Getting Your Quebec Health Card: A Guide for Newcomers to RAMQ Insurance

Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system that covers most medically necessary care. Each province manages its own system, and in Quebec, healthcare is administered by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). RAMQ manages the Quebec Health Insurance Plan (QHIP), commonly called assurance maladie or simply RAMQ.

Starting a new life in Quebec can feel overwhelming, but knowing that public healthcare is available offers peace of mind. However, many newcomers face a waiting period of up to three months before coverage begins. During this time, purchasing private health insurance is strongly recommended.

Quebec Health Insurance for Newcomers

RAMQ oversees both the provincial health insurance plan (QHIP) and the Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan. In Quebec, prescription drug coverage is mandatory. If you do not have access to a private plan through an employer or family member, you must join the public plan.

Public Prescription Drug Insurance under RAMQ covers over 8,000 medications with costs varying based on income, and includes monthly deductibles and co-insurance. This plan helps ensure eligible residents without private coverage have access to essential medications.

Because newcomers may need more than one type of coverage, it helps to understand how each plan works.

1. The Quebec Health Insurance Plan (QHIP)

The Quebec Health Insurance Plan covers a wide range of medical care, including almost all medically necessary care provided by a family doctor, general practitioner or specialist. This includes doctor visits, hospital care, surgery, anesthesia, and many diagnostic services.

Patients who are registered under the Quebec Health Insurance Plan receive free health care covered by the plan. Coverage applies whether care is provided in a clinic, hospital, CLSC, or, in some cases, at home.

Some procedures that are usually considered elective may still be covered if a doctor confirms they are medically necessary. If a medically necessary service is unavailable within the province, a doctor may apply to RAMQ for an exemption to cover the full cost of the out-of-province procedure.

It is also important to understand what is not covered. RAMQ does not cover most dental services for adults, vision care for those aged 18–64, paramedical services, non-medically necessary procedures, accommodation in private rooms, and ambulance transport. Because of these limits, many residents choose additional private insurance.

2. The Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan

In Quebec, unlike other provinces, it is mandatory to have prescription drug insurance coverage; this insurance can either be public or private. If you do not have coverage through your employer or a private insurer, you have to join the Quebec Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan.

RAMQ offers the public option (the Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan) and is available to every individual who is not eligible for coverage through a private insurer. Rates for the Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan range from $0 to $710 annually (as of 2021). If you have access to a prescription drug insurance plan through your employer or through a family member or spouse’s employer, you must select that option (you cannot opt for the public RAMQ option).

Dental and Vision Coverage in Quebec

Dental coverage under RAMQ is limited. Dental care for children under 10 includes coverage for annual exams, x-rays, fillings, and extractions, while general population dental coverage is limited. Vision care is also restricted for adults.

For this reason, private health insurance plans in Quebec can cover various healthcare services, including vision and dental care, which may not be fully covered by the public plan.

Now that you understand the limits of public dental and vision coverage, let’s look at who is eligible for the Quebec health insurance plan and how to apply.

Newcomer eligibility for Québec Health Insurance Plan

To qualify for RAMQ coverage, newcomers must be legally allowed to stay in Canada and intend to make Quebec their main place of residence. Eligible statuses for Quebec health card include Canadian citizens, permanent residents, temporary workers with a valid permit for over six months, foreign students from countries with a social security agreement, and refugees or protected persons in Canada.

Newcomers must also be present in Québec for at least 183 days within their first 12 months of eligibility to qualify for health insurance. Spending too much time outside the province may affect your coverage.

Documents needed for Quebec health card eligibility include:

• Original or certified copies of proof of status
• Proof of residency in Quebec
• (Additional documents may be requested in some cases)

What is the RAMQ Waiting Period in Quebec?

Most newcomers face a waiting period of up to three months before RAMQ coverage begins. This applies whether you are arriving from another country or another Canadian province. During this time, public healthcare is not available, which is why private insurance is strongly recommended.

