Quebec and RAMQ

We decided we'd like to create a blog to help people who are moving to Canada but more specifically Quebec, as it's basically a different country than Canada.

We arrived in Canada with a baby on the way! One of first lessons learned: you have to wait 3 months to get into Regie de l'assurance maladie, RAMQ,  the Quebec medical system. I am not entirely sure of the different ways to get into the system but we came into Canada on a temporary work permit. We took our work permits to the RAMQ office in Montreal, took a number (like everything in Canada) and waited to submit our application.

2 tips about RAMQ:
1. If you are pregnant you do not have to wait 3 months and are able to get healthcare immediately.  In my case, I came to Quebec 27 weeks pregnant. You have to show all health care services your RAMQ letter which they give you on the day you sign up for RAMQ. Don't loose that letter!

2. And the major tip: If you can come to Quebec and sign up for RAMQ as close as possible to the end of a month, this counts as one of your 3 months to wait to receive care. For instance, if you sign up for RAMQ on the 25 of March, the month of March will count as one of your 3 months. So you will receive healthcare and a RAMQ card in June.