Whether you’re on vacation, a pvt, a student or an expatriate in Quebec, you don’t have the same rights and access to healthcare. And the cost of healthcare in Canada is high! Here we explain how to get treatment in the region and, above all, how to be covered.
Good to know: France has signed an agreement with the province of Quebec so that French nationals can benefit from free healthcare. To take advantage of this, there are a few steps to follow, which are detailed below.
The healthcare system in Quebec
The health insurance system in Quebec is universal and free for anyone with a Quebec health insurance card, also known as a “carte soleil”. It covers basic medical care and hospitalization. Only dental expenses are not covered, nor are other special treatments (such as alternative medicine, optics or cosmetic surgery). You’ll find all the information you need about Quebec’s health care system on the Régie de l’assurance santé et maladie du Québec RAMQ website. If you have this card, you’ll have no trouble getting treatment in this Canadian province.
Note: in Quebec, when you register for the health plan, you will automatically be enrolled in drug insurance. This covers part of the cost of medication, but you still have to pay a contribution. If you choose to take out private insurance, you should be aware that they will be responsible for registering you for drug insurance.
How to obtain a health insurance card
As a French citizen, you can start by registering with the CLSC(Centre du service local de services communautaires). Next, the Quebec public health plan is available to permanent residents and work permit holders (particularly in the case of expatriation). Spouses and children are also covered. If you’re an expatriate or a work permit holder, you can go to the RAMQ as soon as you arrive in Quebec to apply for your sun card. It will give you access to health services covered under the basic plan.
To obtain your card, you need to go to your nearest Régie office, fill in a registration form and provide a set of documents including: your passport, proof of your status in Canada, a passport photo, an attestation of affiliation to the French system, and other documents which you can read about on the RAMQ website.
Please note: the public service is not accessible to holders of the PVT or working vacation visa (also known as the Working Holiday Visa). If you apply, you will be asked to take out private insurance. Students whose home country has an agreement with Quebec, such as France, will be able to take advantage of RAMQ. If this is not the case, they will also have to take out private insurance. Find out all you can before you leave.
What options are available in an emergency?
As a tourist, intern or volunteer, you cannot benefit from the public health system. And as a future cardholder, you should be aware that the system may take several months to become effective… So what should you do in an emergency?
You have several options:
- The best option is to go to a private clinic. Treatment is guaranteed and faster. That said, costs can be high (consultation fees range from 120 to 400 CAD, unless you are covered by private health insurance). Seeing a doctor in a private clinic is the closest you’ll get to seeing a GP in France.
- You can go to a “walk-in” clinic (where it’s still advisable to call for an appointment the day before or the same day), but waiting times can be long.
- If you’ re a student, you can go to a university clinic, where you’ll be seen more quickly than in a “walk-in” clinic.
Finally, you can go to the hospital, more commonly known as the emergency department, where you can have all the necessary tests carried out. However, you should be aware that waiting times can be long and, depending on your symptoms, you may not want to wait in hospital. If you’re in any doubt about your situation, don’t hesitate to call 811: you’ll be put in touch with a nurse who can clarify the urgency of the situation and guide you. You can also go to a pharmacy counter and consult a pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
Taking out private international insurance
Whether you’re planning a trip, an internship, a work-study program or even an expatriation, it’s strongly recommended that you take out private health insurance. It allows you to be covered if you are unable to do so in the country (in the event of travel, internship or PVT), and enables you to supplement the cover offered by the public system. So, in the event of an emergency or any other health problem, you benefit from extensive coverage (even for care not covered by public social protection) and have access to private facilities.
Good to know: if you’re leaving on an expatriate assignment, chances are your employer will offer you private group insurance to cover care not covered by the Quebec RAMQ system. In fact, most employers provide their employees with complementary health insurance for treatment in Canada. Talk to your company before you leave to find out if you need to arrange your own insurance.
In any case, to find an offer adapted to your situation, age and destination country, we advise you to visit the Santexpat.fr website. Our team of health experts will find the best offers for you.
