Quebec health card and health insurance

Canada is one of the North American countries and has ten provinces. Each of these provinces has its own health system.

One of the benefits for newcomers moving to Canada is access to publicly funded healthcare, which has a reputation for being world-class.

Health care is provided through each of Canada’s provinces and territories. For Quebec residents, it is through your health insurance plan, Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). Here’s what you need to know about RAMQ and how to apply.

There are several questions you may have about Quebec Health Card and Health Insurance services and we will give you some, if not all, the answers to your questions.

Health care coverage in Quebec

Quebec residents are eligible for health care under RAMQ, making it easy for residents who qualify to access free coverage. You will need to apply for a valid health insurance card to receive health care benefits.

Quebec residents must also have prescription drug insurance coverage, which is available through RAMQ Public prescription drug insurance plan or through private health insurance benefits.

Once you have applied for the card and it is approved, you will receive your Quebec Health Care Card.

Health care in Canada is one of the best systems in the world. Many people want to move to Canada so that their health care system can make sure their family is well cared for.

Although much of the medical care is free in Canada, there are some restrictions for immigrants and some procedures that you need to know about.

Those without a health insurance card, who may be affected by the corona virus, still have access to free health care following a decision made by the Quebec government in late March.

Ensuring that temporary foreign workers get the health coverage they need has been a top priority.

We know that now, more than ever, it is easy to find yourself in an unpredictable situation during the corona virus pandemic, especially if you are facing processing delays. We recommend taking advantage of this extension of health coverage that the government has to offer in Quebec.

How to apply for a Quebec health card

The province of Quebec suggests applying for RAMQ within 15 days of installation in the province to avoid delays. You will need to complete an application form for the health insurance plan.

• Obtain an application form by calling the Quebec front desk at 418-646-4636, 514-864-3411, or toll free 1-800-561-9749, and an application form will be mailed to you. Alternatively, the registration forms are also available at Quebec and Montreal reception desks.
• Visit a service point with your completed and signed registration form and two identification documents. Depending on the point of service you visit, a photo will be taken there for a fee or you will have to provide a photo.
• Once your application has been processed, you will be sent a letter stating the date from which you are eligible to receive the Quebec Health Insurance Plan. Your card will be sent to you within 14 days of that date.

How long does it take to get a RAMQ card?

You will receive your card within approximately 30 days of request.

If you have any questions about the Quebec Health Insurance Plan, you can find help at your nearest community agency or service for newcomers.

Alternatively, contact RAMQ at 418-646-4636, 514-864-3411 or toll free at 1-800-561-9749.

Eligibility for RAMQ

To be eligible for medical care in Quebec, you must be authorized to stay in Canada, establish your primary residence in the province, and not be absent from Quebec for 183 days or more in the first 12 months of settling there.

To legally establish yourself in Quebec, you must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, have a work permit valid for more than six months or participate in the Temporary Agricultural Worker Program or the Temporary Foreign Worker Program for residents of Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, or Salvador.

Students who wish to apply for health insurance coverage must be beneficiaries of a scholarship from the Ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur du Québec.

Necessary document to request RAMQ?

As soon as you move to Quebec, you can enroll in the Health Seguro Plan as long as you meet the necessary eligibility requirements.

You will need two certified original or authentic copies of your identification to apply. Any document that is not in English or French will need to be translated.

You will need the following documents to apply:

1. Original or certified true copy of proof of Canadian citizenship (for example, Canadian passport, Canadian citizenship certificate, or birth certificate) OR
2. Original or certified true copy of proof of legal right to be in Canada (e.g. permanent resident card, entry document to Canada issued by Canadian immigration authorities)
3. Original or certified true copy of the Quebec Selection Certificate, if applicable.
4. An additional piece of original identification, such as:

• Quebec health card or health card from another province
• Quebec driver’s license or driver’s license from another province
• Birth certificate issued by Canada
• The passport.
• Canadian citizenship certificate
• Document issued by Canadian or Quebec immigration authorities

One of the pieces of identification must have your photo.

Using your health insurance card

With your Health Insurance Card, you benefit from a series of services covered by the Québec Health Insurance Plan. Only one card is issued per person. Make sure you have a valid card at all times by renewing it before the required deadline.

Using the card

You must present your current Health Card to receive services covered by the public plan, such as medical, dental, optometric and pharmaceutical services. During elections, when identity checks are conducted, you may also be required to present your health insurance card.

You are responsible for your Health Insurance Card and must use it properly. Illegal use of the card makes its holder subject to a fine or a claim for all amounts owed as a result. For instance:

• Lend, give away or sell your card
• Using someone else’s card

You can report a situation that seems questionable to you.

How to do Renew or replace Quebec health care card

Once you get your Manitoba health care card, it is valid for the next five (5) years. Renewing or replacing your health card (in case it is damaged, stolen or lost) is very important because it is necessary to carry a valid card whenever you require medical service. A Manitoba health card cannot be used by someone whose name does not appear on it.

Renovando tu Manitoba Health card

After five years, your Manitoba health care card is no longer valid. In order to renew it is necessary:

1. Apply online using the Electronic Notice of Change form.
2. Contact the Insured Benefits Branch

Substitution your Manitoba Health Card

A valid health card can be replaced if it is lost, damaged or destroyed. It should also be replaced in case of significant changes in your personal information or marital status.