RAMQ for International Students: The Short Answer
Quebec is the only Canadian province that covers international students from specific countries through free public health insurance — called RAMQ. Students from France, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Romania, and Sweden qualify because their home countries have bilateral social security agreements with Quebec. Everyone else must buy private insurance, which costs CAD 900–1,200 per year.
Quebec’s system is unique in Canada. No other province has bilateral agreements that extend public health coverage to international students this way. If you are a French student at McGill, you pay CAD 0 for health insurance. If you are a Chinese student at Concordia, you pay CAD 1,100 per year for a private plan. This guide explains exactly how RAMQ works, how to register, and what to do if you do not qualify.
What Is RAMQ?
RAMQ stands for Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec — Quebec’s public health insurance agency. It administers Quebec’s provincial Medicare plan for residents and, through bilateral agreements, extends coverage to international students from specific countries.
RAMQ was established in 1970. Today it covers approximately 8.5 million Quebec residents. For international students, it is the gateway to free doctor visits, hospital care, and — uniquely in Canada — access to Quebec’s public prescription drug plan.
RAMQ issues a Carte d’assurance maladie (health insurance card) to eligible students. You show this card at the doctor or hospital. There is no claim form to fill out. The provider bills RAMQ directly.
Which Countries Have Bilateral Agreements With Quebec?
Quebec has social security agreements with the following 10 countries. Students from these countries can apply for RAMQ coverage:
| Country | Agreement Status |
|---|---|
| France | Active |
| Belgium | Active |
| Denmark | Active |
| Finland | Active |
| Greece | Active |
| Luxembourg | Active |
| Norway | Active |
| Portugal | Active |
| Romania | Active |
| Sweden | Active |
Important: These are agreements with Quebec specifically — not with Canada as a whole. A French student studying in Ontario does not benefit from this agreement. The agreement applies only when you study in Quebec.
The agreements are based on social security reciprocity. France and Quebec, for example, have cooperated on social security matters since 1980. Under these agreements, eligible students are treated similarly to Quebec residents for health insurance purposes.
Am I Eligible for RAMQ as an International Student?
You must meet all four conditions to qualify:
- You hold a valid study permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
- You are enrolled full-time at a recognized Quebec educational institution (university, CÉGEP, or vocational school)
- You are a citizen or resident of one of the 10 agreement countries listed above
- You apply within 30 days of arriving in Quebec
If you miss the 30-day window, you may still be able to apply — but coverage will not be retroactive. You will have a gap in coverage from your arrival date to the date RAMQ accepts your application.
Common edge cases:
- Dual citizens: If you hold citizenship in both an agreement country and a non-agreement country, you typically still qualify — the agreement country citizenship is what matters.
- Permanent residents of agreement countries: The agreements generally apply to citizens, not permanent residents. Check with RAMQ if you are a non-citizen permanent resident of France or another agreement country.
- Exchange students: Exchange students from agreement countries qualify the same as degree-seeking students.
- Language course or Studienkolleg students: You must be enrolled at a recognized institution with a valid study permit. Short tourist-visa language courses do not qualify.
How Does RAMQ Registration Work? (Step-by-Step)
The RAMQ registration process takes 4–8 weeks from application to receiving your health card. Start immediately after arriving in Quebec.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
You will need:
- Valid study permit (the original, not a photocopy)
- Passport showing your citizenship in an agreement country
- Proof of enrollment from your institution (official letter, not just an acceptance letter)
- Quebec address (you need a place to send the health card to)
- Proof of agreement country status — for most students, your passport is sufficient
Step 2: Submit Your Application
You have two options:
Option A — Online: Apply through the RAMQ website at ramq.gouv.qc.ca. Create an account, fill out the form, and upload your documents. This is the fastest option.
Option B — In person: Visit a RAMQ service point. Quebec City and Montreal both have offices. Bring originals of all documents. Staff speak French; English service is available but may require asking.
Step 3: Wait for Processing
RAMQ typically processes student applications in 4–8 weeks. You will receive a letter confirming your application was received. If RAMQ needs additional documents, they will contact you.
During the waiting period: You are technically covered by RAMQ from the date your application is accepted — but you do not have a card yet. Keep a copy of your application confirmation. If you need medical care before your card arrives, bring this confirmation to the clinic. Some clinics will bill RAMQ directly; others may ask you to pay upfront and submit for reimbursement.
Step 4: Receive Your Carte d’Assurance Maladie
Your health card arrives by mail. It shows your name, a unique health insurance number (NAM), and an expiry date. The expiry is linked to your study permit — when your permit expires, so does your RAMQ coverage (with a brief grace period for renewal).
Step 5: Renew Before Expiry
If you extend your studies, renew your RAMQ registration before your card expires. You will need to show your renewed study permit.
What Does RAMQ Cover?
