Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, where he focuses on helping people compare health plans for life abroad. He emphasizes clear information, neutral analysis, and practical decision support.
Our Top Picks
Digital nomads have unique insurance needs: you move often, you don't know where you'll be in 6 months, and you probably don't want a 12-month commitment. Here's what we recommend based on your situation:
- SafetyWing Nomad Insurance: The default choice for most nomads. Subscription-based, affordable, cancel anytime. Best for healthy people under 40 who need emergency coverage.
- SafetyWing Remote Health: When you want actual health insurance, not just travel medical. Full coverage including mental health and pre-existing conditions (after waiting period).
- IMG Global: Traditional health insurance with nomad-friendly flexibility. Higher coverage limits, more comprehensive benefits.
- World Nomads: Good for adventure travelers. Covers activities SafetyWing excludes. Trip-based pricing.
- Cigna Global: Premium option if you're earning well and want top-tier coverage. Better for nomads who stay in one place for longer stretches.
Quick Reality Check
Most nomads start with SafetyWing Nomad Insurance because it's cheap and flexible. But if you have health conditions or want comprehensive care, keep reading—travel medical insurance has real limits.
See ComparisonWe may earn a commission when you apply through our links. This does not affect our recommendations.
Travel Medical vs. Health Insurance
This distinction matters more than most nomads realize. Get it wrong and you could end up with a $50,000 hospital bill or no coverage for that chronic condition you manage.
Travel Medical Insurance (SafetyWing Nomad, World Nomads)
- Covers emergencies and unexpected illness only
- Does NOT cover routine checkups or preventive care
- Does NOT cover pre-existing conditions
- Does NOT cover mental health (usually)
- Does NOT cover maternity
- Lower coverage limits ($100K-$250K typical)
- Designed for healthy people who just need "what if" coverage
Full Health Insurance (Remote Health, IMG, Cigna)
- Covers routine care, checkups, prescriptions
- Covers pre-existing conditions (often after waiting period)
- Includes mental health benefits
- Maternity coverage available
- Higher coverage limits ($1M+)
- Works like regular health insurance, just international
The Honest Take
If you're 28, healthy, and just need coverage in case you get hit by a motorbike in Vietnam—SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is fine. If you take regular medication, see a therapist, or have any ongoing health needs, you need actual health insurance. There's no hack around this.
How We Evaluated
We focused on what matters for the nomad lifestyle:
- Flexibility: Can you cancel anytime? Change countries without hassle?
- Signup process: Can you buy it online in 5 minutes or do you need paperwork?
- Geographic coverage: Does it work in the countries nomads actually go?
- US coverage: Can you visit the US? For how long?
- Claims experience: Can you file online? How long until you get paid?
- Real cost: What do you actually pay monthly or yearly?
- Coverage gaps: What's excluded that might surprise you?
Quick Comparison
Here's how the top options stack up. Note the type column—it's the most important distinction.
| Provider | Type | Flexibility | Max Coverage | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SafetyWing Nomad | Travel medical | Cancel anytime | $250,000 | $45/4 weeks |
| SafetyWing Remote Health | Health insurance | Monthly | $1M-$10M | $150/mo |
| IMG Global | Health insurance | Annual | $1M-$8M | $100/mo |
| World Nomads | Travel medical | Trip-based | $100K-$500K | $50-150/trip |
| Cigna Global | Health insurance | Annual | Unlimited | $150/mo |
Prices Vary By Age
These are baseline prices for someone in their 30s. Your actual quote depends on age, coverage level, and add-ons.
Get Your QuoteWe may earn a commission when you apply through our links. This does not affect our recommendations.
Detailed Reviews
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
The default choice for most digital nomads, and for good reason. SafetyWing figured out what nomads actually want: simple pricing, no annual commitment, and an easy online experience.
The good: $45 per 4 weeks is genuinely affordable. You can sign up while already traveling. Cancel anytime. Covers 180+ countries. One child under 10 free per adult.
The limits: It's travel medical, not health insurance. $250K maximum is low for serious illness. No mental health. No maternity. No pre-existing conditions. US coverage limited to 30 days per 90-day period.
Best for: Healthy nomads under 40 who need emergency coverage and value flexibility over comprehensiveness.
Read our full SafetyWing review →
SafetyWing Remote Health
SafetyWing's answer to "I need actual health insurance." Remote Health is a completely different product from Nomad Insurance—full health coverage designed for remote workers and long-term nomads.
