RAMQ in Quebec: What Is Covered and How the System Works (2026)

What Is RAMQ?

RAMQ stands for Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec — the Quebec Health Insurance Board. RAMQ administers Quebec’s public health insurance plan, manages the provincial drug insurance plan, and issues the provincial health insurance card (Carte d’assurance maladie, also called the CIP card). Understanding what RAMQ covers is essential for anyone living in Quebec.

Who Is Eligible for RAMQ Coverage?

To be covered by RAMQ, you must be a Quebec resident and meet one of the following criteria:

• Canadian citizen residing in Quebec
• Permanent resident of Canada residing in Quebec
• Certain categories of protected persons and refugee claimants
• Workers with a valid work permit in Quebec (in most cases)
• International students may qualify after a 3-month waiting period (some exceptions apply)

New Quebec residents from another Canadian province are generally eligible for RAMQ immediately, with no waiting period, because they transfer from another provincial plan.

What Does RAMQ Cover?

Physician Services

RAMQ covers medically necessary physician services, including:

• Family doctor visits (omnipraticiens)
• Specialist consultations (when referred by a physician)
• Emergency room visits
• Surgery
• Obstetric care (prenatal visits, delivery)
• Laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging ordered by physicians

Hospital Services

RAMQ covers standard ward (4-bed room) hospital accommodation. Semi-private and private room upgrades are not covered. RAMQ also covers hospital-based drugs, nursing care, and surgical procedures.

RAMQ Drug Insurance Plan (RPAM)

Quebec has a mandatory drug insurance system. All Quebec residents must have drug insurance — either through a private group plan (employer or union) or through RAMQ’s public drug plan (RPAM). The RPAM covers:

• Prescription medications on Quebec’s formulaire (approved drug list)
• Coverage for people not covered by a private drug plan
• Social assistance recipients (Aide sociale) at no cost

Under RPAM, insured persons pay a monthly premium (up to a maximum of approximately $720/year in 2026), a deductible of $22.39/month, and a co-payment of 35% of drug costs. The maximum out-of-pocket is capped annually.

What RAMQ Does NOT Cover

Many services are excluded from RAMQ’s basic health insurance plan:

• Dental care (most services)
• Eye exams (for adults 18–64 — covered for children 0–17 and adults 65+)
• Glasses and contact lenses
• Physiotherapy (in private clinics)
• Psychological and psychotherapy services in private practice
• Ambulance fees (partially — patients may pay a portion)
• Private room hospital accommodation
• Cosmetic procedures

How to Get Your RAMQ Card

To register with RAMQ and receive your health insurance card:

• Complete the RAMQ registration form (available at ramq.gouv.qc.ca or by calling 1-800-561-9749)
• Provide proof of identity, Quebec residency, and citizenship/immigration status
• Cards are mailed within 4–6 weeks for new residents
• Newcomers from other provinces: your RAMQ card is effective immediately upon becoming a Quebec resident — coverage continues without interruption

RAMQ for Newcomers to Quebec

New permanent residents and workers arriving in Quebec may face a 3-month waiting period before RAMQ coverage begins. During this period, you should:

• Purchase temporary private health insurance to cover the gap
• Keep all receipts for medical expenses — some costs may be reimbursed retroactively once RAMQ activates
• Register with RAMQ as soon as you arrive to start the clock on your waiting period

RAMQ and Telehealth

RAMQ-enrolled physicians and specialists can bill for virtual consultations (video or phone). If your Quebec doctor sees you via telehealth, it is covered under RAMQ exactly as an in-person visit would be. However, virtual consultations through private platforms not connected to RAMQ are not covered.

Frequently Asked Questions About RAMQ

Can I see a specialist directly without a referral in Quebec?

In most cases, RAMQ requires a referral from a family physician (omnipraticien) to see a specialist. However, certain specialists — such as ophthalmologists, gynecologists, and dermatologists — can sometimes be accessed directly, depending on the clinic. Walk-in clinics (CLSCs) and supercliniqs can provide referrals if you don’t have a family doctor.

What is the Guichet d’accès à la première ligne (GAP)?

The GAP (First Line Access Portal) is Quebec’s system for connecting residents without a family doctor to available GPs. You register via the RAMQ portal and are matched with a physician or nurse practitioner in your area. As of 2026, GAP has reduced wait times significantly in major urban centers.

Does RAMQ cover dental care?

RAMQ covers dental services only in very limited circumstances: dental surgery performed in hospital, and dental services for children under 10 who are enrolled in Aide sociale. For most Quebecers, dental care requires private insurance or out-of-pocket payment — or eligibility under the new federal Canada Dental Care Plan.