The IRCC requires it. The border agent will check. Here's what 'adequate' actually means.
Get a QuoteIf you're coming to Canada on an IEC working holiday visa, the IRCC requires you to have adequate health insurance for your entire stay. Without it, you can be denied entry. But 'adequate' is vague — here's what it actually means and what you actually need.
You must prove you have health insurance for the full duration of your stay when you arrive at the border. The insurance must cover medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation. Border agents can — and do — ask to see proof.
At minimum: emergency medical, hospital care, and repatriation (getting you home if needed). But most IEC holders do far more than sightsee — and standard travel insurance excludes the adventure activities that are the whole point of a Canadian working holiday.
Skiing, mountain biking, rock climbing, white-water rafting — all routinely excluded by base travel insurance. If you're coming to Canada for a working holiday and plan to do any of these (and you should), you need the Sports & Activities add-on.
IEC visas can be extended, and your insurance must match your entire stay. You can top up your policy before it expires — but if you let it lapse, you may not be able to get a new policy from outside Canada.
Get coverage that satisfies the IRCC requirement AND covers the adventure stuff — not just the basics.
Get a Quote Learn more about student plansOne night in a Canadian ICU can top $14,000 — without coverage, that's on you.
Cost reality