Calgary with Peace Bridge

Welcome to Calgary

A Guide for New Calgarians

Medical Insurance

If you’re new to Calgary and intend to live here for 12 months or longer, you will need to apply for the provincial medical insurance. You must apply for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) within three months of establishing residency in Alberta.

As an Alberta resident, the Provincial Government offers free provincial health insurance plans. The University provides supplemental coverage through the Alberta Blue Cross Extended Health Plan. Click here to select your staff group and review the benefit information specific to your appointment type.

Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) is a publicly administered and funded health care system that covers basic services such as visits to the doctor, laboratory tests, and hospital costs if you are admitted to the hospital. This plan does not cover services like prescription drugs, dental services, vision care, or ambulance transport (which the supplemental UCalgary benefit plans help to cover). Learn more about the Alberta Health Care Card and how to register for AHCIP here.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) provides information on Finding a Family Doctor via Primary Care Networks.

Registry Services

Registry services offer the following services:

  • Vehicle registration
  • Driver licensing and testing
  • Alberta Health Care registration
  • Alberta identification card

Visit their website for other services and information, and here to find a registry near you.

Banking

If you do not have a Canadian bank account, you will need to open one for your payroll. Visit the Government of Canada website for information on opening a bank account for non-residents or changing financial institutions if you’re moving to Calgary.

Tax Obligation

All employees are subject to tax deductions. Click here for information on payroll taxes and deductions at UCalgary.

To understand tax deduction for non-residents, visit the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website.

Life in Calgary

Visit the City of Calgary website for services, programs and other resources including transportation, parks & recreation, animal services, bylaws and much more.

Other helpful links:

https://www.calgary.ca/csps/cns/immigrants-newcomers-and-refugees/welcome.html

https://www.lifeincalgary.ca/moving/calgary-facts

https://www.visitcalgary.com/getting-around

https://www.travelalberta.com/ca/places-to-go/southern-alberta/calgary/