How do I renew my health insurance card (RAMQ)?

RAMQ automatically sends you a renewal notice about 3 months before your card expires. You fill it out, check the information, then mail it to the address shown. In most cases, if your card already has a photo, you do not need to provide a new one. RAMQ mails your new card within 2 weeks of receiving your complete request. If your card has been expired for more than 6 months, a 25 $ fee applies and you must go to a CLSC.

Estimate your situation

RAMQ Quebec calculator: waiting period, contributions, coverage ↗ Tool offered by ITAG

Demande au Québec is published by ITAG, which also offers these tools. They give an estimate, not an official decision. Some require creating an account, free or paid depending on the tool. This link is not a source.

Key facts

When

The notice usually arrives 3 months before the card expires.

Time to receive the card

Within 2 weeks of receiving a complete request (up to 3 weeks when demand is high).

Fee if expired for more than 6 months

25 $, in addition to the cost of the photo.

Photo

Usually no new photo if your card already has one. No photo for children under 14. No photo or signature required at 75 and over.

Documents to bring (CLSC or SAAQ)

Completed and signed notice, and 2 pieces of ID, one with a photo.

If you lost your notice

Order a new one on the RAMQ website: it arrives by mail within 10 days.

Steps

1. Wait for your renewal notice. RAMQ sends it automatically about 3 months before your card expires. If you lost it or did not receive it, order a personalized notice on the RAMQ website: it will arrive by mail within 10 days.
2. Fill out the notice and check that the information is correct. To change your address, use the Service québécois de changement d’adresse. To correct your last name, first name, date of birth or sex, see the RAMQ page « Replace or correct a card ».
3. Read the sheet that comes with your notice. If your current card has a photo, you simply mail the completed and signed notice to the address shown: RAMQ reuses the photo in your file.
4. If you are 14 to 74 and your card has no photo, go to a CLSC or a SAAQ service point with your completed and signed notice and 2 pieces of ID, one with a photo. At a CLSC, you bring your own photo. At the SAAQ, the photo is taken on site (non-refundable fees).
5. If your card has been expired for more than 6 months, go to a CLSC with your completed and signed notice, your 25 $ payment (cheque, money order or bank draft payable to the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec), 2 pieces of ID with one showing a photo, and your photo.
6. Wait for your new card by mail: RAMQ sends it within 2 weeks of receiving your complete request. This can take up to 3 weeks when RAMQ receives many requests.

General information drawn from official sources. It does not replace legal, medical or financial advice. For your situation, contact the organization concerned or a professional.