What should you do if you do not have a medical card?

Not having an Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card in Calgary can be a cause for concern, especially if you need medical attention. However, there are several options for receiving medical services even without an AHCIP card. In this article, we will discuss what to do in different situations when you do not have a health card.

Emergency situations

Emergency medical care

In the event of a true emergency that threatens your life or health:

  • Call 911 to request emergency medical services
  • Go to the nearest emergency department (ED)

It is important to know that under Canadian law, hospitals are required to provide emergency medical care to anyone who needs it, regardless of whether they have insurance or can pay for the services. However, once your condition has stabilized, you may be billed for the services provided.

Cost of emergency services without a health card

Ambulance services and emergency treatment in Calgary can be very expensive without a health card:

  • Ambulance call: $385 to $1,000+
  • Emergency department visit: $875 for a basic visit
  • Hospitalization: from $2,000 per day

Free and affordable healthcare services

Free clinics

There are several clinics in Calgary that provide free or low-cost healthcare services for people without a health card:

CUPS (Calgary Urban Project Society)

CUPS provides medical services for low-income residents of Calgary:

  • Address: 1001 10 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta T2R 0B7
  • Phone: 403-221-8780
  • Services include: general medical care, blood tests, vaccinations, mental health services, prenatal and postnatal care

The Alex Community Health Centre

The Alex serves people with barriers to accessing healthcare:

  • Address: 2840 2 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB, T2A 7X9
  • Phone: 403-266-2622
  • Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
  • Eligibility criteria: low-income individuals, individuals without an Alberta Health Services card, individuals without a family doctor

Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre

The centre provides a variety of medical services:

  • Address: 1213 4 Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2R 0X7
  • Phone: 403-955-6200
  • Services: 24-hour emergency care, primary care, public health

Health Link (811)

Health Link is a free, 24-hour telephone health service:

  • Phone: 811
  • Alternative number for Calgary: 403-943-5465
  • Services: advice on symptoms, treatment options, referrals to appropriate health care facilities
  • Translation services available in 240 languages

Walk-in clinics and private health care services

Walk-in clinics

Walk-in clinics accept patients without an appointment, but usually charge a fee to individuals without a medical card:

  • Cost of a standard visit: $40-80
  • Additional services (tests, procedures) are paid separately

Popular walk-in clinics in Calgary:

  • Now Medical Clinic & Walk in
  • International Avenue Medical Centre
  • Medicare Walk-in Clinic Country Hills

Urgent Care Centers

Urgent care centers are designed for non-emergency but urgent medical problems:

  • Treat conditions such as fractures, sprains, cuts, asthma, dehydration, infections
  • Cost without a health card: from $110 per visit

Temporary private health insurance

If you are waiting to receive an AHCIP health card or are not eligible for one, you may want to consider purchasing temporary private health insurance:

Alberta Blue Cross

  • Offers Non-Group Coverage for Alberta residents
  • Covers prescription drugs, dental services, and emergency care
  • Monthly premium depends on age and plan selected

Manulife CoverMe

  • Offers temporary health insurance for newcomers
  • Covers emergency medical care, hospitalization, prescription drugs
  • Plans of varying lengths available

What to do if you are waiting for your health card

If you have applied for AHCIP and are waiting for your card:

  1. Keep a copy of your application and proof of submission
  2. Tell health care providers that you have applied for AHCIP
  3. Ask about the possibility of deferring payment until you receive your card
  4. Keep all medical bills for possible reimbursement once you receive your card

It is important to know that if you are eligible for AHCIP, you are entitled to coverage from the date you establish residency in Alberta, even if you have not yet received your physical card.

Tips for different categories of individuals

For newcomers from other Canadian provinces

  • Continue to use your previous province's health card
  • AHCIP coverage begins on the first day of the third month after establishing residency in Alberta

For newcomers from outside Canada

  • Apply for AHCIP within 3 months of arrival
  • Purchase temporary private insurance for the waiting period
  • Contact free clinics if needed

For Ukrainian evacuees

  • Apply for the Ukrainian Evacuee Temporary Health Benefits Program
  • All evacuees from Ukraine are eligible for free medical care at Alberta Health Services medical facilities

For temporary workers

  • Check if your employer provides health insurance
  • Employers are required to purchase private health insurance for temporary foreign workers

For international students

  • Check if your educational institution offers health insurance
  • Most universities offer additional health insurance plans through student unions

Conclusion

Not having a health card in Calgary does not mean you cannot receive medical care. In an emergency, always seek help, regardless of whether you have insurance. For non-emergencies, consider options such as free clinics, Health Link, or purchasing temporary private insurance.

Most importantly, apply for AHCIP as soon as possible if you are eligible to ensure you have access to the full range of health services in Alberta.