Emergency Care — Quebec
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?
Canadian emergency departments triage by medical urgency, not by your ability to pay or your status. The standard tool is the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) — a 5-level rank from Level 1 (resuscitation) to Level 5 (non-urgent). The scale is the reason someone who arrived after you may be seen first.
If you're uninsured, you'll still be treated. Billing happens afterwards. Don't let the worry about cost keep you out of the ER.
Quebec is the one province with a statutory duty to rescue — under the Quebec Charter, people are required to help someone in serious danger. Everywhere else, professional codes of ethics prohibit physicians and nurses from abandoning patients in active need.
Hospitals may transfer you to a better-equipped facility if your condition needs specialised care that's elsewhere.
When does it apply?
- Everyone who presents at a hospital ER, 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 anything life-threatening.
- Bring the health card if you have it, but don't delay over it.
- Be honest about your symptoms. Triage works on what you say, not what they guess.
- If you get worse waiting, tell triage immediately. The CTAS level can be reassessed.
- Uninsured? Sort billing after. Cost is not a reason to skip emergency care.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't avoid the ER for lack of a card. You'll be treated.
- Don't leave without being seen if your condition is serious. Patient-against-advice departures show up in records.
- Don't use the ER for non-urgent care. Walk-in clinics and family doctors handle minor things faster.
- Don't argue with triage about wait times. The order is medical, not first-come — and arguing rarely speeds it up.
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
What is the emergency care right in Canada?
Canadian emergency departments triage by medical urgency, not by your ability to pay or your status. The standard tool is the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) — a 5-level rank from Level 1 (resuscitation) to Level 5 (non-urgent). The scale is the reason someone who arrived after you may be seen first.If you're uninsured, you'll still be treated. Billing happens afterwards. Don't let the worry about cost keep you out of the ER.Quebec is the one province with a statutory duty to rescue — under the Quebec Charter, people are required to help someone in serious danger. Everywhere else, prof...
When does emergency care apply?
Everyone who presents at a hospital ER, 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 anything life-threatening.Bring the health card if you have it, but don't delay over it.Be honest about your symptoms. Triage works on what you say, not what they guess.If you get worse waiting, tell triage immediately. The CTAS level can be reassessed.Uninsured? Sort billing after. Cost is not a reason to skip emergency care.
What mistakes should I avoid with emergency care?
Don't avoid the ER for lack of a card. You'll be treated.Don't leave without being seen if your condition is serious. Patient-against-advice departures show up in records.Don't use the ER for non-urgent care. Walk-in clinics and family doctors handle minor things faster.Don't argue with triage about wait times. The order is medical, not first-come — and arguing rarely speeds it up.
Emergency Care in other states
Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.