RAMQ

Quebec health coverage for newcomers

Bottom line: Coverage for people arriving from another country usually begins after a waiting period of up to three months. RAMQ says the waiting period does not apply to children under 18.

When coverage starts

Moving from outside Canada

Coverage for people arriving from another country usually begins after a waiting period of up to three months. RAMQ says the waiting period does not apply to children under 18.

Moving from another province or territory

A waiting period can apply when establishing Quebec coverage. The exact start date depends on the person’s situation and registration date.

Who may qualify

Permanent resident: Permanent residents establishing Quebec residence are generally eligible subject to RAMQ registration and the applicable waiting period.

Work permit: Some temporary workers qualify, but work-permit category and duration matter. Confirm your specific permit with RAMQ.

International student: Student eligibility can depend on citizenship, agreements with certain countries, and the study situation. Do not assume a study permit alone guarantees RAMQ coverage.

Visitor: Tourists and ordinary visitors are not covered as Quebec residents.

Residency rule

RAMQ eligibility depends on establishing or maintaining Quebec residence or qualifying under a temporary-stay category.

Avoid an uninsured gap

RAMQ explicitly recommends private insurance for the period before public eligibility begins because care received before the start date is generally not reimbursed.

Status-specific guides

Permanent resident coverage in Quebec→

Primary government source

RAMQ — Know the eligibility conditions →

Source confidence: high. Health-plan eligibility can depend on documents, residency facts and permit dates. Confirm the effective date with the provincial or territorial plan before cancelling existing insurance.

Compare across Canada

Newcomer Health Coverage Checker →
2026 Canada Newcomer Health Coverage Reference →
All provinces and territories →