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IEC Visa (Working Holiday) Travel Insurance for Canada in 2026

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IEC insurance is the mandatory health coverage you must hold to activate an International Experience Canada (working holiday) work permit. Every plan must cover emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation for your entire stay. BestQuote is a Canadian insurance broker and Lloyd's of London coverholder that compares compliant IEC insurance plans from Canada's top insurers and even offers its own MedEC policy.

What IEC Insurance Must Cover

To activate your IEC work permit at the border, your policy must cover your entire stay and include all three of the following: emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation. Present a valid policy at your port of entry and your work permit is issued for its full duration.

Under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, having comprehensive insurance is required ahead of your entry. If you arrive with an insurance policy shorter than the length of your work permit, your work permit can be shortened to match the length of your insurance. This means that your coverage must last your entire planned stay. Presenting a valid policy at the border is the best way to ensure your work permit is issued for its full duration without any complications.

Your policy must cover your entire stay and include all three of the following:

Medical Care

Doctor visits and standard medical treatment for new urgent and emergency conditions while in Canada.

Hospitalization

Stays, surgeries, and procedures in Canadian hospitals covered up to your sum insured.

Repatriation

Emergency transport - or return of remains - back to your home country when medically required.

As a Canadian-based agency, BestQuote works with many of the country's top-rated insurance providers. We specialize in comparing hundreds of policies to ensure you get the best coverage at the best price. While we offer a wide range of plans from these industry giants, we have developed our own specialized solution to fix the most common problems IEC travellers face: The BestQuote MedEC Visitors policy.

Coverage eligibility can depend on your province of stay in Canada. If you're unsure which plan fits your destination, contact us and we'll confirm the right option for you.

Why Choose BestQuote for IEC Insurance

As a Canadian-based agency and Lloyd's of London coverholder, BestQuote works with many of the country's top-rated insurers and specializes in comparing plans so you get the right coverage at the best price. Because insurance rates are regulated, you pay the same buying through BestQuote as buying direct from an insurer.

We compare plans from Canada's leading insurers, and we've built our own specialized solution for the problems IEC travellers hit most: the BestQuote MedEC Visitors policy (underwritten by Lloyd's).

Why BestQuote MedEC Stands Out

The BestQuote MedEC policy (underwritten by Lloyd's) is a specialized insurance plan designed specifically to meet Canada's IEC entry requirements. It is the only IEC plan on the market that combines government-compliant emergency coverage with a unique set of additional benefits you will not find in any other visitors-to-Canada policies:

Background for IEC Compliant Coverage

IEC Compliant Coverage

Covers the three requirements for activating your IEC work permit: Hospitalization, Repatriation, and Emergency medical care.

Background for Early Return Refunds

Early Return Refunds

If you go home before your policy ends and have made no claims, you can apply for a pro-rated refund on unused premium.

Background for GHIP Refund Option

GHIP Refund Option

Once eligible for provincial health coverage (GHIP), you can claim a 25% refund of unused premium (less a $25 admin fee)

Background for Maple Virtual Care

Maple Virtual Care

Includes 3 prepaid online doctor consultations per year through Maple, covering you for non-emergencies such as prescription renewals, visits with mental health practitioners, and more.

Two Simple Options:

  1. MedEC Visitors Emergency Health & Repatriation Insurance - with Maple Healthcare Access - This policy provides standard coverage for visitors to Canada. All policy benefits are included except the Winter Sports addition.

  2. MedEC Visitors Emergency Health & Repatriation with Winter Sports and Maple - This policy provides standard coverage for visitors to Canada. All policy benefits are available, including the Winter Sports addition.

How Much Does IEC Insurance Cost in Canada (2026)

IEC Insurance for Visitors to Canada costs approximately $1.65-$2.70/day if you purchase the BestQuote MedEC Visitors Emergency Health and Repatriation policy with Maple Virtual Healthcare. Costs vary depending on your age, deductible, coverage amount, and if you wish to include coverage for Winter Sports. For example, a 24 year old purchasing a MedEC policy for 2 years with $100,000 in coverage and a $0 deductible would pay $1,191.53 (no Winter Sport Coverage) and $1,739.78 with Winter Sport Coverage. IEC insurance is mandatory for all working holiday visa holders entering Canada under the International Experience Canada program.

The cost of IEC insurance depends primarily on your age, how long you plan to stay in Canada, the coverage amount (sum insured), your deductible, and if you wish to include Winter Sports Coverage. Unlike most travel insurance products, the BestQuote MedEC policy is one of the few that can effectively reduce in cost after arrival through the GHIP refund feature. Below are indicative price ranges for the BestQuote MedEC policy with $100,000 in coverage with a $0 deductible, and no winter sports coverage.

