The Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) (Québec Health Insurance Plan) covers certain preventive dental care services and basic treatments for children under 10 years of age.
The dental services listed below are provided at no cost for children under 10 years old in Quebec under the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) (Québec Health Insurance Plan).
These services can be accessed at a dental office or a hospital clinic:
- Annual examination
- Emergency examination
- X-rays
- Local or general anesthesia
- Grey amalgam fillings on the premolars and molars
- Prefabricated crowns
- Tooth and root extractions
- Root canal treatment of primary teeth
Certain oral surgery services are also covered when performed at a hospital. These include abscess drainage, cyst or tumour removal, and jaw joint treatments.
The following services are not covered by the children’s dental care program in Québec:
- Cleaning
- Scaling
- Fluoride application
- Pit and fissure sealing
- Orthodontics
To obtain dental health insurance coverage, the child must meet the eligibility requirements established by RAMQ. If eligible, individuals will receive a health insurance card granting access to covered health care services.
A child born in Québec automatically qualifies for the Québec Health Insurance Plan if their parents are eligible at the time of their birth. The hospital will submit the required paperwork.
All children are eligible for the Québec Health Insurance Plan provided they stay in Québec for more than six months in the year following their date of registration, whether or not they were born there.
This includes children whose parents are in Quebec with:
- A study permit
- A visitor’s permit for more than six months
- A work permit that is not tied to a specific employer in Québec
- An irregular immigration situation (without legal status)
Eligible newcomers to Québec can apply online on behalf of their children for the Québec Health Insurance Plan.
Once approved, the child’s health insurance card will be sent by mail. For the child to receive dental care covered by RAMQ, this card must be presented to the care provider.
Key Details About Children's Dental Coverage under the Québec Health Insurance Plan
There is no waiting period for minors. This allows all children to be eligible for dental health insurance in Québec as soon as they are registered.
RAMQ offers reimbursement if expenses are incurred before a registered child receives their Québec health insurance card. The reimbursement form can be obtained from the dental provider, completed and mailed to RAMQ.
FAQs
Is there a list of approved dental providers or hospitals where children can access the services covered by RAMQ?
Most health professionals in Québec take part in the Québec Health Insurance Plan and provide services covered by the Health Insurance Act.
Some dental providers work outside the scope of the Public Health Insurance Plan, known as non-participating professionals. They must inform patients of their status during consultations, as their services will not be covered under the benefit.
How long does it take for a child’s RAMQ health insurance card to arrive after the application is submitted?
Once the application has been submitted and approved, the health card will be sent by mail. This typically takes about two weeks.
References
- Protecteur du citoyen, Health Care & Services
- Trudel Johnston & Lespérance, New Provisions
- McGill University, Accompanying Minors
- Régie de l’assurance maladie, Reimbursement for Covered Services
- Régie de l’assurance maladie, Newcomer Registration, Health Card Application & Renewal
- Integrated University Health and Social Services Center of Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec
- Régie de l’assurance maladie, Health Professionals
- Policy Me, Québec Dental Insurance
*The content provided in this article, including text, graphics, and referenced material, is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your dentist or another qualified oral health professional for questions regarding your dental condition. Never disregard professional dental advice or delay seeking it based on information from this article. If you believe you have a dental emergency, contact your dentist, or seek immediate assistance from an oral healthcare professional.