Health Care

(Collectif Bienvenue, 2023h, 2023h; Gouvernement du Québec, 2022a, 2024c, 2024d, 2026a, 2026b; Jobin-Théberge & Bombardier, 2020b; Ordre des pharmaciens du Québec, s.d.; Services juridiques de Pointe-Saint-Charles et Petite-Bourgogne, 2017; TCRITable de concertation des organismes au service des personnes réfugiées et immigrantes , 2021; Ville de Sherbrooke, 2023e)

In Québec, the health care system is public and most care is available free of charge. Health professionals are well trained and the care is of good quality. However, there are sometimes long wait times to get some types of care, such as non-urgent surgery. This is true for everyone, including Canadian citizens.

• You have access to public health care coverage through the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHPInterim Federal Health Program ). See the corresponding section to find out more.
• You have access to public health care coverage through the Régie de l’assurance-maladie du Québec (RAMQRégie de l’assurance maladie du Québec ) and the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHPInterim Federal Health Program ). See the corresponding sections to find out more.
• Nurses have a wealth of knowledge and can offer a wide range of treatments. Some nurses can prescribe medication and refer you to specialists.
• Pharmacists have a wealth of knowledge, can offer you a pharmacy consultation and can prescribe some common medications. 
• It can be difficult to get an appointment at a clinic. See RAMQ IFHP to find out how to make an appointment. 
• If you are unable to make an appointment at a clinic, don’t hesitate to talk to your friends, counsellors, etc. These people can share ideas or other options to help you see the right health professional.
• You will not have a family doctor when you arrive in Canada. You must register on a waiting list: Québec Family Doctor Finder The wait times are several years. As a refugee claimant, you are not entitled to a family doctor.
• Dental care in Québec is offered at clinics that are not part of the public health care system. However, for some types of care, public coverage is available, including the IFHPInterim Federal Health Program . See Dental Health for more details. 

• Access to care: Your medical results will not influence your immigration status or your access to the care and services you need. For example, people living with HIVHuman immunodeficiency virus or hepatitis C are protected from discrimination in Québec. They have access to the necessary health services.
• Duty of confidentiality: Employees of the health and social services network are not allowed to share information about your health without your authorization, regardless of their job title. See Confidentiality in the Read This Information First section for more details.
• Access to an interpreter: If you do not speak English or French, the health institution can provide an interpreter. If possible, let the institution know in advance that you would like an interpreter. See Interpreters in the Read This Information First section for more details.
• Consent to care for people aged 14 and over: From the age of 14, young people can make their own appointments and attend medical consultations on their own. Young people must generally consent to care by themselves (including contraception). A person aged 14 or over can therefore ask to be alone (without the presence or the consent of their parents or guardian) when seeing a nurse, doctor or counsellor, for example, and can make their own decisions about their health care. 
• Abortion: Abortion is available and legal in Québec.

The Québec health care system works on referrals, prescriptions and renewals:

Every time you want to receive care, you must present:

• Your health insurance card Your Refugee Protection Claimant Document/Refugee Protection Identity Document (brown paper) or your Acknowledgement of Claim
• Your vaccination record, if you have one
• Your claim slip (“blue slip”), if you receive social assistance
• Your private health insurance information, if any

To get an appointment at a CLSCLocal community service centre or medical clinic:

(CERDACentre d’expertise sur le bien-être et l’état de santé physique des réfugiés et des demandeurs d’asile et al., 2023; Collectif Bienvenue, 2023h; Croix Bleue Medavie, 2016; IRCCImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada , 2023o, 2025l; Jobin-Théberge & Bombardier, 2020b; TCRITable de concertation des organismes au service des personnes réfugiées et immigrantes , 2021; Trosseille et al., 2019)

When you arrive in Québec, you must wait to receive your health insurance card before being covered by the RAMQRégie de l’assurance maladie du Québec . During this period, you are covered by another type of coverage called the IFHPInterim Federal Health Program .

Once you have received your RAMQRégie de l’assurance maladie du Québec health insurance card, and during your first year in Québec, you will still be covered by the IFHPInterim Federal Health Program for certain additional services. For example,  you have access to a psychologist, a physiotherapist, a dentist, an optometrist and mobility aids.

You will receive an IFHPInterim Federal Health Program eligibility document when you arrive at the airport. If you do not receive it, follow these instructions: Guide 5568 – Application for Interim Federal Health Program Coverage (IFHP) – Canada.ca.

Your host organization or sponsorship group will help you find specialists that accept the IFHPInterim Federal Health Program . If you are unable to find one, you may have to go to private clinics that do not accept the IFHPInterim Federal Health Program and pay for some types of care yourself.

