Many citizens, PRs, etc.are unaware that there are residency requirements to maintain healthcare coverage even if they have a valid card they could have to pay back the cost of any care they receive
Conditions for remaining eligible
Being away from Québec could render you ineligible for health insurance. You would then have to repay all the costs of the covered healthcare services you received during the year. RAMQ can verify your presence in Québec.
Persons who have already taken up or who are taking up residence in Québec
You must be present in Québec
183 days or more per calendar year (January 1 to December 31) to remain eligible. Certain absences are not tallied:
- absences of 21 consecutive days or less
- days of departure and return
Exceptions may apply for a prolonged absence if you are outside Québec, for instance, to pursue studies, work or training. For more information, refer to the page
Eligibility during the stay.
Example of calculation of an absence for eligibility purposes
Example of calculation of an absence spread over 2 years for eligibility purposes
Absence of 184 days spread over 2 years
Destination
Departure date
(not tallied)
Return date
(not tallied)
Number of days away
Number of days away that are tallied to determine eligibility
Ontario
August 14, 2018
February 15, 2019
184
In 2018: 139
In 2019: 45
In this example, you would remain eligible for the Québec Health Insurance Plan for both years. Your absence does not exceed 183 days in one calendar year, i.e. January 1 to December 31.
Exceptions for new arrivals
To maintain your eligibility for the Québec Health Insurance Plan, you must be present in Québec
183 days or more in the 12 months following your eligibility starting date. Certain exceptions may apply to new arrivals from another Canadian province or territory. After these first 12 months, your presence is calculated annually (from January 1 to December 31).