The good: Comprehensive coverage including mental health. Pre-existing conditions covered after 24-month waiting period. Up to $10M coverage. Monthly billing, though annual commitment.
The limits: More expensive ($150-400+/month). Still a newer product with less track record than established insurers. Claims process can be slow.
Best for: Nomads who want real health insurance from a company that understands the lifestyle.
Read our full SafetyWing review →
IMG Global
A traditional international health insurer that works well for nomads who want established, comprehensive coverage without the startup uncertainty.
The good: Established company (since 1990). High coverage limits up to $8M. Global Choice plan designed for expats and nomads. 50% deductible waived outside US. Good Trustpilot reviews.
The limits: Annual commitment. More traditional application process. Less "startup" feel—could be good or bad depending on your preference.
Best for: Nomads who want proven, comprehensive coverage and don't mind annual contracts.
Read our full IMG Global review →
World Nomads
The original travel insurance for backpackers, now popular with nomads who do adventure activities.
The good: Covers adventure activities that others exclude (scuba, hiking, etc.). Can buy and extend while traveling. Gear and electronics coverage available.
The limits: Trip-based pricing gets expensive for long-term travel. Coverage limits are lower. Still travel insurance, not health insurance.
Best for: Adventure nomads who climb, dive, or do activities excluded by other policies.
Cigna Global
Premium international health insurance for nomads with higher budgets who want top-tier coverage.
The good: Massive global network. Comprehensive coverage. Strong customer service with 24/7 support. Works well if you settle somewhere for a while.
The limits: Annual commitment. Higher premiums. Less suited to the constantly-moving nomad lifestyle.
Best for: Higher-earning nomads who stay in one place for 6+ months at a time and want premium coverage.
Read our full Cigna Global review →
Choosing the Right Plan
Here's a decision framework:
If you're healthy, under 40, and just need emergency coverage:
Start with SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. At $45/month with no commitment, it's low-risk to try. You can always upgrade later if your needs change.
If you have ongoing health needs (prescriptions, therapy, chronic conditions):
You need actual health insurance. Consider SafetyWing Remote Health or IMG Global. Yes, it costs more. No, travel medical insurance won't cover your needs.
If you do adventure activities:
Check if your activities are covered. SafetyWing covers amateur sports but excludes some activities. World Nomads specifically covers adventure sports.
If you visit the US frequently:
SafetyWing Nomad limits US visits to 30 days per 90-day period. If you need more US time, look at IMG Global or consider US coverage add-ons.
If you're over 50:
Premiums increase significantly with age across all plans. Traditional insurers like IMG Global or Cigna Global may offer better value than travel medical at older ages.
Start With What Fits
You can always change plans later. The important thing is to have coverage before something happens.
Compare Your OptionsWe may earn a commission when you apply through our links. This does not affect our recommendations.
Common Questions
Can I get insurance if I'm already traveling?
Yes. SafetyWing and World Nomads both allow you to purchase while already abroad. Most traditional health insurers require you to apply before departure or during a qualifying event.
What if I need to see a doctor for something routine?
Travel medical insurance (SafetyWing Nomad, World Nomads) won't cover this—it's for emergencies only. You'd pay out of pocket or need actual health insurance. In many nomad destinations, routine care is affordable enough to pay cash.
Does insurance cover COVID-19?
Most plans now cover COVID-19 treatment like any other illness. Check your specific policy for quarantine coverage and trip interruption benefits.
What about dental and vision?
Travel medical insurance covers emergency dental only (pain relief). Full health insurance plans sometimes include dental and vision as add-ons. Many nomads just pay out of pocket in affordable destinations—a cleaning in Mexico costs $30-50.
Can I use insurance for digital nomad visas?
Depends on the country. Some accept travel medical insurance, others require full health insurance with specific minimums. Check your destination's visa requirements—Portugal's D7 visa, for example, requires health insurance that meets EU standards.
What happens if I need evacuation?
Both travel medical and health insurance typically include medical evacuation coverage ($100K-$500K). This covers transport to a facility that can treat you if local options are inadequate.
Is SafetyWing legitimate?
Yes. SafetyWing is backed by reputable underwriters (Tokio Marine for Nomad Insurance). They've paid out claims since 2018. That said, they're newer than established players like Cigna or IMG—some people prefer the track record of traditional insurers.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. We are not insurance brokers or licensed agents. Coverage details, prices, and availability change. Always verify information directly with insurance providers before making decisions. Insurance needs are personal—what works for one nomad may not work for you.
