Care Costs and Coverage

Paying for Care 

Alberta Health Care pays the cost of cancer treatment for all Alberta residents providing premiums are paid and up-to-date. Alberta Health Care, Alberta Blue Cross and the Alberta Cancer Board share the cost of cancer drugs.

Prescription drugs are insured and are paid if you are an in-patient. Alberta Health Care does not cover other drugs used to control nausea and pain or hormone replacement drugs for outpatients. These drugs can be costly. If you do not have drug coverage with another insurer but hold a valid Alberta Health Care Card, you can obtain partial reimbursement through Alberta Blue Cross.

Please note that Alberta Blue Cross Non-Group Coverage has a three-month waiting period and only begins the fourth month after your application is received.


Outpatient Cancer Drug Benefit Program

The Alberta Cancer Board provides select medications to patients at no cost through its Outpatient Cancer Drug Benefit Program. If you are not sure what your medication needs will be, or are concerned about how you will pay for your medications, please speak with a member of your treatment team at your first appointment.

 Outpatient Cancer Drug Benefit Plan  (pdf)  (rev. July, 2010)


Out of Alberta

If you live in another Canadian province, the cost of your treatments and insured drugs will be billed to the provincial health ministry of the province in which you live. If you do not have health insurance or are not a resident of Canada, you will be charged for the cost of services, treatments and drugs provided.


Income Taxes

Some expenses related to treatment of an illness can be claimed on your income tax as medical expenses, such as travel and accommodation for patients who must travel long distances to Alberta Cancer Board facilities. Tax regulations are subject to frequent change. For details on medical expense claims, contact the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency toll-free at 1-800-959-2221.


Financial Resource Guide

A Financial Resource Guide (pdf) is also available both online and from hospital social workers. It provides more information about financial assistance available from government agencies and programs.


Canadian Cancer Society

In Edmonton and Calgary, Canadian Cancer Society volunteer drivers take people with cancer to their treatments when they have no other means of transportation. In other areas, the Society offers a transportation subsidy to those in financial need. In conjunction with the Westin Hotel, the Society also offers a program for many out-of-town people undergoing treatment in Edmonton and Calgary.


Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan

In Edmonton, call 427-1432; outside Edmonton, call toll-free by dialing 310-0000 and then ask to be connected to 427-1432 in Edmonton.


Alberta Blue Cross

If you are in financial need, the Canadian Cancer Society may provide short-term assistance for some medications and for Alberta Blue Cross Non-Group premiums. Call toll free, 1-800-661-6995.

Related Links

 Financial Resource Guide  (pdf)
 Canadian Cancer Society