Health Coverage in Quebec: RAMQ and the Gap
Quebec runs its own health system, and it works differently from the rest of Canada. There's a waiting period — and for most international students, RAMQ doesn't apply at all. Here's how it really works, and how to stay protected.
Why Quebec is its own case
Every province runs its own health plan, but Quebec's — RAMQ (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec) — has two features that catch newcomers off guard. First, even for people who are eligible, coverage can start only after a waiting period of up to about three months. Second, most international students aren't eligible for RAMQ at all — with one important exception based on which country you're from.
The one-line version
If your home country has a social security agreement with Quebec, you may register with RAMQ. If not, you'll be on your Quebec university's mandatory private health plan. Either way, cover any days before your coverage starts with short-term private insurance.
Who's covered by what in Quebec
- Students from an agreement country: if you're from France, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Sweden (and a few others), your country's agreement with Quebec lets you register with RAMQ. You'll need the right form from your home health authority.
- All other international students: generally not eligible for RAMQ. Quebec universities enrol you in a mandatory private health plan (often billed with your tuition) — for example through Desjardins or the university's own plan.
- New permanent residents & eligible workers: may qualify for RAMQ but face the up-to-3-month waiting period before coverage begins.
- The gap period: anyone whose RAMQ or school plan hasn't started yet. This is the risk window short-term insurance is built for.
International health insurance you can arrange directly — ideal for bridging the RAMQ waiting period, or for students who aren't eligible for RAMQ at all.
- Coverage you can start before you arrive
- Flexible terms for short bridging periods
- Built for people living outside their home country
- Compare the specific plan limits to your needs
Most Quebec universities enrol non-agreement international students in a mandatory private plan. Frequently it's already in your fees — check before buying anything else.
- Usually billed automatically with tuition
- Designed specifically for students
- Your international office can confirm dates
- Start date may be after you land — mind the gap
If your country has an agreement with Quebec, or you're an eligible permanent resident, register with RAMQ — but mind the waiting period before it starts.
- No premium once enrolled (with the public drug plan separate)
- Register as soon as you're eligible
- Covers doctor and hospital care
- Up to ~3-month wait — bridge it privately
Your three-step checklist
- Check your country's status first. Ask your school's international office whether your country has a Quebec agreement (RAMQ) or whether you're on the mandatory university plan — this changes everything.
- Cover any uninsured days. Whether it's the RAMQ waiting period or the days before your school plan starts, buy short-term private insurance so you're never exposed. One accident is all it takes.
- Keep proof on your phone. Save your policy number and the insurer's emergency line where you can reach them fast — that's the part that matters at 2am.
Related, while you're settling in
Coverage is one of several first-week tasks. See our guide to health insurance waiting periods across Canada, and get your money set up with our newcomer banking guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about health coverage for Quebec newcomers.
Am I covered by RAMQ as an international student?
Does RAMQ have a waiting period?
If I'm on RAMQ, do I still need private insurance?
How expensive is a medical bill without coverage?
Don't spend a single uninsured day in Quebec
Check whether you're on RAMQ or a school plan, then bridge any gap with short-term coverage so you're protected from the moment you land.