Guide

First health care without a Quebec health card

Between arrival and the health card, there is a period where you can fall ill without public coverage. The doors exist — if you know them before you need them.

⚠ Immigration thresholds and programs change fast — check the date

This page describes the general structure of the system, which stays stable. But exact thresholds, fees, and specific program statuses can change within weeks. Before relying on a specific figure or date below, confirm the current status on Quebec.ca or Canada.ca.

Check before acting

Between arrival and the health card, there is a period where you can fall ill without public coverage. The doors exist — if you know them before you need them.

The gap between arrival and the card

Depending on your status there is a waiting period, and for some statuses there is no coverage at all. A consultation is paid for, and a hospital stay is expensive.

Official sources

Sources: RAMQ — eligibility (https://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en/); Quebec — health (https://www.quebec.ca/en/health). Checked September 20, 2026 — amounts, deadlines and fees are not reproduced here: confirm with the official source.

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