Having private health insurance in Montreal is far from being a luxury, whether you are a tourist or an expatriate.
Although the city is attractive and gets the attention of many expats, getting medical care can sometimes be complicated and costly.
Expats in Montreal: Insurance Is Highly Recommended
Without Insurance, Health Care Is Expensive
It is strongly recommended to take out private medical insurance in Montreal, even if the quality of public care in the city is excellent.
In the case of PVT participants, it is even a legal obligation.
For tourists, it is essential because they do not have any health coverage in Montreal. Any assistance needed would be entirely at their expense. And the prices are high! Count about:
- 100$ to see a general practitioner
- 200$ for a specialist
- 1500$ for a night in a hospital.
Expatriates Benefit From the Public Health Insurance in Montreal
Some expats can get access to the local health insurance system (RAMQ), depending on their country of origin. This system covers employees, students, interns, and retirees.
It covers a wide range of benefits such as:
- Consultations
- Diagnosis
- Hospitalization
- Prescription drugs (with a deductible).
It is an interesting coverage, but insufficient for a foreigner. It’s highly recommended to subscribe to private health insurance in Montreal to get more complete assistance.
Why Take Out Private Health Insurance in Montreal?
Finding a Doctor in Montreal Is Not Always Easy
There are not a lot of general practitioners in the city and many of them do not take new patients. This forces you to book an appointment with a specialist. And again, there are often not enough of them
Another option is to visit a Walk-in-Clinic. It’s a kind of dispensary that allows you to consult without an appointment. But they normally have very long waiting lines.
So in Montreal, insurance not only covers your expenses. It also grants you that you will find a doctor.
Foreigners in Montreal: Insurance Covers Essential Services
In any case, taking out private medical insurance in Montreal allows you to benefit from adequate reimbursements.
No matter if you do it as your primary insurance or as a complement to the local one.
It also covers essential benefits that the RAMQ does not cover, such as:
- Repatriation, an indispensable guarantee for all foreigners
- Hospitalization
- Routine care.
Finding an Insurance Broker in Montreal and Choosing a Policy
Why You Should Choose a Company From Your Country
Choosing an international insurance company from your country is the most advantageous solution.
It is the guarantee of benefiting from a company that has experience dealing with expats.
They also have extensive partnerships with local health care networks. And they also offer you contracts that are easy to manage, in English. As well as English-speaking assistance services that are easy to reach and responsive.
Choosing an international insurance broker in Montreal also allows you to add specific guarantees.
For example, protection of airline tickets or luggage, and coverage outside of Canada. Particularly in the event of a stay in the United States.
1st Dollar Policies for Montreal: Insurance Adapted to Each Individual
Among the private medical insurance solutions available in Montreal, we find the so-called 1st dollar contracts. They have a good quality-price ratio and they offer great flexibility.
Health expenses are reimbursed from the first dollar spent, and it is possible to choose from a wide range of short or long-term contracts.
On the other hand, a medical questionnaire is required at the time of enrollment. And may lead to an increase in premiums or exclusions from coverage in the event of medical pre-existing conditions. This is the main flaw of these offers.
Social Security and Its Complementary Policies
Depending on your country of origin, you might be able to keep affiliated to your national Social Security (if available).
This health insurance in Montreal does not require a medical questionnaire. This makes it an attractive solution for people with a history of chronic diseases.
But, besides that, it is not very advantageous. Its guarantees are basic, repatriation is not covered and its reimbursements are calculated according to the cost of care in your country.
It is necessary to subscribe to a complementary plan to benefit from more complete reimbursements and guarantees.
This increases the overall fee and can lead to additional steps when assistance is needed.
