Important information on health insurance in Canada for new immigrants

Generally, when foreigners prepare for their trip to Canada, they think about the visa. visaThey think about their visa, job, housing, driver's license or the weather... but rarely about health insurance. However, avoiding this oversight can prevent unnecessary negative experiences.

Whether you are traveling on a PVT, an internship, an employment contract or as a tourist, understanding how to access health care in Canada can make the difference between a good or bad stay. Here, each province has its own rules, and procedures vary depending on your immigration status. 

From Quebec to British Columbia, it's important to know what to expect from the Canadian healthcare system. That's why today we're bringing you this important topic so you and yours can have the best experience possible. Read with me to the end and ensure a great stay in Canada - let's get started!

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How does public health insurance work in Canada?

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The Canadian health care system is characterized by being varied (not unique), as it is based on public health insurance schemes, administered by each province, and supplementary private insurance. Eligible persons are Canadian citizens, permanent residents and some temporary workers or students staying in the country for more than six months (depending on the province).

Each province has its own health regime and affiliation requirements. For example:

• In British Columbia, the system is called MSP (Medical Services Plan).
• In Quebec, health insurance is administered by the RAMQ (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec).

In general, the public system covers the costs of hospitalization, medical consultations and examinations. However, dental, physiotherapy and optical treatments are not always covered.

In addition, many provinces, such as Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia, impose a three-month waiting period for new immigrants before they can access public coverage. During this unprotected time, it is recommended to take out private insurance to cover potential medical expenses, which can be high in Canada and North America in general. See Expatriate Health Insurance in Canada. 

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Focus on the Quebec system: RAMQ

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If you settle in Québec, depending on your status, you must register with the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec(RAMQ - Quebec Health Insurance Administration) upon arrival. The RAMQ is the health insurance scheme that provides medical care throughout Québec. It is advisable to check your eligibility before traveling. 

Quebec is distinguished from other provinces by its social security agreement with France, which significantly facilitates the procedures for French citizens. Thanks to this agreement, eligible temporary travelers can be covered by the RAMQ with no waiting period.

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Registration process in the RAMQ

The registration with the RAMQ is done once the person is in Quebec and requires the presentation of several documents, including: 

• Proof of residence in Quebec (rental contract, utility bill, etc.).
• Valid passport.
• Work or study permit.
• Proof of French Social Security coverage prior to travel, including form SE 401-Q-106 for students.

Once the registration process is completed, you will be awarded the "Carte Soleil". "Carte Soleilwhich is the Quebec health insurance card. It is recommended to start these procedures immediately upon arrival, as processing may take some time.

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Coverage of the RAMQ

The RAMQ covers: 

• Hospitalization.
• Medical consultations. 
• Some specialized treatments.

However, prescription drugs are not included in the basic coverage. To access them, it is mandatory to have a complementary insurance, which can be public or private, depending on the applicant's status.

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PVT, studies, internships: mandatory insurances for temporary stays

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For young people traveling to Canada under a PVT (Vacation and Work Permit), an international internship, a Young Professionals permit or for studies, health insurance is a mandatory requirement when obtaining a visa.

This travel insurance should cover: 

• Emergency medical care, including hospitalization and medical consultations. 
• Repatriation assistance in case of serious illness or accident.
• Provision for death and civil liability (CR), as the case may be.

It is essential that you can prove that you are covered for the duration of your stay, especially in the case of the PVT visa, even if you are subsequently eligible for the public health system (such as the RAMQ in Quebec). At Immiland, we recommend Traveler Assistance Serviceswhich has a variety of plans according to your budget and needs.

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Benefits of travel insurance

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In addition to complying with visa requirements, travel insurance protects you against medical contingencies, guaranteeing 100% coverage in case of an emergency.

• If you suffer a serious illness or accident, repatriation assistance will enable you to return to your home country or receive support from a family member. 
• If you plan to travel to neighboring countries during your stay in Canada (such as the United States), international insurance will guarantee coverage outside of Canada.

Important: Regardless of your situation and obligations, French Social Security coverage abroad is very limited and will not cover all your medical needs in Canada.

• Only applies to stays of less than 90 days (except for specific employment contracts). 
• It only covers urgent medical care, with reimbursement based on French rates, which are usually much lower than the actual costs of medical services in Canada.

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Recommendations for choosing your health insurance in Canada

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Between local insurance, temporary travel insurance and expatriate health insurance, the choice is not always easy. Before taking out health insurance, it is important to assess your situation according to: 

• Duration of your stay in Canada. 
• Type of visa or immigration status. 
• Personal medical needs. 
• Geographic coverage area. 
• Budget available.

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What type of insurance to choose according to your situation?

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If you have a temporary visa with insurance obligation, or if you are eligible for the public system but must wait for a waiting period, a temporary travel insurance is sufficient. It covers medical emergencies and accidents during the time you choose. However, it is important to know that pre-existing medical conditions prior to contracting will not be covered. 

If you are moving to Canada for an extended period of time and would like more comprehensive coverage, including private sector care and coverage during your travels to your home country, you can opt for expatriate health insurance. This type of insurance covers: 

• Routine medical consultations.

• Specialized treatments, such as physiotherapy. 
• Dental expenses. 
• Pre-existing medical conditions.

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Key considerations when choosing your insurance

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If you have few medical needs, basic coverage under the public system may be sufficient in Canada. However, as an expatriate, do not underestimate health costs, what is covered and what is not. Always remember:

• Review the coverage limits of your insurance contract, as you may be surprised by additional costs not covered. 
• Without supplemental insurance, you will not have repatriation assistance, which can be critical in the event of a serious emergency.
• Take the time to understand your immigration status, in terms of medical coverage and the necessary paperwork. 

Our team of professionals is available to help you choose the right insurance for your health and adapted to your budget. If you have any doubts, don't worry, there is a solution for each profile, click here: Establishment - Immiland Canada you can ask for a personalized consultation according to your requirements or write to Contact - Immiland Establishment for more information.

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I hope this topic has been useful. Remember that in Canada the rules vary from one province to another and may be very different from the ones you know, so having a minimum preparation can avoid difficulties in the country and will lead you to fully enjoy your stay. 

Thank you very much for reading us!

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With love, 

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Immiland Canada