Using Alberta healthcare before registering
 

Can anyone advise on the likelihood of being able to use healthcare in Alberta before registering for a healthare card? Cover is immediate but you need to provide proof of residence to apply for the card (which I won't have immediately as I am staying in an Airbnb for the first couple of months). If I don't have the documents straight away to register for a card, how can I utilise the healthcare? I have an ongoing condition which increases the likelihood that I may need to get medication within the first few weeks of my arrival in January.

Thanks

Re: Using Alberta healthcare before registering
 

Do you have a rental agreement for the AirBnB? I wonder if that might be sufficient as proof of residency?

Make sure you keep the receipts (you will probably have to attend a walk in and pay before healthcare kicks in if you don't have proof enough at the start) - you may be able to claim it back if you can prove you were resident at the time.

https://www.alberta.ca/ahcip-apply.aspxhttps://www.albertahealthservices.ca...Page11973.aspx
https://skipthewaitingroom.com/region/ab

You could get emigrants insurance but with a pre-existing health condition you may not be covered. I'd suggest bringing up to a 90 day supply (the maximum you can legally bring into Canada) - you could also bring a copy of your health record (or a letter from your doctor) if possible, so that your 'new' doctor is aware of your health issues. :)

Re: Using Alberta healthcare before registering
 

At any and all medical interactions (GPs, hospitals, clinics, vaccinations etc) you are asked to present your AHS card first. Without that card, you'll be charged for the treatment or service you receive.

Re: Using Alberta healthcare before registering
 

Thanks.

I've had a look at immigrant medical insurance and for 2 months I can get $100,000 of coverage (including my ongoing condition as it is 'stable') for $200 so I may just do that for peace of mind.

The one thing I'm not sure of is that I will not be covered if I am 'insured or eligible for benefits under a Canadian Government Health Insurance Plan'. I'm thinking this may make the policy worthless? I can't prove that I'm eligible for the Alberta Healthcare Plan as I can't provide proof of residency. But am I technically eligible anyway?

Re: Using Alberta healthcare before registering
 

The best case scenario is that you're doubly insured. Worst case is you're insured only on one. In either case, sounds like a good use of $200 for peace of mind with an existing medical condition...

Re: Using Alberta healthcare before registering
 

Very good point!

Re: Using Alberta healthcare before registering
 

Insures you prior to departure, plus the travelling.. and for up to 3 months after you 'land' in Canada (you choose the length of time) - Emigrants Insurance :
https://www.duinsure.com/travel_insu...ies_emigration

Re: Using Alberta healthcare before registering
 

Sounds promising, but...

"Dear Customers, due to unforeseen circumstances we are currently in the process of changing the Insurer who underwrites our travel insurance product base. As such, we are unable to provide quotes or sell travel insurance policies until such time as we have replaced the underwriter. If you have any queries, please contact our travel team at the call centre on 0800 393 908. Sorry for the inconvenience"