We know what it’s like to be a digital nomad. We’ve spent countless hours researching the best health insurance options for all types of travelers, from backpackers to jet-setters and everyone in between. Finding the right health insurance for digital nomads can be tricky – you need coverage that is both comprehensive and affordable, and you may not have access to the same options as you would at home.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide on the best health insurance for digital nomads; so that you can make an informed decision about your coverage without spending days trying to figure out all of your options.
In this article, we’ll cover everything from requirements and coverage to costs and providers, as well as some tips for saving money on your policy. We’ll also discuss some reputable insurance brokers who specialize in helping digital nomads find the best plan for their needs.
So if you’re ready to make sure that you are adequately covered wherever your adventures take you, let’s get started!
Understanding The Best Health Insurance for Digital Nomads
Navigating the complex world of health insurance for digital nomads can be tricky, but an overview is a great place to start – like stepping stones across a river! Digital nomads are individuals who travel and work remotely, often living in different countries for extended periods of time. As such, they need to consider their health insurance needs differently than those who stay in one location.
Health insurance plans for digital nomads must provide coverage that is valid in multiple countries and offer flexibility with regards to length of coverage. Additionally, it’s important to understand the requirements and regulations of each country you plan on visiting or living in as these may affect your ability to obtain certain types of coverage.
With this knowledge, you can begin researching the best health insurance options available for digital nomads. When looking at health insurance plans for digital nomads, it’s important to consider both the requirements and coverage offered by each plan. Requirements may include proof of residency or citizenship status while coverage should include medical expenses incurred abroad as well as emergency evacuation services if needed. It’s also important to look into any additional benefits such as mental health care or dental care that may be included in some plans.
Taking all these factors into account will help you find the right plan that meets your needs and budget so you can enjoy your travels without worrying about unexpected medical costs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Health Insurance
Understanding Coverage Limits: It’s crucial to know the extent of your insurance coverage. Will it be sufficient to handle a major accident or health crisis? The primary purpose of insurance is to safeguard you from financial catastrophe resulting from significant health issues.
Deductible Details: The deductible is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance benefits begin. Some plans offer the flexibility to choose your deductible, while others do not. It’s important to understand this aspect of your potential plan.
Deductible Reset Frequency: Deductibles can reset annually, each time you renew or purchase a new plan, or even with every claim. Ideally, a longer duration before the deductible resets is more beneficial.
Billing Procedures: How straightforward is the billing process? Is it possible to arrange direct billing? What does the reimbursement process entail? For accurate insights, consider checking unbiased reviews from third parties.
Coverage Area: Does your plan cover you globally, or are there restrictions? Can you receive treatment at any hospital, or are there specific ones you must use? Are certain countries excluded from your coverage? These are vital details to confirm.
Policy Extension: If your travel plans are flexible, you’ll want a plan that’s equally adaptable. Some insurance providers charge high fees for extensions, while others make the process simple and affordable.
Extension Process: How easy is it to extend your coverage? Some companies offer automatic extensions, which can be very convenient, while others require you to apply for an extension in advance. The simpler the extension process, the better.
Home Visit Regulations: Each company has different rules about visits to your home country. Some may terminate your coverage if you return home before your term ends, while others may allow home visits but won’t provide coverage during that time. Some plans even offer a certain number of covered days for home visits, which can save you a lot of trouble.
Pre-existing Conditions: It’s also important to note that most insurance policies won’t cover pre-existing conditions or elective procedures like cosmetic surgery, so make sure to read the fine print before signing up for a policy.
With this information in hand, you’ll be well prepared to explore your options and determine what kind of coverage best suits your needs as a digital nomad. Next, we’ll discuss costs and providers associated with international health plans for digital nomads.
Best Digital Nomad Health Insurance Providers
Cruising through the cost and provider jungle of international health plans can be overwhelming – like trying to find a needle in a haystack! With so many options available, breaking down the costs and providers of health insurance for digital nomads is essential.
