Faster access to preventative care

October 22, 2025 Media inquiries

New reforms will expand access and choice for preventative screening, elective testing and other diagnostic services to deliver faster, more effective care.

Enhancing access is the clear path to achieving better health outcomes and patient autonomy for Albertans, and reducing health care system strain. New legislative reforms will allow Albertans to privately purchase any diagnostic screening and testing services they wish, including MRIs, CT scans, full-body scans and blood work.

These reforms will also allow health professionals and medical organizations to offer these services privately and enable supplemental health benefits plans to insure them. Preventative care can identify developing heath conditions early. Currently, long diagnostic imaging wait times and growing waitlists for preventative screening are delaying timely care for Albertans.  

Under Alberta’s Public Health Guarantee, all physician-recommended tests will continue to be fully covered and prioritized in all facilities, public or private, across the province. If a privately purchased test reveals a significant or critical condition, the out-of-pocket cost will be reimbursed, ensuring no Albertan pays for a medically necessary test.

Expanded access to elective testing, screening and other diagnostic services will attract new investment in diagnostic technology and facilities. This approach will increase capacity, shorten wait times and reduce pressure on Alberta’s public health system.

“Albertans deserve timely answers about their health. By expanding access to preventative and elective testing, we’re empowering people to take control of their care and reducing wait times across the system.”

Danielle Smith, Premier