Whether you’re moving abroad for a short-term contract or settling into a new life with a sponsored work visa, having the right travel and health insurance is not optional—it’s essential. In most countries, insurance is a visa requirement, and in others, it’s your safety net for everything from medical emergencies to delayed flights.
This post compares the best travel and health insurance plans for work visa holders, organized by popular destination countries in 2025.
🧳 Why Work Visa Insurance Matters
- ✅ Required by Embassies for visa issuance
- ✅ Protects against illness/injury abroad
- ✅ Helps you access quality healthcare legally
- ✅ Covers emergency evacuation, hospitalization, or repatriation
- ✅ Some countries require coverage for dependents too
🌍 Country-by-Country Insurance Comparison (2025)
Here’s a breakdown of the best insurance options for foreign workers, including costs, benefits, and embassy acceptance status.
🇨🇦 Canada
| Plan | Avg. Monthly Cost | Visa Accepted? | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allianz Global Assistance | $50–$75 | ✅ Yes | Hospital, doctor, COVID-19, prescriptions |
| Manulife Travel Insurance | $55–$85 | ✅ Yes | Emergency medical, dental, flight delays |
| Ingle International | $45–$70 | ✅ Yes | Ideal for new work permit holders |
Note: Most employers require proof of private insurance until you’re enrolled in provincial healthcare.🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Plan | Avg. Cost | Visa Accepted? | NHS Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge) | £624/year | ✅ Yes | Full NHS access |
| Allianz Care UK | £35–£60/month | Optional | Private hospitals |
💡 The UK charges you upfront via the IHS, but private add-ons are useful for faster service.🇺🇸 United States
| Plan | Avg. Monthly Cost | Visa Accepted? | Coverage Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMG Global Medical | $80–$120 | ✅ Yes | Hospitals, doctors, preventive care |
| Cigna Global | $100–$150 | ✅ Yes | Worldwide cover, emergency care, maternity |
| Patriot America Plus | $60–$90 | ✅ Yes | Popular for H-2B/H-1B visa holders |
🧠 The U.S. has no universal healthcare. You must have health insurance as a foreign worker.🇦🇺 Australia
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Visa Accepted? | Coverage Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bupa Overseas Visitors Cover | AUD $120–$170 | ✅ Yes (482, 485 visas) | GP visits, ambulance, hospital |
| Medibank Workers Cover | AUD $95–$150 | ✅ Yes | Visa subclass 482/494 coverage |
Australia requires Overseas Workers Health Cover (OWHC) for visa issuance.🇩🇪 Germany
| Plan | Avg. Monthly Cost | Visa Accepted? | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) | €115–€130 | ✅ Yes | Public insurance, doctors, meds |
| Feather Insurance (Private) | €72–€110 | ✅ Yes | Fast approval, English service |
Germany requires Schengen-compliant insurance for Blue Card, Job Seeker, and Work Visa holders.🇫🇷
France
| Plan | Avg. Monthly | Visa Accepted? | Public or Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| April International | €65–€95 | ✅ Yes | Private |
| Assurance Maladie | ~€25 | Enroll after residence | Public |
Most workers begin with private insurance before transitioning to public coverage.
🛡️ What Should Your Insurance Cover?
Before applying for a work visa, ensure your insurance policy includes:
- ✅ Hospitalization and emergency surgery
- ✅ Doctor consultations
- ✅ Medical evacuation and repatriation
- ✅ COVID-19 treatment (still required in some countries)
- ✅ Minimum €30,000 or equivalent coverage (for Schengen)
- ✅ Proof of insurance letter (PDF or certificate)
✈️ Trusted Insurance Providers (Embassy-Approved)
| Provider Name | Global Coverage | Accepted by Embassies | 24/7 Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allianz Care | ✅ | ✅ Yes | ✅ |
| Cigna Global | ✅ | ✅ Yes | ✅ |
| AXA Schengen | ✅ (EU Focused) | ✅ Yes | ✅ |
| IMG Global | ✅ | ✅ Yes | ✅ |
| SafetyWing | ✅ | ✅ Yes (digital nomads) | ✅ |
💰 Compare Costs by Country — Interactive Widget
Use this interactive calculator to estimate your insurance cost by country and visa type.
📥 Free Download: Work Visa Insurance Checklist (PDF)
Stay on track with this downloadable checklist:
- What documents to submit
- Embassy-compliant providers
- Minimum coverage rules
- Questions to ask your insurer
👉 Download the Insurance Checklist