DurationAge 18-35 (No Winter Sports)Age 36-40 (No Winter Sports)Age 18-35 (w/ Winter Sports)Age 36-40 (w/ Winter Sports)
12 months
$594.95
$813.95
$868.70
$1,087.70
18 months
$894.87
$1,224.27
$1,306.62
$1,636.02
24 months
$1,191.53
$1,630.13
$1,739.78
$2,178.38

Prices vary based on the sum insured ($100,000 , $150,000 , $200,000 , $300,000 , $500,000), deductible selected ($0, $250, $500, $1000, $2500, or $5000), your age at the date of purchase and if you wish to include coverage for Winter Sports. Choosing a higher deductible reduces your upfront premium, but means you pay more out-of-pocket if you make a claim.

The GHIP Refund Advantage: Once you're enrolled in a provincial health plan (OHIP, MSP, AHCIP, etc.), you can apply for a 25% refund of your remaining premium. For a 2-year policy, this can reduce your effective cost by several hundred dollars - a benefit unique to BestQuote MedEC in the Canadian market.

What is a GHIP Refund for IEC Participants?

The BestQuote MedEC policy is the only IEC insurance policy in the world that will provide a partial refund of premium when a policyholder enrolls in provincial GHIP. Once enrolled, 25% of the remaining premium is refunded (less a $25 admin fee), which can help lower your IEC insurance costs by several hundred dollars.

For example: a person purchasing the MedEC Winter Sports policy with $100,000 coverage and a $0 deductible for 2 years will pay ~$1,825.00. If the person arrives in Ontario and secures a job that provides a letter of employment to apply for OHIP, and becomes covered by OHIP benefits after 74 days, they will have $1,640.00 of unused premium remaining on their MedEC policy - so the GHIP refund will provide a premium return of 25% of $1,640.00 = $410.00, less $25.00 for processing = $385.00.

Maple Virtual Care - Included with BestQuote MedEC

The BestQuote MedEC policy is the only IEC plan that includes 24/7 access to Canadian doctors via Maple. Skip the clinic waiting rooms and get medical advice from your phone - included with your policy at no extra cost.

Note: While the doctor's consultation is 100% free, the cost of any prescribed medication or follow-up tests is only covered by MedEC if the situation is a qualifying medical emergency.

What's included?

  • 3 Free Consultations: Pre-paid appointments per year (a service that typically costs Canadians ~$80 per month)

  • Instant Access: Connect with a primary care physician for both emergency and non-emergency concerns

  • Prescriptions and Advice: Perfect for birth control, allergy medications, skin issues, or symptoms like fever, cough, and flu

Common Uses

  • Prescription Renewals: Quickly renew existing medications without visiting a clinic

  • Minor Ailments: Treatment for eye and ear infections, UTIs, and joint pain

  • Gap Coverage: Ideal while you wait for your provincial health card (GHIP) to activate

Young woman smiling outdoors while using her smartphone, beside text promoting Maple virtual healthcare available through BestQuote benefits with secure text, audio, and video access to covered services.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maple

Visit getmaple.ca/bestquote and enter your date of birth and policy number in the verification field to confirm your eligibility. You will then be asked to add a few details to set up your Maple account and create a password. You can access Maple using your smartphone, tablet, or computer. The Maple mobile app is available for iOS and Android devices.

Yes. Maple care access is available for up to four (4) eligible dependents - limited to those also covered under your BestQuote benefits, such as spouses and children. Dependants who are 18 years of age or older may create their own account. For children under 18, navigate to the profiles tab and select "Add a new patient" to add them to your account and seek care on their behalf.

At the discretion of your treating primary care provider, prescriptions may be issued to treat your health concern. If you receive a prescription, you will have the option to pick it up at any pharmacy or have it delivered to your doorstep. Note that primary care providers on Maple cannot legally prescribe narcotics or controlled drugs.

No. Maple should not be used for medical emergencies. If you believe you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Maple is designed for non-emergency primary care concerns such as common illnesses, skin conditions, mental health support, and general medical advice.

Yes. Maple's systems are built and maintained to specifically meet applicable Canadian laws and regulations governing health information privacy. To read the full privacy policy, visit www.getmaple.ca/privacy.

IEC Insurance by Country: What You Need to Know

Canada's IEC program is open to citizens of more than 30 countries. While the insurance requirements are the same regardless of where you're from, there are a few country-specific things worth knowing before you buy.

