A condition of your CAQ
According to the Government of Québec, maintaining health and hospital insurance for the entire duration of your study stay is one of the obligations related to your Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). If you do not respect these obligations, your CAQ could be cancelled.
Source Government of Québec — Required conditions to study in Québec
According to IRCC, the Government of Canada doesn't pay for the medical costs of foreign students.
Does your country have an agreement with Quebec?
According to the RAMQ, Quebec has concluded social security agreements with 11 countries: Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Serbia and Sweden. In general, the agreement applies during a temporary stay to study, among other situations.
Source RAMQ — Social security agreements with other countries
If your country has an agreement: according to the Government of Québec, you can benefit from the protection of the Québec public health insurance plan free of charge. However, it is strongly recommended that you take out private insurance and arrange for any additional coverage you may need, especially for certain services that may not be covered, such as medication, dental care, pregnancy care or mental health care.
If your country does not have an agreement: according to the Government of Québec, some educational institutions offer a group health insurance plan for foreign students. If your institution does not offer this option or if you do not wish to join the group insurance plan, you must arrange private health and hospitalization insurance.
The Government of Québec also states that all health and social services not covered by RAMQ will be billed to you, with a 200% surcharge (except for certain exclusions).
Source Government of Québec — Required conditions to study in Québec
Your family too
According to the Government of Québec, the insurance obligation also applies to accompanying family members. If your country has an agreement with Quebec, they can usually benefit from Quebec health insurance. Otherwise, they will need to arrange private health insurance as soon as possible.
Source Government of Québec — Required conditions to study in Québec
Your advisor can prepare a quote for you and for each family member accompanying you.
What the policy covers
Benefits, exclusions, deductibles, the coverage amount and renewal conditions are set by each insurer in its policy. Your advisor gives you the exact policy wording and explains it before you buy.
Your advisor also gives you a side-by-side comparison of the options, free and with no obligation, and reminds you before your policy expires.
Frequently asked questions
Is insurance mandatory to study in Quebec?
Yes. According to the Government of Québec, you must remain covered by a health and hospitalization insurance policy for the entire duration of your study stay. It is an obligation related to your CAQ, which could be cancelled if it is not respected.
SourceGovernment of Québec — Required conditions to study in Québec
Which countries have a social security agreement with Quebec?
According to the RAMQ: Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Serbia and Sweden.
SourceRAMQ — Social security agreements with other countries
My country has an agreement with Quebec. Do I need private insurance?
According to the Government of Québec, you can benefit from the Québec public health insurance plan free of charge. However, it is strongly recommended that you take out private insurance and arrange for any additional coverage you may need, especially for medication, dental care, pregnancy care or mental health care.
SourceGovernment of Québec — Required conditions to study in Québec
My school offers group insurance. Do I have to join it?
According to the Government of Québec, if your institution does not offer this option or if you do not wish to join the group insurance plan, you must arrange private health and hospitalization insurance. The government asks you to check with your educational institution.
SourceGovernment of Québec — Required conditions to study in Québec
Does the Government of Canada pay my medical costs?
No. According to IRCC, the Government of Canada doesn't pay for the medical costs of foreign students.
What happens if I receive care not covered by the RAMQ?
According to the Government of Québec, all health and social services not covered by RAMQ will be billed to you, with a 200% surcharge (except for certain exclusions).
SourceGovernment of Québec — Required conditions to study in Québec
What should I do in a medical emergency?
Contact the insurer's assistance service listed in your policy. Then your advisor helps you with the claim, from the first call until you are reimbursed.