Insurance: Everything you need to know about travel insurance for working vacation visas

Updated Jul 23, 2024
Fact checked by
Vincent Morin
Vincent Morin

Vincent Morin

Vincent Morin
Vincent achieved financial independence and retired early (FIRE) at the age of 35. After a career in financial technologies for a large American investment bank, he founded Retraite101, a personal finance site that reaches more than 350,000 unique visitors per year and has more than 30,000 subscribers on social media. Passionate about personal finance, cycling, reading and gardening, he continues to write to inspire and motivate Quebecers to take charge of their finances.
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Are you ready to explore the world and make money at the same time? In that case, a working vacation may be the ideal solution for you! If you are considering applying for a working vacation visa in one of the more than 30 countries with which Canada has an agreement, you should consider apply for insurance as soon as possible. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about working vacationtravel insurance.

What is a holiday?

If you have been looking for ways to explore new countries outside of Canada, you may have come across the term working vacation or working vacation visa. Working vacation visas allow a person to work and live in another country for an extended period of time (usually 1 to 2 years). Working vacations are usually taken by young people who want to experience life outside their home country for a longer period of time than a regular vacation. Working vacations are a super smart way to visit other countries, as you can travel and earn money at the same time. Jobs that accept working vacation visas can be full-time or seasonal/part-time. If you don’t have a lot of work experience or a degree, you may be able to get seasonal or part-time positions, such as retail store clerk. If you have a degree or experience in a specific field, some companies will hire you full-time in your chosen field, even if you’re only there temporarily. Currently, Canada has agreements with over 30 countries that allow working vacation visas. Most of these countries allow a working vacation visa for young people up to the age of 30. Here is a list of countries that allow working vacations:

  1. Australia
  2. Belgium
  3. Chile
  4. Costa Rica
  5. Croatia
  6. Czech Republic
  7. Denmark
  8. Estonia
  9. France
  10. Germany
  11. Greece
  12. Hong Kong
  13. Ireland
  14. Italy
  15. Japan
  16. Korea
  17. Latvia
  18. Lithuania
  19. Mexico
  20. Netherlands
  21. New Zealand
  22. Norway
  23. Poland
  24. Slovakia
  25. Slovenia
  26. Spain
  27. Sweden
  28. Switzerland
  29. Taiwan
  30. Ukraine
  31. United Kingdom

What does travel insurance cover?

If one of these countries sounds like an interesting place to live and you are starting to consider a working vacation visa, you will need to think about insurance coverage for your extended stay. Medical care is generally not free in other countries and can sometimes be very expensive, depending on the type of medical treatment you need. Travel insurance policies cover two main expense items:

  • Emergency medical care
  • Loss of personal effects and trip cancellation/change

With respect to medical treatment, travel insurance policies only cover expenses related to emergency care and not routine check-ups or visits. This is important to consider when looking for working vacation coverage, as you will be spending an extended period of time away from your home country. Travel insurance can also cover the cost of lost luggage or if you have to cancel your trip suddenly for medical reasons.

Do you need travel insurance while on leave from work?

The need for travel or health insurance depends on the country you will be visiting. Most countries require health insurance coverage in order for you to obtain a working vacation visa. Each country also has its own requirements for coverage amounts. It is important to verify this information before booking your trip to obtain a working vacation visa. That said, even if a country does not require you to have travel or health insurance, it is a good idea to consider supplemental travel insurance. Accidents and medical emergencies can happen to anyone, regardless of your age or health status, and you’ll want to be financially protected when they do. Most health insurance policies do not cover medical expenses outside your home country. You will need to consider apply for completely different policy. So, even if travel insurance is not mandatory in all countries, it gives you peace of mind in case of an accident or medical emergency.

How to choose a travel insurance policy for your business vacation?

Choosing the right travel insurance policy is very important, especially for a long trip such as a working vacation. While talking to an insurance broker is essential to choosing the right policy, there are a few key things to consider before you even talk to someone:

  • First and foremost, you need to make sure that your travel insurance will cover what you plan to do during your trip. Many travel insurance policies only cover leisure activities, as they are mostly used for short vacations. Make sure your insurance company is okay with you having a job. Also, make sure your policy covers all activities you participate in during your stay. For example, if you plan to live by the sea and participate in water sports, your policy covers medical expenses related to water sports accidents. It may seem tedious to think about these kinds of things, but it’s essential if you’re looking for travel insurance coverage – you don’t want to pay for something that doesn’t really cover your needs!
  • Since most working vacations last 12 to 24 months, you’ll need travel insurance that will protect you for the duration of your stay. Many insurance companies do not offer this length of coverage, so you will need to research those that do.
  • Make sure that the amount of your coverage is in accordance with the regulations of the country you will be visiting. If your insurance policy only covers you for less than the minimum amount required by the country, the country may deny you a working vacation visa.
  • Sometimes travel insurance does not cover one-way flights. Since you will be staying for a year or two, chances are you will book a one-way flight to your destination. If flight coverage is important to you, you’ll need to find a company that will handle it.
  • Finally, you will want a policy that allows you to travel to your home country if necessary. Most travel insurance policies will automatically be cancelled if you return to your home country, but some allow short-term travel. You may not want to go home after your working vacation, but you may have to because of a family emergency or an event such as a wedding.
Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Jean-Maximilien Voisine

Jean-Maximilien Voisine

Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Jean-Maximilien, President and Founder of Milesopedia, is a recognized expert in rewards programs, credit cards, and travel in Canada and France. Approaching forty and a father of two, he has travelled to over 100 countries, half of them with his children and his wife, Audrey. Specializing in top loyalty programs like Aeroplan, American Express Membership Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy, he guides travellers to maximize their benefits across North America and Europe.
All posts by Jean-Maximilien Voisine

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