7 Best Digital Nomad Health Insurance in 2024

Living a location-independent nomadic lifestyle means choosing where you want to be when you want to be there. The last thing you want to think about is finding a good digital nomad health insurance policy in case of an accident or illness. 

Unfortunately, the majority of digital nomads don’t consider looking for full-coverage digital nomad health insurance because they don’t think they’ll need it. 

“I’m young, healthy, and free! Why would I need to waste money on a health insurance premium?” That is until you aren’t! 

I see so many US citizens become digital nomads and are completely fine with paying out-of-pocket because of the reasonable medical care costs abroad. 

However, even if you can afford to pay for private care in a foreign country, a digital nomad health insurance policy can save you thousands of dollars and recommend doctors and hospitals to you. 

By the end of this article, you’ll have learned about the best digital nomad health insurance policies with full health coverage while abroad to stay healthy and save money in case of serious illness or accident. 

If you’re considering applying for a digital nomad visa, you’ll need an international or digital nomad health insurance policy. So, this article will help you narrow down your search and start your application sooner than later. 

Why Do Digital Nomads Need Health Insurance?

As a free spirit moving from country to country with your laptop, you probably aren’t thinking about what you’re going to do if you need to go to a hospital because of food poisoning or your annual dental cleaning. 

You’re too busy researching digital nomad housing options and cheap flights to warmer weather during the winter. 

Let’s face it; choosing a remote lifestyle means being responsible for your health. Otherwise, your traveling days could come to a halt rather quickly if you don’t take care of yourself. 

One way to do this is by having a digital nomad health insurance policy with full coverage for preventative care and for emergencies. 

Safety and Security

Having digital nomad health insurance while living abroad provides you with peace of mind. No matter where you are in the world, you know that you have insurance that will help you with medical expenses. 

Some digital nomad health insurance companies even have telehealth services, so you can speak to a doctor without ever leaving your Airbnb or hotel. 

Knowing that you have some financial security when it comes to medical bills can help you budget for your remote lifestyle better too. 

Peace of Mind

Do the hard work of finding a good digital nomad health insurance now and have peace of mind later. 

One of the worst things you can encounter is becoming ill and needing medical attention without having a plan or insurance coverage. You already are not feeling well; why put more pressure on yourself to find a doctor that speaks your language on your own and pay out of pocket for their services? 

Digital Nomad Visa Applications

Digital nomads who fall in love with a particular country and want to stay there for a year or two can do so by applying for a digital nomad visa. 

However, one of the requirements of a digital nomad visa is to submit an international health insurance policy. 

Sometimes digital nomad visas require that you are covered for a certain amount. For example, Thailand requires at least $50,000 in medical coverage. 

Since many digital nomad visas do not allow you to register for local healthcare, applicants must have a private insurance policy. 

What’s the Difference Between Digital Nomad Health Insurance and Travel Insurance?

There are stark differences between digital nomad or international health insurance and travel insurance. 

Many beginner digital nomads assume they can just get a simple travel insurance policy and be covered while abroad. Unfortunately, digital nomads require more coverage than a regular travel insurance policy provides. 

Coverage

Travel insurance will cover accidents or mishaps related to travel or serious accidents that require medical attention. For example, if your baggage is lost or your flight is delayed, travel insurance will reimburse you. However, if you wish to have a routine checkup with a primary care doctor, travel insurance will not cover this. 

Digital nomad health insurance offers coverage for medical appointments and expenses, including routine checkups, hospital visits, medical tests, and even prescriptions. 

Some digital nomad health insurance policies may cover travel incidents, such as repatriation, but they mostly focus on medical care. 

Price

Digital nomad health insurance policies tend to be a bit more expensive than travel insurance polices. It’s for good reason, though!

You are much more likely to take advantage of your health insurance policy than your travel insurance. 

We take out travel insurance policies in hopes of never having to use them. That would mean that something went wrong with your trip. 

Digital nomad health insurance allows you to use it for preventative care and pay attention to any illness or ongoing treatments you may need. 

So, while digital nomad health insurance may cost a little more, it is worth the price!

Validity

Digital nomad health insurance can be valid for years at a time. It depends on your remote lifestyle and how long you set your policy for. 

Travel insurance must have a start and end date. Usually, this can only be valid for a few weeks to a few months. You’ll rarely find travel insurance that will cover you for an entire year. 

Best Digital Nomad Health Insurance Policies

Now that we know why digital nomads should consider an international health insurance policy and why they are different from travel insurance, let’s dive deep into the top-ranking and most recommended digital nomad health insurance companies around today. 

Safetywing

One of the original digital nomad insurance companies is Safetywing. While they used only to offer travel insurance, they now offer a remote health option for digital nomads that travel full-time or live abroad with a digital nomad visa. 

You can see any doctor or visit any hospital and be reimbursed for your expenses within 10 days. It’s extremely easy to sign up, and there is no health pre-check before activating your insurance policy. 

With a maximum coverage of $1.5 million USD, you can use Remote Health from Safetywing as your primary insurance policy while living a location-independent lifestyle. 

Claim a 35% discount on Safetywing as a Nomads Embassy member today! 

Genki

With low prices starting at €105 per month, Genki Native covers all of your medical needs. You can see any doctor or hospital you prefer with a simple reimbursement and claim submittal process or direct billing. 

From dental to vision to preventative, you can remain healthy and be ready for anything when you’re traveling and covered by Genki. 

