Open ProvincesHealth care in Alberta: health card, drug plans and dental help
How health insurance works in Alberta, provincial drug plans with their amounts, dental care and disability supports.
Your provincial health insurance
Medically necessary hospital and doctor services in Alberta are covered by the provincial plan: AHCIP (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan). Your health card is the key to those services. It is valid in your province, and you should keep your previous coverage until the new one starts, since a waiting period can apply when you move. Official government site ↗
Drug coverage and health programs
Alberta Adult and Child Health Benefits
Covers drugs, dental and eye care for low-income households.
| Amount | as published in November 2026 |
|---|---|
| Adult Health Benefit income limit, single adult | $16,580 / year |
| Couple without children | $23,212 / year |
- Covers prescription drugs, dental care, eye care, essential diabetic supplies and emergency ambulance for low-income households.
- Any other health plan must be used first; eligibility is rechecked with the CRA every September.
How to get it: Apply to Alberta Health Benefits; you must file taxes every year.
Dental care
Dental care is mostly not covered by provincial health insurance. The federal Canadian Dental Care Plan helps eligible residents without private dental insurance.
| Amount | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Adjusted family net income must be under | $90,000 |
Disability supports
AISH
Monthly income and health benefits for adults with a permanent medical condition.
| Amount | effective July 2, 2026 |
|---|---|
| AISH monthly living allowance | $1,940 / month |
| ADAP monthly living allowance (new since July 2, 2026) | $1,740 / month |
| Non-exempt assets limit | $100,000 |
| Employment income exemption (AISH) | $350 / month |
- For adults 18 and older whose severe disability permanently prevents them from working (AISH) or substantially limits their ability to work (ADAP).
- The home, a vehicle and RDSP savings do not count as assets.
- Health benefits (drugs, dental, optical) are included for you and your family.
How to get it: Apply once, online, with a medical report from your doctor.
Related tools and guides
General information, not legal or financial advice. Figures show their source and the date they were read; confirm with the official body before making a decision.
Guides for this province
- Renting in Alberta: rights, rent increases and average rents
- Working in Alberta: minimum wage, standards and wages
- Moving to Alberta: health card, driver's licence and taxes
- Cost of living in Alberta: prices, rent, wages and taxes
- Buying a home in Alberta: land transfer tax, rebates and first-time buyer help
- Health care in Alberta: health card, drug plans and dental help
- Studying in Alberta: tuition, student aid and grants
- Seniors in Alberta: pensions, supplements and programs
- Taxes in Alberta: income tax rates, sales tax and take-home pay (2026)
- Families in Alberta: child benefits and family programs
- Immigrating to Alberta: nominee program, steps and processing times