As a refugee claimant, you are covered by the IFHPInterim Federal Health Program throughout the refugee claim process. You can use your Refugee Protection Claimant Document/Refugee Protection Identity Document or your Acknowledgement of Claim to have these services covered.

You are not covered by the RAMQRégie de l’assurance maladie du Québec , which is the public health insurance plan for most people in Québec. 

Only health professionals registered as IFHPInterim Federal Health Program providers with Medavie Blue Cross can provide you with  services free of charge. Health professionals who are not registered have the right to refuse you care or charge you for costs. A small minority of clinics accept the IFHPInterim Federal Health Program .

The IFHPInterim Federal Health Program is not always well understood by health professionals. You may have to explain what the IFHPInterim Federal Health Program is in some places and insist on receiving care. However, hospital emergency rooms are required to provide care.

If you have just arrived and have not received your health insurance card yet, follow these steps:

1. Consult a doctor or nurse for a prescription.
2. If you have a prescription for a drug or a refill, pick it up at a pharmacy.
3. Find a pharmacy that accepts the IFHPInterim Federal Health Program . It is best to call ahead to check.
4. Bring the following documents with you:

• Your prescription
• Your Refugee Protection Claimant Document/Refugee Protection Identity Document  or your Acknowledgement of Claim, mentioning that you are covered by the IFHPInterim Federal Health Program
• Your IFHPInterim Federal Health Program eligibility document

5. The vast majority of prescription drugs are covered. Your pharmacist can confirm whether your prescribed medication is covered.
   If the drug is not covered by the IFHPInterim Federal Health Program , the pharmacist can sometimes offer an equivalent drug. Otherwise, you will have to pay for the prescribed medication.
6. If the drug is covered by the IFHPInterim Federal Health Program :

(Croix Bleue Medavie, 2022; Régie de l’assurance maladie, s. d.-d)

This table is inspired by and adapted from the CERDACentre d’expertise sur le bien-être et l’état de santé physique des réfugiés et des demandeurs d’asile infographic “The IFHPInterim Federal Health Program : Important to Know,” CERDA: The IFHP: Important to Know

(CERDACentre d’expertise sur le bien-être et l’état de santé physique des réfugiés et des demandeurs d’asile , 2022; Cleveland, Hanley, Salamanca Cardona, Manuel, et al., 2021; Trosseille et al., 2019)

Many people arriving in Québec face major challenges. It is normal for the many difficulties associated with your migration experience (fleeing your home country, waiting and adjusting to a new one) to affect you. You may feel sad, stressed, distressed, depressed, tired, etc. You may also experience challenging things such as uncertainty, feeling like you are losing your connection to your culture of origin, loneliness, lower self-esteem, anger, etc. 

If these challenges are familiar to you, keep in mind that other people also experience these emotions and difficulties when they arrive in Québec. It is normal to react to obstacles and changes, experience challenging emotions and have negative thoughts after these events. Help is available.

If you feel the need to receive assistance and talk to someone about it, you can make an appointment with a professional. Just like there are physical health professionals, there are also professionals who specialize in mental health and well-being (psychologists, social workers, psychoeducators, therapists, psychiatrists, etc.).

Community organizations and your sponsorship group can help you obtain support services. The Info-Social phone line (811, option 2) can also direct you to the right services. In addition, some community groups offer specialized well-being and mental health support. You can also be accompanied to a doctor and/or CLSCLocal community service centre to get a referral or specialized care.

The IFHPInterim Federal Health Program covers the first 10 one-hour psychotherapy sessions if you have a referral from a doctor. You will then need to get a new referral from a doctor to extend your psychotherapy, and your psychologist or psychotherapist will need to ask Medavie Blue Cross for authorization.

Some types of care may be offered in the private sector. Make sure the professional accepts IFHPInterim Federal Health Program coverage or your private coverage.

(Croix Bleue Medavie, 2022a, 2024; Gouvernement du Canada, 2026; Régie de l’assurance-maladie, s.d.–f; Robert, 2015)

In Québec, most dental care is offered at private clinics. However, public coverage is available to receive some care free of charge or at a lower cost. 

The following public coverage is available:  

Some people may be eligible for more than one type of coverage at the same time. 

Each type of coverage has its own rules: who is eligible, what care is covered, how to register, etc. 

Read this section to check what types of coverage you are entitled to. 

RAMQRégie de l’assurance maladie du Québec dental coverage varies by age. Special coverage is available for children under 10.  If your child was born in Québec, they have access to the RAMQRégie de l’assurance maladie du Québec . 

