It's often the first question we ask ourselves before consulting outside the public network: can I afford it? And it's a good question - because private medical care rates in Quebec are rarely clearly posted, and the line between what the RAMQ covers and what is billed directly to the patient is not always obvious. This article explains the logic behind private-sector fees, what influences the cost of a consultation, options for reducing the bill, and why private medical care is often more affordable than you might think.
Consult the current rates on the Clinique Omicron website
The complete price list - medical consultations, nursing care, technical procedures, diagnostic tests, administrative services and subscription packages - is published directly on the website cliniqueomicron.ca/prices/
RAMQ and private clinics - understanding the distinction
In Quebec, health care operates on two levels. The public plan - RAMQ - covers basic medical consultations with a participating physician, at no cost to the insured patient. Lab tests prescribed in this context are also covered if performed in a public network laboratory. But RAMQ doesn't cover everything - and that's where private medical services come in.
What RAMQ does not generally cover
Among the services not usually covered by RAMQ are consultations with a physician not participating in the plan, private nursing consultations, private home care, complete preventive check-ups, pre-employment examinations, medical forms and reports at the request of a third party, cosmetic procedures, and many specialized diagnostic examinations. These services are legitimate and clinically useful - they respond to real needs that the public network doesn't always meet in a timely fashion. Clinique Omicron offers both: services covered by the RAMQ, subject to availability, and a full range of private services for patients requiring rapid access or services not covered.
Good to know: tax-free and tax-deductible
Private medical services in Quebec are non-taxable - no GST or QST on a consultation or nursing care. They also qualify as medical expenses on your provincial and federal income tax returns, which can generate a significant tax credit if your medical expenses exceed the applicable minimum threshold. Keep all your receipts. Please note: certain administrative fees (file opening, specific forms) are subject to taxes - these cases are specified on the rates page.
What determines the cost of a private medical consultation
The cost of a private medical consultation is not the same - it varies according to a number of factors. Understanding these factors helps you anticipate the bill and choose the format best suited to your situation.
Consultation type
A standard consultation - whether in a clinic or via telemedicine - has a basic fee. When the consultation requires the simultaneous assessment of several health problems, or a more in-depth clinical analysis, the complex consultation fee applies. For medical situations requiring extended assessment time - dense histories, multisystemic conditions, medico-legal situations - an extended consultation is provided. A telephone follow-up for a file already opened at the clinic is the most affordable option.
Type of professional
Physicians are not the only professionals who can manage certain situations. A Specialized Nurse Practitioner (SNP) or Clinical Nurse can assess, prescribe and refer according to their authorized scope of practice - often with the same timeframe as the physician and identical fees for the standard consultation. For specific technical procedures, such as taking a blood sample or administering a vaccine, nursing fees are often lower than those for a full medical consultation.
Consultation mode
Teleconsultation and in-clinic consultation share the same basic fee at Clinique Omicron. The choice depends on the nature of the problem: if a physical examination is required, an in-person consultation is the obvious choice. In other cases, teleconsultation offers the flexibility of consulting from anywhere in Quebec, without travel and often with shorter turnaround times.
Associated services
The cost of the medical consultation itself is distinct from the services that may follow it: laboratory analyses, diagnostic tests, technical procedures, form filling. These elements are billed separately, and their cost depends on the type of service required. Tests may be performed in a partner public laboratory - at no additional cost to the RAMQ insured - or in a partner private laboratory, at rates communicated prior to billing.
Health check-ups, pre-employment examinations, specialized consultations - a separate logic
Some private medical services don't work like a simple consultation. A complete health check-up combines an in-depth medical consultation with a set of standard laboratory tests tailored to your age, gender and clinical profile. It's an all-inclusive service, designed to give you a complete picture of your health in a single step. Any unscheduled additional tests are discussed and billed separately with your consent - so there are no billing surprises.
The pre-employment medical examination is a specific evaluation required by certain employers in the context of hiring or job retention. It includes a medical consultation, and laboratory analyses or additional tests are billed separately if required. This service is available in clinics and, depending on the type of assessment requested, by telemedicine.
To access a specialist in private practice, a medical referral is generally required. For specialties such as dermatology, cardiology, gynecology or psychiatry, this route enables you to obtain an appointment much faster than in the public network. Additional charges may apply, depending on the complexity of the case or the examinations required.
