Need medical care while visiting Quebec?

The short answer: can a tourist request care online?

An adult aged 18 or older who is physically present in a province served by MedVibe can request a private online consultation for a non-urgent concern. Depending on the province, requested service, regulated scope of practice, availability and clinical fit, the request may be assessed by a licensed physician or nurse practitioner.

The consultation costs CAD $150 and a receipt is provided. The fee covers an independent clinical assessment. It does not guarantee a prescription, renewal, medical note, test requisition, diagnosis, appointment time, acceptance by another organization or insurance reimbursement.

1. If you become unwell during your stay

A health concern away from home can be stressful. For a non-urgent problem, virtual care can provide a clear starting point without first searching for an unfamiliar physical clinic. You can explain your symptoms, relevant history and existing treatments from a private place where you are staying.

• A new symptom that is not urgent and may be suitable for virtual assessment.
• A question about an established treatment or medication.
• An assessment for renewal of an existing prescription.
• A request for a medical note for work, school or an insurer.
• A discussion about whether blood work or another test may be clinically appropriate.

The clinician may determine that you need an immediate physical examination, emergency care, a laboratory, a pharmacy or another in-person resource. Virtual care is not appropriate for every concern, and MedVibe cannot promise that a request can be completed online.

2. When not to use a virtual consultation

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, possible stroke symptoms, a severe allergic reaction, major bleeding or another serious or rapidly worsening concern. Do not wait for a virtual appointment in an emergency.

The Government of Quebec describes Info-Santé 811 as a service for people living in Quebec. A visitor should not assume that this route is available. For a non-urgent concern, you can also check the assistance services included with your travel insurance; for an emergency, use 911 or the nearest emergency department.

3. Existing prescription renewal while travelling

If an established medication was forgotten, lost, is nearly finished or your stay was extended, you can request an assessment. Prepare the generic medication name, dose, schedule, reason for treatment, a clear photo of the label or prescription if available, and contact details for a local pharmacy.

The clinician must decide whether a renewal is safe and permitted in the circumstances. Some medications and situations require recent results, an in-person examination or contact with your usual prescriber. A prescription, a specific quantity and pharmacy acceptance are not guaranteed.

4. Medical notes and documents

You can request an assessment for a medical note for work, school or insurance. A document is issued only when the clinician considers it clinically appropriate. MedVibe cannot guarantee that an employer, school, airline, insurer or other receiving organization will accept it.

5. Blood work and other test requisitions

A test requisition may be considered when the clinician finds it clinically appropriate. The test, location, appointment, price, availability and acceptance of the requisition then depend on the chosen provider and your coverage. MedVibe does not guarantee that a test will be ordered or completed during your trip.

6. RAMQ, travel insurance and your receipt

RAMQ says a person travelling in Quebec for six months or less is generally not eligible for Quebec health insurance and lists tourists among common examples. A person who is not eligible can still receive care in Quebec but must pay for it. This is a general rule, not an individual eligibility decision.

The Government of Canada also states that it does not pay hospital or medical costs for visitors. Travel or private insurance may reimburse an eligible expense, but each policy has its own exclusions, deductibles, limits, pre-authorization rules and treatment of pre-existing conditions.

7. What to prepare before you start

• Your current physical address in the province where you are staying.
• Valid identification and a reliable way to join the consultation privately.
• A list of medications, doses, allergies and relevant health history.
• A local pharmacy’s contact details if medication is part of the request.
• Existing labels, prescriptions, reports or documents relevant to the concern.
• Your insurer’s policy instructions or assistance number, if applicable.

Use only MedVibe’s secure care request flow for health information. Do not place medical details in a public comment, review request or social-media message.

8. Where MedVibe operates

MedVibe is a virtual clinic, not a physical office in Montreal, Quebec City or another municipality. You must be physically present in a province served by MedVibe at the time of care. Final eligibility depends on your location, the requested service, the available licensed professional and the clinical situation.

Frequently asked questions

Does MedVibe guarantee a prescription?

No. Any prescription or renewal depends on an independent assessment and what is safe and permitted in your situation.

Will travel insurance reimburse the consultation?

Possibly, depending on your policy. MedVibe provides a receipt but cannot confirm or guarantee reimbursement. Check directly with your insurer.

Can I request a medical note or a test?

You can request an assessment. The clinician decides whether a document or requisition is clinically appropriate, and the receiving organization decides whether it will accept it.