Social security agreements with other countries
Québec has concluded social security agreements with certain countries. You could benefit from such an agreement if you are a native of a signatory country. In general, the agreement applies when you take up residence in Québec permanently or during a temporary stay to work, study or undergo training. However, you have to take certain steps to be covered under such an agreement.
Signatory countries
- Belgium
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Greece
- Luxembourg
- Norway
- Portugal
- Romania
- Sweden
Purposes of health insurance agreements
- Allow Quebeckers to benefit from social security in a signatory country when they spend time temporarily or take up residence there
- Afford health insurance coverage under the Québec Health Insurance Plan to natives of signatory countries when they spend time temporarily or take up residence in Québec
- Avoid having these persons being subjected to a waiting period before they become insured and eligible for covered services (according to the conditions set out by the host country)
Arriving in Québec from a signatory country
You must attach certain documents to your health insurance registration form in order to qualify for health services in Québec from the day of your arrival. Your spouse Spouse
Two persons (of the opposite sex or the same sex) are considered spouses if they are: (1) married and have entered into a civil union (2) have been living together for 12 months (separations of less than 90 days do not interrupt the 12-month period) (3) are living together (regardless of for how long) and together have had or have adopted a child. and dependants accompanying you must also do the same. If an original document is required, you may replace it with a certified true copy Certified true copy
Not just a copy, but a copy of an original document that is certified true by a competent authority (i.e. the organization that issued the original document). from the issuing organization. For more on registration, refer to the webpage Registration.
Person staying in Québec temporarily
From the following list, select the situation corresponding to your own to find out which documents to provide:
If you are in Québec as a temporary worker, including a salaried postdoctoral researcher, you must attach to your registration form the following documents:
- Proof of insurance, or a certificate of affiliation with the health plan of your country of origin
- The original of your employment authorization issued by the Canadian immigration authorities
The name of the employer and location of work must be indicated.
If you are a detached worker Detached worker
Workers carrying out activities in a different country than the one where their employer is located. They remain subject to their employer. in Québec temporarily, you must attach to your registration form the following documents:
- Certificate of coverage issued by the organization administering the social security plan with which you are affiliated
- The original of your employment authorization issued by the Canadian immigration authorities
The name of the employer and location of work must be indicated.
If you are in Québec temporarily to pursue studies, you must attach to your registration form the following documents:
- Proof of insurance, or a certificate of affiliation with the health plan of your country of origin:
- Your Québec acceptance certificate
- An attestation of full-time enrolment at a college- or university-level educational institution recognized by the Ministère de l'Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur.
N.B. for French students: If you are enroled at the vocational level, you must attach an attestation of full-time enrolment in a vocational educational institution.
You can be registered for the Health Insurance Plan and benefit from the provisions of a social security agreement. However, your name must appear on the proof of insurance, certificate of affiliation with the health plan of the country of origin or certificate of coverage submitted to RAMQ by the worker or student you are accompanying. Spouses and dependants must attach to their registration form the originals of documents issued by the Canadian immigration authorities.
If you are a French worker or student temporarily in Québec, please refer to the health protection information note corresponding to your situation:
Taking up residence in Canada
In addition to the required proof-of-identity documents, you must attach to your registration form a proof of insurance or a certificate of affiliation with the social security plan of your country of origin.
To find out what document to provide, contact your country's social security organization. Alternatively, you can call us or visit our Québec or Montréal reception desk. We will tell you which document you need to provide depending on your situation.
Documents that have to be translated
You must have any document in a language other than French and English translated at your cost. We accept translations made by members or the following organizations:
Other components of the agreements
Social security agreements have other health insurance components, and they all include a component regarding benefits. Some contain provisions concerning industrial accidents and occupational diseases. To find out more, refer to the websites of Retraite Québec
and the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail.
The full texts of the social security agreements are available on the website of the Ministère des Relations internationales et de la Francophonie.