Québec Health Insurance Plan

Quebec’s hospital insurance covers hospital services for insured residents, including a bed in a ward room of three beds or more. Private and semi-private rooms are available for an additional fee.

Under the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ), residents are responsible for paying a deductible and co-insurance for prescription drugs, with the remaining costs covered once the monthly contribution maximum is met. RAMQ covers drugs listed on the provincial formulary, and only biosimilar versions of eligible drugs are covered under Quebec’s Biosimilars Initiative.

Quebec’s provincial health plan covers eye exams for residents under 18 years old and 65 years and older. Children under 18 are also covered for glasses and contact lenses through the See Better to Succeed program.

Quebec’s health insurance plan covers some in-hospital dental surgeries, depending on the patient’s age. Children aged 10 and younger are also covered for routine dental services, including one examination per year. Residents are encouraged to review specific dental services available under the provincial plan to see if they qualify.

Quebec’s provincial health plan does not cover paramedical services, such as chiropractic care, acupuncture, or massage therapy, unless provided in specific types of facilities. Coverage is generally limited to services delivered within public health institutions. Residents are encouraged to seek private insurance to cover these services.

The Hearing Devices Program provides financial assistance for the purchase, repair or replacement of hearing aids and other hearing devices; eligibility varies with the individual’s age and medical condition. Quebec also covers a range of medical supplies for eligible residents, including artificial limbs, canes, walkers, braces and other devices, and the Ostomy Appliances Program covers ostomy appliances and related supplies for those who meet the program’s criteria.

Ambulance transportation isn’t covered by the RAMQ, but Quebec’s health ministry pays the full cost for residents aged 65 and older, people injured in road or workplace accidents, people receiving last-resort financial assistance, and transfers between health and social service institutions. Other residents pay part of the cost, and even eligible residents may be billed if the trip wasn’t medically necessary.

Home care services in Quebec are provided through Local Community Service Centres (CLSCs) and offer temporary or long-term coverage depending on your needs. Services include nursing, personal care, and rehabilitation, with coverage varying based on the type and length of care required.

Quebec provides partial coverage for emergency out-of-country expenses, reimbursing a portion of the costs based on daily or per-treatment maximums. Residents are responsible for any costs that exceed the provincial limits. It is recommended to have additional private travel insurance to cover the remaining costs.

The Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) does not provide any coverage for accidental death and dismemberment. Residents should explore private insurance plans for this type of coverage.