Guide for refugee patients who need to see a doctor in Quebec
As a family physician and medical director of French origin, having practiced in France before settling in Quebec, I often accompany refugee patients in their access to care. Navigating a new healthcare system can be complex, especially when you're in a precarious situation or don't yet have a good command of the language. This article will explain how to consult a doctor in Quebec as a refugee, what your rights are and what resources are available to you.
Do you have access to Quebec health insurance (RAMQ)?
If you have been granted refugee status in Canada, you may be eligible forQuebec Health Insurance (RAMQ). Once you've applied, you'll receive confirmation and can register with RAMQ, which will cover your medical consultations and certain treatments.
While you're waiting for your RAMQ card, you may be covered by the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), which allows refugees to access free medical care before obtaining provincial insurance. However, not all clinics accept it. It's important to check with the health care facility before making an appointment.
Where can I see a doctor?
1. Walk-in clinic
Refugees can visit many walk-in clinics, including those that accept IFH. To find a clinic that accepts your coverage, you can :
- Contact the Guichet d'Accès à la Première Ligne (GAP) by calling 811, option 3.
- Search the RAMQ or Government of Canada website.
2. Hospital emergency
If your condition requires urgent care (e.g. severe pain, difficulty breathing, persistent high fever), you can go to a public hospital emergency room. Be sure to bring your immigration papers and, if you have them, your RAMQ card or proof of IFH.
3. Teleconsultation or private consultation
Some private medical platforms offer online or face-to-face consultations, but these are generally not covered by RAMQ or IFH.
At Allodocteur.ca, we do not accept IFHP or RAMQ.
This means that if you make an appointment with us, you'll have to pay for your consultation yourself. Our rates for an in-home consultation start at $279, depending on the complexity and location of the consultation.
If you are looking for a medical service covered by the IFHP, we recommend that you contact clinics that accept this coverage, or inquire with refugee aid organizations.
What should you do if you have trouble getting an appointment?
-Call 811 to be directed to an appropriate health resource.
-Contact community organizations that help refugees navigate the healthcare system, such as the Clinique des Réfugiés de Montréal or local support groups.
-Ask your social worker or host organization if they can help you get an appointment.
What documents should I bring to the consultation?
- Identification (passport, work permit or immigration document).
- Your RAMQ card (if you have it) or proof of IFH coverage.
- A list of your medications and medical history, if available.
Access to medicines and specialized care
If a doctor prescribes medication, it may be covered by your insurance (RAMQ or IFHP). For specialized care (e.g. cardiologist, neurologist), a doctor's referral is required. Certain waiting periods can be long, so it's important to consult a physician as soon as possible if your condition requires follow-up.
Conclusion
Quebec's healthcare system can seem complex when you arrive as a refugee, but there are many resources to help you. Don't hesitate to contact health services and community organizations for support.
If you'd like to see a doctor quickly and are willing to pay for a private consultation, Allodocteur.ca offers medical house calls in Montreal with doctors registered with the Collège des médecins du Québec.
👉 Book an appointment online at Allodocteur.ca for a quick private consultation.
