Health Insurance Problems

[Tala202 27]

I know this is an issue that doesn't come up too often with Canadians (what with the free health care and all), but I'm extremely concerned about obtaining health insurance once my university insurance runs out. A little background:

I grew up in Toronto (where I had OHIP) but moved back to Iran from 2007-2011, hence losing my health insurance. Once I moved back to Canada again, it was to Montreal as a student. I tried applying for a health card under Quebec, but they denied it on the grounds of "not being domiciled in Montreal" because apparently it doesn't count if I'm here as a student. So I've been under my university health plan for the past few years. I'm graduating this April though and my plan will run out, leaving me without any insurance until my CR1 gets approved (I have a job with health benefits lined up in the states, so I'll be all right then). This is really freaking me out as I use my insurance A LOT.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I can do? I'm sure as a Canadian leaving in Canada I have a right to health insurance but Quebec just doesn't seem to agree with me.

[Ontarkie 13,968]

What are you showing that you are a resident of Quebec. Are you registered in school as a foreign student?

[Tala202 27]

What are you showing that you are a resident of Quebec. Are you registered in school as a foreign student?

I showed my lease and bank statements. The only place in Canada that I have any ties to is Montreal.. And I'm registered in school as a non-Quebec Canadian (because I didn't acquire my citizenship in Quebec). But once this semester ends, I won't be living here as a student.. I'll just be living here.

[Flames9_RN 358]

You may not see it--but be aware that since you are from Iran, you may go into AP (additional processing) after your interview in Montreal. And they may or may not inform you of that! In other words--don't make nay plans until visa is in hand! This happens from time to time when one is from a country that isn't on good terms with the USA

[NikLR 13,220]

Since you're a canadian citizen now you can move to Ontario to work and obtain insurance that way. Also you can check into blue cross. They normally provide extra insurance on top of provincial care but it might work for the period of time you are not in school but not yet qualified for provincial health care.

[mtlguy 59]

Any Canadian who assumes residency in QC will get health coverage after a probationary period of 3 months. I suggest you go back to the ramq office in downtown Montreal and talk to a supervisor. You should be covered. It is your right.

[katchoo12 8]

Also be aware that a lease is not a proof that you reside in Montreal. Anybody can buy a lease contract at the convenience store. You need to bring a utility bill as proof that you reside in Montreal for at least 3 months.

[Lemonslice 4,595]

Here is a list of the accepted documents: www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en/citizens/health-insurance/registration/Pages/proof-residence.aspx

Edited February 15, 2014 by Boston~Montreal

[Tala202 27]

Thanks for your help, everyone.

I met all those requirements (had been in Quebec for over 3 months [1 year actually], took lease and bank statement, as well as letter of enrolment from McGill) the first time around, but they still rejected me. Maybe they just didn't like that I didn't know French? Either way, I'll definitely go back and see what my options are in Quebec.. or look into moving back to Ontario.

[Flames9_RN 358]

Just asking---are you a Canadian Citizen?

[Tala202 27]

Just asking---are you a Canadian Citizen?

Yup!

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Bring proof of Canadian citizenship as well

Thanks for your help, everyone.

I met all those requirements (had been in Quebec for over 3 months [1 year actually], took lease and bank statement, as well as letter of enrolment from McGill) the first time around, but they still rejected me. Maybe they just didn't like that I didn't know French? Either way, I'll definitely go back and see what my options are in Quebec.. or look into moving back to Ontario.