Choosing the right health insurance plan is crucial when working and traveling remotely. In this article, we’ll explore the best health insurance providers for digital nomads, considering factors such as coverage, affordable premiums, and benefits..
Whether you’re a seasoned nomad or just starting your journey, finding the right insurance plan can provide peace of mind and protect you from unexpected medical expenses. Let’s dive in and discover the top options for digital nomads.
How we chose them
After scouring the travel insurance marketplace, we shortlisted 14 contenders with solid reputations in the digital nomad community. During our deep dive, we examined key factors such as the monthly premium, max payout, and deductible. We reviewed the full terms and conditions of each plan, scrutinizing additional factors such as U.S. coverage, sports and activities coverage, exclusions, and non-medical benefits. Our analysis also weighed customer testimonials on user-generated review sites.
Compare Our Best Picks
| Starting cost | Max limit | Deductible | U.S. coverage | Sports | Travel disruption | Preventative care | Trustpilot | |||
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SafetyWing | $56 | $250K | no | Add-on | Additional | ✅ | ❌ | 4.1 |
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Genki Explorer | $63 | unlimited | $55 | Limited | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | 4.4 |
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IMG Patriot Lite | $46 | up to $1M | $0 – $2.5K | Add-on | Additional | ❌ | ❌ | 4.6 |
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Geoblue Xplorer | $257 | unlimited | $0 – $10K | Add-on | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | 1.6 |
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Insured Nomads | $194 | up to $3M | $0 – $10K | Add-on | Additional | ❌ | ❌ | 4.0 |
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World Nomads | $135 | $100K | $100 | Add-on | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | 4.0 |
SafetyWing
Excellent for budget, simplicity
Base price
$56 per month
Max payout
$250,000
Benefits
scooter coverage, travel disruption, supplemental sports coverage
Editor’s Take
Over the past several years, SafetyWing has become nearly synonymous with digital nomad health insurance. The company offers a straightforward monthly plan for remote workers, starting at $56 a month for travelers aged 10 to 39. There is no deductible, and the plan covers medical expenses up to a maximum of $250,000.
Although adventure sports coverage is an additional $10 a month, we should note that the base plan does include coverage for scooter accidents. Other add-ons include U.S. coverage at $48 a month, and electronics theft at $10 a month.
SafetyWing also includes some travel disruption coverage, including $500 per lost bag and $100 per day in the event of a travel delay of more than 12 hours. The company will also cover up to $5,000 in return flights in the event of a family emergency.
Like most nomad health insurance companies, SafetyWing does not cover preventative care, pre-existing conditions, or cancer treatments. Other exclusions include injuries caused by drug/alcohol use. We found that reviews on forums such as Reddit were mixed. Many commentators complain about poor customer service, while others state that they never had a problem with payouts. SafetyWing’s 4.1 Trustpilot score puts the company roughly in the middle of the pack.
Pros & Cons
✅Low cost compared with other nomad health insurance providers.
✅No deductible required.
✅Travel disruption coverage included on the base plan.
❌ Sports and other adventure activities require an additional fee.
❌ Some reviewers complain of poor, outsourced customer service.
❌ Pre-existing conditions and preventative care are not covered.
Genki
Excellent for budget, sports coverage, U.S. coverage
Base price
$63 per month
Max payout
unlimited
Benefits
U.S. coverage, sports included, no cap on payouts
Editor’s Take
Genki is another company that has carved out a niche in the digital nomad health insurance space. A 35-year-old traveler can expect to pay approximately $63 a month with a low $55 deductible. Genki does not impose any limit on the medical-related payouts.
We like that Genki’s base plan includes 42 days of health coverage in the U.S. and Canada per year (full coverage is available for an additional $63 a month). Most sports are also covered by the base plan (except for mountain climbing, scuba diving, and activities involving a parachute).
Like most other nomad insurance providers, Genki does not cover preventative care, pre-existing conditions, or cancer treatments. Other exclusions include injuries caused by drug/alcohol use. Genki is a medical-only provider, and does not cover events related to travel disruption.
User reviews for Genki are generally positive, and the company earns a Trustpilot score of 4.4, the second-highest rating on our list.
Pros & Cons
✅Limited U.S. and Canada coverage on the base plan.
✅Most sports activities covered with no additional cost.
✅Low cost compared with other nomad health insurance providers.
