Transferring medical records and care when moving to Montreal

Last updated: August 5, 2026

Moving into a Montreal residence also means transferring a whole ecosystem of care: family doctor, specialists, pharmacy, prescriptions, ongoing follow-ups. Handled well, that transfer happens without a gap. Poorly prepared, it can cause appointment delays, medication shortages or tests that have to be redone. This guide walks through, step by step, how to keep care continuous for a senior moving to Montreal — whether from another Quebec region or from farther away.

Start with RAMQ coverage

If your loved one comes from another Quebec region, their Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) coverage stays valid across the province: you only update the address. If they are returning from another province or from abroad, a reinstatement or new RAMQ registration may be needed, sometimes with a waiting period. The rules vary by situation, so confirm the exact terms directly with RAMQ before the move.

• Update the address as soon as they move in.
• Check the validity date on the health insurance card.
• If returning from elsewhere, ask about any delay before coverage resumes.

Register with a family doctor

Local medical follow-up runs through a family doctor. Since long-distance follow-up with the former doctor quickly becomes impractical, register your loved one with the family doctor access counter for their new Montreal territory. While awaiting an assignment, walk-in clinics and front-line services bridge the gap.

Before leaving, ask the current doctor for:

• an up-to-date summary of the medical file;
• the full list of diagnoses and allergies;
• current prescriptions, with dosages;
• recent test reports and the follow-up schedule.

It is the treating physician who can organize continuity of follow-up, so raise it early. These documents also appear in our guide to the documents required to enter a residence.

Transfer prescriptions and choose a pharmacy

Medication continuity is one of the most sensitive points of a move. A good practice is to choose the Montreal pharmacy before moving in and have it transfer the pharmacy file.

1. Select a pharmacy near the residence or one that delivers there.
2. Request a transfer of the file from the current pharmacy.
3. Make sure there is a sufficient supply of medication for the transition period.
4. Confirm whether the residence handles medication distribution, and how.

Many residences offer a medication management or distribution service: see our page on medication management in residences. These services can carry fees; review the additional care costs to avoid surprises.

Keep specialist care continuous

If your loved one sees specialists (cardiologist, nephrologist, oncologist, and so on), the transfer takes extra coordination. Each specialist may have their own referral process.

• Ask each specialist for a transfer note or a referral to a Montreal colleague.
• Gather test reports so they are not needlessly redone.
• Note upcoming appointments and check whether they can be kept or transferred.
• Inform the residence of active follow-ups so it can facilitate transport.

Choosing a residence near the relevant clinics and hospitals simplifies these follow-ups. Our Montreal neighbourhoods page helps spot well-located areas. If care needs are significant, look toward a residence with care, and distinguish RPAs from the public network with our RPA vs CHSLD comparison.

Build a complete transition file

So nothing gets lost, gather everything related to your loved one's health in one file — paper and digital. This file makes each new medical contact easier.

• RAMQ card and identification.
• Medical summary, diagnoses, allergies.
• Medication list and prescriptions.
• Contact details for former doctors and pharmacies.
• Test reports and appointment schedule.

Keep a copy with you on moving day. For the rest of the admission steps, our visit checklist helps you confirm a residence handles the care you need. Remember this information is general: for any medical decision, rely on the doctor's advice.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to change public insurers when moving to Montreal?

If you stay within Quebec, no: RAMQ covers you across the province and you simply update your address. If you are returning from another province or abroad, check the steps and any waiting periods with RAMQ before you arrive.

How do I get my medical file from my former doctor?

You can request a copy of your file from the clinic or facility that holds it. Make the request before you leave so you can bring it to your new doctor. Your current doctor can also prepare a transfer summary.

Does the residence handle medication management?

Many residences offer medication distribution or management, often for a fee. Confirm this service and its terms before signing; see our page on medication management.

How do I avoid running out of medication during the transition?

Keep a sufficient supply and transfer the pharmacy file to a Montreal pharmacy before moving in. If you are unsure about treatment adjustments, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.