IEC Insurance If You’re Already in Canada and Applying to IEC

Maybe you’re finishing one IEC work permit and want to do another. Maybe you’re in Canada as a visitor, student, or on a PGWP, and you’d like to switch to IEC. Either way, the key point is the same: when you activate a new IEC work permit, you need the right insurance – every time. 

Do you need IEC insurance if you’re already in Canada? 

Yes. Even if you’ve been living in Canada for months or years, IEC still expects you to have proof of insurance that meets their requirements when you activate your IEC work permit. This applies whether you’re going into the Working Holiday program, the Young Professionals program or International Co-Op. 

Your permit can be shortened if your insurance doesn’t cover your full intended stay. If your policy only lasts six months, you’ll only get a six-month work permit, even if you could have received 12 or 24 months. And here’s the frustrating part: you usually can’t fix that later by buying more insurance. The permit length is set when it’s issued. 

Can you buy IEC insurance while you’re already in Canada? 

Often yes, but you need to check the fine print. Most insurers allow you to buy or start coverage while you’re physically in Canada. The important part is that your policy needs to be valid when you activate your IEC work permit, and it needs to meet IEC’s coverage rules for the full period. 

Travel insurance vs IEC health insurance 

The term “travel insurance” is often used loosely, and that’s where confusion starts. 

Some travel insurance is meant for short trips. It usually protects you against things like trip delays or lost bags, and while it can be useful, it is not a mandatory requirement for IEC. IEC health insurance, however, is mandatory. IEC insurance needs to cover the basics that matter for living in Canada, including emergency medical care and hospital stays, and it also needs to include repatriation. 

If you want the clearest explanation, use these two resources do understand the differences: Working Holiday Travel Insurance and IEC Health Insurance. They walk through what counts for IEC and what doesn’t. 

Does provincial health coverage count for IEC? 

Even if you qualify for and have provincial health coverage, you still need to have adequate IEC insurance. So having OHIP, MSP, or another provincial plan will be helpful day-to-day, but it doesn’t meet IEC’s insurance rules. 

If you’re applying to IEC again (or switching IEC categories) 

If your country allows repeat participation, the same rules apply. When you activate your new IEC work permit, you must show proof of insurance coverage for the full time you want the permit to be issued for. 

The biggest mistake here is assuming your old insurance (or provincial coverage) will carry you through. Old insurance should only be relied upon if it covers the whole intended duration of your new stay. If it doesn’t match IEC’s requirements for the full duration of your new permit, you could end up with a shorter permit than you expected. Provincial health coverage will also not help you here as it does not satisfy the IEC health insurance requirements. 

If you’re already in Canada while you apply, you’ll also want to plan carefully so you don’t end up stuck with a gap in status. This is where timing and planning really matter and why it helps to keep an eye on invitations and pools. Learn more about the latest IEC rounds of invitation and pool updates. 

If you’re wondering whether you can apply for an IEC work permit while you’re already in Canada, here’s our full guide on how it works. 

If you’re already in Canada and applying to IEC, the right health insurance isn’t just a box to tick – it’s part of activating your work permit. Make sure your policy meets IEC requirements and covers the full time you hope to stay. If it doesn’t, your work permit can be issued for less time than you expected. 

Want to stay on top of IEC changes (like invitation rounds, inland activation updates, and insurance rules)? Join the Moving2Canada Community for the latest updates and practical tips straight to your inbox.