How to Apply for a Quebec Health Card (RAMQ): A Complete Guide for Newcomers
By WelcomeAide Team
What Is RAMQ and How Quebec's Health System Works
Quebec operates its own public health insurance system, separate from the federal Canada Health Act's administration in other provinces. The Regie de l'assurance maladie du Quebec (RAMQ) is the provincial body responsible for administering health insurance coverage for Quebec residents. The RAMQ card, commonly called the "carte soleil" (sun card) due to the sun logo on it, is your proof of eligibility for publicly funded healthcare services in Quebec.
Quebec's healthcare system has some distinct characteristics compared to other provinces. The province has its own immigration system, its own prescription drug plan, and operates many social programs independently. For newcomers, this means that settling in Quebec involves navigating a set of institutions and rules that differ from the rest of Canada. Understanding these differences early will help you avoid gaps in coverage and access the care you need.
Who Is Eligible for RAMQ Coverage
Eligibility for RAMQ coverage depends on your immigration status and your residency in Quebec. The following individuals are generally eligible:
- Canadian citizens who are residents of Quebec
- Permanent residents who have established domicile in Quebec
- Workers with a valid work permit and an employer in Quebec
- Refugees and protected persons living in Quebec
- Certain individuals holding a Certificat de selection du Quebec (CSQ)
- International students from countries with which Quebec has a social security agreement (such as France, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Romania, and Sweden)
Temporary visitors, tourist visa holders, and most international students without a reciprocal agreement are not eligible for RAMQ. International students who are not covered by RAMQ must obtain private health insurance, which is typically arranged through their educational institution.
Special Rules for CSQ Holders
Quebec has its own immigration selection process, and individuals who hold a Certificat de selection du Quebec (CSQ) have a specific pathway. If you hold a CSQ and are applying for permanent residence, you may be eligible for RAMQ coverage even before your permanent residence is finalized, provided you have a valid work permit and are working in Quebec. The details can be complex, and it is advisable to contact RAMQ directly or consult with a settlement agency to confirm your specific situation.
The RAMQ Waiting Period
Like Ontario and British Columbia, Quebec imposes a waiting period before RAMQ coverage begins. For newcomers arriving from outside Canada, the waiting period is generally up to three months from the date you establish residency in Quebec. However, there are important exceptions:
- Workers with valid work permits: If you have a work permit and are working for a Quebec employer, you may be exempt from the waiting period and covered from your date of registration.
- Refugees and protected persons: Generally exempt from the waiting period.
- Individuals from countries with social security agreements: May have reduced or eliminated waiting periods. France, in particular, has a comprehensive agreement with Quebec.
- Newcomers transferring from another Canadian province: Coverage from your previous province typically remains in effect during the transition period.
How to Apply for Your RAMQ Card
To register with RAMQ and obtain your health card, you must visit a RAMQ office in person. You can find locations and office hours on the RAMQ website. The main RAMQ offices are located in Montreal and Quebec City, with smaller service points in other regions.
Required Documents
- Proof of identity: A valid passport.
- Proof of immigration status: Permanent resident card, COPR, valid work permit, CSQ, or refugee documentation.
- Proof of Quebec residency: Lease agreement, utility bill, or other document showing your Quebec address.
- Proof of arrival date: Entry stamp in your passport, flight itinerary, or COPR with landing date.
- For workers: A letter from your employer or a copy of your employment contract confirming you are working in Quebec.
RAMQ will process your application and take your photograph. You will receive a temporary proof of registration, and your permanent RAMQ card will be mailed to you. The card is valid for up to four years for permanent residents and is tied to the validity of your immigration documents for temporary residents.
What RAMQ Covers
RAMQ provides coverage for medically necessary services similar to other provinces. The following services are covered:
Covered Services
- Visits to physicians (family doctors and specialists)
- Hospital stays, surgeries, and emergency care
- Diagnostic tests ordered by a physician
- Maternity and newborn care
- Certain mental health services provided by psychiatrists
- Some dental services for children under 10 (examinations, fillings, extractions)
- Eye exams for children under 18 and adults 65 and over
Services Not Covered
- Most dental care for adults
- Vision care for adults under 65 (exams, glasses, contacts)
- Most physiotherapy and allied health services outside hospitals
- Cosmetic procedures
- Private and semi-private hospital rooms
Quebec's Mandatory Prescription Drug Insurance Plan
Quebec is unique among Canadian provinces in that it has a mandatory prescription drug insurance plan. Under Quebec law, all residents must have prescription drug coverage, either through a private group insurance plan (typically from an employer) or through the RAMQ public prescription drug insurance plan.
If you do not have access to a private group plan, you are automatically enrolled in the RAMQ public plan. The public plan requires payment of an annual premium, which is calculated based on your income and collected through your Quebec tax return. The premium can range from $0 (for low-income individuals) to approximately $731 per year. There are also deductibles and co-payments for each prescription.
SAAQ: Quebec's Automobile Insurance
While not directly related to health insurance, newcomers should be aware that the Societe de l'assurance automobile du Quebec (SAAQ) plays a role in healthcare coverage. SAAQ provides personal injury coverage for all Quebec residents involved in automobile accidents, regardless of fault. This means that if you are injured in a car accident in Quebec (whether as a driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian), your medical costs and rehabilitation are covered by SAAQ, not by RAMQ or private insurance.
SAAQ coverage is funded through vehicle registration fees and driver's licence fees. As a newcomer, when you obtain your Quebec driver's licence, you automatically contribute to and are covered by this system. SAAQ benefits include income replacement, rehabilitation services, and compensation for permanent injuries.
Finding Healthcare Services in Quebec
Quebec's healthcare system is organized around local health networks called CISSS and CIUSSS (Centres integres de sante et de services sociaux). These regional organizations manage hospitals, clinics, community health centres (CLSCs), and social services in their territory. CLSCs are a particularly valuable resource for newcomers, as they provide primary care, vaccination, mental health services, and social services, often with multilingual staff.
To find a family doctor in Quebec, you can register with the Quebec Family Doctor Finder (GAMF) service. Wait times for assignment to a family doctor can be significant, sometimes exceeding a year in major cities. In the meantime, walk-in clinics, CLSCs, and the 811 health info line (Info-Sante) are available for non-emergency care and health advice.
Final Thoughts on RAMQ for Newcomers
Quebec's healthcare system has its own rules and institutions that differ from the rest of Canada. The RAMQ card is your key to accessing publicly funded healthcare, but understanding the waiting period, the mandatory prescription drug plan, and the role of SAAQ are equally important. Register with RAMQ as soon as you arrive, purchase private insurance for any waiting period, enroll in prescription drug coverage, and connect with a CLSC in your area for comprehensive health and social services.
WelcomeAide is here to support newcomers in Quebec and across Canada. Use our AI Newcomer Navigator for instant, personalized guidance on RAMQ and healthcare in Quebec. Explore our blog for more health guides and city guides, learn about our mission, or discover how to get involved in supporting newcomer communities.