You will need an Alberta Health Care Identification Card and private insurance plan identification card to access the health care system in Canada. Full time students are automatically enrolled in Health and Dental coverage with the Student’s Association of Keyano College (SAKC). You can apply in the Office of the Registrar.
It is important that you subscribe to the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) as soon as you arrive in Canada.
Students authorized to stay in Canada for 12 months or longer are required to register with AHCIP. You will be eligible to apply and to receive coverage on the date of your arrival. You must register within 3 months of your arrival in Canada. A copy of your Study Permit and /or your Temporary Resident Visa will be required when you apply for AHCIP.
AHCIP pays for services provided by Physicians (doctors) and oral surgeons. It also pays a portion of the cost of treatment provided by optometrists, chiropractors, podiatrists, and physical therapists. It does not pay for naturopaths, or for medication or ambulance services.
Apply for AHCIP
You can apply for Alberta Health Insurance Plan by completing an online form, printing and delivering to a local registry agent or by mail:
Alberta Health
Attention: Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan
PO Box 1360, Station Main
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2N3
Tel: 403-310-0000 and then dial 780-427-1432.
Private insurance
If you don't qualify for AHCIP or you would like additional health coverage, you can purchase health insurance through a private company. Check out their rates and see if private health insurance works for you.
