Social security agreements with other countries

Québec has concluded social security agreements with certain countries. You could benefit from such an agreement if you are a native of a signatory country. In general, the agreement applies when you take up residence in Québec permanently or during a temporary stay to work, study or undergo training. However, you have to take certain steps to be covered under such an agreement.

Signatory countries

Belgium
Denmark
Finland
France
Greece
Luxembourg
Norway
Portugal
Romania
Serbia
Sweden

Purposes of health insurance agreements

Allow Quebeckers to benefit from social security in a signatory country when they spend time temporarily or take up residence there
Afford health insurance coverage under the Québec Health Insurance Plan to natives of signatory countries when they spend time temporarily or take up residence in Québec
Avoid having these persons being subjected to a waiting period before they become insured and eligible for covered services (according to the conditions set out by the host country)

Arriving in Québec from a signatory country

You must attach certain documents to your health insurance registration form in order to qualify for health services in Québec from the day of your arrival. Your spouse and dependants accompanying you must also do the same. You must have any document in a language other than French and English translated at your cost.

For more on registration and documents to provide, refer to the webpage Register or re-register for health insurance.

Leaving Québec for a signatory country

Leaving Québec for a signatory country, temporarily or in order to settle there? For more on the procedure and documents required, refer to the webpage Working, studying or taking up residence outside Québec: Agreements with other countries.

Other components of the agreements

Social security agreements have other health insurance components, and they all include a component regarding benefits. Some contain provisions concerning industrial accidents and occupational diseases. To find out more, refer to the websites of Retraite Québec and the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail.

The full texts of the social security agreements are available on the website of the Ministère des Relations internationales et de la Francophonie.