You’re going to study in Quebec and need to take out student insurance for Canada. You’ve obtained all the necessary authorizations: the CAQ, the Study Permit for long-distance travellers, and you’re all set.
Medical expenses in Canada are very high, and it’s essential to have medical insurance that covers you in Canada, of course, but also when you travel to and from your country of origin. Quebec universities such as McGill require you to choose between taking out private insurance or registering with the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ), thereby waiving the benefits of health insurance in your country of origin, if your country has signed an agreement with Quebec.
What’s the best choice between RAMQ and private health insurance?
Neither solution is really satisfactory, since you may be covered in Canada, but not at 100% for these 2 options. If you choose only RAMQ or Quebec private insurance, you are not covered when you travel outside Canada (except for certain universities for emergencies if your trip lasts less than 4 weeks) and you are not covered when you return to your country of origin.
Given the incomplete coverage provided by private insurance offered by Quebec universities such as McGill, we advise you to opt for RAMQ, if your country has signed an agreement, and also choose an international student insurance plan such as Gold Student. You’ll be insured worldwide for all your stays, including in your home country, and can obtain additional reimbursements from the RAMQ.
What does RAMQ cover?
RAMQ reimbursements are often limited to 70% and to the conventional rates established by RAMQ, and do not cover you in private hospitals in Canada. If you are travelling outside Canada, Ramq may cover you in certain countries for emergencies and for a limited period of time, but this should be studied carefully depending on the length of your stay, destination, purpose… Etc.
How do I choose my student insurance in Quebec?
Choosing only RAMQ is not enough, and taking out private insurance from a Quebec university won’t fully cover you either.
We therefore advise you to take out international student insurance. As you will no longer have any links with your home country, it is essential that this insurance covers you from the 1st dollar spent. Ideally, health insurance should complement your RAMQ reimbursements, so that you can benefit from the easy access offered by the RAMQ card while still being fully covered.
How much does international student insurance cost in Canada?
The price varies widely according to the level of cover offered by the insurance company.
For a sufficient level of cover, allowing you to be covered worldwide at a very good level, you should expect to pay between 50 and 100 euros/month. Mondassur international student insurance offers excellent value for money. Get a free quote for student insurance in Canada.
McGill’s student insurance costs around 730 euros a year (1130 Canadian dollars), but coverage is limited. You are covered for 100% hospitalization and 80% routine medical care for illnesses and emergencies only up to a maximum of 10,000 euros and only up to the maximum rates negotiated by the RAMQ in public establishments.
How do I take out insurance for students abroad?
You can take out your international insurance online, or use an application form to return to us by post or e-mail. We recommend that you plan at least a week in advance, so that you can follow all the steps at your leisure.
What are the advantages of international student insurance?
It’s the guarantee of uninterrupted worldwide coverage and, in particular, of the following advantages if you choose an international insurance policy like GoldStudent:
– coverage in public and private facilities
– choice of doctors and hospitals
– worldwide coverage: in addition to Canada, if you travel to the USA, Cuba, Latin America or Asia, you will be covered for
– coverage in your home country
– coverage against epidemics such as Covid-19 (please check with your insurance provider)
– coverage of 100% of actual hospital costs and 80% or 90% of routine medical expenses
– coverage for pre-existing conditions
– coverage for preventive care, not just curative care, and routine care
– coverage for emergency dental care
– repatriation at actual cost
Who can benefit from RAMQ?
Students from countries that have signed a social security agreement, i.e. students from the following countries: Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Sweden.
How do I apply for RAMQ membership?
You can apply by mail:
– Download the RAMQ registration form
– Fill in, print and sign the form
– Enclose the required documents (copy of passport, copy of certificate of studies from Canadian institution and proof of social security coverage).
– Mail to the address indicated on the form:
Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec
C. P. 6600, succ. Terminus
Quebec City G1K 7T3
Where can I find certificates of affiliation to the French social security system for moving to Quebec?
For exchange students in Canada: Attestation of affiliation to the French social security system SE 401-Q-106
For students studying for a degree in Canada: Attestation d’affiliation au régime de sécurité sociale français SE 401-Q-102
For students doing an internship in Canada as part of their studies: Attestation of affiliation to the French social security system SE 401-Q-104
Who should I contact at McGill for information on international student insurance?
International Student Services Office
international.students@mcgill.ca
+1 514-398- 4349
+1 514-398- 7352
Pavillon Brown (Student Services) 3600, rue McTavish, bureau 3215, Montréal (Québec) H3A 1Y2 CANADA
