Travelling to Quebec: what to do if you get sick without a RAMQ card?

By Dre Aurélia Nha-Huyen Nguyen Gouez, family physician and medical director of French origin, based in Quebec since 2016.

Are you travelling in Quebec and have fallen ill, but do not have a Quebec health insurance (RAMQ) card? Rest assured: it is possible to consult a home doctor in Montreal even without RAMQ. Here is a clear and practical guide on what to do and how to quickly obtain a consultation.

Can you consult a doctor without a RAMQ card?

Yes, it is entirely possible to consult a doctor without being covered by the RAMQ. Quebec allows any patient — tourist, newcomer, or temporary worker — to have access to medical care. However, without RAMQ, care is not reimbursed by the public system: you will need to pay the fees directly to the clinic or hospital.

You can consult:

• In a private clinic such as Allodocteur.ca (easy, fast, and transparent appointment booking)

• In certain public clinics that accept patients without RAMQ (often on call)

• At emergency rooms, but only for serious situations

How much does a medical consultation cost without RAMQ?

Fees depend on the location of the consultation and the complexity of the problem:

Private clinic: between $200 and $500 for a consultation

→ At Allodocteur.ca, our home visits in Montreal start at $279, with a receipt provided for insurance

Hospital: file opening fee ($200) + consultation ($800 or more) + additional tests

Please note: payments are required in advance, even at the hospital. This is not a deferred billing system.

Can I be reimbursed by my travel insurance?

Yes, if you have taken out travel insurance or private health coverage. This may include:

• Insurance linked to a premium bank card

• Expatriate or foreign worker insurance

• Individual or family travel insurance

You will receive a detailed invoice to send to your insurer for reimbursement.

Carefully check the terms of your contract, particularly:

• The maximum reimbursement amount

• The obligation to call the insurer before the consultation

• Processing times

What care is accessible without RAMQ?

The majority of primary care is available, including:

• Fever, flu, cough, sore throat, ear infection

• Skin rashes, urinary pain

• Digestive problems, simple infections

• Prescription of medications, temporary prescription renewals

• Medical certificates (travel, work, etc.)

If more extensive tests are required (blood tests, imaging, specialist consultation), these can also be performed in private clinics, but at your own expense.

What about serious emergencies?

In case of a life-threatening problem (loss of consciousness, chest pain, accident...), call 911 immediately.

Quebec hospitals do not refuse to treat people without RAMQ, but:

• Care must be paid for immediately

• No care is provided without payment, even in the emergency room, except in case of immediate danger to life

Fees can be very high:

• File opening fee: approximately $200

• Medical consultation in the emergency room: over $800

• Hospitalization: several thousand dollars per day

Without insurance, the bill can become very heavy.

Need a home doctor in Montreal without RAMQ?

Allodocteur.ca offers you a simple, fast, and human solution:

• Home doctors in Montreal

• Same-day availability often available

• Receipts accepted by most travel insurance providers

• Confidential consultation, in French or English

Book an appointment with a home doctor in Montreal at www.allodocteur.ca

Conclusion

Falling ill during a trip is always stressful, especially without local medical coverage. But solutions exist, notably by consulting a home doctor in Montreal. If needed, remember to check your insurance and avoid emergency rooms for minor problems. At Allodocteur.ca, we are here to help you obtain quality care, quickly and without hassle.