RAMQ covers the same services as other provincial health plans in Canada, plus Quebec’s unique prescription drug plan:
Covered Services
| Service | Covered? |
|---|---|
| Doctor visits (GP) | Yes — free |
| Specialist visits (with referral) | Yes — free |
| Emergency room care | Yes — free |
| Hospital stays | Yes — free |
| Surgery | Yes — free |
| Lab tests and blood work | Yes — free |
| Diagnostic imaging (X-ray, MRI) | Yes — free |
| Prescription drugs (via RAMQ drug plan) | Yes — with copay |
What RAMQ Does NOT Cover
| Service | Covered? |
|---|---|
| Dental care | No |
| Routine eye exams | No |
| Glasses or contact lenses | No |
| Physiotherapy | No |
| Psychological therapy (private) | No |
| Ambulance (in most cases) | No |
| Cosmetic procedures | No |
These gaps are the same as in every other Canadian province. For a detailed breakdown of what Canadian provincial plans exclude, see our guide on provincial coverage gaps and UHIP.
Quebec’s Prescription Drug Plan — A Unique Feature
Quebec has a mandatory prescription drug insurance system that no other province has. Every Quebec resident — including international students covered by RAMQ — must have prescription drug insurance. You cannot opt out.
Here is how it works:
- RAMQ drug plan: If you are covered by RAMQ, you are automatically enrolled in the public prescription drug plan (RPAM — Régime public d’assurance médicaments). You pay a small deductible (around CAD 23/month in 2026) and copays per prescription, but serious medication costs are capped.
- Private drug plan: If you are enrolled in a private insurance plan (for non-eligible students), your plan must include prescription drug coverage. If it does not, you must buy RAMQ’s public drug plan separately.
This is an important difference from other Canadian provinces. In Ontario or BC, you can simply go uninsured for prescriptions. In Quebec, you must have coverage — either public or private.
The cost of the RAMQ drug plan for eligible students: The monthly deductible is approximately CAD 23, and you pay 35% of drug costs above that, up to an annual maximum of around CAD 1,100. For most healthy students who rarely need medication, the actual cost is low.
What If I Am NOT Eligible for RAMQ?
Students from countries without bilateral agreements — including China, India, the United States, the UK, Nigeria, the Philippines, and most of the world — must purchase private health insurance.
University Health Plans
Most Quebec universities include mandatory health and dental insurance in student fees. When you enroll, you are automatically charged for the student plan. Common examples:
- McGill Student Health Insurance Plan: ~CAD 1,100/year (health + dental)
- Université de Montréal: ~CAD 950/year
- Concordia University: ~CAD 1,050/year
These plans typically cover doctor visits, emergency care, prescriptions, dental (cleanings, fillings), and vision. They are administered by companies like Guard.me or Greenshield Canada.
Opting Out
If you already have equivalent coverage — for example, from a parent’s plan back home — you can apply to opt out of the university plan during the opt-out window (usually the first 30 days of each semester). If approved, you receive a refund. However, opting out of the prescription drug portion requires showing RAMQ coverage as a replacement. Students without RAMQ coverage cannot legally opt out of the drug portion.
Private Standalone Plans
If you are not enrolled full-time at a university, or if your institution does not offer a plan, you can buy private insurance independently. Providers like Guard.me, MSH International, or Medi-Assist Canada serve international students. Expect to pay CAD 900–1,200 per year for comprehensive coverage including prescriptions.
Use our insurance comparison tool to evaluate your options, or try the Insurance Finder to get a tailored recommendation.
Comparison: RAMQ-Eligible vs Non-Eligible vs University Plan
| Feature | RAMQ-Eligible Student | Non-Eligible (University Plan) | Non-Eligible (Private Plan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | CAD 0 (+ ~CAD 23 drug plan) | ~CAD 90–100 | ~CAD 75–100 |
| Annual cost | ~CAD 276 (drug plan only) | ~CAD 950–1,100 | ~CAD 900–1,200 |
| Doctor visits | Free | Covered | Covered |
| Hospital care | Free | Covered | Covered |
| Prescription drugs | Covered via RAMQ drug plan | Usually included | Must check plan |
| Dental | Not covered | Usually included | Optional add-on |
| Vision | Not covered | Sometimes included | Optional add-on |
| Coverage start | 4–8 weeks after application | Day 1 of enrollment | Day 1 of purchase |
Bottom line: RAMQ is clearly the cheapest option for eligible students. University plans cost more but include dental and often vision — and they start on day 1, with no waiting period.
RAMQ vs Other Canadian Provinces: How Does Quebec Compare?
