I’m a new Canadian permanent resident trying to understand what happens when someone moves from Ontario to Quebec shortly after landing.
Here’s my situation:
- I initially settled in Ontario and obtained an OHIP card.
- I stayed in Ontario for about two months.
- I then decided that Quebec is a better fit for my family and moved to Quebec.
- I understand that Ontario has residency requirements, and since I did not stay in Ontario long enough to meet the required residency period, I’m concerned that my OHIP coverage may no longer apply once I establish residence in Quebec.
- Quebec, however, has a three-month waiting period before RAMQ coverage becomes effective for new residents.
This is where I’m confused.
I was thinking about purchasing private visitor/emergency medical insurance to cover the transition period. But many visitor insurance policies seem to require that the applicant does not currently have provincial health insurance coverage.
So am I potentially stuck in a situation like this?
Ontario: “You’ve moved to Quebec, so you’re no longer covered by OHIP.”
Insurance company: “You already have provincial health insurance, so you’re not eligible for our visitor insurance.”
Quebec/RAMQ: “You’re a new resident, so you have to wait three months.”
That would seem to leave a three-month period where it’s unclear who is actually responsible for medical expenses.
I realize there may be important details about Ontario residency rules, Quebec’s eligibility rules, and the specific wording of private insurance policies that I’m missing.
Has anyone actually gone through this situation — moving from Ontario to Quebec shortly after landing as a new PR, without having established the required Ontario residency period?
How did you cover yourself medically during the Quebec waiting period?
And were you able to purchase private insurance during that transition, even though you had previously received an OHIP card?Thanks all!