The UK is one of the largest sources of IEC participants in Canada. Most UK-issued working holiday insurance policies are completely non-refundable after their 14-day "free look" period, so if your plans change after arrival, you can't get your money back. It is also worth noting that NHS coverage does not apply outside the UK, meaning having private insurance from the moment you arrive in Canada is mandatory. The BestQuote MedEC policy offers an early return refund and a GHIP refund option that UK-issued policies typically don't - and as a Canadian-issued policy, it is directly compliant with IRCC requirements without any additional verification steps at the border.

Irish citizens are eligible for the IEC program under the Working Holiday stream. Ireland's public health system (the HSE) does not provide coverage outside Ireland, so private insurance is mandatory from day one in Canada. Most Irish domestic insurers either don't offer Canada-specific IEC policies or bundle working holiday coverage with broader backpacker plans that include features you don't need - driving up the cost. Purchasing directly through a Canadian provider like BestQuote gives Irish participants access to IEC-specific coverage at a competitive price, with the refund flexibility that Irish-issued policies typically don't provide.

Australian citizens participate in Canada's IEC program through the Working Holiday visa stream (equivalent to the Australian subclass 417 visa). Australian Medicare does not provide any coverage in Canada, which means having private health insurance in place upon arrival is mandatory. Domestic Australian insurers typically charge significantly more for Canada-specific working holiday coverage than Canadian-based providers. Purchasing through BestQuote gives Australian IEC participants access to competitively priced Canadian policies, including features like the early return refund and GHIP refund features that Australian-issued policies do not offer. Most Australian-issued policies are also non-refundable after their cooling-off period, whereas the BestQuote MedEC policy provides refund options throughout your stay.

New Zealand citizens are eligible for the IEC program and face similar considerations to Australians. New Zealand's public health system (ACC and the public hospital network) does not apply outside New Zealand. Domestic NZ insurers offering Canada-specific working holiday coverage tend to be expensive compared to purchasing directly through a Canadian provider. The BestQuote MedEC policy is a cost-effective alternative that meets all IRCC requirements and provides the refund flexibility that NZ-issued policies typically don't.

French citizens participate in Canada's IEC program through both the Working Holiday and Young Professionals streams. France's public health system (Assurance Maladie) does not apply in Canada. French domestic insurers occasionally offer working holiday coverage, but it is often more expensive than purchasing through a Canadian provider and may not be structured to meet IRCC's specific requirements. A Canadian-issued policy from BestQuote is the most straightforward way to ensure full IRCC compliance at a competitive price, with the added benefit of refund options if your plans change.

Japanese citizens are eligible for the IEC program, and Canada is one of the most popular working holiday destinations for Japanese participants. Japan's national health insurance (Kokumin Kenkō Hoken) does not provide any coverage outside Japan. Japanese-issued working holiday insurance policies for Canada tend to be priced significantly higher than Canadian-based alternatives, and most do not offer refund flexibility once the cooling-off period has passed. The BestQuote MedEC policy is a cost-effective alternative that meets all IRCC requirements and provides early return and GHIP refund options that Japanese-issued policies typically don't.

South Korean citizens are eligible for Canada's IEC program, and Canada is a popular destination for Korean working holiday participants. South Korea's National Health Insurance (NHI) does not apply outside South Korea. Korean-issued insurance policies for Canadian working holidays tend to be more expensive than Canadian-based alternatives and often have limited refund options. Purchasing through BestQuote gives Korean IEC participants access to competitively priced coverage that is directly structured to meet IRCC requirements, with the refund flexibility that Korean-issued policies typically don't offer.

Taiwanese citizens are eligible for Canada's IEC program. Taiwan's National Health Insurance (NHI) - one of the world's most comprehensive public health systems - does not apply outside Taiwan, meaning you have no public health coverage from the moment you arrive in Canada. Domestic Taiwanese insurers rarely offer Canada-specific IEC insurance, and international policies purchased in Taiwan tend to be priced higher than Canadian-based alternatives. A Canadian-issued policy from BestQuote ensures you meet IRCC requirements exactly and at a competitive price, with refund options that Taiwanese-issued policies typically don't include.

Note on reciprocal health agreements: Canada does not have reciprocal healthcare agreements with most IEC-participating countries. Your home country's health coverage (NHS, Medicare, etc.) does not apply once you're in Canada. Private IEC insurance is essential from day one.

Showing Proof at the Canadian Border

When you arrive at a Canadian port of entry, a CBSA officer may ask to see proof of valid health insurance as part of activating your IEC work permit. Being prepared avoids delays or complications at the border.

