International Experience Canada, often called IEC, is a Government of Canada program that allows young people from partner countries to live and work in Canada temporarily. It includes categories such as Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co op. Many participants use IEC to travel across Canada while earning money through short term or casual jobs.
If you are planning a working holiday through IEC, insurance is not something you can skip. It is a required part of the program. If you arrive in Canada without the right coverage, you could receive a shorter work permit than you expected.
Here is what you need to know before you travel.
What insurance do you need for IEC?
Under IEC rules, every participant must have private health insurance for the full length of their stay in Canada.
The Government of Canada requires that your insurance include:
- Health care
- Hospitalization
- Repatriation, which means returning you to your home country in case of serious illness, injury, or death
How much IEC insurance do you need and for how long?
Your insurance must cover your entire stay in Canada. If your work permit is valid for 12 months, you need 12 months of coverage. If it is valid for 24 months, you need 24 months of coverage.
You cannot extend your IEC work permit later just by buying more insurance. The full coverage must be in place when you enter Canada.
When you arrive in Canada, a border services officer may ask to see proof of your insurance. If your policy only covers part of your stay, your work permit may be shortened to match the length of your insurance.
For example, if you are approved for a 12 month permit but only purchase 6 months of insurance, you may only receive a 6 month work permit.
There is no official minimum dollar amount listed by the government. However, many IEC insurance plans provide at least $100,000 dollars in emergency medical coverage. Some offer more.
Health care in Canada can be expensive for visitors. A hospital stay or emergency surgery can cost thousands of dollars. Choosing a higher coverage limit can give you peace of mind.
What's covered by IEC insurance and what's not?
Most IEC insurance plans cover:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospital stays
- Ambulance services
- Emergency prescriptions
- Medical evacuation and repatriation
Most plans do not cover:
- Routine checkups
- Ongoing treatment for pre existing conditions unless stated
- Regular dental care
- Pregnancy and childbirth in many cases
- Non emergency mental health services
Every policy is different, so it is important to read the details carefully.
How is IEC insurance different from regular travel insurance?
Regular travel insurance is designed for short vacations. It often focuses on trip cancellation, lost luggage, and travel delays.
IEC insurance is built for longer stays and must meet specific government requirements. Many regular travel policies only cover trips lasting 30 to 90 days. Some also exclude injuries that happen while you are working.
Since IEC participants are allowed to work in Canada, your insurance must allow employment coverage. If you plan to work in construction, hospitality, or other hands on jobs, this is especially important.
Plan ahead for safety and peace of mind
Are you planning a working holiday? Before you leave for Canada, make sure your insurance meets IEC rules and covers your full stay.
Learn about Visitors to Canada insurance to explore plans designed specifically for IEC participants and working holiday travelers. Reach out if you have any questions.
Learn more about the Canadian government's IEC program.