If you’re coming to Canada on a Working Holiday (IEC) visa, you’ve probably already sorted your visa-compliant private health insurance. Great start. But here’s a smart next move that many IEC travelers miss: enrol in your province or territory’s public health plan (often called GHIP). Doing so can save you money, expand what’s covered, and - even better - unlock a partial 25% refund with the BestQuote’s MedEC policy.
Below, you’ll find how Canada’s system works, why enrolling is worth it, and how your public plan complements (not replaces) your private IEC insurance.
How does Canadian healthcare work?
Healthcare in Canada is not a combined national programme. Each province or territory has an individual healthcare plan in which residents enrol to access healthcare. All provinces or territories function similarly, but there are slight differences in eligibility and coverage.
So, to access Canadian healthcare, you should apply within your province or territory. People entering Canada as temporary residents are often required to purchase travel health insurance. So maybe you are wondering why you should apply for healthcare in your province when you already have travel insurance coverage.
Well, here's why:
3 reasons to apply for provincial healthcare
1. The price
I’m sure you’re thinking: is Canadian healthcare free? The answer is (technically) yes!
You do not have to pay to receive necessary healthcare within your province if you have applied and are registered for provincial healthcare.
However, not every healthcare service is free. Each province provides medical services for free if it is considered medically necessary.
All provinces have a list of exemptions. Some of the common provincial healthcare service exemptions include:
Dentist visits (unless medically necessary)
Optician visits (unless medically necessary)
Ambulance services
Prescription costs
Medical appliances such as casts, crutches, wheelchairs, beds, etc.
But not all provinces are the same. To check whether the medical service you require is free, go to your province or territories’ healthcare plan website.
If you register for healthcare services in your province, you are covered for all medically necessary healthcare for free. What’s not to love?
2. Additional coverage
Some healthcare services will be covered by your province that you may not have access to via your private insurance. Here are the common differences between private insurance policies and provincial government health insurance plans (GHIP):
| Private Insurance | Provincial Health Care | |
|---|---|---|
Issues arising from a pre-existing condition: | Not covered ❌ | Covered ✅ |
Accident caused by drinking/drugs: | Not covered ❌ | Covered ✅ |
Accident caused by high-risk sports: | Not covered ❌ | Covered ✅ |
Childbirth: | Not covered ❌ | Covered ✅ |
Ambulance services: | Covered ✅ | Not covered ❌ |
Prescription drugs: | Covered ✅ | Not covered ❌ |
Differences in interprovincial billing: | Covered ✅ | Not covered ❌ |
Repatriation costs: | Covered ✅ | Not covered ❌ |
Mediical appliances (crutches, wheelchairs, etc.): | Covered ✅ | Not covered ❌ |
If you only had private insurance, medical treatment may be prolonged until your insurance claim is administered and there is confirmation of your insurance coverage. But, by signing up for public healthcare alongside private insurance, you’ll be more likely to receive any medically necessary treatment in a timely manner.
It’s a government requirement to keep your private insurance policy even after being accepted by provincial healthcare. And having both gives you a wider range of coverage. But here’s the good part…
3. 25% GHIP Refund provided with BestQuote’s MedEC policy
When you purchase a BestQuote MedEC Visitors policy and apply for the (free!) provincial government health insurance plan (GHIP), you will be eligible for a 25% refund on your policy once your enrolment has begun!
Want to get a quote to find out more details about BestQuote options? Take advantage of the price comparison tool to the right of this article. Compare the BestQuote MedEC policy among other travel insurance options and find the right policy for your visit to Canada!
Do I still need private IEC insurance after I'm on GHIP?
Yes. IEC rules require health insurance for your entire authorized stay, and public plans do not include repatriation (a core IEC requirement). Think of GHIP as your day-to-day emergency safety net inside Canada, and your IEC policy as the layer that travels with you, covers repatriation, prescriptions/ambulances, and side trips. Plus it satisfies border and work-permit conditions.
How to enrol (high-level steps)
Check eligibility on your province’s website (permit length, minimum work hours, residency intent, etc.).
Gather documents (work permit, proof of residence, ID; some provinces ask for an employment letter or pay stub).
Apply online or at a service centre. Some provinces have a waiting period (often up to three months).
Keep your IEC insurance active throughout your visa - before, during, and after GHIP enrollment - so you remain compliant and covered.
Conclusion
When you acquire provincial healthcare, you close the coverage gap between your private insurance and provincial healthcare. You also get access to better treatment in your province for free. Plus, (with BestQuote’s MedEC plan), you get the chance to get a significant amount of your original travel insurance money back once you have provincial healthcare. It’s a win-win!
Now you know why you should apply for provincial healthcare to work alongside your private policy. Not sure how to apply for public healthcare? Check out our article Canada Healthcare: Are you Eligible & How to Apply.