Applying for Alberta Health Card

[Nia]

Hi,

I found out in order to apply for Alberta Health Card as a new immigrant I need a document which shows my name and address on it? How and what can I get that would give me something under my name?

Thanks

 

[Leon]

You could open a bank account and wait for your first statement or simply ask the bank to make a statement for you right away. That's what other people have done.

 

[Nia]

Thank you Leon for your quick response.

 

[GREAKLY]

Do they still give you the card right away at the office or it arrives in a few days in the mail?

 

[Leon]

Do they still give you the card right away at the office or it arrives in a few days in the mail?

A few years ago, you could get it at AB health same day but now they do it through the registry offices, see http://www.health.alberta.ca/AHCIP/registration-locations.html From what it says there, it takes 5 days.

 

[steph816]

Card comes in the mail. Show them anything that has your name and address. Lease agreements work. Utility bills too.

 

[coolguy2010]

Hi leon,

If I land in alberta, get OHIP card and then going toronto later on

Will alberta OHIP card work in toronto?

A few years ago, you could get it at AB health same day but now they do it through the registry offices, see http://www.health.alberta.ca/AHCIP/registration-locations.html From what it says there, it takes 5 days.

 

[Leon]

Hi leon,

If I land in alberta, get OHIP card and then going toronto later on

Will alberta OHIP card work in toronto?

1. OHIP is the health care in Ontario. Alberta health is not called OHIP.

2. In order to be eligible for AB health or any other provinces health care, you must live in the province at least 6 months a year. If you land in AB and get AB health and use it, you should commit to staying in AB for at least 6 months. If you do not, you risk that AB health may decide that you were never eligible for it in the first place and retroactively cancel your coverage, billing you for all expenses you have caused.

3. If you live in AB for more than 6 months and then move to Ontario, AB health will cover you for the 3 months you are waiting to qualify for OHIP. You would then have to fulfill OHIP requirements like staying in ON for at least 5 out of the first 6 months after you move there and for at least 6 months a year. If you later move back to AB or to some other province, OHIP will cover you for the 3 months it takes you to get coverage there.

4. If you are aiming for Toronto and want to settle in Toronto, I suggest you get a 3 month travel insurance while you wait for OHIP to kick in.

 

[steph816]

If you land in Alberta and want health care card, you have to provide evidence you reside in Alberta, so you give them a lease agreement, utility bill etc... Or you won't get one!

 

[amikety]

Do they still give you the card right away at the office or it arrives in a few days in the mail?

Contact the registry before you go. Some registries have agents that process on hand. It takes about 20 minutes extra (if there is no one else waiting). You'll need to call the registry to make sure they have that employee and that employee is working on the day you go. Southland registry in Calgary had one when I applied in October.

You won't get the card, but you will get your number. Most doctors will see you 1-2 times before you get the card - but make sure to ask the doctor first.