Chinook Regional Hospital. (Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

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

Feb 20, 2020 | 12:27 PM

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.”

Albertans are “strongly urged” to obtain travel medical insurance when leaving the country.

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“This change is expected to save Alberta about $1 million annually. The savings will be reinvested into strengthening the province’s health system.”

Alberta’s independent Out-of-Country Health Services Committee will continue accepting applications for funding of insured, medically necessary services that are not available in Canada.