For Whom? – Children

Children whose parents are covered by a private plan benefit from their parents' coverage until their 18th birthday.

Please note that if a child's parents do not share the same domicile and one of them is eligible for a private plan, that parent must obtain coverage for the child under that plan, whether or not he/she lives with the parent. If both the father and mother are registered for the public plan, the child's coverage is provided by the Régie.

If one of the parents is registered for the public plan and becomes the spouse of a person eligible for a private plan, that parent must be covered by that private plan, as must the parent's child if he/she is domiciled with the couple.

Age 18 to 25

From age 18 to 25 inclusive, children may remain covered by a private plan through their parents if they meet the following conditions:

• they are full-time students;
• they do not have a spouse;
• they are domiciled with their parents.

Generally speaking, when the child turns 18, the insurer automatically extends the child's coverage. However, the insurer may require certain documents proving that the child is a full-time student (for example, an official attestation from an educational institution).

If, between ages 18 and 25, the child ceases to meet either of the above conditions, even temporarily, the child's parents must notify the insurer. In most such cases, the insurer will terminate the child's coverage.

Children who cease to be covered by their parents' plan
(at age 18, age 26, or between these ages)

Children who cease to be covered by their parents' plan must determine whether they are eligible for a private plan. If they are, they must join that plan. If they are not, they must register for the public plan, administered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec.