This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance, legal, or claims advice. Alberta’s Care-First auto insurance system includes specific eligibility requirements, benefit limits, and exceptions. Coverage and benefits depend on applicable legislation, policy wording, and individual circumstances.
For questions about a specific claim, benefit decision, or legal rights, contact your insurer, the Alberta Automobile Care-First Tribunal, or a qualified legal professional, as appropriate.
Information is current as of the date of publication. Readers should confirm current requirements with the appropriate official sources.
Alberta’s auto insurance system is undergoing a significant change with the introduction of Care-First on January 1, 2027.
The new system is designed to help people injured in motor vehicle accidents access medical care, rehabilitation, and financial benefits without having to wait for fault to be determined or pursue a lawsuit to receive eligible benefits.
But what exactly is Care-First? Does it mean drivers can no longer sue after an accident? What happens to existing insurance policies? And what if an insurer denies a benefit?
In this guide, we’ll explain how Alberta Care-First insurance works, what drivers should understand about the new system, and where to turn if questions or disputes arise.
When Does Alberta Care-First Insurance Take Effect?
Alberta’s Care-First auto insurance system takes effect on January 1, 2027.
The transition applies to Alberta auto insurance policies already in force, not just policies purchased or renewed after that date.
The important factor is the date of the accident, not the policy renewal date.
For example:
Accident dateWhich system applies?December 31, 2026Previous auto insurance systemJanuary 1, 2027Care-First systemMarch 2027, with a policy renewing in MayCare-First system
If your auto insurance policy is already active on January 1, 2027, you do not need to wait until your policy renews for Care-First to apply to an accident occurring on or after that date.
In other words, the transition happens January 1, 2027, regardless of when your policy expires.
The Government of Alberta identifies January 1, 2027, as the implementation date for the new system. https://www.alberta.ca/care-first-auto-insurance
Is Alberta Care-First a No-Fault Insurance System?
You may hear Care-First described as a “no-fault” insurance system. However, that term can be misleading if it suggests that nobody is held responsible for an accident.
Under Care-First, eligible benefits are available to people injured in a motor vehicle accident regardless of who caused it. This means an injured person can access eligible treatment and benefits without waiting for fault to be determined.
But no-fault does not mean no accountability.
Fault can still matter in several ways, including:
Insurance premiums and driving records.
Certain legal rights and exceptions.
Consequences for drivers convicted of specific serious or criminal driving offences.
Certain monetary benefits under the system.
For example, a driver who causes an accident may still face consequences through their driving record and insurance premiums.
Care-First changes how injured people receive benefits and support. It does not eliminate responsibility for dangerous driving or mean that fault is irrelevant.
The Government of Alberta describes Care-First as a system that provides enhanced benefits while continuing to hold at-fault drivers accountable. https://www.alberta.ca/automobile-insurance-reform
What Is Alberta Care-First Insurance?
Care-First is Alberta’s new auto insurance system, designed to focus on medical care, rehabilitation, recovery, and financial support following a motor vehicle accident.
Under the previous system, people injured in accidents could face lengthy legal processes to pursue certain types of compensation. Care-First shifts the focus toward providing eligible benefits and treatment without requiring an injured person to sue before receiving support.
The goals of Care-First include:
Faster access to medical care and rehabilitation.
Improved benefits for people injured in accidents.
Financial support for eligible injured people.
Reduced reliance on lengthy court proceedings.
A more structured approach to recovery.
A dedicated process for resolving disputes with insurers.
The system is intended to help injured Albertans focus on recovery rather than navigating a lengthy legal battle.
What Does Care-First Insurance Cover?
Care-First provides several types of benefits for people injured in motor vehicle accidents.
The benefits available to an individual depend on their circumstances, eligibility, and the applicable legislation.
Medical care and treatment
Care-First provides enhanced medical and rehabilitation benefits.
Eligible treatment may include services such as:
Physiotherapy.
Chiropractic treatment.
Psychological treatment.
Other eligible medical and rehabilitation services.
