Mandatory medical insurance

The Quebec government requires international students to hold medical insurance that is valid in Quebec for the duration of their stay.

For this reason, you will be automatically registered for HEC Montréal medical insurance, provided by Cowan. This insurance will cover you all over Canada, on the dates indicated below for your exchange term and the premium amount will be indicated under the “Tuition Fees” section of your HEC en ligne account. You can be exempted from this insurance if you are eligible for medical insurance through the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

Cowan: HEC Montréal’s mandatory medical insurance

• You can pay by card (debit or credit) when you arrive at HEC Montréal. You can also pay by CIBC bank transfer at any time once you have received the bill.
• You will receive your Cowan card approximately 2 weeks after payment.
  • Approximately 2 weeks after the payment for the Cowan insurance, you will gain access to your insurance portal by following the steps outlined below:
  1. Visit the registration website: New User Registration
  2. Enter the required information
     • First and last name (as indicated in you Cowan and HEC Montreal files)
     • Certificate number (HEC Montreal Student ID)
     • Date of birth (formulated DD/MM/YYYY)
     • E-mail address (you will be asked to enter it a second time for confirmation)
  3. Click the Next Step button. A confirmation email will be sent to you, containing a link to finalize your registration.
  4. Click the link provided in the e-mail and proceed with the remaining steps to verify you information and create a password.

The registration will enable you to obtain your membership card on the portal.

Want a fee breakdown and coverage details? Want to view the card printing guide? See the page Medical insurance – HEC Montréal.

Cowan insurance exemption and receiving RAMQ coverage

In order to qualify for the Cowan insurance waiver, you must be covered by social security in one of the following countries:

• Belgium
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Greece
• Luxembourg
• Norway
• Portugal
• Romania
• Serbia
• Sweden

Before arriving in Quebec

You must have the right form completed by the authorities in your country.

The table below presents the countries that have signed a social security agreement with Quebec. It also lists the name of the form to have completed.

As soon as you arrive in Quebec

If you are from a country that has signed a social security agreement with the Province of Quebec, you can register for health insurance by completing an online form.

As soon as you arrive in Quebec, simply follow these 5 tips: 5 essentials for registering for the health insurance online.

Submit your online application: Register for the RAMQ.

Required documents

• Form completed in your country
• CAQ and study permit if you study two terms at HEC Montréal
• HEC Montréal proof of enrollment letter (available at HEC en ligne)
• Copy of your passport

Upon receiving the RAMQ card

The card will be sent by mail. Check your mailbox!

Upload a copy of your card to HEC en ligne, and the amount for Cowan insurance will be removed from your account.

If you have questions about an incomplete file or missing document, contact RAMQ customer service, at 514-864-3411 or 1-800-561-9749.

Additional insurance

We strongly recommend taking out insurance in addition to Cowan or RAMQ coverage:

• depending on your needs (e.g., luggage insurance, cancellation), or
• to extend your coverage if you stay longer in Canada.

Look into additional insurance coverage when you are still in your country, before your departure, as you will not be able to take out such insurance from Canada.