If you’re planning to work in Canada in 2025, having a job offer or a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is only part of the journey. One requirement that can make or break your work visa application, yet often gets overlooked — is health and travel insurance.

We will breaks down everything you need to know about Canada’s work visa insurance rules, including what to buy, when to submit it, and how much coverage is needed to satisfy Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before you apply.

🧾 Is Insurance Required for a Canadian Work Visa?

Yes — in most cases, especially if:

• You’re applying for a temporary foreign worker visa
• Your employer doesn’t automatically provide insurance
• You’re applying from outside Canada
• You’re entering via the LMIA or International Mobility Program
• You’re coming on a Super Visa or as a caregiver

Canada expects foreign workers to have valid health coverage from day one. Some provinces offer public health plans — but most do not cover you immediately.

Without proof of insurance, your work visa can be delayed or denied.

🏥 Who Must Provide Insurance?

In provinces like Alberta and Ontario, public health coverage starts only after 3 months of residence — meaning private insurance is essential during this waiting period.

🔍 What Insurance Must Cover (According to IRCC)

To meet IRCC’s expectations for temporary work visas, your insurance must include:

• Minimum $100,000 CAD in total coverage
• Coverage for medical emergencies, hospitalization, diagnostic tests, and surgery
• Emergency evacuation and repatriation
• Full duration of your intended stay (up to 1 year recommended)
• English or French certificate of insurance with your name and policy details
• Issued by a recognized Canadian or international insurer

Pro tip: Buy insurance that issues a downloadable “visa letter” certificate for your application.

🇨🇦 Trusted Providers That Meet Canada’s Work Visa Requirements

1. Manulife Financial

• Specializes in Super Visa and foreign worker insurance
• Coverage: $100,000 to $1 million CAD
• Duration: 1–2 years
• Price: Starting from $850 CAD/year
• Visit Website

2. Sun Life Insurance

• Coverage: Up to $200,000 CAD
• Customizable for workers and families
• Price: $40 – $80 CAD/month
• Visit Website

3. TUGO

• Known for fast visa documentation
• Coverage: $100,000 – $300,000 CAD
• Optional: Pre-existing condition coverage
• Price: From $900 CAD/year
• Visit Website

4. Blue Cross Canada

• Provincial options for foreign workers
• Accepts online applications
• Widely recognized by immigration officers
• Visit Website

💰 How Much Does Canada Work Visa Insurance Cost?

Costs vary depending on:

• Your age
• Pre-existing medical conditions
• Visa duration
• Type of job and employer support

📋 Required Documents to Submit with Your Visa Application

When applying for a Canada work visa, submit:

• Insurance certificate (showing your full name and coverage period)
• A summary showing coverage amount and plan details
• Provider contact info (email, phone, website)
• Proof of payment or confirmation email
• Optional: Letter from the provider addressed to IRCC

Keep printed and digital copies ready for both your visa application and arrival at the airport.

📍 Do LMIA Applicants Need to Buy Insurance Themselves?

In many LMIA cases, the employer arranges insurance — especially for high-wage workers.

However:

• For low-wage LMIA roles, the worker is often responsible
• Home support workers and caregivers must prove coverage before entering Canada
• Always ask your employer or recruitment agency who is responsible for health insurance

🧠 Common Questions

Q: Will Canada accept insurance from non-Canadian providers?
👉 Yes, but it must meet IRCC coverage standards and include documentation in English or French.

Q: What happens if I arrive without valid insurance?
👉 You may face denial at the port of entry or have your visa restricted to the duration of your policy.

Q: Do I still need private insurance if I apply from inside Canada?
👉 If you’re not yet eligible for a provincial health plan (which takes up to 3 months), you still need private coverage.

🗂️ Summary Checklist: Insurance for Canada Work Visa

• ✅ Coverage minimum of $100,000 CAD
• ✅ Covers hospital, emergency care, repatriation
• ✅ Matches visa duration
• ✅ Issued by recognized provider
• ✅ Comes with embassy-compliant certificate
• ✅ Includes English or French documentation
• ✅ Valid for use at Canadian hospitals
• ✅ Purchased before applying or traveling

🔗 Helpful Resources

• Canada Work Permit Overview – IRCC
• Manulife Super Visa Plans
• TUGO Visa Insurance
• Blue Cross Foreign Worker Insurance

Things you can find here: How to Apply for Canadian Permanent Residency Through Work Opportunities in 2025, Top Countries Offering Easy Permanent Residency for Families, Working in the US and Canada, How to Find Sponsorship Jobs in Ireland for Foreigners (2025 Update), Employment Opportunities in the UAE: Visa Requirements and Application Process.

Pro Tip: For the best visa sponsorship jobs and insurance options for immigrants, explore our Visa Sponsorship section and Insurance category.

Written by our team of international travel and visa experts based in Canada. Read more helpful guides like this here.