Excluded services
What services are not covered?
The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) does not cover all services. Some services not covered by the AHCIP may be covered by government sponsored or other private supplementary health insurance.Non-insured health services include, but are not limited to:
- Cosmetic surgery;
- Prescription drugs;
- Ground ambulance costs;
- Routine eye exams for residents 19–64 years of age;
- Eyeglasses and contact lenses;
- Routine dental care and dentures;
- Immunizations (contact Alberta Health Services about exceptions);
- Services provided by a chiropractor, acupuncturist, licensed massage therapist, homeopath, social worker and nutritionist;
- Clinical psychologist services;
- Private or semi-private rooms in hospitals;
- Anesthetic charges for services not covered by the AHCIP (for dental service exceptions, please contact a dentist);
- Third-party medical services, such as medicals for employment, insurance or sports;
- Hearing aids, medical and surgical appliances, prosthetics, supplies, mobility devices, etc. (Alberta Aids to Daily Living may offer assistance. Call 780-427-0731 in Edmonton, or toll-free in Alberta, dial 310-0000, then 780-427-0731);
- Medical advice with a patient by telephone (unless otherwise stated in the Schedule of Medical Benefits or Schedule of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Benefits);
- Experimental or research program procedures;
- Medical-legal services;
- Podiatry and optometry services obtained outside Alberta;
- Dentistry services obtained outside Alberta (except for medically require oral surgery).
Changes to insured services
Changes in services covered under the AHCIP can occur – ask your physician or health care provider, or contact the AHCIP about coverage before proceeding with treatment. You can also refer to the Schedule of Medical Benefits, or the Allied Health Service Benefits Schedules for lists of services the AHCIP covers.
