The Ultimate Alberta Health Card Wallet Guide: Digital, Registration & Replacement Explained

Discover how to apply for the Alberta Health Card Wallet (AHCIP), use the digital card, replace or update it, and get tips for newcomers. Everything you need in one place.

Introduction

Healthcare in Alberta is publicly funded, but to access it you need proof of coverage. For decades, that proof has been a flimsy paper health card that residents carried in their wallets. In 2025, the province introduced the Alberta Health Card Wallet — a secure digital version of your Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card that can be stored in the Alberta Wallet app on your phone.

This guide brings together everything you need to know in one place. You’ll learn what the Alberta Health Card Wallet is, how to register for AHCIP, how to set up the digital version, and what to do if you ever lose or need to update your card. We’ll also cover tips for newcomers, international students, and anyone who still prefers a physical card.

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to make sure you and your family are covered — whether you carry your health card on paper, digitally, or both.

Understanding the Alberta Health Card & AHCIP

What is AHCIP and how it works

The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) is the province’s public health insurance program. It ensures residents have access to medically necessary hospital and physician services at no direct cost. To use these services, you need a valid health card, which acts as proof of enrollment.

Covered services under AHCIP include things like doctor visits, medically required hospital care, and diagnostic tests. Services not covered typically include dental care, prescription drugs outside of hospitals, cosmetic surgery, and travel health insurance. You can find a detailed breakdown on the Alberta Health Services website.

Without a valid health card, you may be billed directly for services, so keeping your AHCIP coverage current is essential.

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Alberta Health Card (Physical) vs Alberta Wallet Digital Version

Until recently, Alberta residents received a paper health card — a basic document with their name, personal health number, and signature. While functional, these cards were easy to damage, lose, or misuse.

In August 2025, the province rolled out the Mobile Health Card through the Alberta Wallet app. This digital version stores your AHCIP card securely on your smartphone and can be scanned at clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies. According to Alberta.ca, the digital card is protected by your phone’s biometrics or passcode, making it harder to misuse if lost.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Both versions remain valid. The province has said that paper health cards will continue to work, but residents are encouraged to add the digital card for convenience and security.

Eligibility & Who Qualifies

Not everyone can get an Alberta Health Card Wallet right away. To qualify, you first need to be registered with AHCIP. Eligibility includes:

• Residency: You must make Alberta your permanent home and be physically present for at least 183 days a year.
• Status in Canada: You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or have an eligible immigration status.
• Age: Individuals 14 and older can add the digital card to the Alberta Wallet app. For children under 14, parents or guardians can manage their card.
• Exclusions: People with visitor or temporary resident status, such as tourists or short-term workers, are not eligible.

Newcomers are advised to apply for AHCIP as soon as they arrive, as coverage begins from the date of application if you meet the criteria.

How to Register for the Alberta Health Card Wallet

Setting up your Alberta Health Card Wallet is a two-step process: you must first make sure you’re registered with the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), and then you can add the digital version of your health card to the Alberta Wallet app.

Step 1 — Enroll or Verify Your AHCIP Coverage

If you are new to Alberta or have never registered for provincial health coverage, your first step is to apply for AHCIP.

You can apply using the AHC0102 Registration Form, which is available directly from the Government of Alberta forms site. Along with the completed form, you must provide:

• Proof of identity (e.g., passport, driver’s licence)
• Proof of residency in Alberta (such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement)
• Proof of legal entitlement to be in Canada (citizenship certificate, permanent resident card, or eligible immigration documents)

Applications can be submitted in person at an authorized registry office. Once approved, you will receive your Alberta health number and a physical health card. If you already have AHCIP coverage, you can proceed directly to setting up the digital card.

Step 2 — Create and Verify Your Alberta.ca Account

To access digital health services, you need a secure Alberta.ca Account. This account links to your health records and allows you to manage government services online.

Creating an account is straightforward:

1. Visit the Alberta.ca Account registration page.
2. Enter your personal information, including your Alberta health number.
3. Verify your identity through either an in-person registry verification or the VerifyMe process using government-issued ID.

Once verified, your Alberta.ca Account will allow you to access MyHealth Records and add your digital health card.

Step 3 — Download the Alberta Wallet App & Add the Mobile Health Card

With your AHCIP enrollment confirmed and your Alberta.ca Account active, you can set up the digital card.

• Download the Alberta Wallet app from the App Store or Google Play.
• Sign in with your verified Alberta.ca Account.
• Select “Add Card” and choose the Alberta Health Card option.
• Confirm your personal health number and verify your identity within the app.

Once added, your Mobile Health Card will appear in the app. It includes a scannable QR code and a digital signature for authentication at clinics and pharmacies.

Alternative Access Without the App

If you do not wish to use the Alberta Wallet app, you can still access a digital version of your health card through a web browser linked to your Alberta.ca Account. However, the app is recommended for convenience, faster scanning, and offline access when needed.

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Using the Alberta Health Card Wallet in Practice

Having your Alberta Health Card Wallet set up is one thing — knowing how to use it effectively is another. Here’s what to expect when presenting your digital health card in everyday healthcare situations.

Acceptance and Where It Works

The digital Alberta Health Card is accepted at most clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies across the province. When you check in for an appointment, you can open the Alberta Wallet app and show your card’s QR code. Staff will scan it to confirm your coverage instantly.

