Travel and health insurance should be the first thing you purchase when planning a trip abroad, and there’s no exception when it comes to digital nomad insurance. Could you afford to pay an unforeseen $200,000 medical bill out of your disposable income? Probably not, and neither could I.
I’m usually an optimist. However, it’s important to remember that things can – and sometimes do – go wrong when you travel. In this post, I’ll list the best insurance for digital nomads.
I spend most of the year traveling internationally and if I had to give one piece of advice to anybody considering the location-independent lifestyle, it would be: never travel abroad without digital nomad insurance.
Many regular travel insurance policies aren’t especially suitable for digital nomads who spend a sizeable chunk (or even all) of their time abroad. That’s why I’ve written this post on the best travel insurance for digital nomads. Read on to find out more.
10 Best Digital Nomad Insurance Options
Digital nomad travel insurance might not be the most exciting topic. But, it’s important to protect yourself from potentially huge costs while you’re abroad. I never travel internationally without it.
This post reviews 10 of the best-known and most highly-reviewed insurance companies that offer health insurance for remote workers abroad. I’ve included a variety of insurers, offering a range of different prices and levels of coverage, so you can find the best option to suit you and your requirements.
Important disclaimer: In this article, I’ve summarized in general terms my understanding of the cover provided by various insurance companies as of the date of writing. It’s important to read the wording of each policy carefully and to take note of the coverage, exclusions, and limitations applicable to you before purchasing any policy. Nothing in this post should be construed as a recommendation to purchase any particular insurance policy.
1. SafetyWing (Best Budget Digital Nomad Health Insurance)
SafetyWing is one of the most popular digital nomad insurance providers, offering global health insurance specifically for digital nomads and other remote workers.
SafetyWing’s flexible and affordable Nomad Insurance covers travel in over 175 countries and protects you from a range of unexpected health and travel-related expenses. It’s the provider I use most often – I have an active policy with them right now.
One of my favorite things about SafetyWing is its coverage in your home country. Most travel insurance only covers you while you’re overseas, making SafetyWing especially good for people (like me) who bounce between their home country and new destinations.
I also really like how flexible and easy it is to set up – it took me less than 5 minutes! You can buy the policy after your trip has already started (not all providers allow this), and the policy automatically renews every month until you cancel it, meaning you can set it up and then forget about it knowing that you’re protected. Click here to learn more about SafetyWing.
What’s Covered With SafetyWing?
- Hospital visits and medical treatments (in a hospital of your choosing)
- Emergency flights back home
- Home country coverage (up to 30 days within a 90-day period)
- Trip interruptions and delays
- Emergency dental
- Lost or stolen travel documents
- Natural disasters and political evacuation
- Personal liability
- Ambulance and intensive care
- Lost luggage
What’s Excluded From SafetyWing Coverage?
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- Routine medical check-ups
- Injuries from specific adventure activities
- Mental health conditions
- Damages/injuries caused due to the influence of drugs or alcohol
SafetyWing Insurance Costs
SafetyWing operates on a subscription model, with rates beginning around $45/month for those under 39, excluding US coverage. The cost rises to $83 for subscriptions including the USA.
The price of a SafetyWing digital nomad insurance policy also increases for those aged 40 and over, with tiers for different age brackets.
Pros of SafetyWing
- One of the most cost-effective options
- Specifically tailored for digital nomads
- Subscription model with automatic renewals
- Extensive coverage in over 175 countries
- Option to purchase during your trip
- Free coverage for up to two children aged under 10
- Home country coverage
Cons of SafetyWing
- Limited coverage for certain adventure activities
- No coverage for pre-existing conditions
- Some people have reported that it can take a long time for SafetyWing to process and pay claims
- Restrictions on certain common travel incidents, such as scooter accidents
- Maximum overall coverage caps at $250,000
- $250 deductible
3. Allianz Nomad Health Insurance (Best for Established Reputation and Reliability)
Allianz is a global giant in the insurance industry and is known for its reliability and extensive network.
They offer a range of different policies, including a Nomad Health Insurance “Flexicare” plan that caters specifically to the needs of digital nomads. You can pick from a 3, 6, or 9-month policy which costs various non-emergency medical costs.
