Alberta’s New Auto Insurance, From January 1, 2027
From January 1, 2027, if you’re hurt in a collision in Alberta, you claim care through your own auto insurer, whoever caused it. Mental health care related to the collision may be covered. Here’s what that means, and how we can help.
56 days until Care-First begins on January 1, 2027
What Care-First Is
Three big changes.
Care through your own insurer
You claim benefits from your own auto insurer, regardless of fault. No lawsuit is needed to get care.
Treatment as long as it helps
No overall dollar cap on treatment, as long as it supports your recovery, potentially for life.
A tribunal instead of court
Lawsuits are limited to serious driving offences. Disputes about benefits go to the Alberta Automobile Care-First Tribunal.
Old System & Care-First
What changes on January 1, 2027.
| Current system (collisions to Dec 31, 2026) | Care-First (collisions from Jan 1, 2027) | |
|---|---|---|
| How care is paid for | Often through a lawsuit against the at-fault driver | Through your own insurer, regardless of fault |
| Medical and rehabilitation | Up to $50,000, within two years | No overall cap; treatment as long as it supports recovery |
| Income replacement | The lesser of $600 a week or 80% of gross earnings, for up to two years | 90% of net income up to a yearly maximum, potentially to age 65 |
| Lawsuits | Common for drivers who weren’t at fault | Limited, mainly to serious or criminal driving convictions |
| Disputes | Courts | Alberta Automobile Care-First Tribunal |
Sources: Government of Alberta, Care-First Auto Insurance; Care-First benefit summaries from insurers. Benefits remain subject to eligibility rules.
Is Mental Health Covered?
Yes, when it’s related to the collision.
Care-First benefits include mental health conditions related to your claim. Care starts with a first mental health assessment by a physician, psychologist or registered clinical social worker, which your insurer approves in advance. It leads to a care and treatment request on Care-First’s mental health form (CF-MH-1), and once your insurer approves it, your therapy with us can begin.
Signs You Could Use Support
Recovery isn’t only physical.
Common after a collision
- Avoiding driving, or riding as a passenger
- Nightmares or memories of the crash that won’t stop
- Poor sleep since the collision
- Pain or distress that outlasts your physical progress
- Low mood, irritability or pulling away from people
- Feeling on edge, jumpy or easily startled
- A slow or stalled return to work or school
Three questions
- Since the collision, are you avoiding driving or being a passenger?
- Are memories of the collision, or worry about it, affecting your sleep or your day?
- Is pain, mood or stress keeping you from work or your usual activities?
A yes to any of these is a good reason to book a free call.
How To Start
Getting care under Care-First.
- 1
Report your claim
Contact your own auto insurer as soon as you can. Reporting your injuries within 12 weeks makes benefits easier to access.
- 2
Book a free call
Have your collision date and claim number ready. We’ll confirm which system applies and walk you through the next steps.
- 3
Get your first assessment
Your doctor, a psychologist or a registered clinical social worker assesses you, once your insurer approves it, and sends your care and treatment request (CF-MH-1).
- 4
Start sessions
Once approved: virtual sessions six days a week, with progress reports sent to your insurer.
Physical Care & Therapy At The Same Time
You don’t have to finish physio before you see us.
Common collision injuries, like neck, shoulder and back injuries and concussion, have a pre-approved 12-week Program of Care with a physician, nurse practitioner, physiotherapist or chiropractor.
Mental health isn’t on that injury list, so it goes through a care and treatment request, which can be sent at any point. You can be in physical care and see us at the same time.
Program of Care
Therapy with Bethesda
Mental health care can start at any point, alongside physical care.
Questions
Care-First, answered.
Does Care-First apply to me?
Care-First applies to collisions in Alberta on or after January 1, 2027, whatever your policy renewal date. If your collision was before then, the current system applies.
What if I don’t have auto insurance?
You claim through the insurer of the vehicle you were in. If you weren’t in a vehicle, you claim through the insurer of the vehicle that hit you.
Do I need a lawyer?
Care-First is designed so most people get care without suing. You can still get legal advice, and lawsuits remain possible in limited cases, such as serious driving offences.
What’s a care and treatment request?
A treatment plan a health care practitioner sends to your insurer for approval. For mental health care, it comes with your first assessment, on Care-First’s CF-MH-1 form.
Who does the first mental health assessment?
Alberta’s Care-First guide lists a physician, psychologist or registered clinical social worker, with your insurer’s approval first. Your family doctor is often the simplest place to start. Once your plan is approved, your therapy can be with us.
What if my insurer says no?
You can ask your insurer to explain and reconsider. If you still disagree, Care-First has a dispute process, including the Alberta Automobile Care-First Tribunal.
Will it cost me anything?
The first call is free. Once your insurer approves your care, we bill them directly.
Questions about Care-First? Ask us.
We’re here weekdays from 11 AM to 11 PM and Saturdays from noon to 6 PM, Alberta Time.