RAMQ and Travel: How Many Days Can You Leave Quebec Without Losing Health Insurance Coverage?
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What Is RAMQ Coverage When You Leave Quebec?
Does the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) cover medical expenses when you travel outside the province? Yes, but RAMQ only reimburses care that is covered in Quebec and at Quebec rates.
Therefore, obtaining emergency medical care insurance is highly recommended. Medical bills are usually much higher elsewhere!
Even a trip from one province to another involves costs RAMQ does not fully reimburse: see our guide to staying properly insured while travelling across Canada.
In fact, the insurance company you have will request a reimbursement of part of the costs from RAMQ and will pay the difference. The latter can represent several thousand dollars.
Many credit cards come with excellent insurance. Then, most of them are valid simply by being a card holder.
Why Take Out Travel Insurance in Addition to RAMQ Coverage?
Once you’ve made sure you’re covered by RAMQ, it’s time to get travel insurance so you’re covered abroad.
Although some credit cards offer this type of insurance, the duration and conditions do not necessarily meet the personalized needs of each individual; this is the case for snowbirds who need long-term coverage. Therefore, it is necessary to turn to insurers like soNomad, which offer affordable and practical insurance. Read our guide on soNomad to learn how to quickly get an online quote and save for your next trip.
Do you have family or friends visiting Canada who do not have access to RAMQ? soNomad also offers affordable and practical insurance for these individuals, as well as for foreign workers and students.
How Many Days Can You Be Away From Quebec Without Losing RAMQ Coverage?
How Does the 183-Day Rule per Calendar Year Work?
Contrary to popular belief, the RAMQ does not cover all Quebecers. Indeed, to maintain RAMQ eligibility, an individual cannot be absent from Quebec for more than 183 days in a calendar year (i.e., from January 1 to December 31).
The total of these 183 days can be reached in one or more absences from Quebec.
The RAMQ has set up an absence calculator on its website.
Furthermore, RAMQ may retroactively claim all care received in Quebec should you lose your eligibility for the calendar year concerned.
So that includes all treatments, even those you had before you left on your trip!
We are not used to seeing hospital statements, but they can run into the thousands of dollars very quickly.
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Exceptions to RAMQ’s 183-Day Rule
Sabbatical year, studies, work, or hospitalization abroad
Certain situations allow for exemption from this regulation.
If you are unable to return to Quebec due to a prolonged hospitalization, you will retain your eligibility for RAMQ coverage. The latter will ask you to provide a medical certificate.
Then, every seven years, you can waive the attendance rule without consequence, regardless of the reason for the trip. To benefit from the sabbatical year, you must inform RAMQ.
Finally, when you leave Quebec for reasons related to studies, internships, or work, you remain covered. Depending on the situation, various supporting documents will be required.
In all cases, you must notify the RAMQ of your absence in order to get the forms to fill.
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Tips for Traveling Longer While Keeping RAMQ Coverage
For those who want to go for a long time, try to spread your trip over two different calendar years.
Here is an example: travel from October 1, 2026, to April 30, 2027 (92 days in 2026 + 120 days in 2027 for a total of 212 days)
Finally, here’s what to remember to travel longer than 183 days in a year without losing RAMQ: stays of less than 21 consecutive days are not counted, and departure and return dates do not count either.
So, you can also take several short trips without any problem, or even travel for several months at a time, as long as it does not exceed 183 cumulative days (more than six months abroad) after removing stays of 21 days or less and departure and return dates.
Bottom Line
Complying with RAMQ rules before a trip is essential to avoid losing coverage and incurring significant medical expenses. By combining appropriate travel insurance and good planning for stays outside Quebec, it is possible to travel for extended periods while remaining protected.
How long can you leave or stay outside Canada without losing RAMQ coverage?
You can stay outside Canada for up to 183 cumulative days per year without losing your RAMQ eligibility. However, this does not include stays of 21 consecutive days or less, or departure and return dates.
What is not covered by travel health insurance?
When travelling abroad, it is absolutely essential to have emergency medical care insurance to obtain coverage in case of an incident.
Outside the province of Quebec but elsewhere in Canada, the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) only covers medical expenses for care that is normally insured in Quebec and at Quebec rates.
What happens with RAMQ if one exceeds 183 days outside Quebec?
Exceeding this limit may result in the loss of RAMQ eligibility for the year concerned. In some cases, the board may even retroactively claim reimbursement for care received in Quebec.
Are there exceptions to the RAMQ 183-day rule?
Yes, certain situations such as studies, work abroad, prolonged hospitalization, or the sabbatical year allow for coverage to be maintained. Supporting documents and prior notice to RAMQ are generally required.
How to travel for extended periods while keeping your Quebec health insurance?
It is possible to spread a long trip over two calendar years or to take multiple short stays to remain within the permitted limit. Informing RAMQ of your absence and obtaining appropriate travel insurance remains essential to be well protected.
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