The system includes a Program of Care for certain common injuries. Eligible treatment is designed to begin promptly and is billed directly to the insurer.
For treatment outside the Program of Care, additional assessment or insurer approval may be required.
The Government of Alberta describes Care-First as providing treatment for as long as it continues to contribute to recovery, subject to the applicable requirements. https://www.alberta.ca/care-first-auto-insurance
Income replacement benefits
An accident may prevent someone from working or earning their usual income.
Care-First includes income replacement benefits for eligible individuals who are unable to work because of their injuries.
The benefit is generally calculated based on a percentage of net income, subject to an annual income limit and other eligibility requirements.
The amount someone receives depends on factors such as their income, employment circumstances, and eligibility for other benefits.
Income replacement benefits are not necessarily equal to a person’s full regular earnings.
Permanent impairment benefits
Some injuries result in lasting impairment even after treatment and recovery have progressed.
Care-First includes a permanent impairment benefit for eligible injuries.
This is a separate benefit from income replacement and medical treatment. The amount depends on the applicable assessment and benefit rules.
Other benefits
Depending on the circumstances, Care-First may also provide benefits such as:
Caregiver benefits.
Retirement income benefits.
Loss-of-studies benefits.
Daily living assistance.
Death benefits.
Funeral and interment expenses.
Grief counselling.
Certain medical equipment, home modifications, or vehicle adaptations.
Not every benefit applies to every accident. Eligibility, limits, and requirements vary.
How Does the Care-First Claims Process Work?
If you’re injured in a motor vehicle accident in Alberta, there are several steps involved in accessing Care-First benefits.
Step 1: Report the accident and open a claim
Contact the appropriate insurer as soon as possible to report the accident and begin the claims process.
Once your claim is established and you receive a claim number, you can begin accessing eligible Care-First services. The insurer will provide information about your claim and the benefits available to you.
Step 2: Access available health care practitioners
With your claim number, you can access a range of eligible health care practitioners through Alberta’s Care-First system.
Depending on your injuries and treatment needs, you may be able to begin receiving care promptly through the Program of Care. You do not necessarily need to wait for a separate insurer approval before accessing eligible treatment.
Step 3: Begin treatment through the Program of Care
The Program of Care is designed to provide timely, structured treatment for common injuries following a motor vehicle accident.
A health care practitioner will assess your injuries and determine the appropriate treatment pathway. If your injuries meet the Program of Care requirements, treatment can proceed according to the applicable guidelines. More complex injuries or situations that fall outside the program may require additional assessment or approval.
Step 4: Follow your recovery plan
Your health care practitioner and insurer may monitor your recovery and provide progress reports.
The goal is to support recovery and help you return to your normal activities where possible.
Step 5: Request additional treatment if needed
If you are not recovering as expected or require treatment beyond the Program of Care, additional care may be requested.
The insurer may review your circumstances and determine what further treatment or support is appropriate under the applicable rules.
Can I choose my own treatment provider?
Care-First is designed to allow injured Albertans to choose their health care practitioner, subject to applicable requirements.
Insurers may provide information about preferred providers or networks, but you should understand your options before beginning treatment.
Do I need a referral before starting treatment?
Some eligible initial assessments and Program of Care treatment may be accessed without a referral or prior insurer approval.
However, treatment outside the Program of Care may have different requirements.
Contact your insurer or case manager if you are unsure whether a particular treatment is covered or requires approval.
Can You Still Sue After a Car Accident in Alberta?
One of the biggest questions about Care-First is whether injured people can still sue after an accident.
The answer is in certain circumstances, yes, but the ability to sue is more limited than under the previous system.
Care-First is designed to provide benefits without requiring an injured person to pursue a lawsuit. However, certain legal pathways remain available.
Claims for financial losses
In some circumstances, an injured person may pursue financial losses that exceed the benefits available under Care-First.
These are generally referred to as financial or pecuniary losses.
Whether a claim is available depends on the circumstances and applicable legislation.
