Some healthcare services are covered by the Québec Health Insurance Plan when you are outside of Québec. In addition, if you are covered by the Plan and have a health condition that requires specialized services not available in Québec, you may, under certain conditions, receive them outside of Québec. However, you must first receive advance approval from the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec.
Healthcare services covered when you are elsewhere in Canada
The following services are covered:
- services received from a doctor, dentist or optometrist
- hospital services, including:
- services received at a hospital outpatient clinic
- services related to a hospital stay (e.g. nursing care, diagnostic procedures, accommodation in a room of 3 or more beds, drugs administered while hospitalized)
Hospital services are covered in full when you present your Québec health insurance card. The same applies to professional services received at the doctor’s office or at the hospital, if the doctor accepts your health insurance card.
If not, you must pay the bill yourself and afterwards request a reimbursement from the Régie. The Régie reimburses an amount equivalent to what the same services would have cost in Québec, even if you paid more.
Healthcare services covered when you are outside of Canada
The following services are covered:
- services received from a doctor, dentist or optometrist
- hospital services received due to a sudden illness or an accident, including:
- services received at a hospital outpatient clinic
- services related to a hospital stay (e.g. nursing care, diagnostic procedures, accommodation in a room of 3 or more beds, drugs administered while hospitalized)
- hospital services related to hemodialysis treatment, whether while hospitalized or not
If you have private insurance, you can ask that the bill be sent to your insurer. The latter will request a reimbursement from the Régie. If not, you must pay the bill yourself, and afterwards request a reimbursement from the Régie.
Professional services are reimbursed up to the amount charged in Québec for the same services.
Hospital services are reimbursed if they were received due to a sudden illness or an emergency situation, up to the following maximum amounts:
- CA $100 per day of hospitalization
- CA $50 per day for care received at a hospital outpatient clinic
The Régie reimburses CA $220 for a hemodialysis treatment and the associated drugs, whether you are hospitalized or not.
Healthcare services not covered when you are outside Québec
The following services are not covered:
- healthcare services that are not covered in Québec
- emergency transportation, whether by land or air
- transportation to return you to Québec
- drugs purchased outside of Québec, even if prescribed by a physician
The Québec Health Insurance Plan has been in force since November 1, 1970.
