Medical Travel Insurance in Quebec in 2026
An emergency medical situation abroad can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Medical travel insurance covers emergency care, hospitalization, and repatriation where the RAMQ offers almost no protection.
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Falling ill or getting injured outside of Quebec without insurance exposes you to bills that can reach tens of thousands of dollars. A night in intensive care in the United States, an emergency surgery, or a medical air transport far exceed what the public plan reimburses. Medical travel insurance exists precisely to fill this gap: it covers emergency medical and hospital expenses incurred during your stay abroad.
This page explains what a medical travel protection actually covers, the coverage amounts to aim for, the treatment of pre-existing conditions, and the pitfalls to avoid. The prices mentioned are provided for informational purposes only, vary according to the profile, and the exact premium is established after analysis by an insurance broker from a certified AMF partner firm.
What Medical Travel Insurance Covers
Medical travel protection aims for unexpected and urgent care that occurs during the stay. It does not replace health insurance for planned care. Here are the main items usually covered.
Emergency Hospitalization
Hospital stay expenses, intensive care, fees for doctors and surgeons during an unforeseen emergency abroad.
Outpatient Care
Visit to a clinic or emergency room, diagnostic tests, X-rays, and prescribed medications on site.
Medical Repatriation
Medical transport back to Quebec when health conditions require it, including accompaniment by medical personnel if needed.
Emergency Dental Care
Treatment following an accident or sudden pain, usually up to a limit specified in the contract.
24/7 Assistance
An emergency line directs you to the right facilities and coordinates direct billing with the hospital.
Related Expenses
Extended accommodation for a relative, early return, or living expenses as specified in the contract.
What Coverage Amount to Choose?
The coverage amount is the limit that the insurer will pay for your medical expenses. In Quebec, a coverage of $1 to $5 million is generally recommended. This limit may seem high, but a prolonged hospitalization in the United States, where healthcare costs are the highest in the world, can quickly exceed $100,000.
For a sunny destination or a trip outside Canada/U.S., a coverage of $1 million is often sufficient. For the United States, aiming for $2 million or more offers a safety margin. Increasing the limit only slightly raises the premium compared to the added protection.
Pre-existing Medical Conditions
A pre-existing condition is a known health issue, diagnosed or treated before departure: hypertension, diabetes, heart problems, etc. Most contracts require a stability period (often 3, 6, or 12 months) during which the condition must be stable, with no changes in medication or new symptoms.
Declare Honestly
Accurately answering the medical questionnaire is essential. An omission can lead to the complete denial of a claim, even for an unrelated issue.
Stability Period
Check the required duration. A recent change in treatment can shift a condition from “stable” to “unstable” in the eyes of the insurer.
Possible Endorsement
Some contracts cover pre-existing conditions for an additional premium or a detailed medical questionnaire, to be compared among insurers.
Indicative Price Ranges — Medical Travel Insurance (2026)
| Traveler Profile | Duration / Destination | Indicative Range |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy Adult (18–54 years) | 1 week, sunny destination | $15 – $45 |
| Adult (55–64 years) | 1 week, U.S. | $30 – $80 |
| Family (2 adults + children) | 1 week | $50 – $150 |
| Traveler 65 years and older | 2 weeks, no history | $60 – $200 |
| Traveler 65 years and older | 2 weeks, with pre-existing conditions | $150 – $500+ |
| Annual Multi-Trip Coverage | Frequent adult traveler | $150 – $400 |
Indicative prices only, for informational purposes — they vary based on age, health status, destination, and insurer. The actual premium is determined after analysis by an insurance broker from a certified AMF partner firm.
What to Do in Case of a Medical Emergency Abroad
Check your credit card, but don’t rely on it blindly
Many credit cards include travel medical coverage, but it is often limited in duration (for example, 8, 15, or 31 days) and may stop at a certain age. Read the medical limit, maximum duration, and exclusions related to pre-existing conditions. Dedicated insurance generally fills these gaps.
RAMQ covers almost nothing outside Quebec
Outside the province, RAMQ only reimburses a capped and very limited amount: often around a few dozen dollars per day of hospitalization and a fraction of consultation fees. This is far from the actual cost of care abroad, particularly in the United States. Without medical travel insurance, the difference is entirely your responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does medical travel insurance cover exactly?
It covers unexpected emergency medical and hospital expenses abroad: hospitalization, emergency care, tests, prescribed medications on site, medical repatriation, and emergency dental care, according to the contract. It does not cover planned care or routine treatments.
What coverage amount should I choose?
A coverage of $1 to $5 million is generally recommended. For the United States, aiming for $2 million or more is prudent due to the high cost of care. The exact amount to prioritize depends on your destination and profile.
Does RAMQ cover me abroad?
Very little. Outside Quebec, RAMQ only reimburses a capped amount, often a few dozen dollars per day of hospitalization. The rest of the bill is your responsibility without medical travel insurance.
Do I need to declare my pre-existing medical conditions?
Yes, it is essential. An accurate declaration on the medical questionnaire conditions the validity of your claim. An omission, even unintentional, can lead to a complete denial of reimbursement.
What is a stability period?
It is the duration (often 3, 6, or 12 months depending on the contract) during which a pre-existing condition must be stable, with no new symptoms or changes in medication, to be covered. Check this requirement before departure.
Is medical repatriation included?
Most contracts include medical repatriation to Quebec…
How much does medical travel insurance cost?
As a guideline, coverage for one week for a healthy adult often ranges between $15 and $45, while a traveler aged 65 and older with pre-existing conditions may exceed $500. These amounts vary based on the profile, and the actual premium is determined after analysis by an insurance broker from a partner firm certified by the AMF.
How to find the best medical travel protection?
The most effective way is to compare several insurers for equivalent protection. Assur360 is an independent comparison platform: it connects you for free with partner firms and insurance brokers certified by the AMF who shop for offers on your behalf.
Why compare with Assur360
Assur360 is an independent comparison platform. We do not sell insurance: we connect you with partner firms and insurance brokers certified by the AMF who compare medical travel protections for you.
- Free and no-obligation comparison
- Partner firms and brokers certified by the AMF (regulated by the Chamber of Insurance)
- Factual information: indicative prices, premium established after analysis of your profile
- Over 100,000 Quebecers guided to the right protection
Protect your health abroad today
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