Allianz also provides its Nomad Health Insurance customers with various other health and wellbeing tools, such as mental and emotional wellbeing support, a coaching app, access to an Expat Assistance program, and digital check-ups.
Click here to visit Allianz’s website and learn more about their Nomad Health Insurance coverage.
What’s Covered With Allianz Nomad Health Insurance?
- Medical emergencies
- Non-emergency medical treatment
- Hospital visits
- Prescription drugs
- Cancer treatment
- GP visits
- Trip cancellations or interruptions
- Missed departures
- Lost or stolen luggage
- Flight delays
- Weather disruptions
- Loss of passport
- Complications during unexpected pregnancies
What’s Excluded From Allianz Nomad Health Insurance Coverage?
- Certain pre-existing conditions
- Extreme sports
- Issues not reported within a set time frame
- Predictable events leading to losses
- Political unrest or war
- Events related to terrorism
- Events stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
Allianz Nomad Health Insurance Costs
Allianz’s annual plans start from around $30 per month for their Basic coverage for younger adults, scaling up based on age and coverage specifics. The Basic plan mainly covers medical urgencies and some travel aspects, with no provision for trip cancellation or interruptions.
Their more expensive Prime plan offers both overseas medical and trip protection, while the Executive option includes additional benefits such as car rental coverage.
Pros of Allianz Nomad Health Insurance
- Trusted global brand
- Wide range of plans and customizations
- 24/7 global assistance
- Comprehensive and user-friendly online platform
Cons of Allianz Nomad Health Insurance
- Certain sports and activities are excluded
- Claim processing can be lengthy
- Rigid package structure, despite a broad array of choices
- You need to purchase the policy before your trip starts
4. World Nomads (Best for Adventurous Activities)
World Nomads is a great option for digital nomads who enjoy adventurous activities. It offers robust coverage for a wide range of extreme sports and higher-risk activities such as skydiving and backcountry skiing.
World Nomads has two main packages: Standard and Explorer. The Standard option covers over 150 adventures. The Explorer package covers an additional 60 activities, including paragliding, shark cage diving, and bungee jumping.
With a network of specialized travel insurance partners, World Nomads guarantees round-the-clock assistance. It has a multilingual team that’s accessible 24/7 to help in the event of emergencies wherever you are in the world.
However, the main drawback of World Nomads is they don’t offer coverage to residents of all countries. Certain countries (like France and Portugal, bizarrely) are excluded. Click here to see if you’re eligible to buy a policy with World Nomads.
What’s Covered With World Nomads?
- Over 150 adventurous activities
- Medical emergencies and evacuation
- Trip delays, cancellations, and interruptions
- Personal gear and electronics
- Evacuation and repatriation
- Damage to rental cars (only with their Explorer Plan)
What’s Excluded From World Nomads Coverage?
- Traveling against government advisories
- Activities not listed in their coverage
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- War
- Self-inflicted injuries
- Incidents caused by intoxication
World Nomads Insurance Costs
Prices vary depending on the destination and duration, as well as the age of the person(s) insured. You need to enter specific personal details to get an accurate quote.
However, as an example, a Standard plan for a 30-year-old traveling to Southeast Asia can equate to around $120 per month. Explorer plans tend to cost about twice as much as Standard ones.
Pros of World Nomads
- Extensive coverage for a wide range of adventurous activities
- Flexible and extendable policy
- Claim online while abroad
- Broad coverage spectrum
- Coverage for assault and certain acts of terrorism
- COVID-19-related claims
- Excellent reputation
Cons of World Nomads
- Not available to residents of all countries
- Can be pricier for extensive coverage
- Prices can vary based on the countries visited
- Potential complexities in covering motorbike accidents
5. IMG Global (Widest Range of Policy Options)
IMG Global is a major international insurance company that offers a range of health and travel insurance products, including a few tailored specifically for expats and digital nomads.
The company offers various packages, inclusive of “Global Medical Insurance” for those primarily seeking medical coverage. It also offers packages for nomads exploring more remote regions.
Supported by an international team, IMG Global’s policies are known for their affordability, without compromising on features. Click here to learn more about IMG Global.
What’s Covered With IMG Global?
- Hospital and medical treatments
- Dental injuries
- Medical evacuation
- Trip delays and cancellations
- Lost or stolen passport and visa assistance
- Lost luggage
- Coverage for natural disasters, political and emergency evacuation
- Personal liability
- Accidental death and dismemberment
What’s Excluded From IMG Global Coverage?
