Under the Canada Health Act, Albertans are guaranteed access to medically necessary health care.
In Alberta, residents must pay a fee to the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan to access healthcare services. The basic rate for coverage is $44 per month for individuals, or $88 per month for families. For qualified applicants, premiums are reduced or waived according to their income.
An Alberta Health Care card gives you access to the public health care system including medical checkups and hospital visits. Private clinics exist, but are permitted to perform only elective services not included as part of the primary care available through our health care system.
The health care system in Edmonton and area is administered by Capital Health, which operates public health clinics and hospitals in the community. You can contact them to find a family physician who is fluent in your native language.
Getting Health Insurance
Alberta Blue Cross This is a not-for-profit organization that provides supplementary health and dental benefit plans for individuals, families, seniors and employers. http://www.ab.bluecross.ca
Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan Alberta’s Health and Wellness' page with information on Alberta’s health care system including the forms needed to get signed up. http:/
Alberta Health and Wellness Alberta has a publicly administered and funded health care system that guarantees universal access to medically necessary hospital and health care services. This health care site contains general information about Alberta Health care, insurance, eligibility and how to access services. http://www.health.gov.ab.ca/
Finding Doctors and Hospitals
Capital Health An invaluable resource, with comprehensive information about all of the health services available in Edmonton and the Capital region. This site includes links and listings for hospitals, public health centres, care facilities and clinics, and emergency services. http://www.capitalhealth.ca/
Capital Health Link A 24-hour phone resource that connects people to registered nurses. http:/
Canada Online Contains links to information on the organization of the Alberta Health system, registering for Alberta Health Care Insurance, waitlists, access to supplemental benefits and prescription drugs. http:/
College of Physicians and Surgeons This is an excellent resource for finding a local doctor that is currently accepting patients. http://www.cpsa.ab.ca
Finding a Dentist Alberta Dental Association and College provides information on finding dentists in Edmonton. http://www.abda.ab.ca
Finding an Eye Doctor If you have a medical problem with your eyes, make an appointment with a family physician. If necessary, your family physician will refer you to an eye specialist. If you need vision testing or help deciding if you need eyeglasses, make an appointment with an Optometrist. http://www.collegeofoptometrists.ab.ca
Walk-in Clinics Many clinics in Edmonton offer medical services to people who do not have an appointment to see a doctor. These are called walk-in clinics. Look in your Telephone Yellow Pages under Clinics or Physicians & Surgeons. Medicentres are health care clinics open seven days a week and no appointment is necessary. http://www.medicentres.com
Government Resources
Health Canada Immigrants are eligible for health care coverage under the Canada Health Act, although there are waiting periods of up to 90 days in some provinces.
This Health Canada site focuses on providing immigrants with information about health care coverage. It also contains good links to other helpful information on employment, health promotion, and immigrant women’s issues. http:/
Other Resources
The Support Line Provides free, anonymous, and for help with life’s problems. The service is open 24 hours a day. The people you talk to on the telephone do not judge you. They listen and give you information on social support services available through the many agencies located in the community. http:/
The Grey Nuns Hospital on Edmonton's southside