Claims for pain and suffering
Care-First generally replaces traditional pain and suffering compensation with a permanent impairment benefit.
However, there are specific exceptions involving certain serious or criminal driving offences.
For example, a lawsuit for pain and suffering may be available where the at-fault driver is convicted of a prescribed offence.
It is important to understand that a conviction or finding of guilt may be required. A charge or allegation alone does not necessarily trigger the exception.
These situations involve specific legal requirements, so anyone considering such a claim should seek advice from a qualified legal professional.
What happens if the at-fault driver is convicted?
Certain prescribed offences may allow an injured person to pursue a claim for non-pecuniary damages, such as pain and suffering.
The injured person’s Care-First benefits continue to operate separately.
However, the availability of a legal claim does not necessarily mean compensation will be recovered. The applicable legislation and circumstances determine what can be pursued.
What about vehicle damage?
Care-First primarily deals with injuries and injury-related benefits.
Vehicle damage and property damage claims continue to operate separately under Alberta’s auto insurance system.
Can someone make a claim against another party?
Depending on the circumstances, claims involving third parties may remain possible.
Examples may include situations involving a vehicle manufacturer or another party whose actions contributed to an accident.
These claims can involve complex legal questions and should be reviewed by a qualified legal professional.
What Happens If You Disagree With Your Insurance Company?
Care-First includes a dedicated dispute resolution process for disagreements between injured Albertans and insurers about benefits.
The goal is to resolve issues fairly and efficiently, without requiring every disagreement to become a court proceeding.
Step 1: Ask your insurer to explain the decision
If you disagree with a benefit decision or do not understand it, start by contacting your insurer.
Ask your case manager to explain:
Why the decision was made.
What information was considered.
Whether additional information is required.
What options are available if you disagree.
Sometimes, the issue may be resolved through clarification or additional documentation.
Step 2: Request an internal review
If you remain dissatisfied, you may be able to request an internal review.
This gives the insurer an opportunity to reassess the decision and consider whether all relevant information has been taken into account.
An internal review may resolve the disagreement without requiring a formal dispute.
Step 3: Apply to the Alberta Automobile Care-First Tribunal
The Alberta Automobile Care-First Tribunal is an independent body established to hear and decide disputes between Albertans and insurers.
The Tribunal provides a dedicated process for disputes involving Care-First benefits.
The process is intended to be accessible and less formal than traditional court proceedings.
Albertans may represent themselves, although they can choose to obtain legal counsel at their own expense.
Step 4: Judicial review
In limited circumstances, a Tribunal decision may be subject to judicial review.
Judicial review is a legal process that examines certain issues relating to the decision or process. It is not simply a way to re-argue every disagreement.
Anyone considering judicial review should obtain legal advice.
Do You Need a Lawyer to Dispute a Care-First Decision?
No. The Tribunal process is designed to be accessible, and legal representation is not mandatory.
Albertans may choose to represent themselves or obtain legal counsel at their own expense.
However, the decision to seek legal advice depends on the individual circumstances and complexity of the dispute.
Insurance agents and brokers can help explain general insurance information and direct people to appropriate resources, but they cannot provide legal advice or represent someone in a legal proceeding.
If you have questions about your legal rights, contact a qualified legal professional.
Does Care-First Apply If You’re Injured Outside Alberta?
Care-First may continue to provide benefits to eligible Alberta residents who are injured in motor vehicle accidents outside the province.
The way a claim is handled can depend on where the accident occurred, the insurance policies involved, and the circumstances of the accident.
If you are injured while travelling:
Report the accident promptly.
Contact your insurer.
Keep copies of accident reports and medical records.
Retain receipts for accident-related expenses.
Disclose any other insurance coverage that may apply.
The insurer responsible for handling the claim may depend on the applicable insurance priority rules.
If you are unsure which insurer to contact, begin with your own insurer and ask for guidance.
What Is Care-First Top-Up Coverage?
Care-First includes standard benefits, but those benefits are subject to applicable limits and eligibility requirements.
