Have you just arrived in Quebec under an employment contract, a WHV, for a long-term vacation or studies? You are not immune to a health problem and it is important to know what to do if you need to see a doctor.
Find out how to quickly find a medical appointment and learn more about ELNA clinics that offer services tailored to temporary residents and tourists.
- Health insurance plan
- Emergency appointments
- Consultations, follow-ups and health check-ups
- Make an appointment
Healthcare reimbursement for newcomers
In Quebec, some health care may be reimbursed by the provincial health insurance plan (known as the RAMQ in French). Foreign workers or tourists are not eligible for RAMQ before a period of 3 months on the territory, sometimes longer in some cases. Eligibility conditions may apply, please consult the RAMQ website for more information.
Before obtaining your health insurance card, it is therefore recommended that you use private insurance. This will allow you to get reimbursement for your health care, including for emergencies such as hospitalization.
Getting an emergency medical appointment
Immediate emergency
If you or a loved one is in an immediate emergency such as a serious injury, malaise, difficulty breathing or a situation that requires hospitalization, please call the emergency services at 911.
Minor emergency
Some minor emergencies require prompt medical attention but are not life-threatening. This can be a slight injury, flu-like symptoms, gastroenteritis or even mild pain. In this case, you can see a family doctor for immediate care.
Consultations and medical follow-up
Other medical situations are not an emergency but may require an appointment with a doctor :
- Health check-up: You can have a check-up to detect health problems early and receive tailored advice to maintain your overall well-being.
- Regular follow-up: Whether it’s for a chronic illness, mental health, allergies, sleep or weight loss, regular follow-up by a health professional can be useful. Your doctor may also refer you to a specialist.
- Vaccination: It is important to be up to date with your vaccinations to protect yourself against certain diseases and those around you, whether for children or adults.
- Screening for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Regular screening is essential to maintain your sexual health and that of your partners. Most medical clinics offer rapid and confidential testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and other STIs.
- Referral to specialists: A doctor can refer you to a specialist or another medical service such as dermatology, gynecology, psychiatry, laboratory analysis and many others.
These consultations, while non-urgent, play a key role in preventing and managing your long-term health. Do not hesitate to make an appointment to ensure a continuous follow-up adapted to your needs.
Quick appointment with a doctor in Montreal
Whether it’s for a minor emergency or a consultation, the ELNA Medical network provides health care without waiting times in the Montreal area. Our family doctors, specialists and nurses offer personalized private services at our clinics near downtown Montreal:
- Quick and easy appointment booking by e-mail or phone.
- Same-day appointment for your urgent needs.
- Services adapted to expatriates, temporary workers, tourists and other newcomers to Quebec.
- Services not covered by RAMQ but by certain private insurances.
Book an appointment
See all our private clinics in the Montreal area.
