International students

As an international student, you are required to subscribe to UQAM’s Desjardins medical insurance, and no other insurance will be accepted unless you obtain medical coverage from RAMQ or medical coverage from a cooperative organization for scholarship holders.

Free students and auditors are billed only for the term of enrollment. Exchange students are billed for one (0473, 0475, 0478, 0481) or two terms (0474, 04760482, 0483), depending on the chosen program. Regular program students are insured for the year. Note that only enrolled students are insured.

When you leave Quebec for your country of permanent residence and request a cancellation of insurance fees for the summer, be aware that you will be considered a new student upon your return, i.e., clauses for pre-existing conditions (or pregnancy), which may develop during the insurance interruption, could apply (see limitations in your brochure) and lead to a significant limitation of coverage. 

We strongly advise you to evaluate all situations that could restrict your medical coverage, or even lead to coverage limitations and make you ineligible for certain expenses upon your return to Quebec (examples: pre-existing illness, pregnancy).

The brochure details all the exclusions applicable to the contract.

Obtaining the Card

After paying your tuition fees, you will receive your contract and certificate number by email from UQAM. With this number, you can register on the Desjardins website or on the “Réclamation 360°” mobile app by Desjardins to easily access various features, including obtaining the virtual card. If you have not received your contract and certificate number, you can request them by writing to sei@uqam.ca. We invite you to watch the video clip to facilitate the card obtaining procedure.

Covered Expenses

Please read carefully the documents regarding your medical coverage, particularly the sections on pre-existing health conditions, pregnancy, HIV, stays in the United States, and general exclusions.

Desjardins Documents

French Versions

• Document on the group insurance plan for international university students
• Brochure on visitor insurance to Canada
• Brochure on Online Services
• Travel insurance – New amendment relating to the sharing of reimbursement costs between insurers
• Medical expenses reimbursement request form

English Versions

• Group insurance plan for foreign university students
• Visitors to Canada Insurance
• Premium information

FAQ

I am an international student and had to cancel my summer term. Am I still insured?

Yes, if you are enrolled in a regular program and your Montreal address appears in your file. It is therefore important to update your contact information on My Portal.

I am arriving in Quebec on August 1, will I be covered by Desjardins insurance?

Your Desjardins medical coverage covers you from August 15, before the start of classes. If you arrive before this date, you will need to have private insurance.

I am eligible for RAMQ, but I would prefer to take Desjardins insurance for its repatriation coverage; is that possible?

Yes, you just need to notify us of your decision by email: sei@uqam.ca.

I need an eye exam, does my medical coverage cover the exam and lenses?

You are entitled to one exam per year for a maximum amount of $75. However, lenses are not covered.

I need to see a dentist, does Desjardins insurance cover dental care?

No, dental care is not covered. However, if you have kept the ASEQ insurance, you might be eligible for a discount. Check their website for more information. The following video clip will let you know about the different types of insurances.

How can I be reimbursed for medication bills?

On the Desjardins website, you can submit your reimbursement request online.

I need to go to the clinic for a medical consultation, but I have not received my Desjardins health insurance card. How should I proceed to obtain it?

If you have paid your insurance premium, it is possible to obtain your certificate number by sending us an email at sei@uqam.ca.

Is it necessary to change my address with the Desjardins insurer?

No, but it is even more important to update your contact details in your UQAM student file. Desjardins uses the contact information we have.

I came with my spouse, who is a student, and I do not have insurance. Is it possible to obtain the same medical coverage?

No, Desjardins only insures students. You must take personal health insurance. The Ombudsman for Life & Health Insurance website can help you find an insurer.

I came with my spouse, who is a student, and we purchased family insurance before leaving our country. Can I cancel Desjardins coverage?

Unfortunately, Desjardins Financial Security has exclusive insurance terms with UQAM students.

I need to go to the emergency room, I don’t have a card and I’m not sure if I have paid the fees for insurance coverage. What should I do?

If you are registered at UQAM, insurance is mandatory and you are automatically insured. Contact us to find out what to do. Do not hesitate to watch the following video to help you.

FAQ – Pregnancy

I am a student at UQAM and I am pregnant. Am I covered by Desjardins health insurance?

Yes, you are covered, as long as your delivery is scheduled more than 30 weeks after your insurance enrollment. See the Document on the group insurance plan for foreign university students for specifics.

I am pregnant and should deliver within the next 2 months. I have not received my insurance card. How should I proceed?

You just need to provide your certificate number when you are admitted to the hospital. They will take care of contacting Desjardins to confirm your enrollment in the medical coverage. Your certificate number remains the same year after year.

I am pregnant and want to schedule an appointment for an abortion. Will I be insured by my Desjardins medical coverage?

Yes, voluntary termination of pregnancy is covered by Desjardins insurance. If you need more information, contact the Quebec Federation for Family Planning.

Students with nationality from one of the countries that have signed an agreement with Quebec must absolutely obtain the social security affiliation attestation form before leaving their country of origin.

Upon arrival in Montreal, you must make your request online at the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) by following this link: Register for health insurance | Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) (gouv.qc.ca) and by submitting the following PDF documents: affiliation attestation form, proof of full-time enrollment, CAQ, study permit, or passport.

