What’s The Best IEC Travel Insurance Policy?

If we cut down your purchase decision to the bare bones, your major considerations likely fall into the following categories: 

1. Cost. 
2. Coverage. 
3. In-Budget Add-Ons. 

Cost is often one of the more significant factors, but we’d caution against finding the cheapest IEC-eligible policy and hitting the buy button. The great outdoors makes up a great part of Canadian culture – so you want to make sure you can participate once you’re here.

So let’s dig into how to make the decision. 

Key Takeaways

• IEC-Eligible Insurance is mandatory for working holidayers in Canada. You may not receive a work permit at the border if you do not purchase adequate insurance. 
• But, your insurance should also suit your lifestyle and planned activities in Canada.
• If you consider the cost, cover, and any add-ons, and you choose an IEC-eligible policy, you’ll find the best insurance coverage for you. 

What Is The Best IEC Insurance Policy?

When choosing the best IEC insurance policy, it’s important to remember that most IEC-eligible insurance plans are designed primarily for emergency situations. This means your policy will cover things like unexpected medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation. However, many other potential misadventures aren’t covered, such as routine medical visits, ongoing care, or injuries resulting from certain activities, unless you purchase additional coverage.

IEC participants are often drawn to the thrill of exploring Canada’s great outdoors, but these adventures can come with risks. While your IEC insurance will protect you in the event of an accident, it’s crucial to understand the limitations. For example, standard policies won’t cover injuries from activities like skiing or snowboarding unless you purchase winter sports add-ons. Similarly, injuries resulting from reckless behavior, intoxication, or pre-existing conditions might not be covered at all.

IEC insurance is mandatory for you to receive your work permit, but it’s also there to give you peace of mind. Choosing the right policy isn’t just about meeting the legal requirement—it’s about ensuring you’re protected for the experiences you want to have in Canada.

A good IEC policy will include the mandatory requirements set by the Canadian government, as well as coverage for your activities and belongings.

However, most IEC health insurance doesn’t cover routine care, ongoing medical treatments, or preventive healthcare, meaning regular doctor visits, medications for stable conditions, and things like dental care are typically excluded. This is where provincial health insurance (once you qualify) may provide additional benefits, so consider combining both private and provincial coverage during your stay in Canada. If you aren’t eligible for provincial coverage, or if you’ll be moving between provinces regularly, you may want to consider IEC-eligible health insurance as well as more comprehensive private health insurance, like those policies provided by our partner Cigna Global. 

In summary, when choosing your policy, focus on:

1. The activities you’ll be doing: If you plan on participating in winter sports, make sure to get a policy that covers these activities.
2. The level of coverage you need: A policy with a higher coverage limit might be wise if you want more comprehensive protection.
3. 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.

IEC-Eligible Insurance 

Your IEC health insurance must cover, at a minimum:

• 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.

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. You may not receive a work permit if you present ineligible insurance at the border when you present your Port of Entry Letter (in fact, it’s likely that you won’t receive your permit if this is the case). 

You can learn more about IEC-eligible insurance here. 

Optional Add Ons To Consider

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.

How Much Does IEC Insurance Cost?

The cost of IEC insurance varies depending on the provider, the coverage you choose, and the length of your stay. Here’s an example of a comparison table that breaks down some of the top IEC insurance providers, their costs, and what they cover.

Example Profile For An IEC Travel Insurance Policyholder

Based on the information from the documents, the profile of the person applying for these IEC travel insurance policies includes the following:

• Age: 20 years old.
• Country of Residence: United Kingdom.
• Travel Period: The policies cover a one-year period, from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.
• Purpose of Travel: Likely engaging in an International Experience Canada (IEC) visa program, which is typically for working holidays or temporary stays in Canada.
• Activities: The policies offer winter sports coverage, suggesting that the individual may engage in skiing, snowboarding, or other winter activities during their stay.

IEC Travel Insurance Comparison: Summary

Making the Right Choice

When choosing travel insurance, it’s crucial to consider the coverage, cost, and specific needs of your trip. For example, if you plan on snowboarding or skiing in Canada, you’ll need a policy that covers resort activities. Similarly, if you prefer comprehensive coverage with low deductibles, policies like the True Traveller Plus offer extensive benefits with minimal out-of-pocket expenses.

A good IEC insurance policy provides financial protection and peace of mind, allowing you to fully enjoy your IEC adventure. Review each policy carefully, compare the benefits, and select the one that best fits your travel plans and personal needs.

By understanding the details of each policy, you can make an informed decision and ensure that you are adequately protected during your travels. Whether it’s medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or personal liability, having the right insurance coverage can make all the difference.

For your personalized quote, you’ll need to reach out to an IEC insurance provider. You can find a list of trusted IEC-eligible insurance providers on our partner page. 

If you need help navigating the IEC process or getting settled in Canada, we recommend creating a Moving2Canada account. You get instant access to our platform with customized checklists and individual guidance to help your move run smoothly.

Register here