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Quebec · Health

Health card renewal and replacement in Quebec

Compiled by Mahmoud Halat, checked

Short answer

In Québec, the health insurance card comes from the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). Register as soon as you arrive. As a general rule, newcomers are not covered for the first three months, so private insurance is strongly recommended for that time. People from countries with a social security agreement may be covered right away. Every family member needs their own card.

Who handles it

Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)

Handles it in Quebec.

RAMQ mails a renewal notice about 3 months before your card expires.

Canada Service Map is independent and not a government website. The official page always has the final word.

Who can apply

  • Québec residents are eligible for the public health insurance plan, but you must register with RAMQ and get a health insurance card when you arrive.

    Source: quebec.cachecked #

  • Québec has social security agreements with some countries. If you come from one of them and show proof of coverage in that country's health plan, you could be covered on arrival without the three-month wait.

    Source: quebec.cachecked #

  • Temporary foreign workers generally need a work permit for more than six months. Their card is valid only as long as the work permit and must be renewed if the permit is extended.

    Source: quebec.cachecked #

  • To stay eligible, you must be present in Québec for 183 days or more. Tell RAMQ before any trip or stay outside Québec that would break this rule.

    Source: quebec.cachecked #

Steps

  1. When you become a permanent resident, apply to RAMQ for a new health insurance card and submit documents that support your new status.

    Source: quebec.cachecked #

  2. To renew, if you are 14 or older and your photo is already on your card, fill in and sign the renewal notice and mail it to RAMQ. No visit or new photo is needed.

    Source: saaq.gouv.qc.cachecked #

  3. If you are outside Québec when your card is due for renewal, fill in and sign the renewal notice, write your expected return date, and mail it to RAMQ.

    Source: quebec.cachecked #

What you need

  • Each person in your family must have their own health insurance card. Carry it with you and never lend it.

    Source: quebec.cachecked #

  • If your photo is not on your card, renew at an SAAQ service outlet (by appointment) or a CLSC. Bring the completed renewal notice and two pieces of ID, one with a photo.

    Source: saaq.gouv.qc.cachecked #

How long it takes

  • There is a waiting period. As a general rule, the plan does not cover your medical care for the first three months after you arrive in Québec.

    Source: quebec.cachecked #

Questions people ask

Is there a waiting period for RAMQ health insurance?

Yes, as a general rule. Health insurance does not cover your medical care for the first three months after you arrive in Québec. Some people, such as those from countries with a social security agreement, may be covered on arrival.

Source: quebec.cachecked #

How long can I be away from Québec and keep my health insurance?

You must be present in Québec at least 183 days to stay eligible. Contact RAMQ before a trip that would break this rule to check whether your coverage will continue.

Source: quebec.cachecked #

Where do I renew my Québec health card if I need a new photo?

Go to an SAAQ service outlet, with an appointment, or a local CLSC. Bring the renewal notice RAMQ sent you and two pieces of ID, one with a photo.

Source: saaq.gouv.qc.cachecked #

Does my Québec health card work when I travel?

Yes, covered services can be received outside Québec with a valid card, but RAMQ usually pays back only part of the cost. Québec recommends private travel insurance.

Source: quebec.cachecked #

In every province and territory

The same service across Canada: who handles it and the official link. Quebec is marked.

Province or territoryWho handles itOfficial linkGood to know
British ColumbiaHealth Insurance BC (Medical Services Plan)Apply for MSPchecked Enrol in MSP first; adults then get the photo BC Services Card at an ICBC driver licensing office.
AlbertaAlberta Health Care Insurance Plan (Government of Alberta)Apply for AHCIP coveragechecked Apply free at a participating registry agent or by mail to the AHCIP office.
SaskatchewaneHealth SaskatchewanApply for a health cardchecked
ManitobaManitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term CareRegister for a health cardchecked
OntarioServiceOntario (Ministry of Health, OHIP)Apply for OHIPchecked First-time applicants 16 and over must apply in person at a ServiceOntario centre.
QuebecThis pageRégie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)About health insurancechecked RAMQ mails a renewal notice about 3 months before your card expires.
New BrunswickNew Brunswick Medicare (Department of Health), through Service New BrunswickApply for Medicare coveragechecked Renewals and changes cannot be done online; call 1-888-762-8600 or visit a Service New Brunswick centre.
Nova ScotiaMSI Resident Services (Department of Health and Wellness)Apply for a Health Cardchecked There is no in-person counter; apply online, by mail or fax, or use the MSI drop box.
Prince Edward IslandPEI Medicare (Health PEI)Renew a PEI health cardchecked
Newfoundland and LabradorMedical Care Plan (MCP), Department of Health and Community ServicesApply, renew or replacechecked New applications use a paper form; some Canadian citizens can renew online through MyGovNL.
YukonYukon Health Care Insurance Plan (Government of Yukon)None on recordCards are replaced automatically when they expire; keep your address up to date.
Northwest TerritoriesHealth Services Administration Office (Department of Health and Social Services)Apply for health care coveragechecked
NunavutHealth Insurance Programs Office (Nunavut Department of Health)Apply or replace a cardchecked No fee; email or mail the form to the Health Insurance Programs Office in Rankin Inlet.

Cite this page

Canada Service Map, "Health card renewal and replacement in Quebec", checked 13 October 2026, https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/health-card/quebec