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.
Why You Need Insurance
As a digital nomad, you might not have access to employer health benefits or your home country's public healthcare. A serious illness or accident abroad can cost tens of thousands of dollars without insurance.
Beyond emergencies, good coverage helps with:
- Routine doctor visits when you're not feeling well
- Prescriptions you need to maintain
- Peace of mind while working remotely
- Meeting visa requirements in some countries
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Types of Coverage
Digital nomads typically choose between two main types of insurance:
Travel Medical Insurance
Designed for people constantly on the move.
- Cheaper (typically $40-80/month)
- More flexible with destinations
- Focused on emergencies and acute care
- Limited for ongoing conditions
Good for: Nomads who move frequently, are young and healthy, and mainly need emergency coverage.
International Health Insurance
Comprehensive coverage like regular health insurance.
- More expensive ($100-250+/month)
- Covers routine care, checkups, prescriptions
- Better for chronic conditions
- Often accepted for visas
Good for: Nomads who stay in places longer, have ongoing health needs, or want comprehensive coverage.
What to Look For
When evaluating plans as a digital nomad, pay attention to:
- Country coverage: Does it work in all the places you plan to go?
- Home country coverage: Are you covered when visiting home?
- US coverage: If you're American or visit the US, this affects pricing significantly
- Minimum stays: Some plans require you to be abroad for a minimum period
- Pre-existing conditions: How are ongoing health issues handled?
- Claims process: Can you file claims easily from anywhere?
- Telemedicine: Virtual doctor access is valuable for nomads
Recommended Plans
Here are plans commonly used by digital nomads, ranging from budget travel medical to comprehensive expat coverage.
| Provider | Type | Location Flexibility | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| SafetyWing | Travel Medical | Very High | $45/mo |
| World Nomads | Travel Medical | High | $60/mo |
| Cigna Global | Expat Health | High | $140/mo |
| Allianz Care | Expat Health | High | $120/mo |
| IMG Global | Expat Health | Medium | $100/mo |
Budget-Friendly Options
SafetyWing is popular among nomads for its low cost and flexibility. It covers emergencies and some outpatient care. It's subscription-based, so you can start and stop as needed.
World Nomads offers similar coverage with good adventure sports options if you're into activities like surfing or hiking.
Comprehensive Options
Cigna Global and Allianz Care provide fuller health coverage. These make sense if you settle in places for months at a time, have health conditions to manage, or want access to routine care.
Compare Cigna Global vs Allianz Care
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Travel vs Expat Insurance
Not sure which type you need? Here's a quick guide:
Choose Travel Medical If:
- You move every few weeks or months
- You're young and healthy
- You mainly need emergency coverage
- Budget is a top priority
- You don't need routine care access
Choose Expat Insurance If:
- You stay in places for 3+ months
- You have ongoing health needs
- You want routine care and checkups
- You need visa-compliant coverage
- Comprehensive coverage matters more than cost
Read our detailed comparison of travel vs expat insurance
Common Mistakes
Avoid these pitfalls when getting insurance as a digital nomad:
- Assuming travel insurance is enough: Basic travel insurance often has low limits and only covers emergencies
- Ignoring pre-existing conditions: If you have ongoing health issues, make sure they're covered
- Forgetting about home country visits: Some plans don't cover you when visiting home
- Not checking visa requirements: Some countries require specific insurance types
- Waiting until you're sick: Pre-existing condition exclusions mean you need coverage before issues arise
Common Questions
Can I use my home country's insurance abroad?
Usually only for emergencies and with many limitations. Most domestic insurance plans don't cover routine care abroad. If you're living as a nomad, you need international coverage.
What about the Affordable Care Act (for Americans)?
The ACA individual mandate penalty is currently $0, so you're not penalized for not having US coverage. However, you'll need coverage for time spent in the US, and US-included plans cost significantly more.
How do claims work when I'm abroad?
Most plans let you pay upfront and submit claims online for reimbursement. Some have direct billing arrangements with hospitals in major cities. Telemedicine options can help with minor issues without needing a physical visit.
What if I settle down in one country?
If you stop moving and establish residence somewhere, you might consider switching to local insurance or getting a plan specifically for that country. Check our country guides for destination-specific options.
Ready to Get Covered?
Compare plans that work for your nomadic lifestyle.
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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Insurance needs vary based on individual circumstances. We are not insurance brokers or licensed advisors. Always verify coverage details with insurance providers.
