Working Holiday Visa Insurance for Canadians
Affordable emergency medical & repatriation coverage for Canadians travelling abroad on IEC Working Holiday visas.
What is a Working Holiday Visa?
If you are a Canadian citizen between the ages of 18 and 35, you may be eligible for a Working Holiday visa. These visas are issued as part of the International Experience Canada (IEC) visa program. Some countries also offer special visas for young professionals under the IEC program. Working Holiday visas allow young Canadians to work while visiting any one of over 30 countries worldwide, including Europe, Latin America, East Asia, and the Pacific. You can view a list of participating countries here.
If you are an international visitor to Canada with an IEC (Working Holiday) visa, please visit our IEC page.
Where Can You Go on a Working Holiday?
Application requirements vary by country. Generally, you will be required to prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and that you have comprehensive medical and repatriation insurance for the entire length of your intended stay. You should apply for a visa before leaving Canada. For a full list of participating countries please see here.
France
You could be an Au Pair in France!
Australia
Work in the Australian Outback or teach surfing lessons!
England
Work in one of London's many pubs!
Greece
Work in a hostel or give boat tours on a Greek island!
Working Holiday Visa for Canadians: Insurance Requirements
Depending on the country you choose to travel to, you may not need insurance to enter. However, IEC visa holders coming into Canada are required to buy private travel insurance and keep it in place for their entire stay, regardless of whether they become covered under provincial health care.
That said, it is still wise to ensure that you have purchased travel insurance for the entire time that you will be away. If something happens, you don't want to have to rely on your travel funds to pay for medical expenses or to tap into the bank of Mom and Dad. Comprehensive coverage can be obtained at an affordable monthly rate - get a free quote above to see current pricing for your age and destination.
How to Get Coverage
You can get Working Holiday travel insurance instantly by using our quote engine seen on this page. Select the right category depending on your healthcare status, you will be provided with the following options:
Option 1: Canadian Resident with Provincial Medical Plan
In our quote engine, select 'Canadian Travellers' then choose 'Emergency Medical'
If you will be away for longer than 6-7 months, request a waiver from your provincial health plan. Click here to find contact details for your provincial medical plan.
Option 2: Canadian Resident/ Expat Without Provincial Plan
In our quote engine, select 'Global Expats' then choose 'Canadian Expats'
Your quote will display prices and important policy details. Further details can be found by clicking on the blue 'summary' button, which is displayed underneath each policy on your quote.
Getting a quote is the best way to research your insurance policy options! You can find further information about policy options under the following tab on our website: Expats & Backpackers.
If you have questions or need additional information, please call us toll-free at 1-888-888-0510.
Stay Informed With Working Holiday Insurance Tips
Want to learn more about the Working Holiday Visa? Take a look at some of our blog posts where we cover topics from coverage comparisons to travel tips, we cover everything you need to know to make the right choice.
How to Buy IEC Visa Insurance
Buying IEC Visa insurance through BestQuote is quick and easy:
Fill in our online quote form with your trip(s) details.
Instantly compare prices and coverage from Canada's top insurance companies.
Purchase online in minuntes - your policy documents are delivered immediately.
Prefer to speak with an advisor? Call us toll-free at 1-888-888-0510 and we'll help you find the best policy at the best price for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about our services.
A single-trip policy covers one journey for the number of days you select. A multi-trip (annual) policy covers multiple trips within a year, each up to a set number of days, which is convenient for frequent travelers.
A single-trip plan is cheaper if you are only taking one journey, but an annual multi-trip plan is often the better value if you travel several times a year. Comparing both options helps you choose the most cost-effective coverage.
Yes, some Canadian insurers allow you to buy emergency travel insurance after leaving Canada, but options are limited and waiting periods may apply. It’s always best to purchase coverage before you travel.
Yes, many insurers allow you to extend your policy while abroad if you apply before your coverage expires and no claims have been made.
Yes, most Canadian travel insurance policies include emergency medical evacuation back to Canada if it is medically necessary and approved by the insurer.