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I’m Sick — What Should I Do?

Take a deep breath. Most health issues can be handled safely and quickly once you know where to start.

Feeling sick and unsure where to go? This guide explains your options in Montreal and helps you choose the right level of care.

Step 1: Is It an Emergency?

Call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room (ER) immediately if you have:

  • Difficulty breathing or chest pain
  • Severe injury or heavy bleeding
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Signs of a stroke (FACE: drooping, speech, weakness)
  • Very high fever with confusion
  • Severe allergic reaction

Step 2: If It’s Not an Emergency

If your symptoms are uncomfortable but not life-threatening — such as:

  • Fever
  • Flu or cold symptoms
  • Sore throat
  • Ear infection
  • Urinary tract infection (UTI)
  • Stomach pain or vomiting
  • Minor skin infections or rashes
  • Sprains or mild injuries

You do not need to go to the Emergency Room. Instead, choose one of the options below depending on your situation.

Option 1: Walk-In Clinics (GMF Clinics)

Walk-in clinics are for non-emergency medical issues that require a doctor.
In Quebec, many clinics operate as GMFs (Groupe de médecine familiale). These are community clinics where family doctors and nurses provide care.

How Walk-In Clinics Work in Quebec
• Most clinics do not accept random walk-ins anymore.
• You usually need to book a same-day appointment online.
• Appointment slots often open early (around 7:00–8:00 AM).
• Spots fill up quickly.
• You may need to check multiple clinics.

Some clinics use online booking platforms. Others require calling directly.

When to Choose a Walk-In Clinic
Go to a clinic if you need:
• A medical exam
• A diagnosis
• A prescription
• A doctor’s note for school
• Testing (e.g., throat swab, urine test)

Cost
If you have RAMQ (Quebec public insurance): Your visit is usually covered.

If you have private insurance (most international students):
• You may need to pay upfront.
• Ask for a receipt.
• Submit a claim to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

What to Expect
• You may wait even with an appointment.
• Visits are usually short (10–15 minutes).
• Bring all required documents.

If you cannot find an appointment, call 811 for guidance.

Option 2: Campus Health Services

If you are a student at:
• McGill
• Concordia
• UQAM

Your university likely has a student health clinic. These clinics are often the easiest option for students.

Why Campus Clinics Can Be Better
• They understand student insurance plans.
• They are familiar with student needs (academic notes, exam deferrals).
• Booking systems are designed for enrolled students.
• You may feel more comfortable in a student environment.

When to Choose Campus Health Services
• You need a doctor’s note.
• You are unsure how your insurance works.
• You want care in English or French.
• You prefer a student-focused environment.

Check your university health services website for booking instructions.

Option 3: Telehealth (Online Doctor Visits)

Some insurance plans include access to virtual medical consultations. Telehealth allows you to speak to a doctor or nurse online or by phone.

Telehealth Is Useful For
• Minor infections
• Prescription renewals
• Medical advice
• Follow-up appointments
• Referrals

Important Notes
• Not all issues can be treated virtually.
• You may still need in-person testing.
• Check your insurance plan to see if telehealth is included.

Telehealth can save time and may be faster than finding a clinic appointment.

Option 4: Pharmacies

Pharmacists in Quebec have expanded medical authority. They can do much more than fill prescriptions.

A Pharmacist Can:
• Prescribe treatment for certain minor infections
• Treat some urinary tract infections (if criteria are met)
• Renew expired prescriptions
• Adjust medication doses
• Provide emergency contraception
• Give medical advice
• Administer vaccines

When to Choose a Pharmacy
If your issue is:
• Mild
• Common
• Medication-related
• Possibly treatable without a full medical exam

You do not need an appointment. Walk in and speak to the pharmacist directly. Pharmacies are often the fastest and simplest first step.

If You’re Unsure What to Choose

Call 811 (Info-Santé)

A nurse can help you decide whether you need:
• Emergency care
• A clinic appointment
• A pharmacist
• Or rest and home care

You are not expected to know the system perfectly. This page exists to make it easier.

How to Book a Doctor’s Appointment in Montreal

Booking a medical appointment in Quebec can feel confusing the first time. Here is a simple step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Do You Have a Family Doctor?

If you are registered with a family doctor in Quebec:

  • Contact their clinic directly.
  • Many family doctors reserve same-day urgent appointments for their own patients.
  • Check your clinic’s website or call them early in the morning.

If you do not have a family doctor (many students do not), continue below.

Step 2: Book a Same-Day Appointment Online

Most walk-in clinics in Quebec require booking online. Random walk-ins are rare.

Where to Book
Search on Google:
“GMF clinic near me Montreal”
or
“walk-in clinic Montreal same-day appointment”

Visit:

  • Clic Santé (used by many clinics)
  • RVSQ (Quebec’s public appointment system)
  • Individual clinic websites

Different clinics use different systems.

Step 3: Book Early in the Morning

This is very important.

  • Many clinics release new appointment slots early (around 7:00–8:00 AM).
  • Appointments fill quickly.
  • If you see no availability, refresh the page or try another clinic.

If you cannot find anything today, try again early tomorrow.

Step 4: What Information You’ll Need

Have this ready:

  • RAMQ card (if you have public insurance)
  • Private insurance information (if you are an international student)
  • Full name and date of birth
  • Phone number
  • Description of your symptoms

You may need to create an account on some platforms.

Step 5: After You Book
  • Arrive 10–15 minutes early.
  • Bring ID and insurance information.
  • Be prepared to wait, even with an appointment.
  • Ask for a receipt if you need reimbursement.
If You Cannot Find an Appointment

If no clinics have availability:

  • Call 811 (Info-Santé) for guidance.
  • Ask a pharmacist if your issue can be treated there.
  • Try campus health services if you are enrolled at McGill, Concordia, or UQAM.

Do not go to the Emergency Room unless it is urgent.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
  • Waiting until late afternoon to search for appointments.
  • Going directly to the ER for minor issues.
  • Forgetting to bring insurance information.
  • Not checking multiple clinics.
Reminder

The system can feel frustrating at first. Many students struggle with booking appointments — especially if they are new to Montreal.

If you do not succeed the first time, try again early the next morning.

You are not doing anything wrong. The system simply works differently here.

If You Do Not Have RAMQ

If you are an international student or not covered by Quebec’s public insurance (RAMQ):

  • You may need to pay for appointments upfront.
  • Keep all receipts.
  • Submit claims to your private insurance provider.

Always check your insurance coverage before booking.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Bring:

  • Your RAMQ card or insurance details
  • A government ID
  • A list of medications you take
  • Payment method (if required)

If possible, arrive 10–15 minutes early.

Not Sure Where to Start?

Call 811 (Info-Santé). It’s free, available 24/7, and nurses can guide you on what to do next.

You are not expected to know the system perfectly. That’s why this guide exists.

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