Can new arrivals receive free medical services?
Access to healthcare is one of the most important issues for newcomers to Canada, especially in Calgary. The Canadian healthcare system is known for its universality, but there are certain features and limitations for newcomers. This article will take a detailed look at what free medical services are available to newcomers in Calgary, how to access them, and what alternatives exist.
Public health insurance system in Alberta
Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)
The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) is the foundation of health care in Alberta, providing free coverage for all medically necessary services. The program covers a wide range of services, including:
- Medically necessary services provided by doctors
- Visits to psychiatrists
- Medically necessary diagnostic services, including laboratory, radiological, and other diagnostic procedures
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery services
- Inpatient treatment and surgery
Eligibility criteria for AHCIP
To be eligible for AHCIP, an individual must meet the following criteria:
- Be legally authorized to be in Canada and have a permanent residence in Alberta
- Commit to physically being in Alberta for at least 183 days during a 12-month period
- Not be claiming residency or benefits in another province, territory, or country
- Be any other person who is considered a resident or temporary resident under the rules
Waiting period for new residents
There is an important feature for newcomers from other countries: the waiting period. If you are moving to Alberta from outside Canada, you are eligible for coverage from the date of arrival, provided you apply within three months of arriving in Alberta. However, if you are moving from another Canadian province or territory, you are eligible for coverage from the first day of the third month after establishing permanent residence.
Special programs for Ukrainians
Ukrainian Evacuee Temporary Health Benefits Program (UETHBP)
For Ukrainians who arrived in Canada under special measures, there is a special program called the Ukrainian Evacuee Temporary Health Benefits Program. This program provides temporary coverage for Ukrainian evacuees who are not eligible for registration and coverage under the AHCIP.
The program provides coverage for:
- Dental care
- Prescription drugs
- Eyeglasses and contact lenses
- Necessary diabetes supplies
- Emergency ambulance services
- Essential non-prescription drugs
Starting in May 2022, Ukrainian evacuees, regardless of their UETHBP status, can receive emergency coverage for prescription drugs, dental, and vision services through the Alberta Supports Contact Center (ASCC) and Income Supports Contact Center (ISCC).
Application process for Ukrainians
To obtain health insurance, Ukrainian evacuees must:
- Complete the application form included in the welcome package or available online
- Make photocopies of identity documents and immigration documents (a CUAET visa is required)
- Take the documents to one of the registration offices or send them by mail
The application processing time is six to eight weeks. The personal health insurance card will be sent to the applicant's mailing address.
Alberta Health Benefit Program
Additional coverage for low-income families
The Alberta Health Benefit Program provides additional coverage for low-income Albertans. The program covers the cost of health care for children from low-income families and includes:
Dental services:
- Basic and preventive services (routine checkups, fillings, X-rays, etc.)
Eye care:
- Coverage for eyeglasses
Medications and medical supplies:
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medications, such as children's vitamins
- Emergency ambulance services
- Medications for people with diabetes
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for the Alberta Child Health Benefit, you must:
- Live in Alberta
- Be a permanent or temporary resident of Canada
- Have a family income that does not exceed the established limits
- Not be covered by other insurance programs
Free medical clinics in Calgary
CUPS (Calgary Urban Project Society)
CUPS is one of the most important resources for free medical care in Calgary. As a community health center, CUPS provides low-barrier, integrated medical services for individuals who face barriers to accessing traditional health care systems.
CUPS services include:
- General medical care for anyone living in poverty
- Blood tests and vaccinations
- Prenatal and postnatal care
- Visits from medical specialists in psychiatry, neurology, chronic pain, rheumatology, optometry, and hepatitis C treatment
- Women's health clinic
- Mental health for adults
CUPS contact information:
- Address: 1001 10 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta T2R 0B7
- Phone: 403-221-8780
The Alex Community Health Centre
The Alex Community Health Centre provides medical services and health support for individuals with barriers to accessing healthcare. The centre serves an underserved, multicultural, and disadvantaged population.
Services include:
- Medical care
- Social support
- Pharmacy services
- Chiropractic and massage therapy
- Chronic disease nurses
- Optometry by referral
- Mental health support
- Gender-affirming care
The Alex contact information:
- Address: 2840 2 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB, T2A 7X9
- Phone: 403-266-2622
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 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 Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre is Canada's largest integrated community health centre with over 40 health programs. The centre serves a diverse clientele from across southern Alberta.
Main services:
- 24-hour emergency care
- Chumir Dental Clinic with discounted rates for individuals and families who are in financial need and do not have access to a dental plan
- Primary care, public health, and sexual health
- Clinical support services
Contact information:
- Address: 1213 4 Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2R 0X7
- Phone: 403-955-6200
Telephone counseling services
Health Links Alberta (811)
All residents of Canada can receive free medical advice by phone. In Alberta, this health service is called Health Links. It is a free, 24-hour health service where you can consult with healthcare professionals.
