La carte soleil — votre preuve d'assurance maladie au Québec.
1. What is RAMQ?
The RAMQ is the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec. Once registered, you receive a health insurance card — also called the carte soleil. This card gives you access to medical care in Quebec.
2. Are you eligible?
If you are a permanent resident, a Canadian citizen, or hold another status recognized by RAMQ, you are eligible. You must also be present in Quebec at least 183 days per calendar year.
3. The 3-month waiting period
For most new permanent residents, there is a waiting period of up to 3 months before RAMQ covers your medical care.
Some people are exempt from the waiting period: refugees, people coming from a country with a social security agreement with Quebec, and certain temporary workers.
During the waiting period, some care remains free: pregnancy-related care, care for victims of domestic violence, and treatment of infectious diseases that affect public health.
4. Documents to prepare
Before starting, prepare:
- Your Permanent Resident Card (PRC) or your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
- Your Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), if you have one
- Proof of address in Quebec (lease, Hydro-Québec bill, rental contract)
- If applicable, your social security coverage certificate from your home country (to be obtained before leaving)
5. How to register online
In most cases, you can register directly online on the RAMQ website. You fill out the form, upload your documents as PDFs or photos, and submit your application.
If your situation is more complex (a special status, or a family with mixed statuses), you can call RAMQ at 1-800-561-9749.
6. After your registration
After submitting the form:
- You receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Keep it to register other family members.
- You then receive your eligibility letter by mail.
- Your health insurance card (carte soleil) arrives separately at your Quebec address.
7. Your action list
Follow these steps to get your carte soleil. Check each box as you go — your progress is saved if you're signed in.
- Subscribe to private health insurance for the 3-month waiting period
- Gather the documents: passport, PRC/CSQ, proof of address
- Fill out the online registration form at ramq.gouv.qc.ca
- Keep the reference number received by email
- Receive and activate your carte soleil by mail
8. Public coverage vs private insurance
RAMQ covers medically necessary care, but several services remain outside its coverage. Here's the direct comparison between the public plan and typical private insurance.
Most Quebec employers offer group insurance that covers most non-RAMQ items — check your plan at hire before buying individual private insurance.
| Type of care | RAMQ (public) | Private insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Family doctor consultation | ✅ Covered | — |
| Hospital emergency visit | ✅ Covered | — |
| Medically necessary surgery | ✅ Covered | — |
| Prescription drugs | ⚠️ RAMQ public plan (~$700/year contribution) | ✅ Complementary coverage |
| Dental care (adult) | ❌ Not covered | ✅ 50–80% reimbursed |
| Glasses and eye exam (adult) | ❌ Not covered | ✅ Annual cap |
| Physiotherapy, chiropractic | ❌ Not covered | ✅ Depending on contract |
| Out-of-RAMQ private clinic care | ❌ Not covered | ✅ Depending on contract |
| Care outside Quebec | ⚠️ Partially | ✅ Travel insurance |
9. Frequently asked questions
The most common questions about RAMQ: how much the carte soleil costs, what to do during the waiting period, which countries are exempt, how to replace a lost card, and out-of-province coverage.
How much does the carte soleil cost?
The health insurance card is free. You pay nothing to obtain it or renew it. The system is funded by Quebec taxes.
What if I get sick during the 3-month waiting period?
Get private health insurance before you arrive, or within your first days in Quebec. An emergency room visit without coverage can cost over $1,000, and a hospital stay tens of thousands.
Some care remains free during the waiting period: pregnancy-related care, care for victims of domestic violence, and treatment of infectious diseases.
Which countries are exempt from the waiting period?
Quebec has signed social security agreements with several countries — notably France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden.
If you come from one of these countries, request the social security certificate in your home country before leaving — it's very difficult to obtain once you're here.
What if I lose my carte soleil?
Report the loss to RAMQ online or by phone at 1-800-561-9749. The replacement costs $12 and takes about 4 to 6 weeks.
In the meantime, you can use your eligibility letter with a photo ID to access care.
Does RAMQ cover care received outside Quebec?
Partially. RAMQ reimburses urgent care received in other Canadian provinces at its own rates, which are often below actual costs.
Abroad, reimbursement is very limited. For any travel outside Quebec, private travel insurance is strongly recommended.
10. Official sources
For official, up-to-date information:
You can also call RAMQ at 1-800-561-9749, toll-free in Quebec.
11. See also
These related guides may help you complete your first steps in Quebec:
- Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) — another essential document to obtain in your first weeks.
- Consulting a doctor in Quebec — how to find a family doctor and use the public network once your RAMQ card arrives.
- Pharmacies and prescriptions — how Quebec's drug insurance plan works, complementing RAMQ coverage.
Author's Note: The health insurance card is one of the first documents to request. It is free, but the waiting period can be long — start early and plan your private coverage for the first few months.