It is up to the hospital or dental clinic to apply for reimbursement from the RAMQRégie de l’assurance maladie du Québec . Simply present your RAMQRégie de l’assurance maladie du Québec health insurance card at the reception desk of the hospital or dental clinic when you arrive for your appointment. 

For more information on how to register for the RAMQRégie de l’assurance maladie du Québec , see 4. RAMQ. see 6. Coverage for children

Like for other types of care, always check that your dentist is registered as an IFHPInterim Federal Health Program provider when you make an appointment. 

If pre-authorization is required for care, the clinic or hospital will take the necessary steps with the IFHPInterim Federal Health Program . In this case, it is normal to have to wait before receiving care. 

It is up to the dental clinic or hospital to apply for reimbursement. Do not pay for care covered by the IFHPInterim Federal Health Program yourself. Simply present your Refugee Protection Claimant Document/Refugee Protection Identity Document and provide your UCI number. You must only present your IFHPInterim Federal Health Program eligibility document. 

For more information on how the IFHPInterim Federal Health Program works, see 3. IFHP. see, 5. IFHP. 

The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a program that was launched in 2025. It allows people who are eligible to receive care at a lower cost. 

To be eligible for this coverage:  

• You must not have access to private dental insurance (for example, through your job). 

• You must have filed a tax return in Canada for the previous fiscal year. 

• If you have a spouse or common-law spouse, they must also have filed a tax return in Canada for the previous fiscal year. 

• The total annual income for you and your spouse or common-law spouse must not be more than $90,000. 

If you are eligible, you must register for the Plan to be able to use it. It is recommended that you register as soon as possible and not wait for an appointment or a dental emergency, since there will be a waiting period. 

Information to register: 

• Your SINSocial insurance number  (not required for children) 

• The list of types of coverage you are eligible for, like the IFHPInterim Federal Health Program  

• Your notice of assessment for your Canadian tax return for the previous fiscal year 

To register, use one of these options:  

After you register, you will receive a card in the mail proving that you are registered with the Plan. You must present this card at the clinic.  

Generally, the Plan only covers part of the cost of care. The amount you have to pay varies based on your income. To find out more, see: Canadian Dental Care Plan – What services are covered – Canada.ca 

It is up to the dental clinic to request reimbursement from the Plan. You should not pay for care covered by the Plan yourself. 

Different types of public coverage cover different types of care. This impacts what professionals can provide you with care and how much the care costs. If you are eligible for more than one type of coverage, they apply in a certain order. 

If the priority coverage does not cover the care you need, you must proceed to the next type of coverage.

The order of priority is: 

For example, a cleaning is not covered by the IFHPInterim Federal Health Program (or by the RAMQRégie de l’assurance maladie du Québec if your child has access to it). However, this care is covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan. This means that your dentist can make a claim under this coverage.

If your child has access to the RAMQRégie de l’assurance maladie du Québec , check first if the care is covered by the RAMQRégie de l’assurance maladie du Québec . If not, then check if the Canadian Dental Care Plan can cover it. 

For example, you need to fix a cavity that is hurting you. This care is not covered by the RAMQRégie de l’assurance maladie du Québec , but it is covered by the IFHPInterim Federal Health Program . This means that your dentist must make a claim under this coverage. If you no longer have access to the IFHPInterim Federal Health Program , your dentist must make a claim under the Canadian Dental Care Plan to cover this care. 

Another example: you want to get a cleaning. This is not covered by the RAMQRégie de l’assurance maladie du Québec or the IFHPInterim Federal Health Program , but it is covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan. This means that your dentist must make a claim under the Plan. 

The following table shows examples of care that is covered. Other care may also be covered. If in doubt, check with your dental clinic. 

If you are receiving social assistance, the specific coverage that applies to you is not included in this table. For more details, see 7.1.4. Coverage for people receiving social assistance. 

(AGIR Montréal, 2023; Collectif Bienvenue, 2023h; Éducaloi, 2023j; Rainbow Response Coalition et al., 2012)

(Croix Bleue Medavie, 2022b ; Fédération du Québec pour le planning des naissances, s.d.; Gouvernement du Québec, 2024e, 2025h) 

Reproductive health includes reproduction and fertility.

Many contraception options are available in Québec depending on your needs. Some options, like the oral contraceptive pill and the hormonal IUD, are covered by the IFHPInterim Federal Health Program . by the RAMQRégie de l’assurance maladie du Québec .  Other options, like the copper IUD and condoms, are not covered. 