❌Pre-existing conditions and preventative care are not covered.
❌No coverage for non-medical events.
❌Eliminating the deductible results in a higher monthly cost.
IMG Patriot Lite
Excellent for budget, customer satisfaction
Base price
$46 per month
Max payout
$1 million
Benefits
high customer satisfaction score
Editor’s Take
IMG is an international insurance company that has garnered positive reviews from many digital nomads. Coverage is highly customizable depending on your age, destination, trip duration, and other criteria.
During our research, we received a $46 quote for a 35-year-old traveler going to Mexico for a month. This price is based on the Patriot Lite plan with a $100,000 payout and no deductible. IMG adjusts its quote based on the policy maximum and deductible. For example, the aforementioned plan with the maximum $1 million payout costs and no deductible costs $61 per month, while a plan with a $50,000 maximum and a $2,500 deductible costs just $22.
Optional add-ons include mobile phone protection ($17) and adventure sports coverage ($4). Note that IMG limits its definition of “adventure sports” to select activities. Other activities may or may not be covered, so ensure that you carefully review your plan’s terms.
Like most other nomad insurance providers, IMG does not cover preventative care, pre-existing conditions, or cancer treatments. Other exclusions include injuries caused by drug/alcohol use. IMG Patriot Lite insurance is for medical purposes only, although IMG does offer other forms of travel insurance. IMG scores a 4.6 out of 5 on Trustpilot, the highest customer satisfaction rating of any nomad health insurance provider that we reviewed.
Pros & Cons
✅Coverage is customizable to your needs.
✅Low cost compared with other nomad health insurance providers.
✅4.6 customer satisfaction rating on Trustpilot.
❌Must pay extra for higher policy maximum and no deductible.
❌Sports coverage not included on base plan.
❌Variety of plans can make it difficult to compare benefits.
Geoblue Xplorer
Excellent for preventative care, sports coverage
Base price
$257 per month
Max payout
unlimited
Benefits
preventative care, sports coverage, no policy maximum
Editor’s Take
Geoblue is a Blue Cross Blue Shield-affiliated healthcare insurance company that focuses on travelers and expats. In our view, Geoblue’s plans most closely resemble those that you would find in the U.S. The entry-level Xplorer plan is the only one on our list that covers preventative care, which makes it a popular choice for nomads seeking full coverage.
Although there is a hefty $10,000 deductible on the low-cost plan, it is waived for preventive care, prescriptions, and office visits. Unlike many nomad health insurance providers, Geoblue Xplorer covers sports-related injuries without the need to purchase an add-on. The company provides access to healthcare providers worldwide, including the Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO network in the U.S. (coverage in the U.S. is available as an add-on).
During our research, we received a $257 a month quote for the Xplorer plan with a $10,000 deductible and no cap on payouts. With $0 deductible, the cost would rise to $561 per month.
Pros & Cons
✅Preventative care is covered.
✅Sports and adventure-related injuries are included.
✅No out-of-pocket costs for office visits.
❌More expensive than less comprehensive alternatives.
❌The deductible can be as high as $10,000 on the low premium plan.
❌Geoblue is medical-only, and travel disruption is not included.
InsuredNomads
Excellent for travel benefits
Base price
$163 per month
Max payout
$3 million
Benefits
Priority Pass membership included
Editor’s Take
As far as medical benefits go, InsuredNomads’ coverage looks pretty similar to other providers on our list. Depending on the plan and terms that you choose, the max payout ranges from $500,000 to $3 million, and the deductible can be anywhere from $0 to $10,000. Also, U.S. and sports coverage is available for an additional fee.
InsuredNomads’ plans start at $163 a month for 12 months, although prices vary substantially based on your chosen benefit cap and deductible. For example, a 35 year-old would pay $194 a month for a plan with no deductible and $500,000 in coverage, or as low as $97 for a plan with a $10,000 out-of-pocket threshold.
On the whole, InsuredNomads does cost more than other plans. However, one unique perk is that InsuredNomads health plan members provide free, unlimited access to the Priority Pass network of airport lounges – a $39 per-month value.
Pros & Cons
✅Up to $3 million in healthcare coverage.
✅Priority Pass access included in membership.
✅Free VPN for all members.
❌Healthcare plans can be expensive without a deductible.
❌Preventative care and extreme sports are not covered.
