Medical bills without insurance: what happens after a hospital stay
A ski fracture, appendicitis, a birth: without coverage, a hospital stay in Quebec produces a bill that can reach tens of thousands of dollars. How to contest, reduce and settle it.
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.
A ski fracture, appendicitis, a birth: without coverage, a hospital stay in Quebec produces a bill that can reach tens of thousands of dollars. How to contest, reduce and settle it.
Ask for the estimate in writing first
For non-urgent care, you can request the expected cost in writing, and for a hospital stay, the daily breakdown. Being informed of what you are being billed is a right.