Valid in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and worldwide – selectable with or without USA/Canada
Can be purchased even after your trip has started – immediate coverage, confirmation within minutes
Specially designed for long-term stays with job phases – no gaps for farm work or casual jobs
Visa-compliant insurance confirmation sent instantly via email
Extendable with liability, accident, and luggage protection
Work & Travel differs from a regular trip abroad in that travel and temporary jobs are combined, usually over several months. Work & Travelers finance part of their stay through casual jobs, which makes them more flexible but also more exposed to risks. Frequent job changes, traveling between locations, and physically demanding work significantly increase the risk of illness, injury, or other damage. Many standard trip cancellation or vacation insurance policies do not cover this type of stay. Instead, international health insurance such as Protrip World Traveler is required.
Knowledge box:
Work & Travel is not a vacation but a temporary stay abroad that combines work and travel – with corresponding requirements for insurance and planning.
As a Work & Traveler, depending on your destination country, you’ll need a Working Holiday visa. You usually have to be at least 18 and no older than 30 (Canada allows up to 35), hold a valid passport, and often provide proof of sufficient funds. Many countries also require confirmed international health insurance for the entire duration of your stay. In some cases, a return or onward flight ticket and a police clearance certificate are mandatory. Solid preparation also includes language skills, a recent résumé in the destination country’s language, and basic knowledge of local labor rights. You should check the official embassy requirements of your destination country several weeks before departure.
Knowledge box:
Work & Travel requirements vary significantly by country. The most reliable sources of information are always the official embassy and consulate websites.
How do work-and-travelers plan a realistic travel and job budget?
A realistic budget plan for Work & Travelers should take into account the costs for flights, visa, insurance, first accommodation, several weeks of living expenses, and a sufficient financial safety buffer. Since jobs at the destination are not guaranteed right away, the buffer is especially important to avoid financial difficulties at the beginning. You should also include expenses for local transportation, a SIM card, job placement services, and possibly language courses.
Our insurance plans are usually calculated per month. The total cost depends on the destination region, duration, age, and desired level of coverage. The USA and Canada are by far the most expensive destinations in terms of local medical costs, which is also reflected in insurance prices. A helpful feature during planning is the option to choose between monthly payments or a one-time payment for the entire period. This allows you to calculate and plan your expenses precisely.
Knowledge box:
Sound budget planning for Work & Travel starts with fixed costs such as flight tickets, visa, and insurance, followed by flexible expenses like leisure and travel.
International health insurance is essential for Work & Travel because statutory health insurance offers no coverage outside the EU, and job activities are often excluded even within the EU. In countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or the USA, doctor visits, emergency surgery, or hospital stays can quickly reach amounts in the five- or six-digit range. Many Working Holiday visas require comprehensive health insurance as a condition for entry. A specialized international health insurance covers emergencies, outpatient and inpatient treatment, as well as repatriation to your home country. This greatly reduces the risk of incurring lifelong debt in case of serious illness or injury.
How can work-and-travelers find the right insurance coverage?
It is essential that the plan explicitly covers long-term stays with job phases and does not contain general exclusions for Work & Travel. The insurance should cover both emergency treatments and regular doctor visits as well as medications. Particularly important are clear regulations regarding sports, physically demanding jobs, and stays in multiple countries. A close look at deductibles, coverage limits, and repatriation conditions is essential to avoid gaps in coverage in case of an emergency.
For Work & Travel, plans that cover long-term stays and flexible itineraries are ideal. We offer you two options:
Protrip German Traveler – for Work & Travelers with residence in Germany or Austria who start their trip from there.
Protrip World Traveler – for Work & Travelers from all over the world. Can also be purchased if you are already abroad.
All insurance plans include comprehensive international health coverage.
We additionally recommend our supplementary insurance Protect Standard or Protect Complete – it combines liability, accident, luggage, and assistance insurance to cover typical Work & Travel risks.
Why is additional coverage, such as liability, accident, and baggage insurance, important for Work & Traveler?
Additional coverage is important because Work & Travelers often have changing accommodations, varying jobs, and new environments. Liability insurance protects you if negligence causes property damage or personal injury to third parties – for example, in hostels, shared flats, or during job activities, if included. Accident insurance covers rescue costs in the event of an accident and provides support for any resulting permanent impairments. Luggage insurance helps in case of loss, theft, or damage to essential travel and work equipment. Assistance services organize emergency repatriation, interpreters, or contact with local doctors.
Knowledge box:
Liability claims can reach five- to six-digit amounts in many countries. International liability insurance is therefore part of the essential equipment for Work & Travelers.
FAQs on Work & Travel, Insurance, and Visas
Am I covered by public health insurance as a work-and-travel participant?
Not sufficient. Within the EU, you can visit a doctor using the EHIC (on the back of your health insurance card) – but this mainly covers acute illnesses during vacation that cannot wait for treatment. Co-payments are also not excluded. Therefore, it is absolutely essential to take out international health insurance for the entire duration of your Work & Travel stay, both within and outside the EU. Statutory health insurers explicitly state that services outside their scope of coverage are not assumed. Work & Travelers should obtain written confirmation from their insurer before departure.
Am I allowed to travel home temporarily during Work & Travel without losing insurance coverage?
Protrip German Traveler and Protrip World Traveler cover temporary stays in your home country without voiding your insurance. The maximum duration is specified in the policy terms and conditions (AVB).
Do I need additional liability insurance for Work & Travel?
Additional international liability insurance is strongly recommended for Work & Travel, as property damage and personal injury abroad can become very expensive.
When should I purchase my Work & Travel insurance?
Work & Travel insurance should be purchased before applying for, or at the latest before receiving, your Working Holiday visa, as many consulates require proof of insurance. The start date of coverage should coincide with your departure day or your first day in the destination country.
Key Takeaways for Work & Travelers
Work & Travel is a long-term stay (often one year) involving various jobs – not a classic vacation.
A valid Working Holiday visa (depending on the destination) and sufficient personal funds are basic requirements.
Specialized international health insurance is practically indispensable for Work & Travel.
Protrip German Traveler and Protrip World Traveler offer flexible coverage for long stays abroad.
The Protect Standard package with liability, accident, luggage, and assistance closes key coverage gaps. Protect Complete offers even better protection.
Early planning of visa, vaccinations, budget, and insurance reduces stress and delays.
All insurance and travel documents should be kept safe during and after your stay.