As the annual construction holiday gets underway Quebec’s health insurance provider is appealing to vacationers traveling to the United States, reminding them that health services provided outside the province are not necessarily covered by the provincial health plan.

RAMQ strongly recommends travelers purchase private pre-departure insurance to avoid "unpleasant surprises" related to fees charged for services that are not covered by the public plan, such as transportation by ambulance, or that are not available at the same rate as in Quebec.

Fees for medical, dental and optometry services that are covered by the health insurance plan will be paid for by RAMQ, up to Quebec’s current rates. Vacationers are responsible for covering the difference for anything over that amount