Quebec provincial health plan
What’s covered by the provincial government health plan?
The Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) manages the Québec Health Insurance Plan for all Québec residents. It provides coverage for most of your basic healthcare services.
Are you covered?
To qualify, you must fulfill the requirements outlined in the Québec Health Insurance ActOpens a new website in a new window - Opens in a new window and comply with the rules for staying in Québec to remain eligible. These rules change depending on your reason for visiting or living in Québec.
You are automatically registered for RAMQ if you are 65 or olderOpens a new website in a new window - Opens in a new window, otherwise you must apply for coverage unless you are already covered by a private group plan.
Visit the RAMQ site to see if you qualifyOpens a new website in a new window - Opens in a new window or to register for health coverageOpens a new website in a new window - Opens in a new window.
What’s covered with RAMQ
| Benefit | Coverage details |
|---|---|
| Prescription drugs | When purchasing drugs, you pay a deductible and co-insurance amountOpens a new website in a new window - Opens in a new window. Once you reach the maximum monthly contribution (including deductible and co-insurance amount), all remaining expenses that month are covered by RAMQ. The provincial planOpens in a new window only covers drugs listed on the RAMQ drug formularyOpens a new website in a new window - Opens in a new window. The Quebec government launched the Biosimilars InitiativeOpens a new website in a new window - Opens in a new window which means RAMQ will only cover the biosimilar versions of eligible drugs. |
| Ambulance | You’re covered for in-province land and air ambulance when medically necessary if you are 65 years or older, injured in a road or work accident, or transported between two health and social service institutions. Some exceptions applyOpens a new website in a new window - Opens in a new window. |
| Dental benefits | You’re covered for some in-hospital dental surgeries depending on your age. Children 10 and younger are also covered for routine services and one examination per year. |
| Vision care | You’re covered for eye exams if you are under 18 years old or 65 years and older. Children under 18 years old are covered for glasses and contact lenses through the See Better to Success programOpens a new website in a new window - Opens in a new window. |
| Hospital | Coverage may be available; however, no information is available on the Quebec website. |
| Paramedicals | No coverage for paramedical practitioners, except when rendered in a specific type of facility. Learn more hereOpens a new website in a new window - Opens in a new window. |
| Hearing aids and medical supplies | The Hearing Devices ProgramOpens a new website in a new window - Opens in a new window helps pay for various hearing aids and devices including the purchasing, repairing or replacing of aids and devices. The eligibility requirements are dependent on age. |
| Nursing benefits and home care | Temporary and long-term coverageOpens a new website in a new window - Opens in a new window is provided through the Local community service centresOpens a new website in a new window - Opens in a new window (CLSC), depending on your needs. |
| Medical supplies | Coverage of artificial limbs, canes, walkers, braces and other medical supplies for eligible residents. Click here to learn moreOpens a new website in a new window - Opens in a new window. Eligible residents may be covered for ostomy appliances and supplies through the Ostomy Appliances ProgramOpens a new website in a new window - Opens in a new window. |
| Accidental death and dismemberment | RAMQ does not provide any coverage for accidental death and dismemberment. |
| Out of country | You’re partially covered for emergency out-of-country expensesOpens a new website in a new window - Opens in a new window with a limited daily or per-treatment maximum amount. |
How personal insurance can keep you covered
Personal health insurance can help supplement your coverage where you need it most.
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Cover unexpected costs
Though you’re covered, you still pay for some of your provincial health coverage. Personal health insurance can help make sure you aren't paying out of pocket for unexpected expenses.
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Plan ahead
Knowing the gaps in provincial plans and the workplace coverage you have can help make sure you have the coverage you and your family needs.
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Help save money
Taking care of your health now means avoiding serious illnesses or paying for expensive treatments later. Personal insurance can help you get the services and care you need without the big cost.
These highlights from the Quebec Health Insurance Plan are for general reference only and are subject to change, corrections and updates. Other government programs may also be available. For more information on the latest coverage details, contact:
Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec
Service des opérations et des renseignements aux personnes assurées
P.O. Box 600
Québec, PQ G1K 7T3
In Québec City, phone: (418) 646-4636
In Montréal, phone: (514) 864-3411
All other areas of the province, call toll-free: (800) 561-9749
Last updated: April 2022
