Health Insurance for Freelancers Abroad

The Freelancer Challenge

As a freelancer, you don't have an employer providing health benefits. You're responsible for your own coverage—and when you're living abroad, that gets more complicated.

The challenges freelancers face include:

• No employer coverage: You're on your own for health insurance
• Variable income: Premiums need to fit unpredictable cash flow
• Location flexibility: You might work from different countries
• Visa requirements: Many countries require health insurance for freelance visas
• No group rates: Individual plans cost more than employer-sponsored coverage

The good news: there are solid options designed for independent professionals living internationally.

Coverage Options

Freelancers abroad typically choose from these approaches:

International Health Insurance

Comprehensive plans from Cigna Global, Allianz Care, or similar providers. These work like traditional health insurance with coverage for routine care, specialists, hospitalization, and prescriptions.

• Complete health coverage wherever you go
• Accepted for visa applications
• Higher cost ($100-250+/month)
• Usually requires annual commitment

Travel Medical Insurance

Budget-friendly options like SafetyWing or World Nomads. Better for emergencies than ongoing care, but much more affordable.

• Lower cost ($40-80/month)
• Flexible—start and stop as needed
• Limited routine care coverage
• May not satisfy visa requirements

Local Insurance

If you're settling in one country, local health insurance might be an option. Many countries allow freelancers with proper visas to access local insurance systems.

• Often more affordable
• Better for routine local care
• Only covers that country
• Requires legal residency

Hybrid Approach

Some freelancers combine local coverage for routine care with international coverage for emergencies, evacuation, and travel. This can balance cost with comprehensive protection.

What to Look For

When choosing a plan as a freelancer, prioritize:

Payment Flexibility

Freelance income can be irregular. Look for plans offering:

• Monthly payment options (vs annual lump sum)
• Easy cancellation or pause options
• No long-term contracts when possible

Location Coverage

Make sure the plan covers all countries where you might work. If you move between destinations, you need coverage that travels with you.

Visa Compliance

If you need a freelance or self-employed visa, check that the plan meets that country's insurance requirements. Travel insurance often doesn't qualify.

Telemedicine

Virtual doctor access is valuable for freelancers who travel. You can get consultations and prescriptions without finding a local doctor.

Claims Process

Look for easy online claims submission. When you're abroad and self-employed, you don't want complicated paperwork eating into your work time.

Recommended Plans

Here are plans that work well for freelancers abroad:

Best for Comprehensive Coverage

Cigna Global and Allianz Care offer full health coverage that works globally. Best for established freelancers who want complete protection and can commit to annual premiums.

Compare Cigna Global vs Allianz Care

Best for Flexibility

SafetyWing lets you pay monthly with no long-term contract. You can start and stop coverage as your situation changes. Good for freelancers with variable income or who aren't sure where they'll be long-term.

Best Value

IMG Global offers solid international coverage at moderate prices. Good middle ground between budget travel insurance and premium expat plans.

Tax Deductions

As a self-employed person, health insurance premiums may be tax-deductible. However, the rules get complicated when you're abroad.

For US Freelancers

• Self-employed health insurance deduction: Generally allows you to deduct premiums for yourself and your family
• FEIE complications: If you use the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, you can only deduct against non-excluded income
• Business expense: May be deductible as a business expense depending on your structure

Tax situations for expat freelancers are complex. Work with a tax professional who understands international self-employment.

For Non-US Freelancers

Deductibility depends on your country of tax residence and local rules. Many countries allow health insurance as a business deduction for self-employed individuals. Consult a local accountant or tax advisor.

Common Questions

Can I write off international health insurance on my taxes?

Probably, but it depends on your tax situation, residency, and country. For US freelancers, the self-employed health insurance deduction generally applies, but FEIE and other expat tax rules complicate things. Consult a tax professional.

What if my income varies month to month?

Look for plans with monthly payment options or consider travel medical insurance that lets you start and stop coverage. SafetyWing is popular for this flexibility.

Do I need insurance for a freelance visa?

Usually yes. Most countries offering freelance or self-employed visas require proof of health insurance. Requirements vary—some accept travel insurance, others require comprehensive health coverage.

What about insurance for my business?

Health insurance covers you personally. For business insurance (liability, professional indemnity, etc.), you'll need separate coverage. Some providers offer packages for freelancers that include both.

Can I get coverage if I have pre-existing conditions?

Yes, but conditions may be excluded initially. Most plans use moratorium underwriting—recent conditions are excluded for a period (usually 2 years) before becoming eligible for coverage. Be honest on your application.

What happens if I can't work due to illness?

Health insurance covers medical costs, not lost income. If you want income protection, look into disability or income protection insurance separately. Some providers offer these as add-ons.

How do I choose between travel and health insurance?

If you're abroad short-term or on a tight budget, travel medical insurance can work. For long-term freelancing abroad, especially if you need visa-compliant coverage or have ongoing health needs, international health insurance is better.

Read our guide comparing travel vs health insurance