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IEC Health Insurance is mandatory for your working holiday iec work permit in Canada, so you’ll need to purchase a policy one way or another. But finding the best policy poses some challenges, it needs to be affordable and offer peace of mind, and there are so many options out there. So we’ve highlighted some of the major considerations that should be top of mind when purchasing your policy.
Key Takeaways
- IEC health insurance must cover at minimum: medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation; policies that skip any of these three are not valid for the program.
- Cheapest isn’t best. A slightly higher premium often buys significantly better coverage limits or lower deductibles.
- If you plan to ski, snowboard, or do any adventure activities in Canada, confirm your policy covers them explicitly; not all standard policies do.
- Coverage limits vary widely, from CAD $100,000 to $10,000,000, depending on the provider and policy tier.
- Some policies include add-ons worth considering: telehealth, prescription medications, and equipment insurance for gear you’re bringing.
- You must present valid insurance when you receive your work permit at the Port of Entry, ineligible coverage can result in being denied your permit.
Do you have IEC health insurance?
What Is The Best IEC Insurance Policy for Me?
The best IEC policy for you should include the mandatory Canadian government requirements and cover your planned activities and belongings.
Since IEC participants are not covered by the provincial health coverage, acquiring a valid travel insurance is mandatory before entering Canada.
What are the Canadian Government requirements for IEC Health Insurance?
- It must cover medical care
- hospitalization, and
- repatriation (returning you to your country in the event of severe illness, injury, or death).
All of these requirements must cover the full duration of your stay in Canada. If your IEC visa is approved for 2 years, then your policy needs to be for 2 years.
Important: Don’t purchase a policy that does not clearly cover all of the above!
These requirements are set by the Government of Canada, and if your policy does not include these minimum coverages, it is not valid for the IEC program.
If you do not present proof of adequate insurance at the border when you present your Port of Entry Letter, you may not receive a work permit and will not be allowed to enter Canada.
You can learn more about IEC-eligible insurance here.
How to select the best IEC Health Insurance?
When choosing your policy, focus on:
- Cost: Cost is often one of the more significant factors, but we’d caution against finding the cheapest IEC-eligible policy since most of the times is not the best.
- The level of coverage you need: A policy with a higher coverage limit might be wise if you want more comprehensive protection.
- The activities you’ll be doing: If you plan on participating in winter sports, make sure to get a policy that covers these activities. The great outdoors makes up a great part of Canadian culture, so you want to make sure you can participate once you’re here.
- Additional coverage for non-emergency incidents: Some policies offer add-ons like tele-health services, prescription medications, or coverage for accidents that aren’t strictly emergencies.
By carefully reviewing your options, you can select a policy that not only meets the legal requirements but also ensures that you’re covered for whatever comes your way during your working holiday in Canada.
Best IEC Travel Insurance Options in 2026
| Provider | Policy Name | Cost (CAD) | Deductible (CAD) | Coverage (CAD) | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BestQuote | MedEC Visitors Emergency | 816.69 | 250 | 100,000 | Winter sports |
| BestQuote | Hospital Medical Care | 542.94 | 250 | 100,000 | |
| True Traveller | True Value | 745.66 | 125 | 10,000,000 | High medical coverage, search & rescue |
| True Traveller | Traveller | 965.02 | 75 | 10,000,000 | Comprehensive, winter sports |
| True Traveller | Traveller Plus | 1144.79 | 35 | 10,000,000 | Extensive coverage |
| IA | Hospital Medical Care | 922.89 | 100 | 100,000 | |
| Destination Canada | Visitors Plan | 1,093.90 | 250 | 100,000 | |
| Manulife | Visitors Plan A | 1,321.30 | 75 | 100,000 | |
| 21st Century | Visitors to Canada | 1,324.95 | 0 | 100,000 | |
| MedEC | Emergency Health | 912.5 | 0 | 100,000 | Winter sports coverage |
| MedEC | Health & Repatriation | 638.75 | 0 | 100,000 |
Do you have IEC health insurance?
What is the Cheapest Travel insurance for IEC Canada?
You can find the most affordable policy using BestQuote’s comparison tool. This tool will search for you and recommend specific insurance companies along with the policies available at the time of your search.
Search for the cheapest travel insurance for IEC with BestQuote.
Add-ons to Consider when Selecting the Best Private Health Insurance for you
While basic policies may cover general medical expenses, you may need extra coverage depending on your plans in Canada. Some important optional add-ons to consider include:
- Winter sports coverage: If you’re planning to ski, snowboard, or engage in other winter activities, ensure your policy covers any injuries or accidents related to these sports. Canada’s winter sports scene is a huge draw for IEC participants, so opting for this coverage may be worth it.
- Adventure activities: Even if you don’t plan on hitting the slopes, Canada offers a range of high-adrenaline activities, from mountain biking to bungee jumping. Check if your policy covers these activities or whether you need to add additional cover.
- Equipment insurance: If you’re bringing expensive equipment for skiing, snowboarding, or other activities, look into policies that cover lost or damaged equipment.
Read about all the features you need to compare in your health insurance options before deciding, in our article: How to Compare Health Insurance Providers in Canada
Do you have IEC health insurance?
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