Moving

Moving within Alberta?

You are covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) throughout the province. To ensure your records are kept up to date, please notify us of any address changes by phone, mail, fax, or in person.

Name and address change forms (Notice of Change, form AHC0107) are available at select Alberta Registry Agent locations. Completed forms can be left with the registry agent who will forward it to AHCIP. Alternatively, please go to our forms page, open, print and complete the Notice of Change form and send to AHCIP directly.

Moving from Alberta to another province or territory within Canada?

You are covered by the AHCIP for the balance of the month in which you leave, and for the next two consecutive months. This ensures continuous coverage until you are eligible for health insurance in your new location.

Moving to Alberta from another province or territory?

You are eligible for AHCIP coverage on the first day of the third month following your date of arrival. You should register before the first day of the fourth month after you arrive. If you apply later, the effective date of your coverage will be determined when you register.

Arriving in Alberta ahead of your dependants?

If your dependants plan to join you in Alberta later, you should maintain coverage for your family and yourself at the location where they still live.

If you apply for AHCIP coverage for yourself and your family within three months of their arrival, coverage will be effective on the first day of the third month after they arrive. Contact us for more information if your dependants will not move here within 12 months of your arrival.

Moving to and from Canada?

If you are permanently moving from Alberta to another country you can arrange for AHCIP coverage for up to three months from the date of your departure.

If you are moving or returning to Alberta from outside Canada, you may be eligible for coverage on the date of your arrival. To ensure coverage, you must register within three months of arrival. Newcomers to Canada are required to present a copy of their Canada entry document. Please contact us for more information if you or your dependants hold temporary immigration documents.

When your coverage begins

Please note: You are not covered for medical services under the AHCIP until all the required information is received and your application is processed. However, any medical services you receive and pay for before your application is processed may be reimbursed once you have your personal health card and can show eligibility for the period when you received the services. The effective date of your coverage is based on the following:

  • If you move to Alberta from within Canada your coverage begins the first day of the third month following the date you establish permanent residency here. For example, if you establish permanent residency in Alberta on July 12, your coverage is effective October 1.
  • If you move to Alberta from outside Canada your coverage begins on your date of arrival in Alberta.

If the Application for Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan Coverage is not received within 90 days of the date you arrive and establish permanent residency in Alberta, Alberta Health and Wellness will determine the effective date of your coverage.