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The Quebec Health Insurance Plan
Health and hospital care are free for all
persons holding a health card, in all the Quebec territory.
These services are offered free of charge by the universal
health insurance plan administered by the Régie of
Québec. This health board covers all essential medical
care, but not specific treatments such as plastic surgery
and/or alternative medicine, etc.
Before making an appointment with a doctor
or specialist, make sure that he belongs to the health care
insurance system (RAMQ). If this is not the case, it is
advisable to cancel the appointment.
The Quebec health care card
All Quebec residents are eligible for the
health insurance plan. You may obtain the health card by
registering with the RAMQ; this will allow you to get free
medical treatment covered by the health board (Régie).
Even though you are covered by the Quebec
board since arrival, don't delay registering at the RAMQ
in order to get your health card since you might have to
wait weeks before receiving it. In the meantime we suggest
paying for the services of a private health company or consulting
with the Blue Cross (Croix Bleu) where you can obtain a
temporary coverage for you and your family, this will be
possible before 5 days from the time of your arrival.
How to get
the Quebec Health Insurance card:
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You must get an application form by
calling or visiting one of the offices of RAMQ with
the required documents.
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Don't forget to give a postal address
where you can receive your health card. Advise the RAMQ
of any change of address.
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Keep the card with you at all times.
Do not lend it.
You can receive basic
care in:
Local community service centers - CLSC
CLSC centers offer to the public (children,
youths, adults and senior citizens) health and psycho-social
services, with or without appointment. Some of these centers
offer these services in several languages.
If you, or some of the members of you family,
require health services, contact the health information
center of the CLSC, where nurses will give you advice or
direct you to the appropriate health service. This 24 hour
telephone service is free of charge.
The CLSC provides
the following services:
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Care and follow up during pregnancy,
birth and support for new parents
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Vaccination of children
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Medical check ups without appointment
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In home health services for people with
reduced autonomy or senior citizens
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In home health services after hospitalization
or surgery
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Routine medical services
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Nursing services
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Psycho-social services
The services of the CLSC are free. They are
available in the community, in schools, at home, at work
and of course at the CLSC centers. In order to access the
services of the CLSC consult your telephone directory.
The CLSC are not open at all times, check for hours of operation
during the week and on weekends.
Emergency services
If you, or a member of your family, need urgent
medical care, you should go to the nearest emergency center.
However, if you are unable to move the patient, telephone
the emergency service
at 9-1-1
Prescription drugs plan
It is a plan that ensures all the residents
of Quebec a subsidy from the government for the buying of
prescription drugs necessary for their health. To this end
people are asked to contribute according to their financial
situation.
If you are 65 and do not have access to a collective plan
from your employer it is mandatory that you register to
the prescription drug plan coverage of RAMQ.
Dental care and oral surgery
For dental care you can use the services of
private dentists. Only children 10 and under, and in some
cases only, can receive free treatment upon presentation
of the health card. Dental services, as opposed to medical
services, are not free. Some oral surgeries may be performed
free of charge in hospitals and university settings for
all residents of Quebec.
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