Quebec Extends Healthcare Coverage for Temporary Foreign Workers and Students

The Régie de l’assurance maladie du Quebec (RAMQ) has announced that it will continue to provide healthcare coverage to temporary foreign workers and students residing in the province, as well as that of the persons accompanying them, until further notice.

Special measures taken by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have resulted in delays in the processing of status renewal applications, especially for students and temporary foreign workers, leaving them in a vulnerable situation. 

As such, Quebec has agreed to adapt its healthcare coverage for the extenuating circumstances.

Temporary workers are currently allowed to remain in Canada under implied status while they wait for their renewal applications to be processed. Many international students are also in the process of extending their status. However, these foreign nationals would typically be receiving healthcare coverage from their employer or a private insurer, which would no longer apply if their status has expired. 

Having implied status allows individuals to remain in the country, but in Quebec those with implied status are not automatically covered by the provincial healthcare system. The RAMQ has agreed to make exceptions considering the current circumstances, and is extending healthcare coverage for 6 months to these vulnerable groups of people and their accompanying family members.

This measure is limited to those who were previously covered by the RAMQ.

In order to receive extended coverage, foreign nationals must contact the RAMQ and request an extension form. The form must be completed and sent back to the RAMQ along with a copy of the previous work permit and a letter from the IRCC confirming that the individual has applied to extend their status. 

If you’re interested in learning more about your Quebec immigration options at this time, contact us and a member of our team will be happy to guide you through the process.