RAMQ covers essential medical care in Quebec. Private (or supplemental) health insurance can cover part of what RAMQ does not reimburse.
What RAMQ covers
- Medical consultations: family doctor, emergency room, specialists (by referral)
- Hospitalization: standard ward room, nursing care
- Certain medications: through the public prescription drug insurance plan (RGAM), for people without group coverage
- Certain tests: laboratory analyses and imaging tests when medically required
What RAMQ generally does not cover
- Dental care: cleanings, fillings, crowns, orthodontics (except surgical exceptions; RAMQ covers some care for children under 10, but not cleanings)
- Brand-name drugs when a generic exists: RAMQ reimburses at the lowest price; you pay the difference
- Physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy: not covered in private clinics; available only in the public network (hospital, CLSC), often with a wait
- Psychologists: not reimbursed by RAMQ (unlike psychiatrists)
- Vision care: exams and glasses/lenses for adults aged 18 to 64
- Ambulance: billed ($125 plus $1.75/km), except exemptions such as age 65 and over
What private health insurance can cover
Supplemental insurance fills RAMQ gaps depending on the plan chosen:
- Medications: reimbursement of a portion of prescription medications, including brand-name drugs
- Dental care: preventive (cleaning), restorative (fillings, crowns), sometimes orthodontics
- Paramedical: physiotherapy, massage therapy, chiropractic, naturopathy, psychology, occupational therapy
- Vision care: exams, frames, contact lenses or laser surgery (depending on the plan)
- Semi-private or private room: if you prefer privacy
Does private insurance replace RAMQ?
No. RAMQ remains your basic coverage for essential medical care. Private insurance supplements it. It does not replace it.
If you do not have an employer group plan, supplemental insurance can help you better manage your predictable health expenses.
To learn more
Supplemental Health and Dental Insurance →
Call our advisors to compare available options for your profile: (514) 500-7220.