Medical insurance requirements for the Working Holiday Visa of Uruguay

Volare Editorial | May 15, 2026

Health security constitutes a non-negotiable pillar within international mobility agreements. For young people planning their stay in Uruguayan territory, having comprehensive medical insurance coverage is not merely a travel recommendation but a legal requirement demanded by consular authorities for visa stamping. Uruguay requires guarantees that the beneficiary will be able to access high-complexity medical services without representing a burden on the national public system.

Mandatory coverage by nationality

Eligibility criteria and policy duration vary according to the specific bilateral agreement applied, adapting to reciprocity demands:

• Germany, France, Japan, the Netherlands, and Sweden: It is imperative to present proof of insurance at the time of the consular appointment. The policy must be of international scope, with a coverage floor of USD 30,000, guaranteeing hospitalization and medical repatriation or repatriation of remains during the entire stay. The goal is to ensure care in private hospitals without the traveler having to make large initial outlays.

• United Kingdom: Under the Youth Mobility framework, the policy must cover the 24 months of the residency's validity. It is vital to note that there is no equivalent to the British "Immigration Health Surcharge" (IHS) in Uruguay; therefore, access to the public system is not automatic or free, making private insurance an indispensable tool.

• Australia and New Zealand: The bilateral agreement specifically stipulates the possession of "full" medical and hospitalization insurance. Given the quality and cost of private medicine in urban centers like Montevideo or Punta del Este, it is vital that the policy includes internal sanitary transfers to avoid unforeseen expenses of great magnitude.

• Ireland and Portugal: International medical assistance is mandatory for visa approval. A repatriation of remains clause is requested without exceptions, being a critical point for approval by the National Directorate of Migration.

For personalized assistance and additional resources regarding your migration process, we invite you to visit our specialized section on the Working Holiday de Uruguay, where you will find tools designed to facilitate your integration into the country.