What type of insurance do I need for International Experience Canada? (2024)

FAQs

What type of insurance do I need for International Experience Canada? ›

The IEC insurance needs to cover you for hospitalisation, health care and (if necessary) repatriation to your home country. Remember, you must ensure that your IEC insurance policy covers the entire period of your stay in Canada, otherwise your work permit will expire at the same time as your insurance.

You may be refused entry if you don't have insurance. If your insurance policy is valid for less time than your expected stay in Canada, you may be issued a work permit that expires at the same time as your insurance.

Even though Canada is just over the border, your U.S. health insurance plan will not be accepted there unless it specifically provides global coverage. American Medicare also is not accepted in Canada. It's important to purchase travel medical insurance in case you suffer an injury or fall ill while in Canada.

Any visitor traveling to Canada should purchase visitors health insurance. Most domestic policies will only cover you in your home country and have little to no coverage once you are traveling abroad. We offer plans for foreign students, travelers from other countries, business travel, international workers and more.

Canada does not pay for hospital or medical services for visitors. You should get health insurance to cover any medical costs before you come to Canada.

Foreigners will receive emergency care, but non-urgent medical treatment won't be covered. To make sure you won't have to pay for all of your medical expenses, you should sign up for an international health insurance plan.

IEC authorizes temporary stay in Canada, with the approval of work permits for a maximum of one year. IEC work permits are approved through a randomized draw system. Not all foreign nationals who submit expressions of interest will be selected for the program.

All travellers must have an ETA to board their flight. Those with a valid Canadian working visa (such as an IEC working holiday visa) do not need to apply for a separate ETA as an ETA is included within the documentation of the visa entry letter.

It takes 56 days to process your application from the date you submit it. Processing will only start after you have submitted biometrics and will stop if we ask for any additional documents. An applicant looks at the “International Experience Canada: How to apply” web page.

What happens if an American gets sick in Canada? ›

If during your visit to Canada you get sick or injured, the Canadian government won't pay for any hospitalization or emergency medical services for visitors. Also, if you don't have proper medical insurance coverage, you will be liable to pay for any medical service out of your own pocket.

Due to reciprocal laws between the U.S. and Canada, your car insurance will most likely still apply while driving in Canada. This may depend on your provider, but many of the major car insurance providers will qualify for Canadian coverage, unless they specifically offer international car insurance policies for Canada.

Healthcare services received beyond U.S. borders are not covered. Medicare may cover inpatient hospital costs, ambulance services or dialysis for the following circ*mstances: You are in the U.S. when emergency treatment is needed and the closest hospital is in a foreign country (e.g., Canada or Mexico).

Entry into Canada: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens. Children under 16 only need proof of U.S. citizenship.

Canadians drive on the right hand side of the road and pass on the left. When on a double-lane highway, the same rules apply with slower traffic sticking to the right-hand lane and faster traffic passing on the left. Can you drive in Canada with a US license? US licenses are valid in Canada.

You don't have to have travel insurance when visiting Canada, unless you are applying for a super visa. But health care is expensive in Canada if you don't have coverage.

The Government of Canada requires that you must have health insurance for the entire duration of your IEC work permit. This insurance is mandatory for all IEC participants and covered you for your entire stay. If you're eligible for a 12-month work permit in Canada, you must have 12 months of insurance coverage.

You don't have to have travel insurance when visiting Canada, unless you are applying for a super visa. But health care is expensive in Canada if you don't have coverage.

You generally don't need a medical exam unless you plan to work in certain jobs in which public health must be protected.

You'll have access to free health care under the health insurance system of the province or territory where you're working. However, when you first arrive in Canada, it may take some time before you're covered by the provincial or territorial health insurance system.