with current address (can be downloaded from your MyQuest account)

It is important that the document includes your name and current address in Alberta, which must match the address provided on the application.

Identity documents

To confirm your identity, you must provide one of the following documents:

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

The document must contain your photo, name, and date of birth. All documents must be valid (not expired).

Documents proving your legal right to be in Canada

To prove your legal right to be in Canada, you must provide one of the following documents:

  • Canadian passport
  • Permanent resident card (both sides)
  • Indian status certificate issued by the federal government
  • Canadian birth certificate
  • Canadian entry document, for example:
  • Work permit
  • Study permit
  • CUAET visa (for Ukrainian evacuees)
  • Canadian citizenship card or certificate (both sides)

The document must include your name and date of birth. For temporary residents from outside Canada, the document must be valid for at least 6 months after the expiry date.

Special requirements for different categories of applicants

For permanent residents

Permanent residents who intend to make Alberta their home are eligible for provincial health coverage upon arrival in Alberta. You must apply within 3 months of establishing residency and provide all required documents.

For temporary workers

If you have arrived in Alberta on a work visa, you must:

  • Establish residency and intend to remain in Alberta for 12 months or longer
  • Have a work permit valid for at least 6 months
  • Your work permit must be for an employer in Alberta, and your place of work must be in Alberta (unless it is an open permit)

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). When applying, you must:

  • Identify yourself as an evacuee from Ukraine
  • Have a CUAET visa
  • Complete the standard AHCIP application form
  • Provide all necessary documents confirming your identity and place of residence The processing time for applications for Ukrainian evacuees can range from 3 to 8 weeks.

Application process

Step 1: Complete the application form

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

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

Step 2: 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
  • Processing time may take up to 5 days

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
  • Processing time may take up to 6 weeks

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

Important notes

  1. If the required supporting documents are not provided, your application cannot be processed.

  2. You may be asked to provide additional supporting documents to confirm your eligibility for AHCIP.

  3. Once your application has been processed, your personal health insurance card will be mailed to your home address.

  4. Make sure you provide your current mailing address to receive your card.

  5. If you are moving from another province in Canada, your coverage begins on the first day of the third month after you establish residency in Alberta.

  6. If you are moving from outside Canada, you may be eligible for coverage from the date you establish residency, provided you apply within 3 months of arrival.

By following these requirements and providing all necessary documents, you will be able to successfully register with the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan and access health care services in the province of Alberta.