As of July 31, 2026, eligible Albertans can access certain preventative health testing at participating private clinics without a referral from an authorized medical professional (e.g., doctor, nurse practitioner).
What you need to know about the new legislation
The new legislation applies to MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, and X-ray services. Participating private clinics must be accredited by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta.
If you or your dependants decide to access private-pay preventative health testing without a referral from an authorized medical professional, you are responsible for the cost of the testing. According to the Government of Alberta, Albertans may be eligible for reimbursement if:
- private health testing results in a new and previously undiagnosed cancer diagnosis;
- the test is done on or after July 31, 2026; and
- the claim is submitted within 365 days of a cancer diagnosis.
Referred medically necessary testing will still be publicly funded and prioritized based on a clinical need in both public and private facilities.
What this means for your ASEBP benefits
While the new legislation provides an option to access certain preventative health testing without a referral, it is important to know what it means for your ASEBP coverage.
Preventative health testing is only eligible for reimbursement through your Health Spending Account (HSA) with a referral. Accessing private-pay preventative health testing without a referral does not make the expense eligible for reimbursement through your ASEBP HSA.
To be eligible for reimbursement through ASEBP, preventative health testing must be:
- referred by an authorized medical professional; and
- administered at an accredited testing clinic.
ASEBP’s reimbursement eligibility requirements align with the Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) list of eligible medical expenses as defined by the Income Tax Act of Canada. For more information about ASEBP HSA eligibility, visit the Spending Accounts page.
Before you consider booking private preventative health testing
If you are considering private preventative health testing for yourself or a dependant, ASEBP recommends taking the following steps:
- Check your HSA
Log in to your My ASEBP account to confirm whether you have an HSA and whether you have available credits. - Talk to your authorized medical professional
Whenever possible, have your authorized medical professional (e.g., doctor, nurse practitioner) provide a referral before accessing private preventative health testing services. A referral is required for the expense to be eligible for reimbursement through your HSA. - Confirm the testing is eligible
Make sure the type of preventative testing you would like to access is eligible under the Government of Alberta’s legislation (e.g., MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, or X-ray). - Confirm the clinic’s participation and accreditation status
Call private testing clinics to see which ones are participating in private-pay preventative health testing and confirm if they are accredited by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta. - Keep your documentation
Keep a copy of your eligible preventative health testing referral or prescription form and your detailed receipt of payment. - Submit expense, if eligible
If you or your dependant meets ASEBP’s HSA reimbursement requirements, submit your expense through your My ASEBP account.
If you do not have an HSA
If you or your dependant are eligible for reimbursement under the Government of Alberta’s eligibility requirements but you do not have an HSA, visit the Alberta government’s Preventative Health Testing webpage for information about how to submit eligible expenses.
Your health is ASEBP’s priority
ASEBP is committed to promoting, protecting, improving and sustaining the health of all covered members and their dependants. As healthcare options evolve, ASEBP will continue to help you understand how changes may affect your ASEBP benefits for you and your dependants.
If you have questions, please visit the Contact Us page to schedule a call or virtual meeting, or by contacting an ASEBP benefit specialist at 1-877-431-4786 or benefits@asebp.ca.