1. SafetyWing Insurance
Overview of the company: A modern insurance company that offers policy options that cover medical and travel expenses. They also offer 30 days of health coverage in your home country for every 90 days that you spend overseas. SafetyWing is a popular insurance for nomads due to its affordability and comprehensive coverage. It’s underwritten by Tokio Marino, a well-established company.
Coverage Details:
- Global Coverage: Remote Health is designed to work regardless of where you live, work, or travel. It covers you in over 175 countries.
- Provider Flexibility: You have the freedom to see any doctor at any clinic or hospital, whether public or private.
- No Deductible: The plan offers 0% deductible and provides an annual coverage of 1.5 million USD.
- Additional Benefits: Premium plans offer dental, vision, and maternity benefits.
- Claims Process: The claims process is described as fast, easy, and trackable.
Pros: Affordable, automatic monthly extension, covers COVID-19, and has a large network for direct billing.
Cons: Does not cover theft of electronics, country of residence may be confusing, claims processing can be slow, and fewer adventure activities covered than some other plans.
Cost: Nomad insurance (excluding U.S.) is $45.08 per 4 weeks. Nomad insurance (including U.S.) is $83.44 per 4 weeks. Remote health insurance is $206 per month.
TrustPilot Rating: 4.2
2. PassportCard Nomads
Overview of the company: PassportCard Nomads is a new entrant in the market, offering a unique feature of a debit card for medical expenses.
Coverage Details:
- Medical Services: PassportCard covers doctor visits, prescribed medications, laboratory tests, imaging, and emergency room visits.
- Provider Flexibility: With PassportCard, you’re not limited to a specific list of medical providers. If a doctor accepts Mastercard, they’ll accept PassportCard.
- No Out-of-Pocket Expenses: PassportCard eliminates the need for out-of-pocket expenses or lengthy reimbursement processes. You simply contact them, they load your card with sufficient funds, and then you can pay the doctor with the card.
- No Paperwork: There’s no need for paperwork or follow-up. Once a medical service has been provided and paid for, there’s no bureaucracy or claim forms.
- Real-Time Support: Their 24/7 customer care speaks German and English. They support you in real-time and can advise on the nearest clinic, doctor, or ATM.
- Card Loading: Their system calculates the amount to be charged for the services required in your country of residence. The calculation is based on data from 30 years of experience in insurance claims from around the world. Some benefits are based on flat rates set out in the policy.
Pros: No paperwork or reimbursement claims if you use their card, no deductible on medical expenses, and flexibility to add on extras.
Cons: Sign-up process can be more involved, base price can increase significantly based on health conditions and travel countries, and minimum one-month coverage.
Cost: Starts at $59 per month, but can increase based on health conditions, travel countries, and add-on coverage.
TrustPilot Rating: 2.7
3. IMG Travel Health Insurance
Overview of the company: IMG Global is a health-only plan designed for U.S. expats visiting the U.S.
Coverage Details:
- Global Coverage: Global Medical Insurance is designed to work regardless of where you live, work, or travel. It provides coverage in many countries around the world.
- Provider Flexibility: You have the freedom to see any doctor at any clinic or hospital.
- No Deductible: The plan offers deductible options from $100 to $25,000 and provides an annual coverage from $1,000,000 to $8,000,000.
- Additional Benefits: The details about additional benefits are not explicitly mentioned on the page.
- Claims Process: The claims process is not described on the page.
Pros: One deductible per 12 months, flexible plans, well-known company, easy policy extension, option for U.S. expats to get coverage in the U.S., and covers COVID-19.
Cons: Travel-related expenses not covered, extending your policy resets your pre-existing conditions, and your coverage will be canceled if you visit home for over 14 days in most countries.
Cost: Varies based on the plan.
TrustPilot Rating: 4.6
4. True Traveller
Overview of the company: True Traveller is a popular long-term travel insurance plan provider available to EEA residents only.
