- The Best working holiday visa Travel Insurance Plans
- What is working holiday visa travel insurance?
- The cost of working holiday visa travel insurance
- What working holiday visa travel insurance covers
- The Conditions of Working Holiday Visa Travel Insurance
- The importance of working holiday visa travel insurance
- How to choose the right working holiday visa travel insurance
- Coverage for a working holiday visa with your existing insurance
- FAQ
working holiday visa travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: WHV insurance is mandatory coverage for medical, hospital, and repatriation costs during your work and travel abroad.
2. Price: A 12-month working holiday visa policy for Europe can cost between $500 and $1,000 CAD.
3. Coverage: It typically covers emergency medical, hospitalization, and repatriation, but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk sports.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Provincial health plans (e.g., OHIP) and credit cards do not provide sufficient long-term coverage for a WHV.
5. Tips: Ensure your policy covers the full visa duration, includes work-related activities, and meets minimum repatriation coverage requirements.
6. Other useful info: Proof of insurance is mandatory upon arrival for International Experience Canada (IEC) participants to activate their visa.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analyzing 41 travel insurance policies available in Canada, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best working holiday visa travel insurance.
The Best working holiday visa Travel Insurance Plans
Here is a selection of the best working holiday visa travel insurance plans available for residents of Canada in 2025.
These policies are distinguished by their high medical coverage limits, low deductibles and practical conditions that suit the length and requirements of a working holiday visa.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1,000,000 CAD | $0 CAD | • Covers work and leisure activities. • 24/7 worldwide support. • Fast claims via mobile app. • Compliant with IEC requirements. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1,000,000 CAD | $0 CAD | • No upfront fees. • Direct hospital payment. • Multilingual assistance. • Policy can be extended online. |
| Tourist Card | $500,000 CAD | $0–$100 CAD | • Online document management. • Covers sports and adventure. • Support in multiple languages. • Affordable for long journeys. |
| World Travel | $1,000,000 CAD | $0–$100 CAD | • High limits for Canada and USA. • Fast emergency claims. • Includes repatriation. • Covers hospital advances. |
| Globe Partner | $250,000 CAD | $0 CAD | • Suitable for young adults. • 24/7 phone and email support. • Flexible contract terms. • Quick online purchase process. |
| Globe Traveller | $250,000 CAD | $0 CAD | • Designed for long stays. • Includes personal liability. • Claims process in English or French. • Worldwide cover. |
• 24/7 worldwide support.
• Fast claims via mobile app.
• Compliant with IEC requirements.
• Direct hospital payment.
• Multilingual assistance.
• Policy can be extended online.
• Covers sports and adventure.
• Support in multiple languages.
• Affordable for long journeys.
• Fast emergency claims.
• Includes repatriation.
• Covers hospital advances.
• 24/7 phone and email support.
• Flexible contract terms.
• Quick online purchase process.
• Includes personal liability.
• Claims process in English or French.
• Worldwide cover.
The best working holiday visa travel insurance policy will depend on your personal circumstances. Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the one that suits you and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance policies for freeI compareWhat is working holiday visa travel insurance?
Working holiday visa travel insurance is a specialized insurance policy for Canadians staying abroad on a working holiday visa, providing health and travel coverage for the full visa duration.
It includes essential protection such as emergency medical expenses, hospitalization, repatriation, and sometimes civil liability or personal accident, covering both work and leisure activities.
This insurance is often mandatory for entry and must comply with the destination country’s requirements.
This coverage is often offered as an option or add-on to a standard travel insurance policy.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out working holiday visa travel insurance is especially important for Canadians:
- It is a mandatory requirement for your visa and entry abroad.
- For long stays abroad, often up to 24 months.
- When your provincial health plan no longer covers you abroad.
- To cover high medical costs in your destination country.
- When you plan to work abroad, even in casual jobs.
- For medical repatriation back to Canada in a serious emergency.
- If you plan on doing adventure sports or high-risk activities.
The cost of working holiday visa travel insurance
On average, working holiday visa travel insurance costs between 6% and 11% of your total trip budget.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 12 months WHV in Canada | 7,000 | 450 to 900 |
| 24 months WHV in Canada | 14,000 | 900 to 1,800 |
| 12 months WHV in Australia | 8,000 | 500 to 1,000 |
| 6 months WHV in New Zealand | 4,000 | 300 to 600 |
These prices are provided as an indication and may vary depending on the type of plan chosen (standard or premium) and the specific conditions of each insurer.
The price of your working holiday visa travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: longer stays result in higher insurance premiums.
- destination: countries with higher healthcare or repatriation costs increase the price.