With month-to-month payments and a price guarantee of up to two years, you can successfully budget for your health while living the nomadic lifestyle, no matter which countries you may visit. 

It’s also one of the only digital nomad health insurance policies that offers coverage in your home country for up to 180 days out of the year. So, you can visit friends and family and repack your suitcase without worrying about losing your healthcare.

GeoBlue

For US citizens, Blue Cross Blue Shield offers international health insurance for digital nomads and expats with their GeoBlue policies. 

With their expat plan, you can have full coverage for preventative care and low deductibles from six months to a year with renewal options. GeoBlue has a network of doctors and hospitals worldwide that you can visit and set up prepayments with, so you don’t have to pay out-of-pocket costs. 

Take advantage of appointment setting on your behalf and the telehealth features where you can speak or chat with a doctor from the comfort of your hotel room. Mental health services, such as therapists, are also covered. 

You can customize your plan to add dental and vision and even coverage in the United States if you plan to spend time at home throughout the year. 

Insured Nomads

A delightful mixture of travel and international health insurance, Insured Nomads offer a comprehensive insurance policy for those active remote workers traveling full-time. 

Starting at $224 per month for individuals with coverage for at least six months, digital nomads can have peace of mind that their health is in great hands. Plus, with lounge access in case of delayed flights and travel reimbursement, Insured Nomads is an ideal policy for those traveling frequently. 

Customize your plan and deductible amount to create the perfect policy for your adventures and health needs. 

IMG Global

With four tiers of medical coverage to choose from, IMG Global is a great option for digital nomads and expats who want private international health insurance. 

This digital nomad health insurance also covers pre-existing conditions and is available for those travelers 74 years or younger. You can also visit any doctor or hospital of your choosing – no need to stay within their network! 

IMG Global’s international health insurance solely focuses on medical coverage. However, it can be paired with their travel insurance policy if you want trip and transport protection during your journey. 

HCI Group Global

Providing options for individuals and digital nomad families, HCI Group Global health insurance is a great option for international health insurance while living and traveling abroad. 

Choose from short or long-term policy options to fit your budget and medical coverage needs. With easy online payments and 24/7 assistance, you’ll never feel alone when dealing with a medical situation while alone in a foreign country. 

With cancer treatment, routine checkups, dental care, and vision, you’ll be fully covered by up to $2 million USD per year. 

Cigna Global

Cigna Global has partnered with 1.65 million doctors and hospitals in 200 countries (that’s just about all of them!) to provide coverage with their digital nomad health insurance. 

Find the health insurance plan that is right for your needs and budget. Whether you need an entire year of coverage or just six months, you can find it with Cigna Global. 

Offering competitive pricing and a secure online portal to upload your medical documents, this digital nomad health insurance is a no-brainer for remote workers choosing to travel the world. 

Choosing a Digital Nomad Health Insurance Policy

Even though I just recommended a handful of digital nomad health insurance policies for you to consider, you may still be confused or overwhelmed about which one to choose. 

So, let’s dive deeper into what you should consider when choosing a digital nomad health insurance policy because there is no one-size-fits-all solution. 

Coverage Area

Some digital nomad health insurance policies do not offer coverage in certain countries. For example, you’ll need to add special coverage for Safetywing if you plan to stay in Singapore or Hong Kong. 

Other policies may not provide coverage in the country where you are a citizen. For digital nomads from the United States, this could be bit of a hassle if you decide to spend some time at home. 

Before signing up for a digital nomad health insurance policy, make sure you will be covered in all of the countries you plan to visit. 

Medical Benefits and Coverage

While most of the policies on this list offer comprehensive coverage, your health may require specific coverage. Whether it is maternity, cancer treatment, or mental health, read the policy coverage carefully to ensure you are covered for exactly what you need to stay healthy. 

Deductibles

Most health insurance policies will come with annual deductibles. This is a set amount that you must spend out-of-pocket or along with insurance coverage before the insurance takes full responsibility of your medical expenses. 

Deductibles can range from $0 to $5,000, depending on the insurance plan you choose. 

If you have a higher deductible, it’s a good idea to keep this amount in your savings to make sure you always have enough to cover it throughout the year when needed.

Oftentimes, the higher the deductible, the less expensive the monthly premium. 

Monthly Premiums

Each month you will have to pay a premium for your digital nomad health insurance. This will depend on your coverage, age, pre-existing conditions, and deductible. 

As mentioned, if you have a low deductible, your monthly premium may be higher than if you had a higher deductible. 

It’s up to you to weigh the advantages of being expected to pay a large sum throughout the year out-of-pocket for a low monthly rate or no money out-of-pocket or a higher monthly rate. 

Digital Health Services

As a digital nomad, you need to have access to your digital nomad health insurance platform and company no matter where you are in the world. 

When choosing a digital nomad health insurance, it’s a good idea to see what type of digital services they offer. Whether it’s telehealth appointments, online portals, or insurance claims via an app or email, you want to make sure you always have access to customer service and doctors, no matter where you are. 

Start Your Digital Nomad Journey with Nomads Embassy

Choosing a digital nomad health insurance is just one part of embarking on your nomadic lifestyle. Whether you’re considering applying for a digital nomad visa or simply looking for a reliable community of other digital nomads, Nomads Embassy is here to simplify your remote lifestyle. 

As the World’s First Embassy for Digital Nomads, we are here to assist you with even the most complicated aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle. From taxes to residency to visas to banks to health insurance, you can count on us! 

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