The Alberta Health Care Insurance plan (AHCIP), covers most medically necessary services in the province.
Are emergency rooms free in Alberta?
Yes, Emergency Rooms are free in Alberta.
They are covered by Alberta Health Care. However, there are some exceptions.
Here is a breakdown of what is, and is not covered by Alberta Health Care when it comes to a hospital stay.
What Does Alberta Health Care Cover at the Hospital?
The Alberta Health Care plan covers the following:
- Standard level of accommodation and meals
- Nursing services that are medically necessary
- medically required laboratory, x-ray and diagnostic procedures
- Any medications that are administered at the hospital
- Use of the operating room, care room, radiotherapy, physiotherapy and anesthetic facilities
- Routine surgical equipment and supplies
- Inter-facility transfer in Alberta by ambulance
What Does Alberta Health Care NOT Cover at the Hospital?
- Ambulance services (except inter-facility transfers)
- Private and semi-private hospital rooms (unless medically necessary)
- Anesthetic charges for services not covered by the AHCIP
- Hearing aids, medical and surgical appliances, prosthetics, supplies, mobility devices, etc.
- Procedures that are experimental or undergoing clinical trials
- For dental service exceptions, contact your dentist
Some private insurance options will provide some of these coverages.
In Summary
There are limits to what the Alberta Health Care System will cover.
However, basic everyday services will be taken care of if you are eligible for Alberta Health Care.
If it is medically necessary, especially an emergency, you will not have to pay out of pocket.