Coverage Details:
- Overview: True Traveller was originally a travel company, not an insurance company. They offer insurance designed for travellers under 40 years of age, holiday makers, adventurous travellers, and those seeking enhanced medical and cancellation cover.
- Coverage Details: True Traveller offers three policies: True Value, Traveller, and Traveller Plus. True Value is designed for last-minute travellers and backpackers. The Traveller policy is designed for holidaymakers and adventurous travellers, and Traveller Plus offers enhanced medical and cancellation cover. They also offer Annual Multi Trip Policies with unlimited trips throughout the year for durations up to 30 days (True Value and Traveller) or up to 70 days (Traveller Plus).
- Pros: They cover 92 activities as standard, including non-manual work. They also offer Adventure, Extreme, and Ultimate Packs for more adventurous activities. They provide coverage for unlimited trips lasting up to 70 days.
- Cons: Private medical treatment is only offered if public treatment is unavailable. The basic plan is cheap, but add-ons can be expensive. They will only consider direct billing for bills over £500.
Pros: Several plans to better suit your unique needs, unlimited home visits, save money by pre-paying for a year, and covers COVID-19.
Cons: Private medical treatment is only offered if public treatment is unavailable, expensive to extend if you underestimate the length of your trip, basic plan is cheap, but add-ons are expensive, and will only consider direct billing for bills over £500.
Cost: Varies based on the plan and add-ons.
TrustPilot Rating: 4.8
5. Integra Global
Overview of the company: Integra Global offers comprehensive medical insurance for digital nomads.
Coverage Details:
- Coverage Details: Both InCare Life and InCare Premier plans provide full inpatient and daypatient treatment, including intensive care, physical therapy, prescribed medicines, emergency room, diagnostic scans, cancer treatment, and much more. They also offer rehabilitation after a hospitalisation, emergency medical assistance and evacuation, and mental health benefits. The Premier plan has a higher annual maximum benefit and life benefit compared to the Life plan.
Pros: Comprehensive coverage, no lifetime limit, no waiting period for preventative care, and covers COVID-19.
Cons: More expensive than other options, does not cover travel-related expenses, and does not cover adventure sports.
Cost: Varies based on the plan.
TrustPilot Rating: 4.5
6. Genki World
- Overview: Genki provides health insurance for long-term travelers such as digital nomads and backpackers. You can get coverage from one month up to two years with a monthly subscription that you can cancel anytime.
- Coverage Details: Genki offers comprehensive coverage including medical treatment everywhere, COVID-19, sports injuries (for sports that are not excluded under dangerous activities), assistance and direct billing, hospital visits, medical transport, repatriation, pregnancy, emergency dental treatment, initial mental health issue treatment, and medication and materials. However, it doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, dangerous activities like motorcycle and car racing, parachuting, paragliding, bungee jumping, base jumping, mountaineering, free climbing, and diving, accidents and illnesses caused by excessive consumption of alcohol or drugs, and anything not medically necessary.
- Pros: Genki is affordable, especially for long-term travelers. You can purchase insurance even if you’re already on a trip. The insurance can cover you everywhere in the world if you pick the Worldwide option. You get limited coverage in your home country for 6 weeks per 180 days. Even if you pick the option with the €50 deductible, it’s still affordable compared to other providers, like SafetyWing.
- Cons: There is no coverage after 49 years old (for the time being). There’s no “travel coverage” that can help with luggage or trip cancelations issues. The coverage doesn’t include dangerous activities like scuba diving. If you decide to go ahead with Genki, purchase insurance with the scuba diving center to cover your dives.
- Cost: The price starts at €35.70 per month but can change depending on the options chosen. The pricing depends on your age, regions covered, and deductible option.
Other Digital Nomad Insurance providers:
Cigna: An American insurance company that offers three types of plans: Silver, Gold, Platinum. They have flexible deductibles and payment options, and they cover some types of cancer screenings and up to $100 in ophthalmology annually.
