International Student Health Insurance in Quebec

Keep coverage in place throughout your studies

International students in Quebec must maintain valid health and hospitalization insurance throughout their study stay, including appropriate protection for accompanying family members. Requirements depend on your institution and your eligibility for RAMQ.

Start with the coverage required by your school and immigration documents. A privately purchased policy does not automatically replace an institution’s mandatory group insurance.

RAMQ and reciprocal agreements

Quebec has social security agreements with Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Serbia and Sweden. Eligibility depends on the particular agreement and your circumstances, not nationality alone.

Before departure, obtain the applicable proof of affiliation from your home social security authority. Apply to RAMQ with the required documents, which may include that certificate, your CAQ, study permit and proof of full-time enrolment. Ask RAMQ to confirm your effective date and whether a waiting period applies.

RAMQ covers eligible medical and hospital services. Routine dental and vision care are generally not covered; prescription drug eligibility differs by agreement. Do not rely on RAMQ alone for travel outside Quebec. Accompanying family members need their own eligibility assessment.

Universities and cégeps

Universities commonly enrol international students in mandatory private group plans. Université Laval, for example, uses a Desjardins plan. Other institutions may use different insurers, benefits, premiums and exemption rules.

RAMQ-eligible students may request an exemption with proof of coverage before their institution’s deadline. Do not cancel group coverage until the exemption is approved. A foreign or individually purchased policy may not be accepted as a substitute.

Cégeps also generally require group health and hospitalization coverage for students who are not RAMQ-eligible. Check the international student office’s rules, coverage dates and renewal arrangements.

Private colleges and accompanying family

At private institutions such as Collège LaSalle, confirm whether you must join the college plan or may submit an equivalent private policy for approval. Rules are institution-specific.

A student-only group plan may exclude a spouse and children. Consider RAMQ where eligible, international student family options or visitors-to-Canada insurance. Some children may qualify for RAMQ independently; confirm directly.

Where Travelance can fit

Travelance’s Intelligent and Intelligent-Plus student plans may help with eligible gaps or family coverage. Benefits, maternity provisions, dental limits and stable pre-existing-condition options vary by plan and are subject to eligibility, waiting periods and exclusions.

Private coverage can serve as a primary plan only when the institution accepts it. It is not a blanket replacement for RAMQ or compulsory group insurance. Check how policies coordinate benefits before buying overlapping coverage.

Your enrolment checklist

Confirm RAMQ eligibility and your school’s mandatory plan. Check arrival dates, term breaks and any gap before or after studies. Obtain written approval for an exemption or replacement.

Review prescription drugs, dental care, vision, mental health, maternity and travel benefits. Arrange coverage for every accompanying family member. Keep proof of insurance available and confirm current requirements with RAMQ and your institution.