Premier Danielle Smith and Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services Justin Wright announce access changes to preventative health testing on Monday, July 27, 2026. (Image Credit: Government of Alberta - YouTube)

By Dayne Patterson, The Canadian Press

Healthcare

Alberta to begin allowing out-of-pocket payments for medical testing as of Friday

Jul 27, 2026 | 1:07 PM

Beginning Friday, Albertans will be able to pay out-of-pocket to bypass medical referral for diagnostic screening tests like an MRI or an ultrasound.

The announcement by Premier Danielle Smith follows up on legislation passed by her United Conservative government this spring.

Patients will pay for the tests when they receive them and potentially be reimbursed if the results lead to a cancer diagnosis.

Providers can still decide whether to offer the service and will also have the power to decide whether to modify the test.

The announcement is alongside other proposals made by the Alberta government to privatize portions of health care.

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Beginning in September, some physicians will be able to offer privately paid surgeries like hip and knee replacements while also working in the publicly funded system.

Sharif Haji, Shadow Minister for Primary and Preventative Health Services, says Danielle Smith and the UCP have given up on fixing public health care and will instead be asking Albertans for their credit card information.

“Instead of strengthening the system, they are forcing Albertans to pay or wait while wasting $130 million on a separation referendum that Albertans don’t want.

“Today’s announcement guarantees faster access to diagnostic tests for those who can afford to pay thousands of dollars for some tests, while everyone else is left waiting even longer.

“Albertans are already struggling with the affordability crisis, and many families simply can’t afford to pay out of pocket for essential health care.

“This will only drive wait times higher and force more people to live in pain and suffering while they wait for the care they need.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 27, 2026.

(With files from rdnewsNOW)

by Dayne Patterson, The Canadian Press

Alberta to begin allowing out-of-pocket payments for medical testing as of Friday

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