Emergency Care in Quebec
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Canadian federal statutes and official sources. Provincial information reflects each province's own legislation and court rulings. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Emergency departments in Canada assess and treat patients based on medical urgency, not your ability to pay or insurance status. Hospitals use the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS), which ranks patients from Level 1 (resuscitation) to Level 5 (non-urgent).
Even if you are uninsured, you will receive emergency treatment. Billing is handled after the fact.
In Quebec, there is a legislated duty to rescue — people are legally required to help someone whose life is in danger. Across Canada, professional codes of ethics prohibit abandoning patients.
A hospital may transfer you to a better-equipped facility if your condition requires specialized care.
When does it apply?
- Everyone who presents at a hospital emergency department, regardless of citizenship, residency, insurance, or ability to pay.
What to Do If a Canadian Hospital Refuses Emergency Treatment
- Go to the nearest ER or call 911 for life-threatening situations.
- Bring your health card if possible, but don't delay seeking care if you don't have it.
- Be honest about your symptoms so the triage nurse can accurately assess your condition.
- Tell the triage nurse if your condition worsens while you are waiting to be seen.
- If you are uninsured, discuss billing options after you receive treatment — don't let cost stop you from getting emergency care.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't avoid the ER because you don't have a health card — you will still be treated.
- Don't leave without being seen if you have a serious condition, even if the wait is long.
- Don't use the ER for non-urgent care — walk-in clinics and family doctors are better options for minor issues.
- Don't argue with triage staff about wait times — patients are seen based on medical urgency, not order of arrival.
How Quebec differs from federal law
Emergency care in Quebec is governed by the Act respecting health services and social services (CQLR c S-4.2) and the professional obligations of healthcare providers.
- Every person in Quebec has the right to receive emergency health services regardless of their ability to pay, RAMQ coverage status, or immigration status. Hospital emergency departments cannot refuse emergency treatment.
- Quebec's emergency departments operate on a triage system based on the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS). Patients are seen based on the severity of their condition, not order of arrival.
- The Civil Code of Quebec (article 13) provides that a person whose life is in danger has the right to receive care, and consent is not required in cases of emergency where the person's life is in peril and consent cannot be obtained in time.
- Quebec charges fees for ambulance transport — the base fee is approximately $125 for transport within Quebec (higher for inter-facility transfers). This fee is not covered by RAMQ, though some private insurance plans cover it. Low-income individuals may qualify for financial assistance.
- Quebec operates Info-Sante 811, a free 24/7 telephone health consultation service staffed by nurses. Calling 811 can help you determine whether you need emergency care or can be seen at a clinic.
Additional Steps in Quebec
In a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department. For non-emergencies, call 811 (Info-Sante) to speak with a nurse 24/7. If you do not have a RAMQ card, you will still be treated in an emergency but may receive a bill for non-insured services. Keep all receipts for potential reimbursement through private insurance or to negotiate with the hospital.
Relevant Law: Act respecting health services and social services (CQLR c S-4.2), s. 7; Civil Code of Quebec, art. 13; Act respecting pre-hospital emergency services (CQLR c S-6.2)
Common Questions
When does emergency care apply?
Everyone who presents at a hospital emergency department, regardless of citizenship, residency, insurance, or ability to pay.
What should I do if a hospital in Canada refuses to treat me in an emergency because I have no insurance?
Go to the nearest ER or call 911 for life-threatening situations.Bring your health card if possible, but don't delay seeking care if you don't have it.Be honest about your symptoms so the triage nurse can accurately assess your condition.Tell the triage nurse if your condition worsens while you are waiting to be seen.If you are uninsured, discuss billing options after you receive treatment — don't let cost stop you from getting emergency care.
What mistakes should I avoid with emergency care?
Don't avoid the ER because you don't have a health card — you will still be treated.Don't leave without being seen if you have a serious condition, even if the wait is long.Don't use the ER for non-urgent care — walk-in clinics and family doctors are better options for minor issues.Don't argue with triage staff about wait times — patients are seen based on medical urgency, not order of arrival.
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