❌Trustpilot score of 4.0 is below some other providers on our list.
World Nomads
Excellent for sports coverage, travel disruption
Base price
$135 per month
Max payout
$100,000
Benefits
sports coverage, travel insurance
Editor’s Take
World Nomads offers two packages that cover a variety of health and travel-related claims. The Standard plan offers coverage of up to $100,000, with $2,500 in trip cancellation costs, $1,000 for lost luggage, and 200 different sports and adventure activities. The Explorer plan also covers up to $100,000 in medical costs, along with $10,000 for trip cancellation, $3,000 for lost luggage, and over 300 different sports and adventure activities.
During our research, we received a quote of approximately $135 a month for the Standard plan, and $252 a month for the Explorer plan. Both packages carry a low $100 deductible, and U.S. coverage is available for an additional fee. World Nomads is the only insurer that covers both sports and travel disruption for no additional fee.
Pros & Cons
✅Low $100 deductible.
✅World Nomads covers most sports and activities on its base plan.
✅Trip disruption coverage is included on all plans.
❌The maximum payout of $100K is low compared to alternatives.
❌Preventative care is not covered, and the price point is higher than competitors.
❌Trustpilot score of 4.0 is below some other providers on our list.
Nomad Health Insurance Buyer’s Guide
Browse any discussion of digital nomad health insurance, and you will quickly find many stories of travelers that got burned by denied claims. Minimize your chances of future headache by familiarizing yourself with the key elements of travel health insurance.
Do I need nomad health insurance?
For short-term trips, your domestic health insurance company may cover medical expenses, and some travel credit cards also provide insurance for short-term tips. In general, though, domestic health insurance will not be accepted by medical providers abroad. Most digital nomad visas also require that you provide proof of travel health insurance when you apply.
Even for short trips, travel health insurance is a good idea. While you may not expect to need medical care, accidents and illnesses can happen unexpectedly. Here are some reasons why health insurance is important for digital nomads:
- Unexpected emergencies: Accidents, illnesses, and injuries can occur even on short trips. Travel health insurance can cover the costs of medical treatment, hospitalization, and emergency evacuation.
- Pre-existing conditions: If you have pre-existing health conditions, travel health insurance can provide coverage for related medical expenses.
- Limited access to healthcare: In some destinations, access to quality healthcare may be limited or expensive. Travel health insurance can help you find appropriate care and cover the costs.
Cost
Travel health insurance costs can vary wildly depending on a variety of factors, ranging from less than $50 to over $500 per month. Most insurers consider your age and travel destination in its quote calculations. Monthly cost is also influenced by the policy maximum, as well as the deductible.
- Maximum: this refers to the maximum amount of money that you can claim for medical-related expenses.
- Deductible: the amount of money you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in.
In many cases, you can customize your health insurance policy by adjusting the maximum payout and the deductible. The higher the deductible, the lower your monthly premiums (conversely, a lower max payout translates into a lower monthly cost).
In most cases, you must specify the countries where you want coverage. Nomad health insurance companies generally exclude the U.S. from their base plans. U.S. coverage is usually available as an optional add-on, but selecting this option will raise your monthly premiums significantly. Similarly, some insurers offer sports and adventure activity coverage for an additional fee.
Coverage
Travel health insurance often works differently than policies offered by U.S. employers or government entities. It is absolutely critical that you are aware of what is and isn’t covered under your plan.
What nomad health insurance usually covers:
Nomad health insurance typically provides comprehensive coverage for your medical needs while traveling the world. This often includes the following expenses:
- Medically necessary treatment of unexpected illness or injury (inpatient or outpatient)
- Prescription drugs
- Ambulance and emergency transportation, including air evacuation
- Emergency transportation to a better equipped hospital (medical evacuation)
- Repatriation of remains
- Care outside hospital
- Diagnostics
- Rental of hospital bed or wheelchair
- Prosthetics
- Emergency dental treatment
- Emergency eye exam
- Cash payout if you lose limbs or eyes in an accident
- Complications of pregnancy
- Emergency treatment of a pre-existing illness or injury
- Medical treatment of COVID-19
- Unexpected quarantine caused by COVID-19
What nomad health insurance usually doesn’t cover:
Preventative care
Most digital nomad health insurance plans do not cover routine preventative care, such as office checkups and screenings. Instead, travel health insurance plans are designed to cover accidents and sudden illnesses.
