If you’re moving to Canada under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, you need to take out the right IEC health insurance policy.
Getting appropriate IEC health insurance is a crucial step in your pre-arrival journey, but knowing exactly what type of insurance you need and what your options are can be a headache. This guide will help you understand exactly what IEC health insurance is, and which providers can cover you so you can get on with the fun stuff — living and working in Canada!
This is the insurance you need for the IEC Working Holiday
You have heard or read that you need travel insurance before arriving in Canada under the IEC program. This is confusing. Once upon a time, the Government of Canada actually used the term ‘travel insurance’ in some communications to IEC candidates. Insurance providers and publishers hopped on this and marketed policies or developed guides specifying the need for travel insurance.
More recently, the Government has been clearer in its messaging, specifying that IEC health insurance is what you should be looking for. This makes sense, because the minimum coverage you need is related to healthcare, not travel. More on that in the next section.
Insurance providers, however, may continue to market insurance policies under the banner of IEC travel insurance, rather than IEC health insurance, even though the coverage may be health-related (confusing, eh?). So, it’s essential to look at what you’re potentially buying, as it needs to cover certain health-related eventualities.
What does IEC health insurance need to cover?
Thankfully, the Government of Canada is clear on what your IEC health insurance needs to cover at a minimum.
Your IEC health insurance must cover:
- medical care,
- hospitalization, and
- repatriation (returning you to your country in the event of severe illness, injury, or death).
Don’t purchase a policy that does not clearly cover all of the above.
In addition, many IEC participants may choose to purchase additional coverage for certain possible outcomes. One example is additional winter sports coverage (pro tip: make sure sports coverage covers health outcomes specifically, as some insurance providers may market such additional coverage that in fact only covers outcomes such as lost, stolen, or damaged property. Don’t be that person who racked up a mega hospital bill but had “winter sports” coverage that covered only property).
And, while winter sports coverage may be advised for those hitting the slopes, note that it is not a requirement.
Where to get IEC health insurance
The Government of Canada has put this task squarely on you to figure out, with the Immigration Department (known as IRCC) stating on its website ‘We can’t recommend specific insurance companies or plans, but you can search online for something that meets your needs.’
That’s where Moving2Canada helps. For more than 10 years we have worked with a selection of great IEC health insurance providers that offer competitive policies underwritten by reputable brands. When you come knocking asking for IEC insurance, they know exactly what you’re looking for and will be able to sort you out. Plus, these providers generally offer excellent customer service, a key attribute if you need to make a claim at a later date.
Our recommended IEC health insurance providers
Select the region you’ll be in when you’re buying your travel insurance for Canada, or your health insurance.
Europe
A full service Canadian travel insurance broker offering the widest selection of travel insurance plans for visitors to Canada. Available plans may include health coverage, coverage for up to 24 months, and coverage related to pre-existing medical conditions. Plans are available before or after leaving home. Get your quote from BestQuote today!
For years True Traveller has been a popular option for Europeans seeking mandatory insurance for International Experience Canada (IEC) including the Working Holiday program. True Traveller’s IEC insurance includes medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation which exceeds IRCC’s requirements. Get your quote from True Traveller today!
Australia
A full service Canadian travel insurance broker offering the widest selection of travel insurance plans for visitors to Canada. Available plans may include health coverage, coverage for up to 24 months, and coverage related to pre-existing medical conditions. Plans are available before or after leaving home. Get your quote from BestQuote today!
The company of choice for Australian IEC participants seeking health insurance and travel insurance for Canada. Options for 12 and 24 months, and a range of products from medical only to comprehensive, snow sports, and adventure activities. Duo policies, for couples or two friends travelling together, get 5% off.
New Zealand
A full service Canadian travel insurance broker offering the widest selection of travel insurance plans for visitors to Canada. Available plans may include health coverage, coverage for up to 24 months, and coverage related to pre-existing medical conditions. Plans are available before or after leaving home. Get your quote from BestQuote today!
Rest of the world (including Canada)
A full service Canadian travel insurance broker offering the widest selection of travel insurance plans for visitors to Canada. Available plans may include health coverage, coverage for up to 24 months, and coverage related to pre-existing medical conditions. Plans are available before or after leaving home. Get your quote from BestQuote today!