Travelling in Quebec: what to do if you fall ill without a RAMQ card?
By Dr. Aurélia Nha-Huyen Nguyen Gouez, a family physician and medical director of French origin, based in Quebec since 2016.
Are you traveling in Quebec and fall ill, but don't have a Quebec health insurance card (RAMQ)? Rest assured: it's possible to consult a doctor at home in Montreal even without RAMQ. Here's a clear, practical guide to what to do and how to get a consultation quickly.
Can I see a doctor without a RAMQ card?
Yes, it is quite possible to consult a doctor without being covered by RAMQ. Quebec allows any patient - tourist, newcomer or temporary worker - to have access to medical care. However, without RAMQ, care is not reimbursed by the public system: you'll have to pay directly at the clinic or hospital.
You can consult :
- In a private clinic like Allodocteur.ca (easy, fast, transparent appointment scheduling)
- In some public clinics that accept patients without RAMQ (often on call)
- In emergencies, but only for serious situations
How much does a medical consultation cost without RAMQ?
Fees depend on the location of the consultation and the complexity of the problem:
Private clinic: between $200 and $500 for a consultation
→ At Allodocteur.ca, our home visits in Montreal start at $279, with a receipt for insurance.
Hospital: set-up fee (~$200) + consultation (~$800 or more) + additional examinations
Please note: payment is required in advance, even at the hospital. This is not a deferred billing system.
Can I be reimbursed by my travel insurance?
Yes, if you have taken out travel insurance or private health cover. This may include:
- Insurance linked to your top-of-the-range bank card
- Expatriate or foreign worker insurance
- Individual or family travel insurance
You will receive a detailed invoice to send to your insurer for reimbursement.
Check the terms and conditions of your contract carefully:
- Maximum repayment amount
- The obligation to call the insurer before the consultation
- Processing times
What care is available without RAMQ?
The majority of primary care services are available, including :
- Fever, flu, cough, sore throat, otitis
- Skin rashes, urinary pain
- Digestive problems, simple infections
- Prescription drugs, temporary renewal
- Medical certificates (travel, work, etc.)
If more in-depth tests are required (blood tests, imaging, specialized consultation), they can also be carried out in private clinics, but at your own expense.
What about serious emergencies?
In the event of a life-threatening problem (loss of consciousness, chest pain, accident, etc.), call 911 immediately.
Quebec hospitals do not refuse to treat people without RAMQ, but :
- Care must be paid for immediately
- No care is provided without payment, even in an emergency, except in cases of immediate danger to life.
Fees can be very high:
- Application fee: approximately $200
- Emergency medical consultation: over $800
- Hospitalization: several thousand dollars a day
Without insurance, the bill can be very high.
Need a home doctor in Montreal without RAMQ?
Allodocteur.ca offers you a simple, fast and humane solution:
- Doctors at home in Montreal
- Same-day appointments often available
- Receipts accepted by most travel insurers
- Confidential consultation, in English or French
Book an appointment with a home doctor in Montreal at www.allodocteur.ca
Conclusion
Getting sick while traveling is always stressful, especially without local medical coverage. But solutions do exist, including consulting a doctor at home in Montreal. In case of need, remember to check your insurance and avoid emergency rooms for minor problems. At Allodocteur.ca, we're here to help you get quality care, quickly and hassle-free.