In places that do not yet have scanning technology, staff may enter your personal health number manually. To avoid delays, you should carry another piece of government-issued photo ID along with your card.

The Government of Alberta has confirmed that the physical health card remains valid and can always be used if needed. Until every provider transitions fully to the digital system, it is smart to keep both available.

Offline or Low-Connectivity Situations

One advantage of the Alberta Wallet app is that your health card is stored securely on your device, not in the cloud. That means you can access it even without Wi-Fi or mobile data.

However, if your phone battery dies, you will not be able to show your digital card. For this reason, officials recommend keeping your physical card as a backup, especially when travelling to unfamiliar clinics or during long hospital visits.

This hybrid approach ensures you’re never caught without proof of coverage.

Sharing and Managing Family Members’ Cards

The Alberta Health Card Wallet makes it easier to manage coverage for family members, especially children.

• Children under 14: Parents or guardians can add their child’s digital health card under their own Alberta Wallet app.
• Spouses or partners: Adults must add their own cards individually, but family accounts can be linked during registration for easier management.
• Dependents: University students or young adults still covered under their parents’ plan can transition to their own account once eligible.

If you are caring for multiple dependents, the app allows you to switch between cards as needed when visiting different healthcare providers. More details are available on Alberta’s official mobile health card page.

Practical Tips for Everyday Use

• Always keep your phone charged before a medical visit.
• Bring your physical card as a safety net until digital use is universal.
• Familiarize yourself with the app’s QR code feature so check-ins are quick.
• Double-check that your personal information is up to date in the app before appointments.

By combining the digital health card with practical habits, you’ll have reliable access to healthcare across Alberta.

Replacing, Updating, and Changing Your Alberta Health Card

Even with the convenience of the Alberta Health Card Wallet, there will be times when you need to replace a lost or damaged card or update your personal details. The process is straightforward, but it’s important to follow the correct steps to avoid delays in coverage.

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Cards

If your physical health card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must request a replacement. This can be done by:

• Visiting an authorized registry agent office in Alberta.
• Completing a Notice of Change form and submitting it with proper ID.
• Requesting a new card, which will be mailed to your registered address.

For the digital version, you can simply remove the old card in the Alberta Wallet app and re-add it by signing back in with your Alberta.ca Account. This instantly generates a new secure digital card.

More details on replacement are available through the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan updates page.

Updating Personal Information

Life changes often require updates to your health card. Alberta requires you to notify AHCIP within 30 days if your personal details change. Common updates include:

• Change of address after moving.
• Change of name due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change.
• Updating marital status or adding/removing dependents.

To update, you’ll need to complete the appropriate form and provide supporting documents such as marriage certificates, driver’s licences, or lease agreements. These forms are processed through registry offices or mailed directly to AHCIP.

The digital health card will automatically refresh with your updated information once the change is approved.

Special Cases and Age Transitions

Certain age and life milestones trigger specific health card updates:

• Turning 21: Dependents under a parent or guardian’s plan must apply for their own coverage.
• Turning 25: Students may need to show proof of enrollment to remain under parental coverage.
• Turning 65: Seniors continue with AHCIP but may also become eligible for supplemental coverage programs.

Other special cases include separation, divorce, or moving out of Alberta for work or study. In most cases, you must file a Notice of Change form to keep your coverage aligned with your situation.

Quick Reference Table: Common Updates

By keeping your health card details current, you avoid disruptions in coverage and ensure that both your physical card and your Alberta Health Card Wallet remain accurate.

Tips for Newcomers, International Students, and Non-Smartphone Users

Alberta welcomes thousands of newcomers and international students each year. Understanding how to access health coverage is critical if you are new to the province.

For Newcomers

If you’ve recently moved to Alberta, you should apply for AHCIP as soon as possible. Coverage usually begins from the date of application if you meet eligibility requirements. Bring proof of residency and immigration status when applying. More guidance is available through the Government of Alberta’s newcomers page.

Until your card arrives, you may need to pay upfront for healthcare and request reimbursement later. Keep all receipts during this period.

For International Students

International students studying in Alberta for 12 months or longer are eligible for AHCIP. Those in shorter programs may need private insurance instead. Schools often provide support with the registration process.

Once enrolled, students can add their health card to the Alberta Wallet app if they are 14 or older. Having both the physical and digital card is helpful when visiting doctors or pharmacies near campus.

For Non-Smartphone Users

If you don’t own a smartphone or prefer not to use the Alberta Wallet app, you can continue to rely on the physical health card. It remains fully valid and will be accepted everywhere in Alberta. Carrying the paper card is still recommended as a backup even if you use the digital version.

Conclusion

The Alberta Health Card Wallet offers residents a secure and convenient way to carry their AHCIP card. By combining digital access with the traditional paper version, you ensure you can access care anywhere, anytime.

Whether you are a newcomer applying for the first time, a student setting up your digital card, or a long-time resident updating your details, the process is simpler than ever.

To stay up to date, visit the official Alberta.ca health card page for the latest forms and announcements.

Next step: If you haven’t already, register with AHCIP, download the Alberta Wallet app, and add your digital health card today. It’s a quick step that ensures peace of mind when it comes to your healthcare.

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