Quebec's healthcare system is public and universal, funded through taxes. It provides excellent coverage, but it works differently than what you may have experienced before.
RAMQ: Your Healthcare Passport
Your health insurance card (the "sun card") gives you access to medical consultations, exams, tests, hospitalizations, and surgeries in the public network, at no cost.
To register: apply online on the RAMQ website or in person with your passport, proof of immigration status, and proof of address.
Waiting period: 3 months (starting from the date of your arrival in Quebec). Exception: if you're coming from a country with an agreement with Quebec (Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, or Sweden), you may be covered from day one; the form depends on your country (for example, SE-401-Q-207 for France). Get temporary private insurance during this waiting period.
When and Where to Seek Care
811 (Info-Santé): free 24/7 nurse line, your first reflex for non-urgent health concerns.
GAP (811 option 3): Front-line Access Gateway, consultation within 36 hours.
Rendez-vous santé Québec (rvsq.gouv.qc.ca): free online appointments at a clinic near you.
Bonjour Santé: paid service but efficient for appointments within 24 hours.
Emergency rooms: for serious cases. Wait times often long for non-critical cases. Hospitals close to Saint-Laurent: Sacré-Cœur, Lakeshore.
Family Doctor
Register through the Family Doctor Access Gateway (GAMF) via Carnet santé Québec. Wait time: a few months to over a year. In the meantime: GAP, walk-in clinics, nurse practitioners.
What RAMQ Covers and Doesn't Cover
Covered: doctor consultations, exams, hospitalizations, surgeries, emergency care, pregnancy, dental care for children under 10.
Not covered: adult dental care, glasses/eyewear (except under 18 and 65+), psychotherapy, private physiotherapy, ambulance ($125-400).
Tip: if your employer offers group insurance, take it.
For Children
All children living in Quebec are covered by RAMQ, regardless of their parents' immigration status. Vaccines are free at CLSCs and at school.
