Albertans to lose coverage for out-of-country elective, non-urgent care

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Government of Alberta has announced a healthcare change for Albertans who are traveling to other countries.

Effective April 1, 2020, they will no longer be covered for elective, non-urgent health services and routine lab tests.

The province says this change brings Alberta in line with most other Canadian provinces. Only Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador provide out-of-country care for elective, non-urgent services.

“There will be no change to coverage for emergency health services,” reads a media release from the province. “Unlike the recent change in Ontario, Albertans will continue to be partially reimbursed for insured emergency health services needed when traveling outside Canada.”