Alberta's Health Care System
Alberta has a publicly administered and funded health care system that guarantees Albertans receive universal access to medically necessary hospital and medical services.

Alberta's Health Care system offers the following services: doctor's offices, walk-in clinics, pharmacies, emergency centres, hospitals and telephone consultations. Levels of service and areas of specialization vary from location to location. The most up-to-date information about health care in Alberta can be found on the Alberta Health and Wellness website.

Doctor's Offices
Doctors respond to general complaints or concerns. They provide health advice, prescriptions for medicine and referrals to specialists when required. Appointments are necessary and not all offices accept new patients.

Walk-in Clinics
Walk-in clinics offer basic services at extended hours and have doctors on hand to prescribe medication, give advice or refer patients. Appointments are generally not necessary, anyone is welcome and the hours of operation usually extend into the evening and weekends.

Pharmacies
Certified pharmacists prepare and sell prescribed medication to patients with a doctor's prescription. Pharmacies are located in large grocery stores, shopping malls and small convenience stores. They are easily identifiable and are listed in local directories.

Hospitals
Hospitals house patients needing longer term care, surgical procedures, specialized testing, intensive monitoring or assessment for serious conditions.

Telephone Consultation
Health Link Alberta is a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week nurse telephone advice and information service. It is free of charge and can be accessed from anywhere in the province. The toll free phone number is 1-866-408-5465.

Health insurance may be available through the Alberta Insurance Plan. For information on health insurance requirements for international students, click here.