Alberta to begin allowing out-of-pocket payments for medical testing as of Friday
Patients will pay for MRI and ultrasound tests without referrals, and providers can choose whether to offer the service.
- On Friday, Alberta began allowing residents to pay out-of-pocket for diagnostic screening tests like MRIs and ultrasounds without a medical referral, providing patients more choice in managing their health status.
- These changes were enabled through Bill 29, the Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2026, which passed in May; previously, private billing for diagnostic testing with a referral comprised only about 0.5 per cent of all tests.
- Initially, patients 18 years and older may pay for private testing, and if results confirm a new cancer diagnosis, they can apply for reimbursement at publicly funded rates within one year of diagnosis.
- Advocacy group Friends of Medicare condemned the move, stating it circumvents the Canada Health Act and introduces "two-tier, American-style" health care, violating Premier Danielle Smith's election promise of a "Public Health Guarantee."
- The government maintains that the new service will enhance the current system by easing burdens, as Premier Danielle Smith stated, "When it comes to treating serious illness, early diagnosis makes everything easier.
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Albertans can access private diagnostic imaging without a referral starting Friday
Premier Danielle Smith speaks as Primary and Preventative Health Services Minister Justin Wright looks on during a news conference announcing Alberta’s new preventative testing policy on Monday, July 27, 2026. Beginning Friday, participating private providers may offer self-referred MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds and X-rays, with reimbursement at publicly funded rates when testing leads to a new or previously unknown cancer diagnosis. Photo / Gover…
Alberta to Allow Patients Pay for MRIs and Other Tests Without a Doctor’s Referral
Albertans will be able to pay directly out-of-pocket for medical tests like MRIs, X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds without needing a referral starting July 31, according to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. The announcement is part of the province’s broader strategic plan for cancer to 2036 unveiled last month to improve cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment access, and will allow patients to pay directly for tests and potentially be…
Albertans can pay for MRIs and other tests without a doctor's referral, as of Friday
The new system, which has already sparked concern among doctors and some health care advocacy groups, has been in the works for months. It allows Albertans to self-refer and pay for MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds and X-rays.
Alberta to allow self-referred private diagnostic testing starting August - The Stettler Independent
Alberta will allow self-referred diagnostic testing for some services beginning in August following the issuance of several Orders in Council on July 22. The Orders in Council amend the Health Care Insurance Act and the Health Professions Act, effective July 31, allowing diagnostic imaging clinics to charge for self-referred services. Initially, patients 18 years and older who wish to get proactive testing to manage their health may pay out o…
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