Alberta Bill 29 and self-referred preventive diagnostic testing: what you and your Clients need to know

September 29, 2026

Read time: 2 minutes

Alberta has introduced changes that may make it easier for eligible Albertans to access certain preventive diagnostic imaging services through participating private diagnostic facilities, without a physician referral. These services may include MRI, CT, ultrasound, and X-ray testing. Members usually pay for these services when they receive them, either out of pocket or through any private coverage that may be available to them. 

  • For group benefits plans, this is an access change, not a coverage change.
  • It may give some members another way to access privately paid diagnostic testing.
  • It does not change what is covered under an employer-sponsored benefits plan.
  • Coverage continues to depend on the terms of the group benefits contract. 

What’s changed in Alberta

Alberta is continuing to update parts of its health system. These changes include new provincial legislation and related regulatory updates that support self-referred access to certain preventive diagnostic services. They build on earlier framework changes related to how public and private health services can work together in Alberta. 

We’re sharing this now so plan sponsors have timely, practical information to help answer member questions. The important point is that members may have another way to access certain private diagnostic services, but reimbursement still depends on the terms of their group benefits plan. 

  • Eligible Albertans may be able to access certain preventive diagnostic imaging services without a physician referral. 
  • Services may include MRI, CT, ultrasound, and X-ray testing, where offered by participating providers. 
  • Members usually pay the provider directly when they receive the service. 
  • Alberta has indicated that limited reimbursement may be available in specific situations, such as when preventive health testing leads to a new cancer diagnosis and eligibility criteria are met. 

What hasn’t changed

  • Physician-ordered diagnostic services continue to be available through Alberta’s publicly funded health system. 
  • The changes do not affect the terms of employer-sponsored group benefits contracts. 
  • A privately paid diagnostic service is not automatically eligible for reimbursement under a group benefits plan. 
  • Services that are available through the public health system may not be eligible when accessed through a private self-referral pathway. 

What this means for your Clients

  • Plan sponsors may receive questions from members about whether self-referred diagnostic testing is covered. 
  • The key distinction is between access and reimbursement. Members may have access to a private testing pathway, but reimbursement depends on their plan terms. 
  • Plan sponsors should avoid describing these changes as a new insured benefit unless the group benefits contract specifically includes coverage. 
  • Members should check their benefits coverage before paying for any private diagnostic service. 

We will send this Focus Update to plan sponsors on October 8, 2026. It will include a plan member communication that plan sponsors can share.

Questions? We’re here to help.

Please contact your Sun Life Group Benefits representative.