Quebec Wait Times by Specialty
| Specialty / Procedure | Wait Time Detail |
|---|---|
| Orthopaedic Surgery | 48.6 wk national median; QC near average |
| Neurosurgery | 49.9 wk national median |
| Ophthalmology | 31.8 wk national; MRI wait 12.0 wk in QC (shortest) |
| General Surgery | Above national average |
| Bariatric Surgery | 2.5–3 year public wait |
| MRI Scans | 12.0 wk — tied with ON for shortest in Canada |
Sources: Fraser Institute Waiting Your Turn 2025, CIHI Wait Times for Priority Procedures 2025. Province-specific data where available; national medians shown where provincial breakdowns are not reported.
Quebec's overall 32.5-week median places it in the middle of the pack nationally. However, Quebec has invested significantly in diagnostic imaging — its 12-week MRI wait is tied with Ontario for the shortest in Canada, meaning less diagnostic delay before surgical queues begin. Quebec's bariatric surgery program has a 2.5–3 year wait, consistent with other large provinces.
Private Surgery Options in Quebec
Quebec has Canada's most competitive private surgery pricing. Private knee replacement runs $21,000–$30,000 CAD — the lowest range in the country, thanks to lower facility fees offsetting higher surgeon fees. Montreal is a hub for private orthopaedic surgery, with Dr. John Antoniou at McGill offering rates starting at $19,700 CAD for joint replacement. Quebec's private cataract surgery runs $3,000–$5,000 per eye.
RAMQ Coverage for Surgery Abroad
RAMQ Out-of-Country Policy
Quebec's RAMQ provides the most transparent out-of-country reimbursement rates of any province: up to $100/day for hospitalization and $50/day for outpatient services outside Canada. For hemodialysis, RAMQ covers up to $220/treatment. These rates apply to emergency care. Planned elective surgery abroad is not covered without prior authorization. Quebec residents must be present in Quebec at least 183 days per calendar year to maintain RAMQ coverage.
The Colombia Alternative for Quebec Patients
Quebec has a unique legal framework that's relevant for medical tourism patients. The province's Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms has been interpreted to protect patients' right to seek timely care outside the public system when waits are unreasonably long. The landmark 2005 Supreme Court ruling in Chaoulli v. Quebec affirmed that prohibiting private health insurance when public system waits pose risks to health violates Quebec's charter. While the practical impact has been limited, it established the principle that Canadians have a right to timely care — a principle that medical tourism fulfills by different means. Quebec also funds the most comprehensive provincial IVF program, covering one cycle including medications through RAMQ.
Getting There from Quebec
- Airport: Montréal–Trudeau (YUL)
- To Bogota: ~6h 45min nonstop (Air Canada, Avianca — daily)
- To Medellin: ~8–10h with 1 connection
- Typical fare: CAD $700–$1,100 RT
- Visa: Not required for Canadian citizens (90-day entry)
- Time zone: Colombia = Eastern Standard Time (same as Ontario/Quebec)
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