What is AHCIP and what does it cover?

Categories: AHCIP 

AHCIP stands for Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan. AHCIP is government funded medicare for people in Alberta.

Am I eligible for AHCIP?

You can be covered by AHCIP if you are legally entitled to remain in Canada and Alberta is your permanent home, you are committed to being present in Alberta for 183 day per year (not including temporary absences of less than 6 months), you do not claim residence or benefits in any other Canadian province, and you are not a tourist, transient or visitor to Alberta.

When you move to Alberta from another province of from outside Canada, there is a 3 month waiting period before you are eligible for coverage under AHCIP. During this time you should consider private health insurance. It is important to register within 3 months of your arrival, usually as soon as you arrive so that your coverage starts as soon as you are eligible.

AHCIP also covered dependents such as spouses, interdependent partners and dependent children, usually under the age of 21.

Do I have to pay anything?

Yes. the AHCIP charges a premium to help subsidize medical costs across the province. The current rates are $44 per month for a single person and $88 per month for a family of two or more persons. There is help available for low-income families and individuals who are unable to pay the premium.

Does AHCIP cover everything?

No. While AHCIP covers most of the basic health care needs of Albertans, including emergency medical care, there are a few major things that AHCIP does not cover. These include:

  • Immunizations
  • Routine dental care
  • Routine eye care for people 19-64
  • Private hospital rooms
  • Telephone medical advice
  • Clinical psychology
  • Cosmetic surgery
  • (and others)

To avoid paying for these medical services out of pocket, it is best to think about private health insurance.

How do I register for AHCIP?

You will need to provide documentation that you meet the requirements listed above, such as residency in Alberta. Every resident of Alberta must register for AHCIP, although it is possible to opt out. You can find the AHCIP registration form here: AHCIP registration form (PDF).

2 Responses on “What is AHCIP and what does it cover?”

  1. Paul Middleton on July 5th, 2008

    Hello

    My wife and I are very interested in working in Alberta. I am a computer engineer and my wife is a civil servent in the UK.

    My question is, my wife is a diabetic, and uses insulin. Would private medical insurance be requied for all her treatemt or will AHCIP help out.

    Many thanks for your time and help

    Paul

  2. Jackie Lalonde on August 12th, 2008

    My son is moving to Alberta, and needed hearing aids. Does the Province pay a percentage of the cost?

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