- Pre-existing conditions (unless stated otherwise)
- Routine check-ups
IMG Global Insurance Costs
IMG Global’s policy costs vary widely, with comprehensive plans like Global Medical starting at around $100/month for younger nomads.
Age does play a factor; for instance, a 20-year-old might pay around $240 for 90 days of coverage on a $4,000 trip, while a 60-year-old could expect a premium much higher for the same duration.
Pros of IMG Global
- Wide variety of plans catering to digital nomads, long-term travelers, and ex-pats
- Relatively affordable options
- Comprehensive coverage
- Flexibility in choosing maximum coverage and deductibles
- Coverage in most countries worldwide
- Straightforward application process
- Ability to extend the policy on the go
- 24/7 customer support and online portal
- Optional adventurous sports add-ons
Cons of IMG Global
- The large variety of options can be a little confusing
- Some people have reported issues with customer service
- US citizens can’t return home during the policy’s duration
- Waiting periods for claims can be lengthy
- Certain packages require you to have primary health coverage in your home country
6. True Traveller (Best for UK and European Residents)
Aimed primarily at UK and European residents, True Traveller is a popular choice among European digital nomads.
It covers a range of adventurous activities and, despite being a relative newcomer to the insurance game, has rapidly established a solid reputation. This company currently offers 3 different levels of cover: True Value, Traveller, and Traveller Plus.
Even the basic (True Value) plan has a decent amount of coverage. GBP £10 million of medical expenses, GBP £1,000 baggage, GBP £1,000 trip cancellation, GBP £1 million personal liability, GBP £10,000 accidental disability, and GBP £10 million repatriation costs are included as standard.
If you’re looking for even more protection, the Traveller plan also includes travel delays and missed departures, plus higher limits for certain items in the True Value plan. Traveller Plus offers even higher limits.
You can also add a range of optional extras (e.g. injuries from motorcycle accidents) to your policy if these are likely to apply to you. For more information, click here.
What’s Covered With True Traveller?
- Medical emergencies
- Personal accidents
- Many risker adventure sports (including skiing and snowboarding)
- Trip cancellations
What’s Excluded From True Traveller Coverage?
- Certain extreme sports
- Traveling against governmental advisories
- Undisclosed pre-existing medical conditions
True Traveller Insurance Costs
True Traveller’s entry-level (True Value) plan is more expensive than the basic plans of many other companies mentioned in this post. For example, a 30-year-old can expect to pay around GBP £80 per month for a True Value plan with worldwide coverage.
However, the more premium Traveller and Traveller Plus plans offer better value for money, despite being marginally more expensive in absolute terms.
Pros of True Traveller
- Great for adventure-loving European nomads
- Customizable plans
- Options to increase coverage
- Simple online claims system
- You can buy the policy after your trip has started
- 24/7 customer support
- Backed by Allianz (a large global insurance company)
Cons of True Traveller
- Only available to residents of European countries (including the UK)
- Not all extreme sports are covered
- The basic plan is relatively expensive
7. Heymondo (Best App to Manage Policy)
Heymondo provides a range of versatile insurance solutions for both short-term and long-term travelers, including digital nomads and expats.
Their Long Stay plan is tailored for trips extending beyond 90 days, with the option to renew if required. Their policies offer comprehensive coverage, with no deductibles for various items.
Heymondo markets itself as a fully digital insurance solution. It has a user-friendly app that offers 24/7 medical assistance and hassle-free claims management. This is great for digital nomads regularly on the move. For more information, click here.
What’s Covered With Heymondo?
- Emergency medical and dental treatment
- COVID-19-related treatments
- Medical transport and repatriation
- Baggage protection for delays, theft, and loss
- Compensation for travel delays and missed connections
- Support during natural disasters
- Personal liability cover
- Travel insurance for gadgets
- Adventure sports like scuba diving and hiking (optional extra)
What’s Excluded From Heymondo Coverage?
