Overview
The Non-Group Coverage program ensures all Albertans have access to an economical supplementary health benefits program. The program provides coverage for a variety of health-related services not covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
- Alberta Blue Cross administers Non-Group Coverage on behalf of the Alberta government.
- A monthly premium is charged for Non-Group Coverage.
This program does not provide travel coverage. If you are planning to travel outside of the province or country, you should purchase travel insurance to cover emergency hospital and medical expenses.
Eligibility
Non-Group Coverage is available to all Alberta residents under 65 years of age and their dependants, as registered under the AHCIP.
Single coverage – available to Alberta residents with no dependants
Family coverage – available to Alberta residents and eligible dependants. The same dependants covered under the subscriber's AHCIP account must be included on the subscriber's Non-Group Coverage:
- spouse
- adult interdependent partner
- unmarried children under 21 years of age who are fully dependent on the subscriber
- unmarried children under 25 years of age who are in full-time attendance at an accredited educational institute
- unmarried children 21 years of age or older who are fully dependent on the subscriber because of a mental or physical disability
Government-sponsored supplementary plans cover pre-existing health conditions – no medical review is required.
Albertans 65 years of age and over are eligible for the Coverage for Seniors program.
Apply for coverage
Complete the application for Non-Group Coverage
Coverage will start on the first day of the fourth month after the AHCIP office receives your application.
Exceptions
- If you had prior coverage and our office receives your application within 30 days of your previous plan end date, coverage may begin as early as the first day of the following month. This exception applies to ensure continuity of coverage and is subject to approval by AHCIP.
- New Albertans from another part of Canada, who apply within 4 months of moving to Alberta, will have their coverage begin on the same day as their Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan coverage begins (the first day of the third month).
- New Albertans from outside Canada, who apply within 3 months of moving to Alberta, will have their coverage begin on the first day of the third month.
- To cancel Non-Group Coverage, contact the AHCIP office. Coverage will be cancelled the last day of the month in which notification is received.
If a resident previously had coverage and has an outstanding balance, they must pay the balance before coverage can be reinstated.
Benefits provided
A $50 annual deductible is applied to the total of all eligible health benefit expenses incurred in a benefit year, except for prescription drugs and diabetes supplies. The benefit year runs from July 1 to June 30. When no claim has been made for health benefits in a benefit year, any such expenses incurred during April, May or June that do not exceed $50 may be carried forward into the next benefit year and credited, in whole or in part, toward the deductible in that year.
What is not covered
The following are not covered under the Non-Group Coverage program:
- claims for benefit expenses incurred prior to the effective date of coverage
- claims for benefit expenses received by Non-Group Coverage more than 12 months after the service was provided
- services covered by the AHCIP
- charges for drugs supplied directly and charged for by a physician, with the exception of allergy serums
- registration, admission or user fees charged by a hospital
- drug products not listed in the Alberta Drug Benefit List – ask your pharmacist or physician if your prescribed medication is on this list
- travel insurance for emergency hospital and medical expenses outside of the province or country
Monthly premiums
The current monthly premium rate for Non-Group coverage is:
Table 1. Monthly full premium and subsidized rates for Non-Group coverage for singles and families
| Monthly Rates | Single | Family |
|---|---|---|
| Full Premium | $63.50 | $118.00 |
| Subsidized Premiums | $44.45 | $82.60 |
The addition or deletion of family members on your Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan account may affect your premium rate. Contact the AHCIP office for more information.
Payment
Premiums are billed by Alberta Blue Cross.
Your Non-Group Coverage will be cancelled if premium payments are not maintained. If cancellation occurs due to non-payment, arrears must be cleared and a new application submitted before coverage can recommence. Coverage will then be reinstated the first day of the fourth month after Alberta Health receives the application.
Premium subsidy program
If you are enrolled in Non-Group Coverage, the Premium Subsidy Program may help lower-income Albertans reduce their premiums. You can apply for a premium subsidy for the current benefit year plus two previous benefit years.
- You will still pay up to $25 for each prescription purchased.
The benefit year starts April 1 of one year and ends March 30 of the next year. Eligibility for this program is based on taxable income of the registrant and their spouse/partner (if applicable).