What to bring:

  • Your Certificate of Insurance or Declaration of Insurance (emailed to you after purchase)

  • A printed or digital copy showing your name, policy number, coverage dates, and sum insured

  • The document must clearly show coverage for hospitalization, emergency medical care, and repatriation

Tips: Print a physical copy and also save a digital copy on your phone. Don't rely solely on email access at the border. Your policy must cover your entire planned stay; partial coverage may result in a shorter work permit being issued.

After purchasing from BestQuote, your policy confirmation documents are emailed immediately. You can also contact BestQuote at 1-888-888-0510 to request a replacement copy.

Other IEC Insurance Offerings

BestQuote also offers various policies from Canadian (and/or American) insurance companies that cover stable pre-existing medical conditions (such as diabetes or chronic heart conditions, etc.), or more hazardous extreme sports (from rock climbing, backcountry skiing, bungee-jumping or rodeo!), although many of these are usually only available for one year at a time. Please note that Canadian insurance companies do not offer travel insurance policies that offer personal liability coverage, although some USA companies will.

There may be many IEC travel insurance policies to look through depending on whether you are arriving from Europe or the United Kingdom (although most UK policies are completely non-refundable after their 'free look' period (14 days) - so if you change your plans about staying in Canada you can't get your money back), Australia or New Zealand (where current premiums are prohibitive), or other Asian countries like Japan, Taiwan, or South Korea (usually also much higher).

International travel insurance companies will often package together their medical emergency coverage with other coverage for things such as personal effects and/or luggage or expenses related to trip cancellation/interruption - although once the contract details are looked at carefully, you may find that the coverage doesn't quite justify a higher cost. For example, trip cancellation/interruption costs related to COVID may not be covered, or baggage items won't be replaced without a police report and/or original receipts.

Fill in the price comparison request form on this page to see all of our available options

Get a Free IEC Insurance Price Comparison Quote

The quote engine seen on this page allows travellers to get a free instant quote and view a list of available policies under the 'IEC Visa Insurance' category and then purchase a policy online. Useful policy information (prices, benefits, important secondary benefits, refund policies, etc.) that you can review and compare is provided on the quote presentation page. If you came to this website to research your insurance options, you can't do that without getting a quote!

We'll also email you a link to your quote for future reference. If you have any problems receiving a quote or have some specific questions you need to ask, don't hesitate to call us (1-888-888-0510). After purchasing online, confirmation of coverage policy document(s) will be emailed to you as soon as your purchase is processed. We suggest that you keep a copy for your records, print out a copy and carry it with your other travel documents to show as proof of insurance at the border when you enter Canada.

How to Buy IEC Insurance

  1. Get a Quote: Enter your trip details into the quote tool on this page. You will see real prices, deductible options, and key coverage details from multiple providers side by side.

  2. Compare Plans: Review the available policies. Pay attention to the sum insured, deductible options, refund conditions, and any secondary benefits like Maple virtual care.

  3. Purchase and Receive Documents: Complete your purchase online and receive your proof of insurance documents by email. We recommend printing a copy and carrying it with your other travel documents to show as proof of insurance at the border when you enter Canada.

Learn More About IEC Insurance

Stay informed with our latest guides and blog posts on International Experience Canada (IEC) insurance. From working holiday coverage to tips comparing health plans, we cover everything you need to know to make the right choice.

Background for A Breakdown of the BestQuote MedEC Policy

A Breakdown of the BestQuote MedEC Policy

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Background for Canada Temporary Resident Changes & Impact on the IEC Visa

Canada Temporary Resident Changes & Impact on the IEC Visa

A quick explainer of Canada’s temporary resident crackdown and what it means for IEC applicants.

Background for How to Access Medical Services in Canada

How to Access Medical Services in Canada

Everything you need to know if you need to visit a doctor in Canada and how to use your MedEC policy effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about our IEC Visa Insurance offerings.

After purchase, you’ll receive an insurance confirmation letter, policy wording, and proof of coverage, sent to you via email.

Yes, some IEC insurance policies, including BestQuote's MedEC Visitors Emergency Health & Repatriation Insurance policy, offer add-ons for recreational skiing, snowboarding, and other adventure sports. Always check the policy’s sports coverage section.

Some IEC insurance plans cover stable pre-existing conditions, but eligibility and stability periods vary by insurer. Always review the policy wording carefully.

To apply for a GHIP refund, email us a copy of your provincial health card. If no claims have been made, we will provide a refund form for you to complete.

Access your dedicated BestQuote customer link (found in the PDF from your purchase email) → enter your policy number (MEDEC-000000) and date of birth → register the required information → check the confirmation email and SMS from Maple → download the app (click the “Download” button on the screen) → log in to the Maple app → request a consultation via “Get care.”