Some insurers may offer optional coverage designed to provide additional benefits beyond certain standard Care-First limits.
This may be referred to as an Excess Care-First Coverage Endorsement or similar wording, depending on the insurer.
Optional coverage may provide additional protection for certain benefits, such as income replacement or other capped benefits.
However, availability, eligibility, and coverage details can vary by insurer.
Before deciding whether to purchase or decline optional coverage, review:
What the standard benefits provide.
Which limits apply.
What the optional coverage adds.
Any exclusions or conditions.
Whether the coverage is available through your insurer.
Do not assume every insurer offers the same options or that optional coverage is automatically included.
What Should Alberta Drivers Do to Prepare?
The introduction of Care-First is a significant change to Alberta’s auto insurance system.
Drivers should take time to understand the new benefits and how the system works.
Here are a few practical steps:
Familiarize yourself with the basic Care-First benefits.
Review your auto insurance coverage.
Ask your insurer about optional top-up coverage.
Understand who to contact if you are injured in an accident.
Keep accident-related records and receipts.
Report accidents promptly.
Ask questions if you do not understand a benefit decision.
The best time to understand your coverage is before you need to use it.
The Bottom Line
Alberta’s Care-First auto insurance system begins January 1, 2027, and changes how injured people receive medical care, rehabilitation, and financial benefits following a motor vehicle accident.
The transition applies to existing policies regardless of renewal date, and the accident date determines which system applies.
Care-First focuses on recovery and access to benefits, but fault and accountability still matter in certain circumstances. Some legal options remain available, and there is a dedicated process for challenging insurer benefit decisions.
Understanding the system, the benefits available, and the options for resolving disputes can help Alberta drivers feel more prepared if they are ever involved in an accident.
For official information, visit the Government of Alberta’s Care-First auto insurance page:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Care-First is Alberta's new auto insurance system, effective January 1, 2027. It focuses on providing medical care, rehabilitation, and financial benefits to eligible people injured in motor vehicle accidents.
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Care-First begins January 1, 2027.
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Yes. The system transitions on January 1, 2027, regardless of when an existing policy renews. The accident date determines which system applies.
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No. Benefits may be available regardless of fault, but fault can still affect driving records, premiums, and certain legal rights.
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Care-First is designed to allow injured Albertans to choose their practitioner, subject to applicable requirements. Confirm the treatment and billing requirements before beginning care.
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Some legal claims remain possible, including specific exceptions involving prescribed offences and certain financial losses. The ability to sue depends on the circumstances and applicable legislation.
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Care-First benefits have eligibility requirements and limits. Depending on the circumstances, other insurance benefits or legal options may be relevant. Contact your insurer for benefit questions and a qualified legal professional for legal advice.
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Care-First includes income replacement benefits for eligible individuals. The amount and duration depend on the applicable benefit rules and individual circumstances.
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Ask the insurer to explain its decision. You may be able to request an internal review or pursue the formal dispute resolution process through the Alberta Automobile Care-First Tribunal.
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No. Legal representation is not mandatory, although you may choose to seek legal counsel at your own expense.
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Eligible Alberta residents may retain Care-First benefits when injured outside the province. The claim process and insurer responsibility depend on the circumstances.
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No. Top-up coverage is optional where offered. Availability and coverage details vary by insurer.
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About the Author
James Kramer is an independent insurance advisor with more than a decade of experience helping individuals, families, and business owners protect what matters most.
He provides general insurance, including Home, Auto, ICBC Autoplan, Business, Travel, and Specialty Insurance, throughout British Columbia and Alberta, as well as independent life insurance solutions across British Columbia.
Through the Insurance Learning Centre, James shares practical insurance advice, explains common coverage questions, and helps Canadians better understand their insurance so they can make informed decisions with confidence.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered insurance, legal, or financial advice.
Insurance products, policy wordings, coverage options, eligibility, and availability vary by insurer and province. Always review your own policy and consult a licensed insurance advisor regarding your specific circumstances before making insurance decisions.