- Hiking at elevations higher than 5000 meters
- Scuba diving deeper than 20 meters
- Incidents related to war or civil unrest
- Alcohol or drug-induced incidents
- Pre-existing medical conditions and general check-ups
- Trips with the primary aim of seeking medical treatment
Heymondo Insurance Costs
Heymondo’s pricing is tiered to match the level of coverage you require. For instance, a 30-year-old might expect to pay around $50 per month for a comprehensive plan, which includes gadget insurance and adventure sports coverage. Basic plans cost as little as $30 per month.
Heymondo also offers renewal discounts, rewarding long-term customers.
Pros of Heymondo
- Tailored for digital nomads
- A broad range of cover for both medical and travel expenses
- Great value
- Ability to customize plans
- Global coverage (with certain exclusions)
- 24/7 assistance and support through their app
- Immediate access to doctors for medical inquiries
- No obligation for long-term contracts
- Medical expenses up to $2,500,000 USD
Cons of Heymondo
- Mandatory 90-day upfront payment for the Long Stay Plan
- Baggage delay coverage only kicks in after 12 hours
- Coverage restrictions for people over 49 years old
- Certain adventure sports require additional fees
- $250 deductible
7. Insured Nomads (Best for Additional Unique Benefits)
Insured Nomads is another fairly new entry on the insurance scene. It’s also another good choice for digital nomads, offering medical coverage, travel insurance, and trip cancellation tailored to the needs of remote workers, digital nomads, and expats.
The company provides global insurance solutions and prides itself on its tech-enabled approach, with a user-friendly online platform. They also support the organization “Not For Sale“, which combats human trafficking and modern slavery.
Insured Nomads offers its customers a complimentary 12-month membership to the “Insured Nomads Community” (or INC). This provides a range of additional benefits, such as free lounge access in the event of a flight delay. Click here to visit Insured Nomads‘ website.
What’s Covered With Insured Nomads?
- Wide range of medical benefits
- Hospital and outpatient treatment
- Acute onset of pre-existing conditions
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Trip interruptions and cancellations
- 24/7 telehealth services
- COVID-19 coverage
- Emergency dental care
- Local ambulance services
- Natural disaster coverage
- Airport lounge access during flight delays
- Lost luggage and property loss
- Optional add-ons for adventure sports, marine sports, pet insurance, accidental death, dismemberment, and car rental insurance
- 12-month membership to the “Insured Nomads Community”
What’s Excluded From Insured Nomads Coverage?
- Routine medical checks
- Pre-existing conditions not declared
- Non-medical related trip cancellations
- Acts of war and terrorism
- Extreme sports (unless added on)
- Self-inflicted injuries
- Injuries under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Insured Nomads Insurance Costs
Pricing varies depending on the plan and individual preferences. A sample rate for a 30-year-old can cost from around $70/month. The cost escalates with added benefits and higher coverage.
For instance, the World Explorer plan for a six-month trip to Mexico for a 30-39-year-old, with a medical benefit limit of $250,000, is approximately $679. Increasing the medical coverage to $1,000,000 would raise the premium further.
Despite the relatively higher prices, the coverage offered is expansive and may justify the costs for some nomads.
Pros of Insured Nomads
- Easy online management of policies
- Comprehensive global coverage
- Responsive customer support
- Simple online sign-up
- Customizable plans with optional add-ons
- Comprehensive benefits, including airport lounge access
- The “Insured Nomads Community” is a unique (and potentially very useful) benefit
- Special INC app offers additional travel benefits
- Coverage includes COVID-19
Cons of Insured Nomads
- Still relatively new compared to established brands
- Higher rates for older nomads
- Relatively expensive
- Certain plans are only open to US residents
- Relatively more expensive than some competitors
- Restrictive policies on baggage and equipment loss or theft
8. AIG Travel Guard (Best for Comprehensive Trip Protection)
Travel Guard is a subsidiary of American International Group (AIG), a major international insurance company. It’s been a leading force in the travel insurance sector for years, offering an assortment of plans to cater to various travel needs, including those of digital nomads.
AIG Travel Guard stands out for its comprehensive trip protection. Its Travel Guard Annual Plan caters primarily to individuals from the US who take multiple trips per year but return home intermittently, as it covers each trip up for a duration of up to 90 days.
AIG offers 3 packages that might be of interest to digital nomads: Deluxe, Preferred, and Essential. Click here to learn more.
What’s Covered With AIG Travel Guard?