- traveller’s age: older travelers within the allowable age range may pay more.
- coverage level: higher medical, liability, or personal accident limits will raise the price.
- selected options: adventure sports, valuable baggage, or cancellation cover may further affect cost.
What working holiday visa travel insurance covers
Working holiday visa travel insurance is designed for young adults participating in working holiday programs abroad. It offers coverage for both health and travel risks over long stays. This insurance ensures you meet visa requirements and are protected as you work and travel.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refund if you must cancel your trip before departure for a covered reason. | Choose at least $1,000 cover, with a deductible below $50. Voluntary cancellation, known events, and change of mind are not covered. |
| 🕒 Trip interruption | Pays for unused parts of your trip if you must return home early for an emergency. | Minimum cover should be $1,000 and deductible under $50. Voluntary returns and minor issues are excluded. |
| 🎒 Baggage insurance | Covers loss, theft, or damage to your belongings during the trip. | Select policies with at least $1,000 coverage, deductible below $50. Unattended baggage and normal wear-and-tear are excluded. |
| 🏥 Emergency medical expenses | Key guarantee. Pays for urgent hospital and doctor costs abroad. | At least $100,000, ideally $250,000 or more, with deductible under $100. Routine care and known pre-existing conditions are not covered. |
| 🚑 Repatriation | Key guarantee. Pays for your return to Canada if a medical emergency or death occurs. | Aim for $100,000+ in coverage, no deductible if possible. Voluntary returns or non-medical repatriation are excluded. |
| 🦷 Dental emergency | Pays for emergency dental treatment in case of pain or injury. | Minimum of $500 recommended, deductible under $50. Planned, cosmetic, or orthodontic care is excluded. |
| 🛡️ Civil liability | Covers compensation if you accidentally injure someone or damage another’s property. | Minimum $100,000 coverage and deductible under $100. Intentional acts and workplace injuries are excluded. |
| 💔 Personal accident | Pays a lump sum if you suffer accidental death or permanent disability. | At least $10,000, no deductible. High-risk sports and suicide are not covered. |
| 👨👩👧 Family member return | Pays for a relative to join you in hospital abroad if needed. | Choose at least $1,000 for this benefit. Non-medical family visits are excluded. |
| 📞 24/7 assistance services | Provides emergency help, translation, and hospital payment support. | Ensure 24/7 worldwide support is included. All reputable policies include this service, but quality may vary. |
Voluntary cancellation, known events, and change of mind are not covered.
Voluntary returns and minor issues are excluded.
Unattended baggage and normal wear-and-tear are excluded.
Routine care and known pre-existing conditions are not covered.
Voluntary returns or non-medical repatriation are excluded.
Planned, cosmetic, or orthodontic care is excluded.
Intentional acts and workplace injuries are excluded.
High-risk sports and suicide are not covered.
Non-medical family visits are excluded.
All reputable policies include this service, but quality may vary.
Reimbursement limits vary depending on the insurer and the plan selected (eco, standard, premium). They must always be checked in the general terms and conditions.
To find the working holiday visa travel insurance best suited to your program and destination, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The Conditions of Working Holiday Visa Travel Insurance
To activate your working holiday visa travel insurance and ensure coverage, certain main conditions must be met.
- Timing of purchase: you must buy the policy before leaving Canada, or before entering the WHV destination country.
- Duration of coverage: insurance must cover the entire working holiday visa period, typically 12 to 24 months.
- Residency requirement: you must be a Canadian resident at the time of policy purchase for most Canadian insurers.
- Work and leisure coverage: the policy must specifically insure both work activities and personal travel during your stay.
- No ongoing travel: you cannot take out coverage after you have already started your journey or are abroad.
- Official documentation: you must be able to present your insurance certificate and policy on arrival and, if requested, during your stay.
- Age limits: applicants usually must be aged 18 to 35 or 36 at the start of the WHV.
- Incident notification: you must notify the insurer as soon as possible in the event of accident, sickness, or repatriation need.
Watch out!
A critical mistake is buying insurance for less than your visa's full duration. Canadian border officers will only issue a work permit matching your policy's length. If you have a 24-month visa but 12-month insurance, your permit will be for 12 months and cannot be extended.
The importance of working holiday visa travel insurance
working holiday visa travel insurance is mandatory for IEC participants and most programs abroad, with proof required upon arrival.
