Quebec Health Insurance (RAMQ): How to Apply for Your Quebec Health Card

Quebec health insurance is managed by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). If you are eligible, RAMQ gives you a Quebec health card that lets you get medically necessary care for free.

Here is what newcomers need to know:

• Who is eligible: Permanent residents, Canadian citizens who settle in Quebec, temporary workers staying more than 6 months, and students from countries with a social security agreement with Quebec.
• How to apply: You register with RAMQ and send your documents. Coverage is not automatic.
• When coverage starts: Most adults wait up to 3 months after registering. Children under 18 do not wait.
• What to do in the meantime: RAMQ recommends buying private health insurance within 5 days of arriving in Quebec.

This guide explains each step of the RAMQ application and what Quebec health insurance covers.

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

Quebec is the only province where prescription drug insurance is mandatory. Everyone must have it, either through a private plan or through RAMQ’s Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan.

• If you have access to a group plan through your employer, or your spouse’s or parent’s employer, you must join that plan.
• If you do not have access to a group plan, you must join the public plan with RAMQ.

How much does the public plan cost?

You pay an annual premium to Revenu Québec through your income tax return. The amount depends on your net family income, and you pay it even if you do not buy any prescription drugs. When you buy a prescription, you also pay a monthly deductible and part of the cost (co-insurance).

RAMQ updates these amounts every year on July 1.

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.

Who is eligible for Quebec health insurance?

To get a Quebec health card, you must live in Quebec, hold an eligible immigration status, and meet RAMQ’s eligibility conditions.

Here is the eligibility per immigration status:

Social security agreements: Quebec has social security agreements with 11 countries, including France, Belgium and Denmark. If you come from one of these countries, bring a certificate of coverage from your country’s social security plan.

Students without an agreement: If you come to study at a Quebec university from a country without an agreement, you are automatically registered for your university’s group health insurance plan and pay the premium set by your university.

What is the RAMQ Waiting Period?

When you settle in Quebec, your health insurance starts after a waiting period of up to 3 months after you register. This applies even to Canadian citizens.

The waiting period does not apply to:

• Children under 18
• People arriving from a country with a social security agreement with Quebec, if they meet the agreement’s conditions
• Members of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families, if they stayed eligible for health insurance in their home province

RAMQ does not pay for care you receive before your coverage starts. That is why RAMQ advises newcomers to buy private health insurance within 5 days of arriving in Quebec. Register as soon as you arrive, because the waiting period starts only after you register.

Getting 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. Our trusted partner, Cigna Healthcare, offers private international health insurance designed for newcomers and international residents staying 4 months or longer, while BestQuote allows you to compare health and travel insurance options from multiple providers and choose coverage that fits your needs and budget.

How to apply for a Quebec health card (RAMQ application)

You can register for Quebec health insurance as soon as you arrive in Quebec, if you meet the eligibility conditions. Your spouse and dependent children must also register and provide the same documents.

Step 1: Contact RAMQ to start your application

The way you apply depends on your situation. If you are settling in Quebec, call RAMQ and they will mail you a personalized registration form. Some applicants, such as students from countries with a social security agreement, can send their documents online in PDF or JPG format. Check RAMQ’s registration page for your situation.

RAMQ phone numbers:

• Québec area: 418 781-2520
• Montréal area: 514 687-4571
• Throughout Québec: 1 833 203-5524

Step 2: Gather your documents

RAMQ will tell you exactly which documents you need. They usually include:

• Proof of immigration status: Confirmation of Permanent Residence or PR card, and your Québec Selection Certificate (CSQ) if you have one. Temporary workers need an employer-specific work permit or work contract showing a stay of more than 6 months.
• Proof of residence in Quebec: for example, a lease, a deed of purchase or a letter from your employer
• Certificate of coverage, if you come from a country with a social security agreement with Quebec

Step 3: Send your application

Mail your signed registration form with all the required documents. Missing documents can delay your application.

Step 4: Receive your confirmation letter and health card

RAMQ sends you a letter confirming whether you are eligible and the date your coverage starts. If you are eligible, your health card arrives in a separate mailing. The first card you receive as a newcomer has no photo or signature.

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.
• Want to learn more about how healthcare works in Canada? Check our article on all you need to know about the Canadian Healthcare System.
• If you are on maintained status, healthcare can be confusing. Read our guide Health Insurance While on Maintained Status in Canada

Quebec Health Card and RAMQ FAQs

How do I apply for RAMQ?

Contact RAMQ to start your registration. Depending on your situation, RAMQ will mail you a personalized form or ask you to send your documents online. Send your signed form with proof of your immigration status and proof that you live in Quebec.

When does my RAMQ coverage start?

For most adults, coverage starts after a waiting period of up to 3 months after you register. Children under 18, and people from countries with a social security agreement with Quebec, can be covered right away. RAMQ sends you a letter with your exact start date.

What documents do I need for my RAMQ application?

You usually need proof of your immigration status (such as your PR card or work permit) and proof that you live in Quebec (such as a lease). If you come from a country with a social security agreement, you also need a certificate of coverage from your country.

Can international students get a Quebec health card?

Only students from a country with a social security agreement with Quebec. Other students are not eligible and must have private health insurance. Most universities enroll them automatically in a group plan.

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?

Quebec health insurance is paid for through taxes, so eligible residents do not pay for covered doctor and hospital care. The only direct cost for many residents is the prescription drug insurance premium, which depends on income.