Travel in Canada outside Quebec: Why purchase travel insurance?

What is the RAMQ coverage outside Quebec?

The Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) covers the same services across Canada as those offered in Quebec, at Quebec rates. For example, an Ontario physician may accept your Quebec health insurance card. However, they will be reimbursed at Quebec rates.

Good to know: A physician may refuse to bill the RAMQ if they consider the rates insufficient. In that case, you must pay the fees directly and submit a reimbursement claim to the RAMQ. Some costs may remain your responsibility. 

What are residual fees?

Residual fees are the amount you must pay to cover the difference between what is billed and what the RAMQ reimburses.

For example:

• A $200 medical consultation in Toronto (or in other Canadian provinces), while the Quebec rate is $50.
• Hospitalization costs capped at approximately $100 per day and $50 for outpatient care, while actual medical costs are higher elsewhere in Canada.

Without private insurance, you will have to cover these gaps out of pocket.

What the RAMQ does not cover outside Quebec

If a service is not covered under Quebec’s government health insurance plan, it will not be covered elsewhere in Canada either. This includes:

• Ambulance transport (if you are under 65)
• Ground or air repatriation transport
• A private or semi-private room
• Medications purchased outside Quebec
• Incidental expenses (crutch rental, in-room television, etc.)
• Emergency dental care or other professional services

These costs can be significant in an emergency. This is precisely why out-of-province travel insurance can be so valuable outside Quebec.

What does travel insurance cover?

Canada Travel Insurance complements RAMQ coverage by covering the costs that remain your responsibility.

It protects you against:

• The gap between Quebec rates and those billed elsewhere in Canada
• Costs not covered by the RAMQ (ambulance, repatriation, private room, etc.)
• Unexpected expenses related to emergency hospitalization

It also offers:

• Direct payment to health care facilities
• 24-hour assistance
• Care coordination and reimbursement processing

Depending on the coverage selected, you can also add:

• Trip cancellation or interruption (the “for any reason” option offered by CAA-Quebec, if the booking is made within 72 hours of purchasing the trip)
• Baggage protection

Coverage and conditions may vary from one insurance policy to another.

Comparison table: Medical services – RAMQ vs. private insurance

Group insurance and credit cards: Are you already covered?

It’s worth checking—you may already have coverage and won’t need to pay twice.

Group insurance: Most employer plans cover out-of-province travel. Check the duration and coverage limits.

Credit card insurance: Some cards include medical coverage for 15 to 31 days. Make sure the maximum amount is sufficient and that no pre-existing medical conditions are excluded.

How much does travel insurance cost in Canada?

Whether you book online or through a travel agency, the price varies based on risk factors such as:

• Your age
• Your health condition
• The length of your stay
• The province you are visiting

For example, Travel Insurance within Canada offered by CAA-Quebec includes products tailored to travel within the rest of Canada. The price can be up to 75% lower than that of international travel insurance.

What if you cross into the United States?

If your insurance covers Canada only, you must stay within the country. A simple detour into the United States, even for a few hours, could void your coverage. Think twice before changing the itinerary of your road trip.

FAQ – Out-of-province travel insurance in Canada

Q1 – Do I need insurance for a weekend in Toronto?

Yes. If a service is not covered in Quebec, it will not be covered elsewhere in Canada. This includes ambulance transport (if you are under 65), repatriation, a private or semi-private room, medications purchased outside Quebec, and certain incidental expenses (e.g., crutches, in-room television).

Q2 – Is my credit card insurance enough?

It may be, if the coverage amount is at least one million dollars, the full duration of your trip is covered, and you have no excluded pre-existing conditions.

Q3 – How do I submit a reimbursement claim to the RAMQ?

You must complete Form 1822 – Reimbursement request – Health care services received outside Quebec if you do not have private insurance. Only services covered by the RAMQ will be reimbursed.