Important: This article is general information, not medical advice. Virtual care is not appropriate for every concern. For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Why it is important to ask before you book
Virtual-visit coverage and fees can depend on the service, the patient’s circumstances, the provider, and the clinic’s workflow. Alberta public guidance advises patients to contact their healthcare provider about any applicable fees. A clinic should explain its current policy before a patient books or pays.
A clear conversation up front helps avoid surprises. It also gives the clinic an opportunity to confirm whether virtual care is appropriate and whether another care setting is needed.
If you have an active Alberta health card
Have your Alberta Personal Health Card available when you book or attend a visit. The clinic may need to verify the information and determine the appropriate billing pathway. An active card does not by itself guarantee that every possible service is insured, and the clinic should not present coverage as automatic.
If you have a question about a particular service, ask the clinic before the visit. Keep any clinic-provided policy, receipt, or follow-up instructions for your records.
If you do not have active coverage
If provincial coverage is not active or is unclear, the clinic needs to confirm whether an option is available and any applicable fee through its approved workflow before offering a visit. The public callback request does not collect payment, confirm an appointment, or promise that a particular option is available.
If the clinic confirms an uninsured option, ask what the fee covers, the cancellation and refund policy, payment method, receipt process, and whether the concern is suitable for a virtual visit before proceeding. The clinic should obtain the required acknowledgement before providing an uninsured service.
Questions to ask the clinic
Ask whether your appointment type is insured, whether any fee applies, whether staff need to verify your information, how cancellation works, and what happens if the physician recommends in-person care. For a self-pay visit, ask how payment, receipts, and any refund policy are handled before proceeding.
If the answer is unclear, pause and ask for clarification before confirming the appointment. Clear billing information is part of a respectful patient experience.
Continue with related Alberta guides.
These patient guides add context on virtual care, care navigation, and next-step preparation.
Learn more from Alberta resources.
These public resources offer additional context on virtual-care preparation, safety, and professional standards.
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For non-emergency health concerns only. For requests submitted during open hours, the clinic reviews each request and contacts you about the next step.