Health Links services include advice on:
- Symptoms of illness
- Treatment for flu and colds, earaches, rashes, and fever
- Hospitals to contact for assistance
Contact information:
- Phone: 811
- Website: MyHealth.Alberta.ca
- Alternative number for Calgary: 403-943-5465
If you do not speak English, an interpreter can join your call free of charge. Information is available in 240 languages.
Special programs for refugees
Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)
The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) is available to refugees, refugee claimants, and protected persons. This program provides temporary health insurance through the Interim Federal Health Program.
The program covers:
- Basic medical services
- Additional services
- Prescription drugs
- One immigration medical examination (IME) in Canada, if needed
Categories eligible for IFHP:
- Resettled refugees
- Protected persons in Canada
- Refugee claimants
- Victims of human trafficking
- Victims of domestic violence
Procedure for obtaining medical services
Step by step for newcomers
-
Applying for AHCIP: Newcomers should apply for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan as soon as possible.
-
Gathering the necessary documents:
-
Proof of residence in Alberta
-
Identification documents
-
Documents confirming the right to stay in Canada
-
Submit the application: You can apply in person at a registration center or by mail
-
Receive a health card: A personal health card will be sent by mail after the application is processed
Temporary solutions
While the AHCIP application is being processed, newcomers can:
- Go to free clinics (CUPS, The Alex)
- Use Health Links 811 for advice
- Purchase private health insurance to cover emergencies
Medical examinations for immigrants
Cost and availability
For newcomers who need a medical examination for immigration purposes, there are several clinics available in Calgary:
Centre Street North Medical Clinic:
- Cost: CAD 100 per medical examination per person
- Address: 6213 Centre St NW Suite 10, Calgary, AB T2K 0V2
- Advance registration required
Beam Radiology - Harvest Hills:
- Free X-rays
- Address: 178 96 Ave NE #201, Calgary, AB T3K 6G4
- No appointment necessary
Alberta Precision Laboratories:
- Cost of blood tests: from CAD 17
- Address: North Hill Centre 1632 14 Ave NW #254, Calgary, AB T2N 1M7
- Advance booking required
Primary care networks
Mosaic Primary Care Network (PCN)
Mosaic PCN works with family doctors to provide access to several free programs and services in northeast Calgary. The network serves over 465,000 patients through more than 420 primary care providers in 140+ clinics.
Free programs include:
- Nutrition counseling
- Physical rehabilitation
- Mental health and therapy
- Social work
- Pharmaceutical counseling
Support services and resources
Alberta 211
Alberta 211 helps Albertans find social services. It is a free, 24/7 service available in over 170 languages.
Contact information:
- Phone: 211
- Website: ab.211.ca
Centers for newcomers
There are several organizations in Calgary that provide support to newcomers:
Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC):
- Address: #1200, 910 Seventh Ave. S.W.
- Settlement and integration services
- Interpretation and translation services
Special services for women and children
Maternity and child health
Public health insurance provides comprehensive coverage for pregnant women and children:
- Visits to a doctor and obstetrician-gynecologist
- Childbirth and postpartum care
- Hospital stays
- Ultrasound and other laboratory tests
- Pregnancy-related surgical procedures
- Emergency services
- Newborn care
Special programs for children
The Alberta Child Health Benefit provides extended coverage for children from low-income families up to age 18 (or up to age 20 for those who are in school and living with their parents).
Practical tips for newcomers
Priority actions
- Apply for AHCIP as soon as possible after arriving in Alberta
- Keep all immigration documents - they are required for registration
- Find out where the nearest free clinics are located (CUPS, The Alex)
- Remember the number 811 for emergency consultations
- Consider purchasing temporary private insurance for the waiting period
Language barriers
Most services provide translation support:
- Health Links 811 is available in 240 languages
- Many medical facilities offer interpretation services
- It is recommended to bring an interpreter or request one in advance
Conclusion
Newcomers to Calgary have access to a wide range of free medical services through various programs and initiatives. The main program is AHCIP, which provides comprehensive coverage after registration. For Ukrainians, there is a special program called UETHBP with extended coverage. Free clinics, such as CUPS and The Alex, provide barrier-free medical services to the most vulnerable populations.
The key to successful access to healthcare services is early planning and knowledge of available resources. Newcomers are advised to apply for AHCIP as soon as possible, familiarize themselves with local free clinics, and use telephone counseling services if needed.
Although there may be a waiting period for full coverage, the support system in Calgary ensures that no one is left without necessary medical care. The combination of government programs, special initiatives for newcomers, and community organizations creates a strong safety net for all city residents, regardless of their immigration status or financial situation.