Guide for refugee patients who need to consult a doctor in Quebec

As a family physician and medical director of French origin, having practiced in France before settling in Quebec, I often support refugee patients in accessing care. Navigating a new healthcare system can be complex, especially when in a precarious situation or when not yet proficient in the language. This article will explain how to consult a doctor in Quebec as a refugee, what your rights are, and what resources are available to you.

Do you have access to Quebec health insurance (RAMQ)?

If you have obtained refugee status in Canada, you may be eligible for the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ), which is the Quebec health insurance. Once you have applied, you will receive confirmation and can register with RAMQ, which will cover your medical consultations and certain treatments.

While waiting for your RAMQ card, you may be covered by the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), which allows refugees to access free medical care before obtaining provincial insurance. However, not all clinics accept it. It is important to check with the healthcare facility before booking an appointment.

Where to consult a doctor?

1. At a walk-in clinic

Refugees can consult at several walk-in medical clinics, including those that accept IFHP. To find a clinic that accepts your coverage, you can:

• Contact the Guichet d’Accès à la Première Ligne (GAP) by calling 811, option 3.

• Search on the RAMQ website or the Government of Canada website.

2. In an emergency at the hospital

If your condition requires urgent care (e.g., intense pain, difficulty breathing, persistent high fever), you can go to the emergency department of a public hospital. Be sure to bring your immigration documents and, if you have it, your RAMQ card or proof of IFHP coverage.

3. Via virtual consultation or private consultation

Some private medical platforms offer online or in-person consultations, but these are generally not covered by RAMQ or IFHP.

At Allodocteur.ca, we do not accept IFHP or RAMQ.

This means that if you book an appointment with us, you will have to pay for your consultation yourself. Our rates for a home doctor visit start at $279 depending on the complexity and location of the consultation.

If you are looking for a medical service covered by IFHP, we recommend contacting clinics that accept this coverage or inquiring with refugee aid organizations.

What to do if you have difficulty getting an appointment?

• Call 811 to be directed toward an appropriate health resource.

• Contact community organizations that help refugees navigate the healthcare system, such as the Clinique des Réfugiés de Montréal or local support groups.

• Ask your social worker or your reception agency if they can help you obtain an appointment.

What documents to bring to the consultation?

• A piece of identification (passport, work permit, or immigration document).

• Your RAMQ card (if you have it) or proof of your IFHP coverage.

• A list of your medications and medical history if possible.

Access to medication and specialized care

If a doctor prescribes medication for you, it may be covered by your insurance (RAMQ or IFHP). For specialized care (e.g., cardiologist, neurologist), a referral from a doctor is necessary. Some waiting times can be long, so it is important to consult quickly if your condition requires follow-up.

Conclusion

The Quebec healthcare system can seem complex when arriving as a refugee, but there are several resources to help you. Do not hesitate to contact health services and community organizations for support.

If you wish to consult a doctor quickly and are prepared to pay for a private consultation, Allodocteur.ca offers home medical visits in Montreal with doctors registered with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

👉 Book an appointment online at Allodocteur.ca if you would like a fast private consultation.