- Trip cancellations and interruptions
- Medical expenses and evacuations
- Emergency dental
- Baggage loss or delay
- Travel delays due to weather and other unforeseen events
- Trip interruption up to 100% of insured trip cost
- Emergency evacuation
- COVID-19 coverage
What’s Excluded From AIG Travel Guard Coverage?
- Pre-existing medical conditions (with exceptions)
- Travel for medical treatment
- High-risk activities unless specified in the plan
- Participation in riots or civil disorders
- War or acts of war
- Drug influence or intoxication beyond legal limits
- Travel against a physician’s advice
- Nuclear, radioactive, or chemical-related incidents
AIG Travel Guard Insurance Costs
The pricing for AIG Travel Guard is influenced by factors such as age, destination, and trip duration.
Basic plans start from as low as $40/month for younger travelers, with comprehensive options priced higher. The cost also varies depending on where you live.
Pros of AIG Travel Guard
- Range of different plans to choose from
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Part of a globally recognized insurance group
- Extensive travel benefits
- You can get a waiver to include certain pre-existing conditions
- User-friendly website
Cons of AIG Travel Guard
- Adventure activities often require premium plans
- The claims process can sometimes take a long time
- 90-day limitation on trips under most policies
- Might not be the best option if you’re not a US citizen/resident
9. Travelex Insurance (Best for Digital Nomad Families)
Travelex Insurance Services offers a range of customizable plans including some of the best insurance for nomads traveling with children.
Specifically designed for digital nomad families, its Travel Select plan is valid for trips of up to 364 days and also covers dependant children under the age of 17.
As well as providing medical insurance, Travelex’s plans also cover an extensive range of travel-related expenses. Click here to learn more about Travelex Insurance.
What’s Covered With Travelex Insurance?
- Medical emergencies and evacuations
- Trip cancellations, delays, and interruptions
- Baggage protection
- Pre-existing condition waivers (in certain circumstances)
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
- Travel assistance services
- COVID-19 coverage
What’s Excluded From Travelex Insurance Coverage?
- Activities not explicitly covered in the policy (including most extreme sports)
- Alcohol or drug-related incidents
- Traveling against medical advice
Travelex Insurance Costs
Pricing is determined by the level of cover required, your age, and trip specifics. As you’d expect, the more comprehensive the package, the more it costs.
As a rough example, a 30-year-old American citizen and resident might expect to pay around $100 for a month’s coverage under the Travel Select plan.
Travelex also has several optional add-ons to cover things like trip cancellation, adventure sports, and car rental collision protection.
Pros of Travelex Insurance
- Customizable coverage options
- No extra premium for children under 17
- 24/7 customer support
- Extensive coverage
- Pre-existing condition waiver under certain plans
- Efficient claims process
- Includes COVID-19 coverage in certain circumstances
Cons of Travelex Insurance
- Tends to be more expensive than some of its competitors
- Slightly confusing website
- Additional costs for certain basic services
- Baggage delay benefits only apply after a 12-hour wait
10. PassportCard Nomads (Best for Avoiding Out-of-Pocket Expenses)
PassportCard takes a very different approach to most travel insurance providers. Rather than operating on a reimbursement model like most other insurance companies, PassportCard instead gives its customers a special debit card which can be used to pay for anything that the policy covers.
Funds on the card are controlled through an app. All you need to do is notify the company via the app, and then the necessary funds are immediately transferred onto the card for you to pay with.
As you’d expect, PassportCard’s policies tend to cost more than those of their competitors. However, this is possibly the best health insurance for digital nomads who want to avoid having to pay any out-of-pocket expenses. For more information, click here.
What’s Covered With PassportCard Nomads?
- Hospital and outpatient treatments
- Certain elective medical treatments
- Physiotherapy
- Routine checkups
- Emergency dental treatment
- Personal liability
- Luggage and personal items (as an add-on)
- COVID-19
- Various extreme sports
What’s Excluded From PassportCard Nomads Coverage?
- Undeclared pre-existing conditions
- Non-emergency treatments not agreed in advance
- Extreme sports not explicitly included
PassportCard Nomads Insurance Costs
While PassportCard ensures you don’t experience out-of-pocket expenses or deductibles, the policy is more expensive than many other digital nomad insurance providers. However, the direct payment feature may justify the pricing for some nomads.
