Foreign worker insurance: frequently asked questions
RAMQ waiting period, work permits, family coverage, protection between arrival and provincial eligibility. Answers to questions from foreign workers in Canada.
A foreign worker in Quebec often has to wait before becoming eligible for RAMQ, and that waiting period varies with the country of origin and the type of permit.
Here is how to cover that gap, what applies to a spouse and children, and what to check if your employer already offers a plan.
Does a foreign worker need medical insurance in Canada?
Yes, in many situations. Even if you have a valid work permit, you are not always immediately covered by the public health plan of the province where you work. Private insurance protects you against emergency medical expenses, hospitalization and certain necessary care during this period.
In Quebec, the RAMQ indicates that eligible people arriving from another country usually have a waiting period of up to 3 months, and recommends getting private insurance as soon as you arrive.
When should I purchase my insurance?
Ideally, before your arrival in Canada or before the start of your period without provincial coverage. This avoids an uninsured period in the event of an accident, sudden illness or urgent medical consultation.
If you are already in Canada, you can still request a quote. An advisor can check the available options based on your arrival date, your province, your age and the length of your stay.
Does my employer have to pay for my insurance?
In many cases, yes. For temporary foreign workers hired under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, the Government of Canada states that the employer must obtain and pay for private insurance covering emergency medical care until the worker becomes eligible for provincial or territorial health insurance. The employer cannot deduct this cost from your pay.
Some exceptions may apply depending on the program, the province or the type of permit. Protecto can help you understand the type of protection to plan for.
Does the RAMQ cover foreign workers in Quebec?
Some foreign workers may be eligible for the RAMQ, particularly those who hold an eligible work permit valid for more than 6 months and who meet the presence requirements in Quebec. The RAMQ also specifies that ineligible people must pay for their own health care and services.
Even if you are eligible, coverage does not always begin immediately. Private insurance may therefore be necessary during the waiting period or if your eligibility is uncertain.
What is covered by foreign worker insurance?
Protections may vary depending on the insurer and the chosen plan, but they generally target unexpected medical emergencies during your stay in Canada. This may include emergency medical consultations, hospitalization, necessary examinations, care following an accident or sudden illness, as well as certain medications prescribed after a covered emergency.
Protections generally include emergency medical coverage, prescription medications related to a covered emergency, protection during the provincial waiting period and options for the family.
Can my family also be insured?
Yes, in many cases. If your spouse or children accompany you to Canada, it may be possible to add them to a family plan or to offer them suitable individual coverage.
In Quebec, the RAMQ indicates that each family member staying in Quebec must submit their own registration application and provide their own documents. Private insurance can therefore be useful to avoid a period without protection for each family member.
What coverage duration should I choose?
The duration depends on your situation. If you are eligible for a provincial plan after a waiting period, a few months of coverage may be enough. If your permit is short-term, if your eligibility is uncertain or if you are not covered by your employer, it may be better to choose insurance for the entire duration of your stay.
An advisor can help you choose a duration aligned with your work permit, your arrival date and your province of residence.
Does the insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
It depends on the plan, your age, your health and the medical stability conditions required by the insurer. Some protections may cover pre-existing conditions if they have been stable for a specified period, while others may exclude them.
Before subscribing, it is important to answer the medical questions correctly and to check the exclusions in the contract. Protecto can help you compare the available options based on your profile.
I am hiring a foreign worker. When do they need private medical insurance?
From the day they land in Canada. In Quebec, RAMQ generally applies a waiting period of up to three months, and some short-term permits never give access to the public plan at all. During that time, medical care and hospitalization are paid by the person or the company.
We check the permit type with you before setting the term, and the policy can be issued before departure so it takes effect the day they arrive.
Can the family coming with my employee be covered?
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