Subscription formulas - reduce the cost per consultation
Clinique Omicron offers four monthly subscription packages for patients who visit us regularly or who require structured care throughout the year. These packages include medical consultations, nursing services, free flu vaccine, specialized investigations (ECG, ABPM, spirometry) and consultations with support professionals (nutritionist or social worker), with progressive discounts on private laboratory analyses depending on the package chosen.
Membership packages - Clinique Omicron
Four formulas available: Bronze - Silver - Gold - Platinum
◆ BRONZE - Ideal for patients who visit 2-3 times a year. Includes medical consultations, nursing procedures, free flu vaccine, specialized investigation and nutrition or social work consultation.
◆ SILVER - For patients with moderate medical follow-up. More consultations and nursing procedures, 2 specialized investigations, increased discount on private laboratory analyses.
◆ OR - For active patients requiring regular follow-up. Includes a complete health check-up, 8 medical consultations, 3 investigations and 2 consultations with paramedical professionals.
◆ PLATINUM - Comprehensive coverage for high-needs patients. 20 medical consultations, 18 nursing procedures, full medical check-up, 4 investigations and maximum discount on laboratory tests.
→ Detailed rates and conditions : https://cliniqueomicron.ca/tarifs
The advantages of these formulas are twofold: to reduce the unit cost per consultation, and to offer simplified access to a range of services without having to book a separate appointment for each need. For families, the self-employed or anyone without robust group medical coverage, a subscription can represent a structured, predictable alternative to one-off care.
Private insurance and reimbursement - how to reduce your share
Direct claims - available at Clinique Omicron
Clinique Omicron processes the claim directly with most partner insurers. You present your insurance card, the clinic processes the claim with your company, and you pay only the portion not covered. For non-partner insurers, you receive an official receipt to submit your claim yourself. Check with your insurer to see what types of professionals and services are reimbursable under your policy - doctors, nurse practitioners, nutritionists, kinesiologists and social workers are often covered, but under different headings and limits.
Discounts available - seniors and first responders
Discounts on consultations are available for people aged 65 and over, and for first responders (police, firefighters, paramedics, ambulance attendants). These discounts apply under certain conditions - please inquire directly at the clinic. A health gift card is also available: a package of 3 medical teleconsultations at a preferential rate, ideal as a gift for a loved one who would benefit from easier access to a doctor.
Tax deductibility - a benefit often overlooked
Out-of-pocket medical expenses qualify as a non-refundable tax credit on your provincial and federal income tax returns, provided they exceed the applicable minimum threshold. It may be advantageous to combine medical expenses for the entire household on a single return. Consult an accountant or tax advisor to optimize this credit for your situation.
FAQ - Costs of private medical care in Quebec
Q: If I go to a private clinic, are my lab tests still covered by the RAMQ?
A: In many cases, yes. If your doctor prescribes tests during a private consultation, they can be performed in a RAMQ partner public laboratory at no additional cost to you as an insured person (except for the cost of nursing samples, if applicable). Clinique Omicron works with laboratories in both the public and private networks. Availability of the public network depends on the clinic's partnerships with the healthcare network.
Q: Does teleconsultation cost less than an in-clinic consultation?
A: The basic fee is the same for a medical teleconsultation as for an in-person consultation. The difference is practical: teleconsultation avoids the need to travel and often allows you to get an appointment more quickly. If your problem requires a physical examination, the teleconsulting doctor will recommend an in-clinic consultation if indicated.
Q: Is private nursing care covered by insurance?
A: It depends on your policy. Many group and individual plans cover private duty nursing, often under «paramedical care» or «home care». Check your policy before booking an appointment for applicable limits and conditions.
Q : Do the posted rates include taxes?
A: Medical services are non-taxable - no GST or QST on medical consultations, nursing care or laboratory tests. However, certain administrative fees are subject to tax (file opening, specific forms, extended hourly supplements). These cases are identified on the cliniqueomicron.ca/prices/ page.
Q : How can I find out if my insurance covers my consultation before making an appointment?
A: Call your insurer with the name of the professional (physician, SLPN, nurse clinician, nutritionist, etc.) and the type of service (medical consultation, nursing care, technical procedure).
Fees for medical and paramedical services - Clinique Omicron
Omicron Clinic
Need to consult a doctor?
Treatment within 24-48 hours. In-clinic or telemedicine, anywhere in Quebec.
Insurance receipts. 7j/7. No family doctor required.