The pricing structure is fairly straightforward with a monthly subscription model, just like SafetyWing. This helps to prevent substantial upfront costs.
There are two main plans: Remote (from $199 per month, ideal for nomads ages 18-45), and Comfort (from $200 per month, suitable for people aged up to 65).
Pros of PassportCard Nomads
- No out-of-pocket expenses (this is the biggest selling point)
- Direct payment for treatments via their unique PassportCard
- 24/7 support and assistance
- Fully digital and seamless claims process
- Generous plan limits
- Tailored add-ons
- Flexibility to modify your plan once started
- Can purchase a plan after your trip has begun
Cons of PassportCard Nomads
- Fairly expensive
- Add-ons like baggage and personal items come at an extra cost
- Mandatory 7-day waiting period for all insurance plans
- Lack of trip cancellation coverage
- Excludes most pre-existing conditions
Why Do I Need Nomad Travel Insurance?
If you get sick and require medical treatment when traveling, the bills can easily add up to tens of thousands of dollars, or more. It’s never worth gambling with your health so you need a good policy that will cover you.
A good digital nomad insurance policy should also cover lost luggage, stolen belongings, and a range of extra expenses incurred due to canceled flights/trains/trips and missed connections.
If you don’t have insurance and become sick, you’ll need to pay the bills out of your own pocket. If your luggage gets lost or stolen, you’ll need to buy new things without the support of compensation. And if you miss a flight due to circumstances outside of your control, without insurance, that’s too bad.
The only “con” to getting digital nomad insurance is the added expense. But this is a fraction of the potential costs you might face if anything serious were to go wrong. And things do go wrong occasionally, believe me (my car broke down in the Portuguese mountains at midnight last week!).
Not to mention, more serious things such as broken bones in the Amazon jungle, and emergency surgery in Mexico (two of many accidents that I know of).
Travel Insurance vs. Health Insurance
Travel insurance is specifically designed to cover the unique risks associated with traveling, such as medical emergencies, lost luggage, flight delays, theft, and more.
On the other hand, health insurance is designed to provide long-term coverage for medical expenses, like visits to the doctor, prescription medication, and outpatient treatment.
Health insurance policies usually have a higher premium than travel insurance policies since they cover a wider range of health-related costs. Travel insurance typically provides limited coverage for pre-existing conditions while many health insurance policies are likely to cover them.
Because digital nomads often spend a lot of time abroad, it’s important to ensure that your insurance policy covers any non-emergency healthcare needs that may arise while you are away.
Best Digital Nomad Insurance: FAQs
Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions about digital nomad insurance:
Yes, digital nomads should definitely get health insurance. It’s an important way to protect yourself in the event of an emergency or unexpected illness, and to allow you access to quality healthcare should you need it.
Nomad insurance is a type of insurance that provides coverage specifically tailored for digital nomads and other travelers who frequently move from place to place. It covers things like routine medical expenses, trip cancellation, and emergency treatment in case of an accident abroad.
Many digital nomads use international health insurance plans, like the ones mentioned in this post, which are designed to cover them in different locations around the world. There are also online pharmacies that make it easy to get prescriptions no matter your location.
Yes, a few insurance companies, such as IMG Global and True Traveller, offer digital nomad-specific policies that include legal protection. This is often described as cover for “personal liability”.
Yes, gadget cover on travel insurance is worth getting. It offers additional peace of mind by ensuring your expensive electronic items such as laptops and cameras are covered against loss, theft, or damage.
Annual digital nomad insurance can cost anything from $400 to several thousand dollars, depending on the provider and various factors such as your age, where you’ll be traveling, and the level of coverage you need.
Many digital nomad insurance providers cover COVID-19, but not all do. It’s important to read the fine print of the policy carefully to see exactly what is (and isn’t) included.
In Closing
As a digital nomad, your travel and health-related insurance needs will likely differ from “regular” holidaymakers on a 2-week vacation. Don’t assume that a regular travel insurance policy will provide you with the level of protection you need.
Of course, be sure to complete your own thorough research, as the best digital nomad medical insurance for you will depend on your personal circumstances. I hope this post has been a helpful starting block and has given you some strong options to consider. Safe, enjoyable, and stressfree travels!
