Do I have to pay for my stay in the hospital?

In Canada, the healthcare system is based on the principles of universal access to medical care through public funding. However, the question of what exactly you need to pay for during your stay in a hospital in Calgary has several nuances that are important to understand in order to avoid unexpected bills.

1. The basic rule: medically necessary services are free

1.1 What is covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)

  • Medically necessary nursing services
  • Mandatory laboratory, X-ray, and diagnostic procedures
  • Standard room and board
  • Medications administered in the hospital
  • Use of operating rooms, procedure rooms, radiotherapy, physiotherapy, and anesthesiology equipment
  • Standard surgical equipment and supplies
  • Transportation between medical facilities in Alberta by ambulance

1.2 Who is eligible for free treatment

  • Permanent residents of Alberta with a valid Alberta Health Care card
  • Living in Alberta for at least 183 days per year
  • Legal right to be or remain in Canada

2. What you have to pay for: additional services

2.1 Improved accommodation

  • Private room: ≈ $200–400 per night (depending on the hospital and level of service)
  • Semi-private room: often covered by most private insurance plans

Advantages of private rooms:

  • Private bathroom
  • Quieter environment and more privacy
  • Overnight accommodations for accompanying persons

2.2 Emergency services

  • $385 if the patient is transported to the hospital
  • $250 if treatment is provided on site but without transportation

Exceptions (free for):

  • Seniors (65+)
  • Indigenous people
  • Social assistance and child welfare recipients
  • Homeless or people without income

2.3 Hospital parking

Foothills Medical Centre:

  • Day: $14.25
  • Weekly pass: $40
  • Monthly pass: $71

South Health Campus: rates are $1–3 higher than Foothills.

2.4 Other additional services

  • Telephone and TV in the room: ≈ $16.25/day
  • Special meals, not medically necessary
  • Private nursing services
  • Personal items (toiletries, magazines, etc.)

3. Special cases and exceptions

3.1 Patients from other provinces

  • Free treatment under reciprocal agreements (except Quebec, where advance payment may be required)

3.2 Foreign patients and non-residents

  • Standard room: $1,000–3,000/day
  • Private room: from $3,000/day
  • Intensive care unit: $4,000–6,000+/day

3.3 Billing errors

  • Sometimes bills are sent in error (e.g., for “self-pay”), but these can be resolved by contacting the hospital's finance department.

4. Medical insurance and coverage

4.1 Private medical insurance

  • Covers semi-private and private rooms (80–100%)
  • Additional medical services and ambulance transportation

4.2 Non-Group Coverage from Alberta Blue Cross

  • Monthly premium for extended coverage
  • Co-payments for medications: 30% up to a maximum of $25 (from 2026 — $35)

5. Practical advice for patients

5.1 Before hospitalization

  • Check the validity of your Alberta Health Care card
  • Find out the terms and rates of your private insurance
  • Check with the hospital for a list of paid services

5.2 During your stay

  • Sign consent forms only for medically necessary procedures
  • Ask for alternatives to expensive services
  • Keep a record of services received and expenses incurred

5.3 When you receive your bill

  • Check that the information is correct
  • Contact the hospital's finance department with any questions
  • File a complaint with Alberta Health for illegal charges

6. Controversial issues

6.1 Attempt to introduce paid memberships at Marda Loop Medical Clinic

  • In 2023, an attempt to introduce membership fees ($2,200–4,800) led to government intervention and a ban on such practices.

6.2 Government position

  • The Canada Health Act prohibits payments for basic medical services
  • Private contributions and memberships are considered a violation of the principle of medical accessibility

Conclusion

  • For Alberta residents with a valid Alberta Health Care card, medically necessary hospital treatment is free.
  • Additional costs are associated with comfort (private/semi-private rooms), ambulance transportation, parking, and entertainment services.
  • Plan ahead, check your insurance coverage, and ask questions to medical staff to avoid unexpected costs.