Canada Health Insurance

If you are considering a move to Montreal, health insurance is definitely one of the issues that you have to think about. Illness and accidents are unpredictable, and you do not want to be caught unprepared. Quebec’s health care system is managed by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) and those eligible for health insurance must obtain a Medicare card. This card must be presented each time you receive health services and should be carried at all times in case of a medical emergency.

Registration
Individuals arriving from outside of Canada are eligible for Quebec health insurance after a waiting period of three months. Upon arriving in Quebec, even from another Canadian province, you must contact the RAMQ to fill out an application to register for the health insurance plan. It is advisable to contact RAMQ as soon as possible so there are no gaps in coverage. It is important to note that RAMQ will not reimburse you for any medical services received during the waiting period, and they recommend that you purchase private insurance during this time. Those arriving from another Canadian province become eligible for health insurance in Montreal when they cease to be covered by their own province’s health plan. Until that time, they must present their health card from their native province when receiving health services.

Services Covered
Individuals covered by Montreal health insurance have free access to medical services. People registered under the Public Drug Insurance Plan are also covered for prescription medications. RAMQ covers certain dental and optometric services, and provides a range of health services for individuals with special needs, such as those requiring hearing and visual devices, ostomy equipment, external breastforms, and other devices designed for physical deficiencies. If you fail to present your health insurance card at the time you receive medical treatment, or if your card has expired, you must pay for the service rendered and apply to the RAMQ for a reimbursement.

How to Obtain a Medicare Card in Quebec
A health insurance card, also called a Medicare card, contains vital information about its holder. Not only does it bear the person’s full name, photograph and digital signature, but it also has a unique health insurance number, date of birth, gender, and date of expiry. For those living in Montreal or other areas of the province of Quebec, a Medicare card is necessary to obtain government health coverage. It is valid for four years, after which time it must be renewed and updated with a new picture and signature.

When applying for health insurance, one must attach documents proving their identity and residency in Quebec. A current photograph is also required. Once eligibility for the Quebec health insurance plan is approved, the candidate is notified by mail and the Medicare card should be received within the next two weeks. For more information on health services, benefits and the procedure on how to obtain Montreal health insurance, please visit the RAMQ homepage.

Read more about Quebec Health Insurance.