Quebec stands apart from every other province because of its bilateral agreements. Here is a quick comparison of how Quebec handles international students versus the other major study destinations:
| Province | International Student Coverage |
|---|---|
| Quebec | RAMQ (free) for 10 agreement countries; mandatory private for others |
| Ontario | No provincial coverage; mandatory UHIP (~CAD 792/year) at most universities |
| British Columbia | MSP available after 3-month wait; typically ~CAD 600/year |
| Alberta | Free provincial coverage available to most international students |
| Nova Scotia | MSI available to international students with study permit |
For the complete province-by-province breakdown, see our Canada student health insurance guide and the Canada country page.
Tips for French-Speaking Students in Quebec
If you are coming from France, Belgium, Luxembourg, or another Francophone country, Quebec is a natural fit. A few practical tips:
Language: All RAMQ paperwork and communications are in French. The online portal, forms, and most service staff operate primarily in French. If your French is not strong, bring a French-speaking friend to any in-person appointment.
Finding a doctor: Quebec has a significant family doctor shortage. Even with a RAMQ card, you may struggle to find a family doctor accepting new patients (known as a médecin de famille). Register on the Guichet d’accès à la première ligne (GAP) platform as soon as you arrive. This is the official waitlist for patients without a family doctor.
Walk-in clinics: Until you have a family doctor, use cliniques médicales or super cliniques (walk-in clinics). These accept RAMQ patients. Wait times can be 2–4 hours, but you pay nothing with your RAMQ card.
CLSC services: CLSCs (Centres locaux de services communautaires) offer free health and social services to all Quebec residents, including RAMQ-covered students. They provide nursing care, mental health first-line services, vaccination, and more.
Emergency services: Dial 911 for emergencies. Quebec uses the same emergency number as the rest of Canada. ER visits are covered by RAMQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use RAMQ if I am on a co-op or internship semester?
Yes — as long as you hold a valid study permit and remain enrolled at your institution, your RAMQ coverage continues during co-op or internship terms. Work permits issued separately from your study permit do not affect RAMQ eligibility.
What happens to my RAMQ coverage during summer break?
RAMQ coverage continues between semesters as long as you remain enrolled (i.e., you plan to return in the next academic semester). If you withdraw or graduate, notify RAMQ. Coverage ends when your study permit expires or when you leave Quebec permanently.
I am from France and I arrive in Quebec. Should I bring my Carte Vitale?
No. Your French Carte Vitale (French public health card) does not work in Quebec. You will get a RAMQ health card instead. However, you should carry your Carte Vitale for any periods when you return to France, and for emergencies in other countries covered by European agreements.
Does RAMQ cover mental health services?
Partially. Psychiatrists are covered by RAMQ — but you need a referral from a GP and waits can be long. Psychologists in private practice are not covered. Some CLSC services offer brief psychological support at no cost. Many university student plans (for non-RAMQ students) include a set number of psychologist sessions per year.
What do I do if I get sick in the 4–8 week waiting period after applying?
Visit a walk-in clinic. Bring your application confirmation letter from RAMQ. Some clinics will wait and bill RAMQ retroactively once your coverage is confirmed. Others will charge you upfront — keep receipts and request reimbursement from RAMQ once your card arrives. RAMQ generally reimburses for covered services received after your official coverage start date.
Can I buy private insurance in addition to RAMQ?
Yes. Private supplemental insurance (for dental, vision, physiotherapy) is allowed even if you have RAMQ. RAMQ covers the basics; supplemental plans cover the extras. Your university’s student association may offer supplemental plans you can join even as a RAMQ-eligible student.
What if I disagree with a RAMQ decision?
You can request a review (révision) of any RAMQ decision within 60 days. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you can appeal to the Bureau de révision de la RAMQ and ultimately to the Administrative Tribunal of Quebec.
Does RAMQ cover travel outside Quebec?
RAMQ covers emergency medical care in other Canadian provinces and territories at the same rate it pays in Quebec. If the other province charges more, you may owe the difference. Outside Canada, RAMQ provides very limited out-of-province coverage — check the current rates at ramq.gouv.qc.ca. For travel abroad, always carry supplemental travel insurance.
Summary: Key Facts About RAMQ for International Students (2026)
- Eligible countries: France, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Sweden
- Cost for eligible students: CAD 0 for health insurance; ~CAD 276/year for prescription drug plan
- Cost for non-eligible students: CAD 900–1,200/year for private/university plan
- Registration deadline: Apply within 30 days of arrival in Quebec
- Processing time: 4–8 weeks
- Coverage: Doctor visits, hospital, emergency, surgery, diagnostics + prescription drug plan
- Not covered: Dental, vision, physiotherapy, private psychologists, ambulance
- Prescription drugs: Quebec requires everyone to have drug coverage — RAMQ public plan or private plan
Related Articles
- Student Health Insurance in Canada: Complete Guide
- Provincial Coverage & UHIP Gaps
- EHIC & GHIC: EU Students Health Insurance Abroad
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