Now Health: This company is known for its exceptional customer service and varied plans with customizable options. They provide coverage in over 190 countries and territories.
Allianz Care Global Assistance: A German insurance company that offers a specific program made just for expats. They provide direct payment to health providers and have 24-hour customer service.
Global Underwriters: This company provides coverage of up to $1,000,000 in medical care and accidental or dismemberment deaths. They also offer assistance in cases where there are interruptions during your trip due to health reasons or loss of luggage.
GeoBlue: This company offers high-quality insurance with extended coverage and class A service. They have plans designed exclusively for digital nomads, immigrants to the U.S., and Americans who live overseas.
Finding the right balance between cost and coverage is key when selecting an insurance plan that works best for digital nomads. The most important thing is not just finding an affordable plan, but also understanding what kinds of coverage you need while living abroad. Comparing different providers and their offerings can help digital nomads make an informed decision about which one would best suit their lifestyle needs and budget. From Allianz Global Assistance with comprehensive medical coverage worldwide to IMG Global Health Insurance with access to hospitals globally, there are numerous options available that cater specifically to the needs of digital nomads. Knowing how much coverage one needs, as well as being aware of potential savings opportunities, will help ensure that digital nomads get the best value from their international health insurance plan selection.
Saving Money
Saving money on international health insurance is often possible, and with the right research and comparison shopping, digital nomads can find a plan that fits their budget and needs. There are several ways to save money:
- Researching online by utilizing websites and forums to compare different plans from various providers, and reading reviews from other digital nomads who have used the same provider or plan
- Speaking with an insurance broker who is knowledgeable about health insurance options for digital nomads, and exploring different plans that may not be available through online resources.
- Ask your local Digital Nomad Community
- Insurance Brokers
Working with an insurance broker can help you find the right plan for your needs and budget – why not give it a try? These are experienced professionals who have access to providers and plans that may not be available to the general public. They can provide answers to questions about coverage, benefits, cost sharing, deductibles, and more.
Brokers understand digital nomads’ lifestyle needs, such as coverage in multiple countries or states, special medical conditions while traveling abroad, or even finding coverage for home-based business owners. They take into account your individual situation so they can recommend the best possible plan tailored for your unique needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do digital nomads need health insurance?
A: Digital nomads need health insurance because they are often living and working abroad in different countries, and may not have access to their home country’s healthcare system. Additionally, unforeseen medical emergencies or accidents can happen while traveling, so it’s important to have coverage in case of those situations.
Q: Does travel insurance cover health insurance?
A: Travel insurance and health insurance are two separate things, but some travel insurance policies may provide limited coverage for medical emergencies. It’s important to read the policy carefully and understand the extent of coverage before purchasing.
Q: What insurance companies offer travel insurance for digital nomads?
A: Some insurance companies that offer travel insurance for digital nomads include SafetyWing, World Nomads, Insured Nomads, and PassportCard Nomads.
Q: How much does digital nomad health insurance cost?
A: The cost of digital nomad health insurance varies depending on factors such as your age, travel destination, and the extent of coverage. However, plans can typically range from $30-100 per month.
Q: Do I need health insurance if I already have travel insurance?
A: Travel insurance and health insurance are different things, so it’s important to have both types of coverage when traveling as a digital nomad. Travel insurance typically covers only short-term medical emergencies, while health insurance provides long-term coverage for pre-existing conditions and ongoing healthcare needs.
Q: Can I get insurance if I have pre-existing medical conditions?
A: Yes, some insurance plans offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. However, coverage may be limited and/or more expensive, so it’s important to research and choose a plan that specifically covers your condition.
Q: What are the best options for travel and health insurance for digital nomads with pre-existing conditions?
A: SafetyWing, World Nomads, and Insured Nomads offer coverage for some pre-existing conditions, but it’s important to research and compare plans to find the best coverage for your specific needs and condition.
