What to know about travel insurance for your working holiday abroad

Insurance coverage might be a condition of your Working Holiday permit or simply a “highly recommended” common sense purchase—either way, it should be one of the high-priority items on your pre-departure checklist, whether you’re embarking on a Working Holiday adventure, enrolling at a university abroad, or simply exploring a new country.

Sure, getting quotes and reading paragraphs of fine print isn’t as fun as shopping around for a sturdy suitcase or planning your travels. But consider it the most responsible decision you’ll ever make. Going backpacking around the world? Not crazy (according to us). Leaving home without travel insurance? Crazy decision (according to everybody).

As a foreign worker, student, or tourist, you won’t be covered by the local healthcare system, and whatever health coverage you have at home won’t help once you’re abroad. 

So, let us guide you through buying insurance! This comprehensive guide will explain what you need to know about travel insurance and how to choose a policy that fits your needs. 

Do I really need travel insurance?

Some countries (e.g. Canada or France) make purchasing a health insurance policy covering repatriation and hospitalisation a mandatory part of being issued a Working Holiday permit. Proof of insurance will be requested as part of the application process or upon arrival.

Travel insurance isn’t mandatory for all destinations (e.g. Australia or Japan) but it’s still highly recommended.

When mandatory, travel insurance must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. For instance, if you’re planning to spend 12 months in Canada, you must show proof of insurance coverage for 12 months. If you’re only spending six months in Taiwan, for instance, you can buy coverage for six months only. There’s one exception so far—Argentina requires all Working Holiday permit applicants to buy coverage for 12 months, even if you’re not planning to stay there that long.

Always check for the most up-to-date information during the application process and before travelling to the destination, as it can change quickly. The bottom line, however, is that no one is ever refused entry or denied a Working Holiday permit when they have the proper insurance coverage. If in doubt, make the smart choice.