Is travel insurance really necessary? Doesn the RAMQ cover medical costs?
Medical insurance is essential the moment you leave Québec. The Canada Health Act requires the Régime de l’assurance maladie du Québec to cover your medical costs in Québec, however not outside of the province. In fact the RAMQ only covers a small portion of medical or hospital costs incurred outside of Québec, such as $50 for a medical consultation and $100 a day for hospitalization. Because medical costs are higher elsewhere – particularly in the United States – without travel insurance, your financial security is at risk. Click here for sample foreign medical costs. Additional costs not covered by RAMQ: If you are sick or injured while you are away, travel insurance can cover: • Accommodation costs and meals for your spouse or travel companion. • Transportation costs if your return is delayed due to accident or illness. • Cost of medical evacuation, by land or air ambulance, or by commercial flight. • Repatriation costs for children if you are hospitalized. • Transportation costs to