You can consult these resources to find out more: 

To use a method of contraception that requires a prescription, or if you have questions, see a health professional. 

Services to use: 

• Pharmacy: Pharmacists can prescribe some hormonal methods of contraception. You can generally make an appointment over the phone or through a pharmacy’s website. Check that the pharmacy is registered as an IFHPInterim Federal Health Program provider first. 

• Medical clinic: 
  • Call 811 and select option 3 to access the Primary Care Access Point. Tell them that you are a refugee claimant and have no RAMQRégie de l’assurance maladie du Québec health insurance card, so you are unable to get on the waiting list for a family doctor. 
  • Use the Clic Santé platform to make an appointment. 

Emergency contraception is used to avoid pregnancy after unprotected or inadequately protected sex (for example, if the condom breaks).  

The most common method is the “morning-after pill.” It can be taken orally up to five days after sex, but is more effective if taken sooner. 

The price of the medication is covered by the RAMQRégie de l’assurance maladie du Québec . by the IFHPInterim Federal Health Program .  

Services to use: 

• Pharmacy with or without an appointment: You can generally make an appointment over the phone or through a pharmacy’s website. Check that the pharmacy is registered as an IFHPInterim Federal Health Program provider first. 

If you are pregnant, you have three options: 

• Continue with your pregnancy
• Continue with your pregnancy and place the child for adoption
• End your pregnancy (abortion) 

In Canada, from the age of 14, only the pregnant person can decide to continue with or end their pregnancy.

If you are unsure what decision to make, you can consult reliable and non-judgmental resources: 

Abortion is legal and available in Québec at any stage of pregnancy. The cost is covered by the RAMQRégie de l’assurance maladie du Québec . by the IFHPInterim Federal Health Program . 

For more information about resources to use during pregnancy, see the relevant point in 2.2. Services based on your needs.  

Fertility treatments are not covered by the IFHPInterim Federal Health Program .

Costs can be very high without medical coverage.  

To find out more about medically assisted reproduction services in Québec: How to receive medically assisted reproduction services | Government of Québec 

If you are experiencing fertility issues, you can consult health professionals.

The RAMQRégie de l’assurance maladie du Québec covers fertility-related care under certain criteria, for example through its Medically Assisted Reproduction Program. A medical referral is required to access it. 

To find out more, see: Medically assisted reproduction program | Government of Québec 

(Gouvernement du Québec, 2025i; Info-aide violence sexuelle, s.d.; Ordre professionnel des sexologues du Québec, s.d.; World Health Organization, s.d.) 

Sexual health includes the physical and psychological elements of sexuality. If you have questions or concerns about your sexual health, health professionals can help you or direct you to the right resources. 

For example, in Québec, sexologists are specialized professionals who can help you improve or maintain your sexual health. They can assess your situation and provide or recommend interventions or treatments. Their services are not covered by the IFHPInterim Federal Health Program or the RAMQRégie de l’assurance maladie du Québec . To find a sexologist in private practice, see the Ordre professionnel des sexologues du Québec directory: https://www.opsq.org/fr/trouver-votre-sexologue/organization [in French] 

Sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) can be transmitted: 

• During sex without physical protection (for example, a condom or dental dam) 
• Through contact with blood 
• From mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth  

Some people with STBBIsSexually transmitted and blood-borne infections do not show any symptoms. Getting screened is the only reliable way to detect an STBBI, receive treatment, prevent complications and avoid transmitting the infection. It is confidential, simple and quick. 

From the age of 14, it is possible to have a screening test, get the results and be treated without informing the parents.

Screening services are covered by the RAMQRégie de l’assurance maladie du Québec . by the IFHPInterim Federal Health Program .  

To find out more about STBBIsSexually transmitted and blood-borne infections and screenings: Transmission of sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) | Government of Québec 

To make a screening appointment: 

• Call 811 and select option 3 to access the Primary Care Access Point. Tell them that you are a refugee claimant and have no RAMQRégie de l’assurance maladie du Québec health insurance card, so you are unable to get on the waiting list for a family doctor.  

• Use the Clic Santé online platform. 

If you have experienced sexual violence, you can ask a community counsellor, a health professional and/or the police for help. 

To talk to health professionals trained to support people who have experienced sexual violence, call 811 to be directed to the right resources. 

For additional information and exercises on many aspects of this Carnets de route section, see the “Health” chapter, pages 93 to 106, of the Canadian Orientation Abroad “Participant’s Workbook”.

You can also listen to the “O Canada – Conversations Dialogue” audio guide and download the “O Canada” application.