Health insurance card

This card, which bears the photograph and signature of the cardholder, will enable you to obtain, free of charge, the health care services covered by Québec’s health insurance plan. Each member of your family must have his or her own card.

Since the card is only valid for the duration of the work permit, it must be renewed if the work permit is extended.

Requirements and waiting period

Currently, temporary workers must have a work permit of more than six months in order to have access to the health insurance plan. Temporary workers are subject to a maximum three-month waiting period before being able to benefit from the plan. They must therefore register with the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec as soon as they arrive so as not to delay their eligibility.

Family members

Spouses, dependent children under 18 years of age and those at least 18 years old who are full-time students must be authorized to stay in Québec for more than six months in order to be eligible for the health insurance plan. They are also subject to a waiting period and must register with the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec as soon as they arrive so as not to delay their eligibility.

	Exemptions to the waiting period
	There are certain exemptions (to the maximum three-month waiting period): Temporary workers from countries that have signed social security agreements with Québec, upon submitting proof of insurance coverage or document attesting eligibility to a health plan from their country of origin (example: form SE-401-Q-09bis for French nationals covered by a general social security plan) . Seasonal farm workers participating in a program for workers from Mexico and the Caribbean are eligible for the health insurance plan regardless of the duration of their work permit and are exempt from the waiting period. However, these workers must register for the plan as soon as they arrive so as not to delay their eligibility. The Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec will determine if an exemption applies to you or a family member.

The Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec will inform you if you or a family member is eligible for an exemption. The Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec strongly recommends that temporary workers subject to a waiting period register for private insurance. Otherwise, during this period, they must bear the costs of any health services received.

Workers with permits of six months or less must make the same choices since they are not eligible for the plan for the duration of their stay.

	USEFUL INFORMATION
	If you choose to take out private insurance, you must do so no later than five days following your arrival in Québec. After that, it will be more difficult for you to take out insurance. For more information, contact the OmbudService for Life & Health Insurance. Medical, pharmaceutical and hospital services for women who are pregnant or victims of violence are provided free of charge during the waiting period.

To learn more Daily life (health)

Useful links

• Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec - Registration
• Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux
• OmbudService for Life & Health Insurance (OLHI)