Hello,
I'm going to study in Quebec as an exchange student and I wanted to know if I should take out private health insurance. I understand that there is the RAMQ system that students can join. What do I need to do? Thank you
Hello,
Great news for your university exchange in Quebec!
Before you leave, it's important to plan your health coverage carefully, as medical care in Canada can quickly become expensive.
Why purchase private health insurance first?
When you arrive in Quebec, registration with the RAMQ (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec) is not always guaranteed. It depends on your country of origin and the agreements in place with Quebec. If you are eligible, the process can also take time, meaning you could go several weeks without medical coverage.
To avoid this risk, we recommend purchasing student insurance in Canada before your departure. In any case, your host university will encourage you to do so. At Mondassur, we offer comprehensive coverage, specially designed for international students in Canada:
✅ Medical care and hospitalization
✅ Emergencies and repatriation
✅ Immediate coverage upon arrival
What about the RAMQ?
If you're ultimately eligible for RAMQ, it's a worthwhile supplement, but it doesn't cover everything (dental care, expensive emergencies, etc.). Furthermore, RAMQ generally only reimburses 70% of medical expenses, and this is based solely on the agreed rates of public institutions. Therefore, care in private hospitals in Canada is not covered.
Many students prefer to keep their private insurance in parallel to be truly protected.
Take the opportunity to learn more about student insurance in Canada and Quebec in our article.
Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions; we're here to help!
Enjoy your stay in Quebec!
