Healthcare system
Learn about the Québec healthcare system and the resources available to international students so you can access the right care easily during your stay.
Health and hospitalization insurance
You and everyone with you must have valid health and hospitalization insurance the entire time you are in Canada.
- Visit the Immigration section to learn about enrolling in the health and hospitalization insurance plan as an international student.
- Carefully read your insurance information packets and brochures so you can fully understand your plan and what it covers.
- Visit the Private health insurance page to find out when you might need private health and hospitalization insurance.
Getting healthcare
In Québec, whether you see a doctor at a medical clinic or in a hospital will depend on the severity of your health issue.
- If you do not require immediate medical attention, it is best to visit a medical clinic or see a specialist at a pharmacy.
- If you or someone you know needs immediate medical care, go to the emergency room at the nearest hospital. If you or the person cannot move, call 9-1-1 to have an ambulance dispatched to you. Note that there is a fee for taking an ambulance, even if you have RAMQ coverage.
Info-Santé
If you are worried about your own or a loved one’s health, or if you are unsure whether you need to go to an emergency room, call the Info-Santé hotline. Qualified nurses will give advice or point you to the appropriate resources. This service is free and available 24/7.
Info-Santé
Dial 8-1-1
Hospitals and emergency rooms
Call 9-1-1 if there is an emergency. If an ambulance is sent, you will be charged even if you have RAMQ coverage.
This page has a list of the hospitals available in case of a major emergency. In Québec City, the following emergency rooms are open 24/7:
- CHUL
- Hôpital de l’Enfant-Jésus
- Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement
- Hôpital Saint-François d’Assise
- Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec
- L’Hôtel-Dieu de Québec
Telemedicine
If you have Alumo (ASEQ) insurance, you also have access to AlloDoc!, a telemedicine (virtual healthcare) service. For more information, check your insurance or contact your student association (CADEUL or AELIÉS).
The Desjardins Insurance policy also includes a telemedicine service. Learn more and register at the links below.
Medical clinics
If your medical condition is not an emergency, you should go to a medical clinic. Your options may vary depending on your health and hospitalization insurance coverage.
Note that appointment and administrative fees may apply. We recommend contacting the clinic for rates before you make an appointment. Your insurance may reimburse you for these costs if they are covered.
La Cité médicale – Public section
Place de la Cité, 2nd floor
2600 Laurier Blvd., suite 295
418 781-0480
lacitemedicale.com (website in French only)
For walk-in visits: You must get to the clinic as soon as it opens, if not before. If you have RAMQ (Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec) coverage, you can make an appointment through an online platform. A file opening fee may apply.
Patients who are covered by the RAMQ can see medical professionals at various clinics.
Private medical clinics are an alternative to the public healthcare system. They charge fees for regular and emergency care. Your health insurance should generally reimburse you for those fees, under certain conditions. However, administrative fees are not covered.
There are several private medical clinics near Université Laval.
Other healthcare professionals
Before you see a non-medical healthcare professional (like an acupuncturist, physiotherapist, chiropractor, psychologist, sexologist, or optometrist), make sure that their services are covered by your insurance or that you can afford to pay for them out of pocket. These appointments can be quite costly.
To learn which coverage you need to see each professional, see the “Coverage at a glance” section of the page on enrolling in health and hospitalization insurance for international students.
To learn more about the healthcare covered by Alumo (ASEQ), including vision care, please visit their website.
In addition to dispensing medications, pharmacists in Québec can offer consultations, diagnose minor medical issues, prescribe certain medications, and give vaccinations. If you have minor concerns about your health, need a prescription refilled, or need to manage a pre-existing condition, please contact your pharmacy for assistance. Fees may apply.
There are several pharmacies located near the campus. Brunet, Familiprix, and Jean Coutu are some of the most common chains in Québec.
In Québec, mental health is defined as a state of psychological, emotional, and social well-being in which a person can realize their full potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work or study productively and fruitfully, and can contribute to their community. “Mental health” and “mental illness” are separate things, and they can overlap.
Key takeaways on mental health
- The ability to manage your emotions and live a fulfilling life is important to well-being.
- Mental health is distinct from mental illness. You can be in good mental health even if you have a diagnosed mental illness; conversely, your mental health can be poor even if you do not have a mental illness.
- Mental health is dynamic. It can change throughout your life as your situation (work, school, family, trauma) changes.
- Good mental health is essential. It is crucial to your overall health and your ability to function from day to day.
If you are struggling in your personal life or need to talk to someone you can trust, please reach out to a professional for help. There are free resources available both on and off campus. You can also visit the Station SME website to learn about mental health and find tools to help you take care of yourself.
See the list of support organizations and services available to you (in French).
In Québec, dental care is generally not covered by health insurance. If you have dental insurance coverage through Alumo (ASEQ), visit their website to find network providers who offer discounted rates. Make sure to check your insurance policy carefully so you can anticipate the expenses before your appointment.
If you do not have Alumo (ASEQ) insurance, you can find dentists near you on the Ordre des dentistes du Québec website.
The team of specialists at the Clinique du PEPS offers a variety of health-related services.
Visit the clinic’s website (available in French only) to learn about its services.
Student Life Office (BVE)
Throughout your stay at Université Laval, the Bureau de la vie étudiante (BVE) is your point of reference to facilitate your arrival in Canada, your installation and your integration into the university community.
418 656-2765
information@bve.ulaval.ca