Health Card & Health Coverage

[shazfa]

Hi All,

Could anyone kindly explain the differences between the heath card and health coverage. I know in Alberta my health coverage will start from day 1 but will i also get the health card from day 1 ?

I would like to know the basic difference of these.

Thanks in advance

 

[Leon]

Coverage means you are covered but health card means that you can prove it.

You can not get a health card on the first day. Back when health care still had offices you could walk in and wait while they printed you one. This was years ago. Today, you can either apply through mail (processing up to 6 weeks) or apply through a registry agent (processing up to 5 days), see http://www.health.alberta.ca/AHCIP/registration-locations.html

If you have to see a doctor or go to a hospital before you have your health card, you may be able to call AB health and get the number of your card if it's processed to the point that they already have a number for you. Having the number may be sufficient for the doctor / hospital to charge the cost to AB health. If this is not possible, you can pay out of pocket and once you get your card and number, you can mail the bills to AB health asking to be reimbursed.

 

[shazfa]

Coverage means you are covered but health card means that you can prove it.

You can not get a health card on the first day. Back when health care still had offices you could walk in and wait while they printed you one. This was years ago. Today, you can either apply through mail (processing up to 6 weeks) or apply through a registry agent (processing up to 5 days), see http://www.health.alberta.ca/AHCIP/registration-locations.html

If you have to see a doctor or go to a hospital before you have your health card, you may be able to call AB health and get the number of your card if it's processed to the point that they already have a number for you. Having the number may be sufficient for the doctor / hospital to charge the cost to AB health. If this is not possible, you can pay out of pocket and once you get your card and number, you can mail the bills to AB health asking to be reimbursed.

Thanks Leon, Finally i have got a reply from someone knowledgeable

 

[alee667]

How much time Alberta Health takes to send the card at the address after submitting application. I have applied on 27th Jan 2017 but still didn't receive my card though I am currently outside Canada and will be returning by end March 2017.