Is it compulsory to take out insurance for a WHV?

Yes, taking out insurance for a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) is compulsory in most participating countries. Authorities require that you have health insurance, particularly for medical expenses, repatriation and sometimes third-party liability. This insurance is necessary to obtain your visa and protects you in case of illness, accident or hospitalisation during your stay. Without this insurance, your visa application may be refused and you risk very high healthcare costs abroad.

How long does WHV insurance cover last?

The duration of WHV insurance cover depends on the length of your stay and the conditions of the contract you choose. In general, cover must be valid for the entire duration of your visa, which is often 12 months. Some insurance policies offer extensions if you prolong your stay, but it is important to make sure that your WHV policy is valid throughout your time abroad.

Why should I take out health insurance for a WHV?

Taking out health insurance for a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) is essential to protect yourself from unforeseen events during your stay abroad. It covers medical expenses, which can be very high in some countries, as well as hospitalisation and repatriation costs and sometimes third-party liability. Without insurance, you could face prohibitive costs in case of illness or accident. In addition, insurance is often mandatory for obtaining a WHV visa and allows you to travel with peace of mind.

Find your Working Holiday health insurance
for your stay abroad

The Working Holiday Visa (WHV) is a great opportunity to
combine travel and work abroad. Whether you are planning
to go to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea
or Japan, one of the key things to prepare is to
take out WHV health insurance.

Taking out insurance is not only mandatory in some
countries, it is also strongly recommended to avoid stress
in case of health problems or accidents.

Why is WHV insurance compulsory?

Many countries require health insurance for Working Holiday visa holders. WHV health insurance protects you in the event of unexpected medical expenses, hospitalisation or repatriation. In Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan and other popular WHV destinations, an insurance certificate is required to obtain the visa. The main reason is simple: in these countries, healthcare can be extremely expensive and governments do not want you to become dependent on their public health systems. Without insurance, a simple medical consult or hospital stay could cost you thousands of euros.

Comparison of available WHV insurance policies

There are many health insurance plans specifically designed for Working Holiday participants. Before taking out a policy, it is important to compare the different available offers. Here are some criteria to consider when comparing WHV insurance::

Medical expenses: Check whether the insurance properly covers medical care in the host country. Healthcare can be particularly expensive in some countries like Australia or Canada.
WHV repatriation insurance: In case of a serious health problem, it may be necessary to be repatriated to your home country. Make sure this option is included in your contract.
Third-party liability: A good policy should include cover for material or bodily damage caused to a third party. This protection is essential.
Hospitalisation: In the event of hospitalisation, you may have to pay costs upfront. Choose an insurance policy that offers direct payment to the hospital or fast reimbursement.

The advantages of affordable WHV insurance

The price of WHV insurance varies according to the guarantees offered, the length of your stay and your host country. Many policies are tailored to small budgets. However, it is important not to sacrifice essential guarantees just to save a few euros. An affordable WHV policy may cover basic care, but you must always check what is included and, above all, what is not. For example, some low-cost WHV policies do not include third-party liability or repatriation, which are nonetheless indispensable protections.

Does the length of your WHV matter?

The length of your stay is another key factor when choosing your health insurance. Most WHVs last up to 12 months, but some countries allow this to be extended. It is therefore important to take out WHV insurance for the full duration of your stay if you plan to remain abroad for more than 12 months.

What are the characteristics of good WHV insurance?

A good WHV health policy should not only cover healthcare but also provide reactive and effective assistance in case of a problem. Here are the key criteria to prioritise:

24/7 availability: A good insurer must be reachable at all times, wherever you are in the world.
Waiting periods: Check whether the policy imposes a waiting period, during which you will not be covered after taking out the policy.
Insurance certificate: An insurance certificate is often required to obtain a WHV visa. Make sure your insurer provides it quickly after subscription.

You will find below a summary table of the main guarantees available under health insurance for Working Holiday travellers. This table highlights the essential services for your stay. Suitable cover will provide all-round protection throughout your adventure abroad. Here is a table summarising coverage of the different types of expenses for a WHV:

Summary table of the coverage of the different expenses
Service	Coverage
Hospitalization	100% of actual costs
General practitioner consultation	100% of actual costs
Specialist consultation	100% of actual costs
Pharmacy	100% of actual costs
Medical tests and imaging	100% of actual costs
Assistance / Repatriation	100% of actual costs
Early return in case of a close relative's death	Included
Medical teleconsultation	Included
Civil liability	Included
Personal effects / luggage	Included
Legal assistance	Included
Cashless hospital payment worldwide	Included

Focus sur les destinations populaires pour le PVT

Focus on popular WHV destinations

The choice of your WHV insurance also depends on your destination. There are 13 countries where you can take part in a WHV. Here is an overview of specific needs in some of the most popular countries:

WHV insurance for Australia: Australia is known for having very high medical costs. Make sure your policy covers all necessary care, including dental and optical treatment.
WHV insurance for South Korea: Although care is more affordable than in Australia, it is essential to check cover for hospitalisation and routine medical expenses.
WHV insurance for New Zealand: In New Zealand, WHV health insurance is also mandatory. Make sure you choose a contract that offers fast reimbursement and strong guarantees for outdoor accident risks, which are common in this country.
WHV insurance for Canada: Canada has an excellent healthcare system, but non-residents have to pay for every treatment. A WHV health insurance policy for Canada covering all medical costs is therefore essential.

Customer service and reimbursement requests

In the event of a problem abroad, it is vital to have access to responsive, available customer service. Choose insurers with customer service that is available 24/7. If you need to contact them, you will often do so by telephone or via a dedicated email address. For reimbursement claims, insurers generally require supporting medical documents. Reimbursement times vary depending on the company, but some offer very short deadlines (for example, 48 hours).

Which WHV health insurance should you choose?

Finding the best WHV health insurance for your stay abroad means clearly defining your needs and comparing the different offers on the market. Whether you choose Australia, Canada, Japan or South Korea, good insurance will allow you to travel with peace of mind, knowing that you are protected if something goes wrong. Don’t forget to check specific benefits, prices and the availability of customer service before subscribing. The Working Holiday Programme is a unique adventure – don’t let medical problems spoil the experience!