Albertans Can Now Buy Their Own Medical Imaging Scans — But What Does It Mean for You?

Just last month, a new policy went into effect in Alberta, allowing residents to purchase their own medical imaging scans. This change might seem minor, but it could have significant implications for expats and digital nomads like myself living in Calgary. Here’s what you need to know.

Previously, if you needed an MRI or other medical imaging, you would typically go through your healthcare provider. Now, with this new policy, you can go directly to a provider and pay for the service yourself. This could be particularly useful for those living in rural areas, where access to healthcare might be limited. As an expat who arrived in Calgary in 2019, I’ve found navigating the healthcare system to be a bit of a challenge. This change could potentially make things easier, but there are still a few questions that need answering.

Firstly, how much will these scans cost? The new policy doesn’t specify, so we’ll have to wait and see what pricing looks like. Secondly, will all providers offer this service, or just a select few? And finally, will insurance cover these costs, or will they be out-of-pocket expenses?