Alberta has a publicly administered and funded health care system that guarantees Albertans have universal access to medically necessary hospital and health care services.
Any medication, dental and vision coverage or massage or chiropractic services covered by your current employer benefits plan may become out-of-pocket expenses for you when you retire. Depending on your individual needs, you might require a retirement benefits plan to supplement government-sponsored coverage.
There is coverage available through various government plans, such as the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan, the Alberta Adult Health Benefit, the Coverage for Seniors program and Non-Group Coverage program.
The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) provides eligible Albertans with coverage for medically necessary physician visits, hospital procedures and standard ward accommodation, as well as some dental and oral surgical health services. To be covered for insured health services in Albertan, you must be registered with AHCIP.
Products and services not covered through the AHCIP include the following:
Through the Coverage for Seniors program, the government offers Albertans aged 65 years and older premium-free coverage for prescriptions drugs and other health-related services not covered under the AHCIP. If you’re looking to retire early, the Government of Alberta Non-Group Coverage program provides supplementary health benefits, for an economical monthly premium, to AHCIP-registered Albertans under 65 and their dependents for a variety of health-related services not covered by the AHCIP.
While ACHIP manages eligibility and registration for government health benefits, Alberta Blue Cross ® administers a variety of programs on behalf of the Government of Alberta including the Coverage for Seniors and Non-Group Coverage programs.
The Coverage for Seniors and Non-Group Coverage programs don’t provide travel insurance. If you’re planning to travel outside the province or country, it’s recommended you purchase travel insurance to cover any emergency hospital or medical expenses.
When AHCIP records indicate an Albertan will be turning 65, a package is mailed to the address on their AHCIP file providing information about programs and services for seniors. If you don’t receive a package when you turn 65, or if you have further questions, you can contact the AHCIP office.
Depending on your individual needs and your age of retirement, provincial coverage may not be enough when you retire. Benefits providers offer a range of plans to complement government coverage and help with travel insurance, prescription drug coverage and paramedical expenses.
We have flexible plan options that provide you and your family with the coverage you need. For example, our retiree plan and Blue Assured ® plan both include prescription drug, dental and extended health benefits, as well as travel coverage.
Depending on your individual needs and your age of retirement, you may want to consider supplementing your provincial coverage with a retirement benefits plan to cover expenses for drugs, dental, travel or paramedical services. We have flexible plan options that provide you and your family with the coverage you need. For example, our retiree plan is available to those aged 50 years and above or for those under 64, there’s our Blue Choice ® plan and our Blue Assured ® plan is available for all ages.
You rated What is covered by the government? as not helpful.
You rated What is covered by the government? as neutral.
You rated What is covered by the government? as helpful.
Your feedback will help improve ab.bluecross.ca.
Whether you’re about to embark on your retirement journey or are settled into your new routine, you may be thinking about incorporating more travel into your lifestyle. Get expert advice on preparing to travel in retirement and discover nature, history, food and culture of new places.
Portrait of young tourist woman wearing a mask and social distancing at the airport." />
Health benefits become an important part of maintaining your health and wellness in retirement, allowing you to enjoy your favourite activities and explore new experiences. Find out how to prepare and maintain your health and wellness in retirement.
It’s never too early to start improving your financial situation and preparing for retirement. It’s important to consider your lifestyle and individual needs when it comes to health and travel coverage. Hear what experts have to say about financial planning for retirees.
Complete the form below or call us during our regular business hours Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. (MT) at 1-800-394-1965.
Head office
10009 108 St NW
Edmonton, Alberta
T5J 3C5
We begin by acknowledging that we are on traditional lands, referred to as Treaty 6, Treaty 7 and Treaty 8 territory, and all the people here are beneficiaries of these peace and friendship treaties.
This territory is the home for many Indigenous Peoples, including the Blackfoot, Cree, Dene, Saulteaux, Ojibwe, Stoney Nakota Sioux, and Tsuut’ina peoples, and the Métis Nation of Alberta and the Métis Settlements.
We respect the Treaties that were made on these territories, we acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past, and we dedicate ourselves to moving forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.
©Copyright 2024 ABC Benefits Corporation. All rights reserved. ®* The Blue Cross ® symbol and name are registered marks of the Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans ® , an association of independent Blue Cross ® plans. Licensed to ABC Benefits Corporation for use in operating the Alberta Blue Cross Plan ® . ®† Blue Shield is a registered trade-mark of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
Life, disability and travel insurance plans are underwritten by various underwriters. For information, visit ab.bluecross.ca/underwriters.
Alberta Blue Cross ®Head office
10009 108 St NW
Edmonton, Alberta
T5J 3C5
We begin by acknowledging that we are on traditional lands, referred to as Treaty 6, Treaty 7 and Treaty 8 territory, and all the people here are beneficiaries of these peace and friendship treaties.
This territory is the home for many Indigenous Peoples, including the Blackfoot, Cree, Dene, Saulteaux, Ojibwe, Stoney Nakota Sioux, and Tsuut’ina peoples, and the Métis Nation of Alberta and the Métis Settlements.
We respect the Treaties that were made on these territories, we acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past, and we dedicate ourselves to moving forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.
©Copyright 2024 ABC Benefits Corporation. All rights reserved. ®* The Blue Cross ® symbol and name are registered marks of the Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans ® , an association of independent Blue Cross ® plans. Licensed to ABC Benefits Corporation for use in operating the Alberta Blue Cross Plan ® . ®† Blue Shield is a registered trade-mark of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
Life, disability and travel insurance plans are underwritten by various underwriters. For information, visit ab.bluecross.ca/underwriters.
