Before applying for Quebec’s health card, let’s know about the healthcare system and all the details associated with the process. To begin with, Quebec’s healthcare is one of the critical features of this province. It is universal and publicly funded, with the Régie de l’assurance Maladie du Québec managing it. This healthcare system provides coverage for most daily services without deductibles, including visits to the doctor or dentist.
A newcomer’s arrival in Canada often leads to several tasks that they need to complete to have a convenient stay in the country. It is such a significant change for them, yet they need to adapt to these changes quickly. Also, they must figure out the healthcare system and what health plan they must take up. This is because accidents, injuries, and illnesses are unprecedented things. Hence, they must prepare for such adverse situations beforehand.
Understanding Quebec’s healthcare system
Quebec’s government administers healthcare through a plan of public health insurance. The entire system is comprehensive, integrated, and universal and provides medical coverage to Quebec residents. Moreover, it offers them healthcare irrespective of their employment status and salary.
The healthcare system in this province falls under the Department of Health and Social Services. It encourages a healthier life by organizing several research programs and campaigns to spread awareness among the public.
Applying for Quebec’s health card – RAMQ
Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec is what we are talking about here. It is often called RAMQ. Every Canadian province offers a separate healthcare system for its residents, and in the case of Quebec, RAMQ governs its healthcare insurance plan. Applying for a RAMQ card will require the individuals to visit the RAMQ reception desk to fetch the application form. Newcomers must avoid delayed processing, so it is suggested that they apply for this card within the first 15 days of arriving in Canada.
Once the applicant sends their application along with the relevant documents, they will receive a mail response regarding their application status. If approved, the main will notify them about the date their healthcare coverage begins.
RAMQ Coverage
Quebec’s health care coverage includes medically essential services related to hospitals, pharmacies, CLSCs, and medical clinics. The coverage consists of the services for the following:
- Medical tests and visits to a general practitioner or family doctor.
- Psychiatric care
- Quebec Immunization Process and the vaccinations under it.
- Diagnostic and therapeutic processes.
- Vasectomy
- Surgery and Anesthetic
- Specific radiation services that fall under a medical practitioner.
- Optometric services for children below 17 years and adults over 65 years.
- Access to repayment for eye contact or eyeglasses for those under 18 years. ($25)
- Yearly dental check-ups, including the emergency ones. For example, X-rays, tooth fillings, root canals, and endodontics for kids under ten years.
- Particular oral surgeries take place at hospitals.
However, to avail of the above services, it is vital for newcomers to gain eligibility for RAMQ. They must have legal permission to stay in Canada and show that they intend to consider Quebec their primary residence. Several newcomers in Quebec will also need to undergo a waiting period of three months from the first date of arriving in this province. However, if you belong to the following native countries, you will not have to undergo this waiting period:
- Denmark
- Finland
- Belgium
- Greece
- France
- Luxembourg
- Romania
- Sweden
- Norway
- Portugal
This is primarily due to the agreements these countries must have signed with Quebec, allowing their residents to benefit from its medical services immediately. These are the Social Security Agreements. Overall, applying for Quebec’s health card is not that complex.
Healthcare services in Quebec
The Ministry of Health and Social Services supervises the execution of RAMQ policies and includes some primary services; they’re as follows:
Family Doctors
If you are a newcomer in Quebec, your first step toward healthcare must be to enroll under a family doctor. Quebec’s primary healthcare services are related to family doctors as they offer a wide range of care to families in Quebec and take care of prevention and rehabilitation. These doctors offer healthcare solutions to residents of all ages, including women’s issues. The women’s health issues could be contraception or prenatal visits. Additionally, family doctors can ask you to visit specialists, undergo tests or X-rays, and even prescribe you medicines.
Walk-in Clinics in the neighborhood – CLSCs
Community-based clinics are the CLSCs; if you can’t go to a family doctor, you must walk into clinics in your neighborhood areas. These clinics provide primary health services at a cheaper cost. The CLSCs offer laboratory, nursing, family medicines, pharmacy, pediatrics and psychiatry. You must ensure that you have a prior appointment or have a referral from a physician or specialist.
Campus Clinics
Numerous technical schools, universities, and colleges provide medical services through on-campus clinics. You can access their services for minor injuries or illnesses. Also, they offer professional health suggestions to students. They will assist you with health issues by referring you to other medical services and even making appointments. A few universities offering the above are as follows:
- McGill University
- Concordia University
- Cégep du Vieux-Montréal
- Université de Montréal
- Cégep André-Laurendeau
Quebec Health Insurance Plan
Quebec consists of a public healthcare system, which implies that its residents have some level of coverage, and this is called the Quebec Health Insurance Plan. This plan includes prescription drugs, hospital stays, visits to doctors, and other health expenditures.
The coverage is for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, temporary residents, international students, and foreign workers.
The Public Health Insurance coverage requires the following eligibility:
- The person must be Canada’s permanent resident or Canadian citizen.
- Must physically reside in Quebec for 183 days within twelve months.
- Arriving in Quebec to work and study requires a legal study or work permit.
The Public Prescription Drug Insurance
Having prescription drug insurance is essential in Quebec. The government administers public prescription drug insurance, which is helpful for those without private prescription insurance. Additionally, individuals will be required to pay a premium for this plan.
