If you are interested in work abroad, most applicants focus on job offers, visa documents, and travel plans. But one often overlooked (and absolutely essential) requirement is health or travel insurance — and in many countries, you won’t even get your work visa approved without it.

Here, we lists the top 10 countries that require insurance before issuing work visas in 2025, including what kind of coverage you need, the minimum limits, and why this requirement exists.

🌍 Why Is Insurance Required for Work Visas?

Governments require proof of insurance to:

• Ensure you’re protected in case of medical emergencies
• Avoid burdening the host country’s healthcare system
• Comply with immigration health and safety standards

Without the correct insurance, your visa can be delayed or denied, even if you’ve already been offered a job.

✅ Top 10 Countries That Require Insurance Before Issuing Work Visas

1. Germany

• Visa Type: EU Blue Card / Work Visa
• Requirement: Proof of private or public health insurance before arrival
• Minimum Coverage: Must meet German health standards
• Notes: Accepted providers include TK, AOK, and Mawista for temporary coverage

2. Canada

• Visa Type: Temporary Foreign Worker / International Mobility Program
• Requirement: Employer or applicant must show proof of medical insurance
• Minimum Coverage: $100,000 CAD for private coverage (especially for LMIA-exempt workers)
• Notes: Some provinces require proof before entry

3. Australia

• Visa Type: Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS 482) / Employer-Sponsored
• Requirement: Must have Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)
• Minimum Coverage: Full hospital and GP access
• Notes: Purchase OVHC before lodging your visa

4. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

• Visa Type: Work Permit / Labor Card
• Requirement: Health insurance is mandatory before issuance
• Minimum Coverage: Government-mandated, varies by emirate
• Notes: Often paid for by employers, but required regardless

5. United States (USA)

• Visa Type: H-1B, H-2B, J-1 (exchange visitor)
• Requirement: J-1 applicants must provide proof of health insurance
• Minimum Coverage: $100,000 USD; includes evacuation and repatriation
• Notes: Some H-1B workers are also asked for proof at embassy level

6. Japan

• Visa Type: Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) / Engineer / Instructor
• Requirement: Health insurance proof is part of Certificate of Eligibility
• Minimum Coverage: Must cover entire stay; national or private plan
• Notes: Applicants can submit temporary insurance proof during application

7. France

• Visa Type: Talent Passport / Work Visa
• Requirement: Private insurance or evidence of enrollment in French healthcare
• Minimum Coverage: At least €30,000 if applying from outside EU
• Notes: Mandatory until you register with French social security

8. South Korea

• Visa Type: E-9, E-7, D-10, etc.
• Requirement: Health insurance must be confirmed before issuance
• Minimum Coverage: Must cover hospital costs and repatriation
• Notes: Required even for short-term training visa applications

9. New Zealand

• Visa Type: Essential Skills Work Visa / Accredited Employer Work Visa
• Requirement: You must have medical and travel insurance
• Minimum Coverage: Sufficient for emergency treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation
• Notes: Even some short-term permits require this proof

10. Singapore

• Visa Type: S Pass / Employment Pass / Work Permit
• Requirement: Employers must provide medical insurance
• Minimum Coverage: SGD 15,000 per year
• Notes: Even domestic helpers and low-wage workers are covered

📋 Summary Table

💡 Why You Should Take This Requirement Seriously

• Even a job offer won’t guarantee your visa without insurance
• Some embassies request certificates at the interview stage
• Insurance must often match exact visa duration, not just first month
• Submitting fake or invalid insurance can result in blacklisting

🧠 Pro Tips for Work Visa Insurance

• Use only recognized insurers or embassy-recommended plans
• Confirm if your employer is covering insurance — don’t assume
• Buy flexible coverage if your visa duration is uncertain
• Print and carry your insurance certificate to your visa interview

🔗 Useful Links

• Bupa Australia OVHC
• CareMed Global Insurance
• AXA Schengen Insurance
• New Zealand Immigration Health Requirements
• Japan SSW Portal

Key Takeaways

• Many countries require valid health or travel insurance before issuing a work visa
• The requirements vary by country, but most need emergency, hospitalization, and repatriation coverage
• Some employers cover insurance costs, but you’re still responsible for providing proof during application
• Always confirm the exact insurance criteria for your target visa and region

Things you can find here: Scholarships for International Students to Study in Europe, Portugal D7 Visa: How to Move to Portugal Without a Job Offer, Jobs in Austria with Sponsorship: Opportunities for Skilled and Unskilled Immigrants, Top Countries Offering Easy Permanent Residency for Families, Factory Worker Jobs in the EU with Visa Sponsorship for Skilled and Unskilled Immigrants.

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.