AHCIP

Alberta health coverage for newcomers

Bottom line: People moving from outside Canada may be eligible from the date Alberta residency is established if they qualify and apply within the provincial timeline.

When coverage starts

Moving from outside Canada

People moving from outside Canada may be eligible from the date Alberta residency is established if they qualify and apply within the provincial timeline.

Moving from another province or territory

Coverage normally starts on the first day of the third month after Alberta residency is established.

Who may qualify

Permanent resident: Permanent residents who establish Alberta residency may qualify for AHCIP from the date residency is established when moving from outside Canada.

Work permit: Temporary foreign workers may qualify if they establish Alberta residency and have an acceptable IRCC or CBSA entry document; permit and intended-stay rules apply.

International student: International students may be eligible for AHCIP depending on permit duration and Alberta residency. Verify the current temporary-resident student rules.

Visitor: Tourists, transients and visitors are not eligible Alberta residents.

Residency rule

You must be legally entitled to be in Canada, make your permanent home in Alberta, and generally be physically present at least 183 days in a 12-month period.

Avoid an uninsured gap

If there is any uncertainty around the effective date, obtain written confirmation and consider temporary private coverage until AHCIP is active.

Status-specific guides

Permanent resident coverage in Alberta→Work permit holder coverage in Alberta→International student coverage in Alberta→

Primary government source

Alberta — AHCIP eligibility and moving to Alberta →

Source confidence: high. Health-plan eligibility can depend on documents, residency facts and permit dates. Confirm the effective date with the provincial or territorial plan before cancelling existing insurance.

Compare across Canada

Newcomer Health Coverage Checker →
2026 Canada Newcomer Health Coverage Reference →
All provinces and territories →