New Zealand is one of Canada's IEC partner countries, and Canada is a popular working holiday destination for New Zealanders. Before you can activate your work permit at the Canadian border, you need private health insurance in place - and it must meet specific IRCC requirements. This guide explains what IEC insurance New Zealanders need, what the New Zealand public health system does and does not cover abroad, and why purchasing through a Canadian broker like BestQuote typically gives you better coverage at a lower cost than domestic NZ providers.
The IEC Working Holiday Visa for New Zealanders: What You Need to Know
New Zealand citizens aged 18 to 35 are eligible for Canada's IEC Working Holiday stream. The maximum stay is up to 23 months - slightly shorter than the 24-month maximum available to some other participating countries. You receive an open work permit that allows you to work for any employer, anywhere in Canada, without a prior job offer. As with all IEC participants, you must have private health insurance in place before arriving at the Canadian border.
BestQuote offers policies up to 24 months - which means you can purchase a policy that covers the full 23-month NZ IEC permit duration with a small buffer, or simply purchase for exactly your planned stay length. The policy length determines the expiry date on your work permit.
IEC Insurance Requirements for New Zealanders
New Zealand's public health system - which includes ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) and the public hospital network - does not apply outside New Zealand. ACC covers accidents for New Zealand residents within New Zealand only. From the moment you arrive in Canada, you have no public health coverage and private insurance is mandatory.
Your IEC insurance must meet the following IRCC requirements:
• Emergency medical coverage: hospitalisation, doctor visits, emergency treatment, prescription medications
• Repatriation: return to New Zealand in the event of serious illness, injury, or death
• Valid for the full length of your intended stay
• From a Canadian insurer or OSFI-approved foreign insurer
As with all IEC participants, your work permit at the Canadian border will be set to expire on the same date as your insurance policy. Purchase a policy covering your full intended stay.
Why New Zealanders Buy IEC Insurance Through BestQuote
New Zealand domestic insurers offering Canada-specific working holiday coverage tend to be more expensive than purchasing through a Canadian provider. There are several reasons why purchasing through BestQuote is typically better value for NZ participants:
Lower Premiums: Canadian market pricing for IEC coverage is significantly more competitive than what NZ domestic insurers charge for the same period of Canada-specific working holiday coverage.
Refund Flexibility: the BestQuote MedEC policy offers a pro-rated early return refund if you return to New Zealand before your policy expires and have made no claims. Most NZ-issued working holiday policies are non-refundable after their cooling-off period.
GHIP Refund: once enrolled in a provincial health plan in Canada, the BestQuote MedEC policy offers a 25% refund of your remaining premium. NZ-issued policies do not offer this.
Two-Year Coverage Available: a single MedEC policy covers up to 730 days, matching or exceeding the full NZ IEC permit duration.
Lloyd's of London Underwriting: the MedEC policy is underwritten by Lloyd's of London (AA- 'Very Strong' S&P rating), recognised globally including in New Zealand.
Maple Virtual Care: three prepaid online doctor consultations per year included with the BestQuote MedEC policy.
New Zealand ACC coverage does not extend to Canada, and NZ domestic insurers typically charge significantly more for Canada-specific working holiday coverage than Canadian providers. Purchasing through BestQuote gives New Zealanders IRCC-compliant coverage at a better price with refund options throughout their stay.
The BestQuote MedEC Policy: Coverage for Your Full NZ IEC Stay
The MedEC policy is BestQuote's flagship IEC product, underwritten by Lloyd's of London and designed specifically for IEC visa holders. For New Zealanders on the 23-month IEC permit, a single MedEC policy can be purchased for exactly 23 months (or up to 24 months if you prefer the buffer) - ensuring your work permit reflects your full intended stay.
• Up to 24 months (730 days) on a single policy - no mid-stay renewal required
• Pro-rated early return refund if you return to NZ before expiry with no claims
• 25% GHIP refund once enrolled in provincial health - can save several hundred dollars over a 23-month stay
• Maple virtual care - three prepaid online consultations per year
• Trips home to NZ - coverage remains in place during temporary absences from Canada
• Underwritten by Lloyd's of London
Note: The BestQuote MedEC policy appears in your quote results alongside all other available plans if it is available for your profile and trip length. Compare it against other options before purchasing.
How to Get Your IEC Insurance Before Leaving New Zealand
BestQuote's quote engine is available from anywhere in the world - including New Zealand - with no geographic restrictions. New Zealand credit and debit cards are accepted. Policy documents are emailed immediately after purchase.
1. Visit bestquotetravelinsurance.ca/iec-travel-insurance.
2. Select IEC Visa Insurance. Enter your planned arrival date, policy end date, and date of birth.
3. Compare available plans and purchase online using your NZ card.
4. Save or print your proof of insurance certificate and carry it with your travel documents to the Canadian border.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about our services.
Winter sports coverage cannot be added to an existing plan, but you can purchase a new plan specifically for winter sports. Please contact us for more details.
After purchase, you’ll receive an insurance confirmation letter, policy wording, and proof of coverage, sent to you via email.
Yes, most IEC insurance policies allow for a refund if you return home early and no claims have been made. Please email us a copy of your boarding pass and we will send you a refund form to begin the process.
Some IEC insurance plans cover stable pre-existing conditions, but eligibility and stability periods vary by insurer. Always review the policy wording carefully.
If your country allows a 24-month IEC visa, you should buy a 24-month policy. Shorter plans may result in your work permit being shortened to match the insurance length.
