The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan uses funds allocated by the federal government to cover medical services for all Albertans. In the past, residents had to pay monthly health premiums, but this practice ended in 2009 and now everyone receives free health care services, within the province and anywhere in Canada.

Those covered are entitled to medically required services provided by physicians and osteopaths. Certain services provided by dental surgeons are also covered and the plan provides limited coverage for chiropractic, podiatry and optometric services.

Many Calgary employers provide private insurance to cover supplementary health needs not included in Alberta Health Care. Alberta Blue Cross – an independent organization – also fills any insurance gaps. Members pay separate insurance premiums for coverage including:

• Prescription drugs
• Vision care
• Semi-private and private hospital rooms
• Short and long term disability
• Emergency medical travel
• Dental
• Ambulance
• Home nursing
• Chiropractic
• Life insurance