Private clinic for a minor emergency
Health issues do not always come up at the most convenient time. A sudden urinary tract infection (UTI), a persistent sore throat, ear pain or other minor injury may require prompt medical attention without necessarily warranting a visit to the emergency.
For many people in Quebec, getting a medical appointment quickly can be challenging, especially if they do not have a family doctor or if their regular healthcare provider is unavailable within a reasonable timeframe. In these situations, private medical clinics can offer an alternative way to access care with very little wait time.
Private clinics generally treat a wide range of minor and urgent health concerns that require timely medical assessment. Depending on availability, it is often possible to book an appointment the same day or within 24 hours.
Why visit a private clinic for a minor urgent health concern?
- You do not have a family doctor
- Your regular healthcare provider is not available quickly
- No appointment is available in your area within a timeframe that meets your needs
- You would like to receive medical care without spending several hours in the emergency room
- Your condition requires prompt attention (within 24 hours) but is not life-threatening
Healthcare professionals working in private clinics can assess and treat a wide range of common conditions, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), sore throats, ear infections, flu-like symptoms, certain infections, mild allergic reactions and various minor injuries.
However, it is important to remember that serious or potentially life-threatening conditions, such as severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of a stroke or major trauma, require immediate medical attention, either by going to the emergency or by calling 911.
Examples of services and costs at private clinics
Private medical clinics offer a wide range of paid services to address different healthcare needs. The cost of an appointment typically starts at around $130, but may vary depending on the type of service, the complexity of the visit and any tests or procedures required. Some private insurance plans may reimburse a portion of these costs.
With the Bonjour-santé membership, members also enjoy exclusive discounts on services offered by partner private clinics.
Below are some examples of commonly available services. Available services and costs vary from one clinic to another.
What to know about private medical clinics
When a health issue arises unexpectedly, it is not always easy to know where to seek care. A private medical clinic for a minor medical emergency in Quebec can be a good option when your condition requires prompt medical attention but is not life-threatening. Here are a few things to know before booking an appointment.
What is a minor medical emergency
A minor medical emergency is a health condition that typically requires medical attention within 24 to 48 hours, but does not require the specialised resources of a hospital emergency department.
Examples of minor emergencies include a urinary tract infection (UTI), a severe sore throat, an ear infection, a mild allergic reaction, a skin infection, a minor injury, a minor burn, a sprain or persistent flu-like symptoms.
However, if you are experiencing severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of a stroke, loss of consciousness, or a major injury, you should go to the nearest emergency department immediately or call 911.
The cost of an appointment at a private medical clinic
In Quebec, appointments at a private medical clinic, for a minor emergency or another health concern, are generally paid for by the patient. This is because doctors who practise exclusively in the private sector do not usually participate in the province's public health insurance plan (RAMQ).
Fees vary from one clinic to another depending on the type of appointment, the length of the consultation, and whether additional tests or services are required. Some clinics also charge different rates for evening, weekend or statutory holiday appointments.
Before booking your appointment, it is recommended that you contact the private clinic to confirm the applicable fees and the services included in the consultation.
Private clinics and reimbursement of medical expenses
Although appointments at private medical clinics are not covered by RAMQ, many patients may be eligible for partial or full reimbursement through their private health insurance. Group and individual insurance plans often cover certain medical services, laboratory tests and other healthcare services provided by private clinics. Be sure to request an itemized receipt so you can submit it to your insurance provider.
Prescriptions issued by private medical clinics
Prescription drug coverage is not affected by where you receive your medical care. If a medication is covered under Quebec's public prescription drug insurance plan, it remains eligible whether the prescription was issued by a private medical clinic, a hospital or another healthcare facility.
Ongoing and follow-up medical care at a private clinic
In addition to one-time appointments for minor medical emergencies, some private medical clinics also provide ongoing and follow-up care to regular patients, including family medicine services.
The availability of these services varies from clinic to clinic. Unlike the public healthcare system, being assigned a regular doctor at a private clinic is arranged directly through the clinic rather than through the Primary Care Access Point (GAP). If you regularly visit the same clinic, you can ask about the follow-up care options they offer.
Other care options to consider before visiting a private clinic
Depending on your situation, or if you are experiencing a minor medical emergency, there are other healthcare resources that may help you determine where to seek care.
You can call Info-Santé 811, where a registered nurse is available to assess your symptoms, answer your questions, and guide you to the most appropriate healthcare service.
You can also use BonsAi, Bonjour-santé's free AI health assistant, which analyses your symptoms online and provides personalised recommendations to help you determine the next steps in your care.
In some regions of Quebec, the public healthcare system also offers designated minor emergency clinics that can treat a wide range of non-life-threatening health concerns without requiring a visit to a hospital emergency department. Availability varies depending on your region and appointment capacity.
Testimonials
“I don’t have a family doctor, and when I felt a UTI coming on, I didn’t know who to turn to. I was able to find an appointment at a private clinic the following day, which saved me a lot of stress.”
“My baby woke up crying because of an ear ache. We couldn’t find an appointment quickly and I really didn’t want to go to the emergency and wait for hours with a little one. A private clinic was able to see us the same day and everything was done a lot quicker than I thought it would.”
“I was on vacation up North and suddenly got very ill. I found a private clinic nearby and quickly booked an appointment. It was a relief not having to cut my vacation short and go back home to get the care I needed.”
Can a private clinic prescribe medication?
Do I need private health insurance to see a doctor in a private clinic?
Can I visit a private clinic even if I have a family doctor?
Can I find an appointment quickly at a private clinic at Île-des-Soeur for a minor emergency?
