What travel vaccines cost
The short answer is that Alberta Health does not usually pay for them, many private plans do, and the total depends entirely on which vaccines your trip actually needs. Here is how it works, so the number is not a surprise.
People ask this before they book, which is sensible, and they rarely get a straight answer. The reason is that there is no single price for a travel consultation, because two people going to the same country can need very different things.
What we can do is tell you exactly how the money works, and give you a real number over the phone before you commit to anything.
How coverage works
Alberta Health does not usually cover travel vaccines
They are considered elective rather than medically necessary, so they are generally an out-of-pocket cost.
Many private and employer plans do
This is the one most often missed. A large number of extended health plans reimburse travel vaccines, sometimes fully. Check your plan before you assume you are paying.
Some vaccines are covered anyway
Routine vaccines that happen to come up during a travel consultation, such as a tetanus booster, may be covered under the normal programmes. Worth asking about.
Employers often reimburse work-related tests
TB tests for a job or placement are frequently reimbursed by the employer requiring them. Keep the receipt.
Getting a real number before you commit
Phone us with your destination
Call 403-930-5806 and say where you are going, for how long, and roughly what you will be doing. That is enough for a realistic estimate.
Check your extended health plan
Look for travel vaccines or immunizations under your extended health benefits. If you are not sure, your plan's help line will tell you in one call.
Ask what you can skip
A good consultation reduces the list as often as it grows it. We will tell you when something is not worth it. That is why the Dukoral page says what it says.
Keep your receipt
We give you an itemised receipt with the detail insurers ask for, so a claim does not come back for more information.
Common questions
Are travel vaccines covered by Alberta Health?
Generally no. Travel vaccines are usually considered elective and are an out-of-pocket cost. Many private and employer extended health plans do reimburse them, so check yours before assuming you are paying the full amount.
How much does a travel consultation cost?
It depends on your trip and which vaccines it needs. Call 403-930-5806 with your destination and dates and we will give you a real figure before you book anything.
How much is a yellow fever vaccine in Calgary?
Call 403-930-5806 for current pricing. Yellow fever is given only at designated centres, we are one, and the fee covers the vaccine and the international certificate.
Will my insurance reimburse me?
Many extended health plans do. We give you an itemised receipt with the detail insurers ask for. Check your plan's coverage for travel vaccines or immunizations before your appointment.
Is the TB test covered?
Not usually by Alberta Health when it is for employment, school or immigration. Employers requiring the test often reimburse it, so keep your receipt.