Health Insurance for Remote Workers

Why You Need Coverage

The rise of remote work has opened up new possibilities. More people are working from Portugal, Spain, Mexico, and beyond while keeping their jobs or clients back home. But this creates a unique insurance challenge.

Your domestic health insurance probably doesn't cover you abroad—or only covers emergencies. And if you're working from another country for extended periods, you need proper coverage that:

• Works in your new location for routine and emergency care
• May satisfy visa requirements if you're getting a digital nomad or remote work visa
• Covers you when traveling or visiting home
• Integrates with whatever employer benefits you might have

Employer Coverage Abroad

If you're a W-2 employee working remotely from abroad, your first step is understanding what your employer offers:

Does Your Employer Plan Work Abroad?

Most US employer health plans provide limited international coverage—typically just emergency care while traveling. If you're living abroad, this isn't enough.

Some large companies with global workforces offer international health benefits. Ask HR about:

• International coverage options
• Whether you can switch to a global plan
• Coordination with local insurance requirements

Does Your Employer Know You're Abroad?

This matters for both insurance and employment law. Many companies have policies about where employees can work, and there can be tax implications. It's generally better to be transparent with your employer about your location.

Supplemental Coverage

Even if your employer provides some international coverage, you might need supplemental insurance for:

• Routine care not covered by your employer plan
• Meeting visa insurance requirements
• Coverage when employer benefits are limited abroad

Your Options

Remote workers typically choose from these insurance approaches:

1. International Health Insurance

Comprehensive plans like Cigna Global or Allianz Care that work globally. Best if you're abroad long-term and want full coverage including routine care.

• Complete health coverage abroad
• Often accepted for visa applications
• More expensive ($100-250+/month)
• Can include home country coverage

2. Remote Work-Specific Plans

Plans like SafetyWing Remote Health are designed specifically for remote workers. They typically include home country coverage and work well for people splitting time between locations.

• Designed for distributed workers
• Usually includes home country coverage
• Moderate pricing ($100-150/month)
• May have some coverage limitations

3. Travel Medical Insurance

Budget options like SafetyWing Nomad or World Nomads. Better for short-term stays or as supplemental coverage. Limited for ongoing health needs.

• Most affordable option
• Good for emergencies
• Limited routine care coverage
• May not satisfy visa requirements

4. Local Insurance + Travel Coverage

If you're settling in one country, consider local health insurance for routine care plus travel insurance for trips and emergencies. This can be cost-effective but requires more management.

Recommended Plans

Here are plans commonly used by remote workers living abroad:

Best for Long-Term Remote Workers

Cigna Global and Allianz Care provide comprehensive coverage if you're based abroad for years rather than months. They work well for remote workers who've established a home base abroad.

Compare Cigna Global vs Allianz Care

Best for Location-Flexible Workers

SafetyWing Remote Health is designed specifically for remote workers. It includes US coverage (if needed) and works well for people who move between locations regularly.

Best Budget Option

SafetyWing Nomad Insurance or World Nomads provide basic coverage at lower cost. Good for healthy remote workers who mainly need emergency protection.

Tax Considerations

Health insurance and taxes get complicated when working remotely abroad. A few things to consider:

For US Citizens

• ACA Mandate: The penalty is currently $0, so you're not penalized for lacking US coverage
• HSA Eligibility: You generally can't contribute to an HSA while living abroad
• FEIE: If you qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, health insurance premiums you pay yourself aren't deductible against excluded income

Employer-Paid Premiums

If your employer pays for international health insurance, it's typically a tax-free benefit just like domestic health insurance. Verify with a tax professional familiar with expat situations.

Self-Paid Premiums

Health insurance you pay for yourself may or may not be deductible depending on your tax situation, employment status, and country of residence. Consult a tax advisor who understands international tax.

Common Questions

My employer says I can work from anywhere. Do I still need international insurance?

Probably yes. "Work from anywhere" policies rarely include international health coverage. Your employer health plan likely only covers emergencies abroad. Check with HR about what's actually covered.

Can I keep my US health insurance while abroad?

You can keep paying for it, but most US plans provide very limited coverage outside the country. You're paying for coverage you can't really use. Consider whether those premiums would be better spent on international coverage.

What about digital nomad visas?

Countries like Portugal, Spain, and others now offer digital nomad or remote work visas. Most require proof of health insurance. International health insurance plans typically satisfy these requirements—travel insurance often doesn't.

How do I handle coverage when I visit home?

Some international plans include home country coverage (usually at additional cost for US coverage). Others exclude it. If you visit home frequently, make sure your plan covers you there or get separate coverage for those trips.

What if I only work abroad for a few months?

For shorter stays, travel medical insurance might be sufficient. But if you're doing this regularly or staying 3+ months at a time, proper international health insurance gives you better protection.

Does my company need to know about my insurance?

If you're arranging your own coverage, you don't necessarily need to tell your employer. But if there are visa requirements, tax implications, or you're declining employer coverage, transparency is usually better.