Some exceptions apply. For example, children under 18 may qualify for immediate coverage. A person born in Québec is automatically eligible for health insurance if their parents were eligible at the time of their birth.

Private health insurance helps cover medical costs while you wait for RAMQ coverage and reduces the risk of paying out of pocket for care. Finding the right plan does not have to be difficult. With our trusted partner, BestQuote, you can compare health and travel insurance options from multiple providers and choose coverage that fits your needs and budget.

Applying for a Quebec Health Card (RAMQ card)

Applying for a Quebec health card is the first step to accessing public healthcare coverage in this province. In 2026, the application for a Quebec health card is required for newcomers, returning residents, or those changing their temporary status.

Newcomers must visit or call a RAMQ office to obtain an application form. The form is not available online. It is best to apply within your first 15 days in Quebec to avoid delays.

Applicants aged 14 to 74 must provide a photo and signature. After your application is approved, once the registration form is accepted, the RAMQ sends you a health insurance card often called a ‘medicare card.’ This card is usually mailed within about two weeks after coverage begins.

Validity of the RAMQ health card for newcomers

As a newcomer to Quebec, it is important to make sure your RAMQ card stays valid. You must present a valid health insurance card when you visit a doctor, hospital, or clinic to receive healthcare covered by RAMQ. If your card has expired,is inactive, or is no longer valid, you may have to pay for medical services yourself.

RAMQ health cards are usually issued for a limited period, especially for newcomers with temporary status, such as work permit or study permit holders. The card’s expiry date is often linked to the end date of your immigration document. You must renew your health card before it expires to avoid a gap in coverage.

If you change your immigration status, your RAMQ coverage may also change and you must re-register for health insurance when your current status expires or your situation changes.

For example, if you move from a work permit to permanent residence, or if you extend your work or study permit, you must inform RAMQ and provide updated documents. If RAMQ is not notified, your coverage could be suspended even if you are still living in Quebec.

Keeping your information up to date and renewing your card on time ensures you continue to have access to healthcare services without interruption. If your card is lost or stolen, contact RAMQ as soon as possible to request a replacement.

Navigating Your First Few Months in Quebec

Moving to Canada is exciting, but the first months can be demanding. Health coverage should not be an extra worry during this period.

That is why arranging private health insurance before arrival is strongly recommended. This ensures protection from the moment you enter Quebec and helps cover services that RAMQ does not include, such as dental or vision care.

Further Resources for Newcomers in Quebec

• Wondering about your prescription options? Dive into our article, where we explore everything you need to know about obtaining a prescription in Canada. Discover the process and make informed decisions about your healthcare!
• Learn about getting private health insurance to cover your first months in Canada while waiting for RAMQ coverage.
• And all you need to know about the Canadian Healthcare System.

Quebec Health Card and RAMQ FAQs

Does a Québec health card work in Ontario?

A Québec health card can be used in Ontario for medically necessary hospital and doctor services, but coverage may be limited. Some services may not be fully covered, and you might have to pay upfront and request reimbursement from RAMQ.

How can I contact RAMQ?

You can contact RAMQ by phone, by mail, or by visiting a RAMQ service point in Québec. For the most accurate contact details and office hours, it is best to consult the official RAMQ website.

Can I use my OHIP in Québec?

If you are temporarily visiting Québec and are covered by OHIP, your Ontario health card may cover certain medically necessary services. However, coverage is limited, and some costs may not be reimbursed. If you move to Québec permanently, you must apply for RAMQ.

How to qualify as a Québec resident?

To qualify as a Québec resident for health insurance, you must live in Québec and intend to make it your primary place of residence. You must also be physically present in Québec for at least 183 days within a 12-month period and meet legal status requirements.

Why is Québec insurance so cheap?

Québec health insurance is low-cost because it is publicly funded through taxes and managed by the provincial government. Most essential medical services are covered for eligible residents, which reduces individual healthcare expenses compared to private systems.