Ambulance services in Alberta are managed by AHS (Alberta Health Services).
It is not provided through the Federal Government of Canada.
Most Albertans are obligated to pay the ambulance bill, unless they are exempt or covered by an insurance plan.
We will discuss the exemptions and exceptions in further detail below.
How much does an ambulance cost in Alberta?
All Alberta residents pay the same ambulance rate, regardless of where they live.
The current Ambulance cost is $385 if patient is transported, and $250 if patient is not transported.
If a patient is transported within the system, there is no fee. For example: if a patient is being moved from one hospital to another hospital.
An additional $200 fee is applied to any ambulance service provided to a non-resident of Alberta. This fee is applied to both transport and non-transport situations.
Who Pays for the Ambulance in Alberta?
In Alberta, the patient is responsible for the Ambulance bill.
For example: You call the ambulance for your friend. Your friend is financially responsible for the ambulance bill.
If documentation of exemptions or exceptions are provided at the time of the service (such as proof of insurance), you will likely not get the bill in the first place.
In many cases, you get a bill then have the bill “taken care of” by insurance or by proving an exemption.
*Important: NEVER allow financial burden to prevent you from calling the appropriate services in an emergency.
Financial assistance and exemptions are available for those who can not afford an ambulance bill.
Exemptions and Exceptions to Alberta Ambulance Fees
Is an Ambulance Free for Seniors in Alberta?
Yes, in Alberta, an ambulance is free for seniors aged 65 and older, but only if enrolled in the “coverage for seniors program”.
What is the Coverage for Seniors Program in Alberta?
The Alberta Coverage for Seniors program is a premium health plan. It provides coverage of many things not covered by the regular AHCIP.
Registration and eligibility of the program is managed by AHCIP, but coverage is administered by Alberta Blue Cross.
Everything you need to know about the Coverage for Seniors Program
Low Income Options
Albertans receiving health benefits through Income Support, Adult Health Benefits or Alberta Child Health Benefits are also exempt.
Health Insurance
Ambulance services are covered or partly covered by private insurance plans individually or part of a group coverage plan. Check with your 3rd party health insurance provider if you have it.
Using Ambulance Services in Other Provinces (Interprovincial)
Albertans are not covered in other provinces for Ambulance services.
In Summary
Calling the ambulance in Alberta will lead to a bill in most scenarios.
The current ambulance costs are:
- $250 CAD for ambulance services if transport is not needed
- $385 CAD if transport is needed
- Additional $200 fee for non Alberta residents
- Free transport between provincial health service facilities, such as hospitals
- Free for seniors 65 and older if enrolled in the seniors premium plan
- May be partly or fully covered by private insurance or if you qualify for certain low income assistance programs
The patient is responsible for the payment of any ambulance related bills and service fees.