An accident or illness can be very expensive abroad, especially during work and travel stays without provincial health coverage.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment for a broken arm (cast, care) |
| Up to $1,000,000, depending on the policy |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Often 100%, up to plan limit |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Partial, up to $2,000 |
| Hospitalization (per day) |
| Usually up to $1,000,000 |
| Repatriation to Canada for medical reasons |
| Up to $500,000 or full, if medically needed |
- Europe: $400
- North America: $2,500
- Asia: $250
- Europe: $4,000
- North America: $25,000
- Asia: $2,500
- Europe: $300
- North America: $1,500
- Asia: $200
- Europe: $1,000
- North America: $5,000
- Asia: $300
- Europe: $10,000
- North America: $50,000
- Asia: $15,000
Coverage varies greatly depending on the plan chosen (standard or premium) and the insurer. Refer to the general conditions and always compare with tools like HelloSafe.
Many working holiday visa travel insurance policies also cover other important situations: civil liability abroad, personal accident compensation, trip interruption or cancellation, lost or stolen baggage, and 24/7 assistance services.
Good to know
Provincial health care won't cover you. An emergency appendectomy could cost $25,000. WHV insurance is mandatory for entry and covers medical bills, hospitalization, and repatriation. A specialist plan, like from Chapka, ensures you’re protected so you can enjoy your adventure without financial stress.
How to choose the right working holiday visa travel insurance
Not every working holiday visa travel insurance policy is the same: coverage periods, exclusions, and reimbursement limits often vary significantly.
It is essential to compare your options focusing on criteria relevant to WHV travellers, especially for long stays and work abroad.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Medical emergencies and repatriation abroad can cost tens of thousands of dollars. | Choose at least $100,000 for medical and $100,000 for repatriation as a minimum; higher is better. |
| 📉 Deductible | Deductibles can add unexpected costs for long-term or multiple claims. | Prefer plans with no deductible, especially for work injuries or repeated health claims during your stay. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Visa rules may require coverage for the entire WHV stay, including certain types of work. | Confirm your policy meets visa requirements for work coverage and full duration, or you may be refused entry. |
| 👦 Traveller’s age | Many policies have age limits for WHV eligibility, often 35–36 years old. | Check age restrictions: some policies end coverage precisely on your birthday or after a set age limit. |
| 👨🔧 Traveller profile | WHV policies must cover both leisure and work-related activities, which general travel plans may not. | Ensure your plan covers work, volunteering, and job hunting, not just tourism or studies. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Standard travel insurance is usually limited to short trips; WHV stays can last up to 2 years. | Look for a plan offering at least 12–24 months of continuous coverage, with no gaps or renewal requirements. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Coverage must include all countries you plan to visit or work in during your WHV. | Get a plan with global coverage or confirm policy validity in each region you plan to travel or work in. |
| 🛠️ Planned activities | Work and adventure or sports activities sometimes require specific coverage. | Disclose manual labour, childcare, farm work, or sports to ensure full benefit without exclusions or claim denial. |
| 🖥️ Online subscription | Digital purchase, document delivery, and claims offer flexibility for travellers already abroad. | Opt for a provider with 24/7 online sign-up and claim submission to ensure access wherever you are. |
Coverage for a working holiday visa with your existing insurance
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurances, such as credit card coverage or public health system, can offer you a working holiday visa travel insurance, but unfortunately this is often not enough.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Working holiday visa travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (OHIP, RAMQ) | Never | No medical coverage outside Canada, $0 reimbursement. No coverage for work-related accidents, repatriation, or urgent care. | Travel insurance covers the full WHV period, medical care, repatriation, and work incidents, with up to $1,000,000 CAD. |
| Private health insurance (Sun Life, Manulife) | Never | Basic emergency medical only for short trips (max 60 days), up to $1,000,000. No long-term health, repatriation, or liability guarantees. | Travel insurance offers long-term medical, liability, and repatriation for 12–24 months, up to $1,000,000 CAD. |
| Classic credit card (RBC Classic Visa, TD Classic Visa) | Never | Baggage, trip cancellation, emergency medical for trips under 15 days, limits $500–$1,000,000. No coverage for work risks or medical over 15 days. | Travel insurance includes medical, work-related accidents, and trip interruption valid for WHV, up to $1,000,000 CAD. |
| Premium credit card (RBC Avion Visa, TD First Class Visa) | Limited coverage | Short emergency medical (max 15–21 days), trip delay, baggage, limits $1,000–$2,000,000. No support for long-term stays, work legalities, or full repatriation. | Travel insurance is recognized by immigration, with coverage for long WHV, work, and emergencies, up to $1,000,000 CAD. |
No coverage for work-related accidents, repatriation, or urgent care.
No long-term health, repatriation, or liability guarantees.