Exchange students from France do not have to provide proof of enrollment in their RAMQ request.

Students accompanied by family members will always need to use a paper form, which they can obtain by calling RAMQ.

The procedure is the same for extending your health insurance coverage.

Forms You Must Obtain Before Arriving in Montreal

• Belgium:  Form BE/QUE 128-QUE/BE 128
• Denmark: Form QUE-DAN 4 “Guide sygesikrings” issued by the Copenhagen health service
• Finland: Form SF/Q 4 issued by the social coverage institution
• France* : Form SE 401 Q 102, 104, or 106 issued by the Primary Health Insurance Fund (CPAM). * Exchange students do not need proof of enrollment from the registrar.
• Greece: Form Qué/Gr 6 issued by social security
• Luxembourg: Form LUX-QUE4 issued by the Luxembourg health fund
• Norway: Certificate from the National Social Security Office for social security abroad
• Portugal : “Declaraçao Segurança Social” form issued by the social insurance office
• Romania: Form ROU/QUE 106
• Sweden: Social Insurance Certificate in Sweden issued by the national social insurance office

For all information about agreements with these countries, the documents to provide, and the fees covered, visit the website of the Régie de l’Assurance Maladie.

Process for Exempting UQAM Desjardins Insurance Fees

1. Obtain your confirmation of enrollment in the plan from RAMQ (letter with start and end date).
2. Send a PDF copy of this letter, with your permanent code, by email.
3. Check your online bill to ensure that the insurance fees have been canceled. The cancellation process may take a few days.

Exemption requests must be submitted for the 2024-2025 year by no later than:

• For the fall term: November 15, 2024 (5:00 PM) for all students*
• For the winter term: February 24, 2025 (5:00 PM) for all students*
• For the summer term: June 2, 2025 (5:00 PM) for all students*

Here is an example of proof of medical coverage.

If you submit your proof of RAMQ medical coverage after these dates, only the fees for the following term will be canceled.

* Regular program students: If you have not paid the amount of your bill before these dates, you will incur a late fee.

Contact Information for the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)

Website: ramq.gouv.qc.ca
Address: 425, boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest (3rd Floor)
Metro: Place-des-Arts, Bleury North exit.

Some Quebec and Canadian cooperation organizations offer medical insurance coverage to their scholarship holders. To obtain an exemption from the insurance fees charged on your bill, you must scan your insurance card and send it by email to sei@uqam.ca.

UQAM’s student associations offer a supplementary insurance plan (including dental) for which you are automatically billed. Details of the fees can be found on the UQAM Financial Services website. This insurance is not mandatory, and you have the option to opt out by changing your coverage directly on the ASEQ website.

Additionally, for students covered by RAMQ, you can request full coverage (including health and optical) by directly contacting ASEQ by phone. Be informed about the period for withdrawal and coverage change!

Please note, the deadlines are tight: remember to complete the procedures upon your arrival. 

N.B. Exchange students and independent students are not charged for this additional ASEQ insurance.

For information about the coverage of this health and dental care plan, reimbursement, out-of-pocket costs, your withdrawal or modification of coverage, etc., you can visit the ASEQ (Alliance for Student Health in Quebec) website, under your faculty student association section:

To subscribe to supplementary coverage (health and optical), please contact ASEQ directly:

• By phone (call center):  
  514 789-8774 or toll-free at 1-866-795-4434
• Website: www.aseq.ca

First Instance

If you need to consult a doctor at a walk-in clinic, check the Health and Wellness Portal by entering your postal code, and several addresses near your residence will be suggested. It is advisable to call before going.

This portal also explains health and psychosocial problems and provides advice on how to take care of yourself and what actions to take.

Remember, you can always reach Info-Santé at 8-1-1 and talk to a nurse for a free and confidential consultation.

Pharmacist

You can also inquire at a pharmacy in your neighborhood.

Clinics

You must print the reimbursement form before going to a doctor:

• Medical Expense Reimbursement Request Form (French version)
• Claim for Health Care Benefits (English version)

Here are examples of clinics where you can get a medical consultation (note that fees may apply, but you may be able to get reimbursed later by Desjardins):

Clinique médicale Métro Médic Centre-ville (Fee of $160 for those insured with Desjardins)

1538 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal

Phone: 514 932-2122

Cabinet des docteurs Abikhzer and Dashkovsky

Cabinet des docteurs Abikhzer et Dashkovsky
5950, Côte-des-Neiges, suite 350, Montreal
Phone:  Dr. Dashkovsky and Abikhzer (2) : 514 733 0987                                                                                              

Dr. Victor Abikhzer : 514 733-9192

At each visit to these clinics, you must have your UQAM student card, your Desjardins insurance card, and the form you have printed.

CLSC (Local Community Service Centers)

A fee of $35 or more (reimbursable) may be required for each consultation.

Hospital

For emergencies only (e.g., requiring hospitalization). Additionally, wait times can be very long unless it is a real emergency.

In all cases, always have the claim request form (that the doctor will need to complete).

Unlike medical coverage, home insurance is not mandatory. However, even if you believe the value of your belongings is minimal, this type of insurance provides additional protection, such as liability coverage for damages caused to others. Check with private insurance companies available in Quebec for home insurance.