INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE CANADA (IEC) If you will come to Canada under the the IEC Visa program, at your port-of-entry into Canada you will be required to show proof of hospital and medical insurance that covers the full duration of your desired work permit, including insurance that will cover repatriation costs.
DCIS has plans suited specifically for IEC visa holders
These health insurance plans can provide proof of continuous coverage up to two (2) years. There are basic (emergency only) plans as well as Comprehensive options – and for both types of plan the premiums are payable over monthly installments.
IEC Visa holders who get enrolled on a Provincial Government Health Plan in Canada may cancel their private medical insurance, and in that case we have a stand-alone Repatriation Plan available so that the IEC visa holder satisfies Canada’s requirement to have medical AND repatriation coverage for the duration of the IEC visa.
Please note:
- Canadian port of entry officers are within their rights to only issue an IEC work permit to match the duration of the medical and repatriation insurance you present. For example, if you arrive at port of entry with a six-month insurance policy, then expect the immigration officer to only issue a six-month work permit.
For more on this topic see – http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=939&top=25
- Even though some IEC Visa holders will be deemed eligible to apply for Provincial Health Insurance in Canada, that public health plan alone does not meet the IEC insurance requirement. This is because it will not cover repatriation costs, i.e. flying you to your home country in the event of your death or in the event of your need for medical transport back to your home country. Also, please be aware of the types of medical expenses not covered by Provincial health insurance, which include: dental accidents, ambulance, medications, medical devices like casts and crutches, and trips to the US and Mexico. At DCIS we have plan options that include these.