Weekend medical clinic in Montreal: options for visitors
By Dr. Aurélia Nha-Huyen Nguyen Gouez, a family physician and medical director of French origin, based in Quebec since 2016.
Visiting Montreal for the weekend and fall ill? A sudden fever, urinary tract infection, ear infection or sore throat can quickly spoil your stay. The problem: many clinics are closed on Saturdays and Sundays, and the wait in the emergency room can last several hours. Fortunately, there are options for seeing a doctor quickly, even without a RAMQ card.
Why is it difficult to consult at weekends?
In Quebec, most clinics operate on weekdays. On weekends, access to a doctor becomes more complicated, especially for visitors:
- Few public clinics are open
- Limited time slots
- You often have to call very early to hope for a place
- Without a RAMQ card, options are even more limited
Emergencies: avoid unless it's a real emergency
Yes, hospitals are open 24/7. But except in the case of a serious situation (chest pain, accident, loss of consciousness...), it's best to avoid the emergency room for a simple health problem:
- Waiting time can exceed 6 to 12 hours
- Fees for non-residents without RAMQ are high and must be paid immediately.
- Stress and fatigue can worsen your condition
Options for visitors to Montreal
Fortunately, there are a number of solutions for travellers:
- Some private clinics offer fast appointments, including on weekends.
- Teleconsultations make it possible to see a doctor remotely, depending on the problem.
- Allodocteur.ca's Montreal home doctor service is an ideal alternative.
Why choose a home doctor in Montreal?
The Montreal home doctor service is designed for visitors and families who can't wait:
- Same-day appointments often available, even on Saturdays and Sundays
- Visit your hotel or Airbnb, without having to travel
- Care for simple infections, fevers, aches and pains, colds, allergies, etc.
- Prescription drugs or certificates issued directly
- Travel insurance receipts provided
At Allodocteur.ca, our doctors are registered with the Collège des médecins du Québec and offer professional, humane care in English or French.
What if I don't have insurance?
You can still have a consultation, but you'll have to pay for it yourself. Our rates are transparent and start at $279. If you have travel insurance, the consultation is usually reimbursed with our detailed receipt.
Conclusion
If you fall ill on a weekend trip to Montreal, don't automatically head for the emergency room. There are faster, more humane and often less expensive solutions. A home doctor in Montreal can come and see you on the spot and offer you quality care, even without a RAMQ card.
