The Working Holiday Program, also known as the WHP or Programme Vacances Travail, is the result of a collaboration agreement between several countries, such as France and Canada. This initiative allows young citizens from these nations to secure an entry visa and a work permit for one or two years in their respective countries, providing them with various opportunities.
While the WHP is readily available to young students, it comes with specific conditions that may differ between countries. In the case of Canada, obtaining a WHP, JP, or Stage Co-op permit requires meeting certain criteria, one of which is having health insurance. This insurance must cover health, hospitalization, and repatriation.
This insurance certificate will be required by Canadian immigration upon arrival when the work permit is issued. Please note that the health insurance you take out must be valid for the entire duration of your stay.
If you buy a one-year WHP insurance plan, you'll get a non-renewable one-year work permit. Opting for a three-month WHP insurance plan will grant you a non-renewable three-month work permit. Therefore, for French or English nationals, securing a two-year WHP requires purchasing a two-year insurance policy.
The advantages of WHP insurance
WHP insurance ensures that you'll be reimbursed for expenses related to illness, hospitalization, or death. Given the high medical costs in Canada, individuals on a WHP might face uncomfortable situations in case of medical issues or accidents. This is particularly significant as Canadian social security, which only covers permanent residents, can only provide a minimal reimbursement for the incurred expenses. It's important to note that a WHP doesn't qualify for permanent resident status in Canada.
The different types of health insurance in Canada
In general, health insurance typically includes coverage for various medical expenses and care in case of illness. The extent of coverage varies depending on the chosen provider and can extend up to 100% of the costs. Hospitalization insurance specifically covers costs related to being hospitalized, including expenses like medications, tests, and necessary surgeries. Additionally, "repatriation assistance" primarily handles the repatriation of the body to the next of kin in case of death, along with medical transport or evacuation.
While additional options like "civil liability insurance" for situations causing harm to others and "personal accident insurance" for work-related accidents leading to disability can be included in the insurance contract, they are not obligatory components of WHP health insurance.
The cost of WHP insurance in Canada
The cost of health insurance in Canada can vary based on the agency you select. One of the most favored options among WHP participants is Globe WHP/WHV insurance, which starts at 29.7 euros per month. Globe Partner, another popular choice, provides discounts to its members, averaging around 33 euros per month. Typically, these members are young individuals who have completed multiple WHP trips or have already acquired other types of insurance. The membership fee covers all necessary services for obtaining a WHP, along with third-party liability and luggage insurance. Alternatively, you have the option of Magellan, which is a bit pricier, ranging from 40 to 55 euros per month.
Typically, insurance agencies like April International collaborate with the Caisse des Français de l'Étranger or the French social security system to provide optimal health insurance benefits. The expenses for such insurance are generally flexible and tailored to the specific requirements of WHP participants. Before making a decision, you may want to review a comparative table in French of the primary WHP travel insurances to help inform your choice.
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