BestQuote MedEC Insurance for IEC Visa Holders
The BestQuote MedEC policy is a visitors-to-Canada emergency medical plan available through our quote comparison tool for longer trips (generally 300+ days, and up to 2 years), making it one of the most suitable options for International Experience Canada participants. It is designed to cover new urgent and emergency medical situations while in Canada, including medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation - and it meets all IRCC mandated insurance requirements for IEC visa holders.
What Makes MedEC Different for IEC Holders?
The BestQuote MedEC policy is one of the most unique visitors-to-Canada plans on the market because it includes benefits specifically suited to the IEC experience and includes benefits you typically will not find in any other policy.
As an IEC participant, you may eventually become eligible for a provincial government health insurance plan (GHIP). Unlike other policies that simply cancel when this happens, MedEC allows a 25% refund of the remaining premium (minus a $25 administrative fee) while your policy stays active and in force. This means you are covered during the transition period and still get money back.
If your plans change and you return home earlier than expected with no claim submitted, MedEC may also allow an early return refund based on the remaining days on the policy. And if you want to travel beyond Canada during your stay, MedEC includes side trips outside Canada of up to 35 days per trip.
For everyday health concerns, eligible MedEC policies also include access to Maple, a virtual doctor service, with three prepaid doctor consultations per year at no additional cost. Our policyholders find this helpful for common issues like prescriptions, minor infections, and general medical advice. This is especially useful during the first months of arrival before you are eligible for GHIP.
There are two MedEC versions available depending on your needs: a standard MedEC option, and a MedEC with Winter Sports option for those planning to ski or snowboard during their stay.
To see whether MedEC is available for your trip, generate a quote on this page. If it is an option for your profile and trip length, it will appear in your results so you can compare price, deductibles, and key benefits side-by-side before you buy.
BestQuote MedEC: Key Features for IEC Visa Holders
Three things that make this policy stand out for International Experience Canada participants.
Maple Virtual Care Access
MedEC policies include 3 prepaid virtual doctor visits per year through Maple. Great for quick advice, prescriptions, and common health concerns.
25% GHIP Refund
Enroll in a provincial government health insurance plan (GHIP) and get 25% of the remaining premium back, as long as no claim has been initiated.
Flexible For Longer Stays
Designed for longer visits: MedEC may allow an early return refund (if you go home early with no claim) and side trips outside Canada for up to 35 days
Who Is This Policy For?
The BestQuote MedEC Visitors policy is designed for IEC participants coming to Canada who need to meet Canadian immigration insurance requirements for the full duration of their stay. It is available for longer trips generally over 300 days, making it well suited to Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op participants.
IEC Program Streams Covered
The MedEC policy is available for participants across all three IEC streams:
Working Holiday: explore Canada while working to fund your travels
Young Professionals: gain work experience in your field
International Co-op: complete a work placement as part of your studies
IRCC requires all IEC participants to hold valid emergency medical insurance for the entire duration of their stay in Canada. The BestQuote MedEC policy satisfies this requirement and remains active even after you enroll in a provincial health plan (GHIP) though you become eligible for a 25% refund of your remaining premium at that point.
These benefits meet the Canadian government mandated insurance requirements for International Experience Canada visa holders.
MedEC vs Other IEC Insurance
Most standard IEC insurance policies offer straightforward emergency medical coverage and nothing more. Here is what sets MEDEC apart:
25% GHIP refund when you enroll in provincial health coverage - policy stays active
Early return refund available if you go home before your policy expires with no claim
Maple virtual care includes 3 prepaid doctor consultations per year
Side trips outside Canada covered for up to 35 days per trip
Winter Sports option available for skiing and snowboarding coverage
To see whether MedEC is available for your trip and profile, generate a quote and it will appear in your results if you are eligible.
How Much Does BestQuote MedEC Cost for IEC Participants? (2026)
The cost of the MedEC policy depends on your age, how long you plan to stay in Canada, your deductible, and whether you want to include Winter Sports coverage. Below are the actual prices for a MedEC policy with $100,000 in coverage and a $0 deductible which is the most common configuration for IEC participants.
| Duration | Age 18–35 (No Winter Sports) | Age 36–40 (No Winter Sports) | Age 18–35 (With Winter Sports) | Age 36–40 (With 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 selected ($100,000, $150,000, $200,000, $300,000, or $500,000), the deductible chosen ($0, $125, $250, $500, or $1,000), and your age at the date of purchase. 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: Remember that once you enrol in a provincial health plan, you can apply for a 25% refund of your remaining premium (less a $25 admin fee). For a 24-month policy, this can reduce your effective out-of-pocket cost by several hundred dollars, making MedEC one of the most cost-effective IEC insurance options on the market.
To see your exact price, generate a quote on our website. MedEC will appear in your results if it's available for your trip length and profile.
Maple Virtual Care
Your BestQuote MedEC policy gives you and your eligible dependents 24/7 access to trusted Canadian-licensed doctors and nurse practitioners through Maple - at no extra cost. Consult a provider from your smartphone, tablet, or computer from anywhere in Canada, any time of day or night.
This is especially useful during the early months of your IEC stay, when you may still be waiting for your provincial health card to activate and do not yet have a family doctor in Canada.
What is included with your Maple benefit:
3 covered visits annually for you and your eligible dependents
Prescriptions issued at the discretion of your provider - pick up at any pharmacy or have them delivered to your door
Add up to 4 eligible dependents including spouses and children
Frequently Asked Questions About Maple
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
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.
Compare Plans: Review the available policies. Pay attention to the sum insured, deductible options, refund conditions, and any secondary benefits like Maple virtual care.
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 Travel Insurance
Stay informed with our latest guides and blog posts on Travel insurance. From understanding coverage requirements, to travel tips, we cover everything you need to know to choose the right plan for you, your parents or grandparents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about our services.
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.
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.
Yes, BestQuote’s IEC insurance plans meet IRCC’s requirements, including coverage for hospitalization, health care, and repatriation.
If you already have GHIP coverage, BestQuote offers policies from six different insurers that accept applicants with provincial health coverage. Go to the “Summary” and check the “Eligibility” section of each plan to confirm eligibility.