No coverage for work risks or medical over 15 days.
No support for long-term stays, work legalities, or full repatriation.
Expert advice
Bank card and health insurance often exclude trip interruption for a relative’s illness or death. Read your policy carefully to avoid surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe to a dedicated travel insurance policy tailored to your specific trip.
FAQ
Is working holiday visa travel insurance mandatory?
Yes, working holiday visa travel insurance is mandatory for many destinations, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most IEC/WHV partner countries. Authorities may check your policy on arrival. Even where not required, it is strongly recommended; a workplace accident or hospitalization abroad can easily cost thousands of dollars without sufficient insurance.
When is it recommended to purchase working holiday visa travel insurance?
Purchase working holiday visa travel insurance as soon as you receive your visa or book your trip. Early purchase ensures you are protected against cancellation costs and have full coverage from your arrival date. Most embassies or border agents require proof of insurance before or upon entry.
How do I purchase working holiday visa travel insurance?
1/ Compare: Use HelloSafe’s comparison platform to explore quotes tailored for working holiday visa policies.
2/ Check guarantees and exclusions: Confirm coverage meets your visa requirements and includes work-related risks.
3/ Purchase online: Complete your application and securely pay for your chosen plan.
4/ Receive the certificate: Your insurance confirmation will be sent by email, often needed for immigration or employer paperwork.
Can I purchase working holiday visa travel insurance after arriving abroad?
Some insurers may allow you to purchase working holiday visa travel insurance after arrival, but this often means limited coverage, waiting periods, or exclusions for incidents that occurred before purchase. For full protection and to meet immigration requirements, always arrange coverage before departure.
Does working holiday visa travel insurance cover work-related accidents?
Most dedicated working holiday visa insurance policies include coverage for accidents or injuries that occur during both professional and leisure activities, unlike standard travel plans. Check the policy document to verify the extent and type of work covered, especially for higher-risk jobs or manual labor.
How do I make a claim on working holiday visa travel insurance?
If you experience an emergency, contact your insurer’s 24/7 assistance line immediately. Collect and keep all medical invoices, police reports, and supporting documents. Claims can often be submitted online or by email. Follow the instructions provided by your insurer and keep copies of all paperwork.
If I travel to other countries during my working holiday, am I still covered?
Some working holiday visa travel insurance policies cover additional trips outside your main destination, but you must check the geographic limits in your policy. Coverage may apply worldwide or only in select regions for short visits, so always verify before planning any side trips.
Is working holiday visa travel insurance mandatory?
Yes, working holiday visa travel insurance is mandatory for many destinations, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most IEC/WHV partner countries. Authorities may check your policy on arrival. Even where not required, it is strongly recommended; a workplace accident or hospitalization abroad can easily cost thousands of dollars without sufficient insurance.
When is it recommended to purchase working holiday visa travel insurance?
Purchase working holiday visa travel insurance as soon as you receive your visa or book your trip. Early purchase ensures you are protected against cancellation costs and have full coverage from your arrival date. Most embassies or border agents require proof of insurance before or upon entry.
How do I purchase working holiday visa travel insurance?
1/ Compare: Use HelloSafe’s comparison platform to explore quotes tailored for working holiday visa policies.
2/ Check guarantees and exclusions: Confirm coverage meets your visa requirements and includes work-related risks.
3/ Purchase online: Complete your application and securely pay for your chosen plan.
4/ Receive the certificate: Your insurance confirmation will be sent by email, often needed for immigration or employer paperwork.
Can I purchase working holiday visa travel insurance after arriving abroad?
Some insurers may allow you to purchase working holiday visa travel insurance after arrival, but this often means limited coverage, waiting periods, or exclusions for incidents that occurred before purchase. For full protection and to meet immigration requirements, always arrange coverage before departure.
Does working holiday visa travel insurance cover work-related accidents?
Most dedicated working holiday visa insurance policies include coverage for accidents or injuries that occur during both professional and leisure activities, unlike standard travel plans. Check the policy document to verify the extent and type of work covered, especially for higher-risk jobs or manual labor.
How do I make a claim on working holiday visa travel insurance?
If you experience an emergency, contact your insurer’s 24/7 assistance line immediately. Collect and keep all medical invoices, police reports, and supporting documents. Claims can often be submitted online or by email. Follow the instructions provided by your insurer and keep copies of all paperwork.
If I travel to other countries during my working holiday, am I still covered?
Some working holiday visa travel insurance policies cover additional trips outside your main destination, but you must check the geographic limits in your policy. Coverage may apply worldwide or only in select regions for short visits, so always verify before planning any side trips.