U.S. coverage
Base plans generally do not cover medical events in your home country, especially high-cost places like the United States. Some insurers, such as Genki, cover a limited number of days in the U.S. In most cases, you can purchase supplemental U.S. medical coverage as an add-on to the base plan.
Sports and adventure activities
Many digital nomad health insurance companies won’t cover injuries sustained as a result of sports and other potentially dangerous activities, including scuba diving, skiing, scooter/motorcycle riding, and more. For companies that don’t cover these pursuits in the base plan, you can often buy supplemental sports coverage as an add-on. Make sure you read the fine print in your plan so you know what’s covered.
Drugs/alcohol
If you read the fine print, you will often find that insurers won’t cover medical events that take place as a result of drug or alcohol consumption.
Travel disruption
Some nomad health insurance companies also include trip insurance as part of their package. This may cover costs related to lost luggage, cancellation, hotel, and more. However, you will need to check with the provider to see if these non-medical expenses are included in your plan.
Max payout
A few companies do not cap claims, while others maintain limits of $1 million or more. However, it is common for travel insurers to limit payouts to the $100-250K range, and some even offer plans with a $10K cap. Medical evacuation via air ambulance to your home country can easily cost over $100,000, so keep that possibility in mind when you’re looking at policy maximums.
Cancer
Most nomad health insurance companies do not cover cancer treatments.
Short-term vs. long term policies
When choosing travel health insurance, it’s essential to consider the duration of your trip. Short-term and long-term policies offer different levels of coverage and benefits.
Short-term policies are typically designed for trips lasting a few weeks to a few months. They provide essential coverage for medical emergencies and unexpected illnesses or injuries. These policies are often more affordable but may have limitations on the maximum duration of coverage.
Long-term policies are designed for travelers who plan to be abroad for an extended period, usually more than three months. They offer more comprehensive coverage, including chronic conditions and pre-existing conditions. Long-term policies can be more expensive, but they provide greater peace of mind for long-term travelers.
Key factors to consider when choosing between short-term and long-term policies:
- Trip duration: Determine how long you’ll be traveling.
- Medical history: If you have pre-existing conditions, a long-term policy may be necessary.
- Budget: Consider your budget and the level of coverage you need.
- Activities: If you’re planning to partake in sports or other high-risk activities, you may need additional coverage.
Common travel health insurance mistakes
When selecting travel health insurance, it’s crucial to avoid common mistakes that could leave you underinsured or financially burdened in case of a medical emergency. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Underestimating coverage needs: Many travelers underestimate the potential costs of medical care, especially in developed countries. It’s essential to choose a policy with adequate coverage limits to ensure you’re protected in case of major medical events.
- Overlooking pre-existing conditions: If you have pre-existing health conditions, make sure your policy covers them. Some insurers may exclude pre-existing conditions or require additional coverage.
- Ignoring emergency evacuation: For trips to remote or high-risk destinations, consider a policy that includes emergency evacuation coverage in case of medical emergencies. Out-of-pocket costs for air evacuation can easily exceed $100,000 if you don’t have insurance.
- Forgetting activities: If you plan to engage in high-risk activities like adventure sports, ensure your policy covers these activities. Some insurers may exclude or charge additional premiums for certain activities.
- Failing to read the fine print: Carefully review the policy documents to understand the terms, conditions, and exclusions. Pay attention to coverage limits, deductibles, and any waiting periods.
- Delaying purchase: Don’t wait until the last minute to purchase travel insurance. Policies often have waiting periods, and you may not be covered for pre-existing conditions if you purchase coverage after symptoms appear.
- Letting coverage lapse: Don’t forget to renew your policy, and make sure you are aware of any changes to your coverage once the initial contract period is up.
Using travel insurance
Many digital nomads find themselves facing denied claims when they fail to properly account for medical costs. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get reimbursed for medical expenses from your travel health insurance company:
- Gather documentation: Collect all relevant medical bills, receipts, and reports related to your treatment. This may include the following documents:
- Doctor’s visits
- Hospital bills
- Prescription medication costs
- Ambulance fees
- Other medical expenses
- File a claim: Contact your travel health insurance provider and request a claim form. You may be able to file the claim online or by mail.
- Complete the claim form: Provide all the necessary information on the claim form, including your policy number, contact details, and details of the medical incident. Attach copies of all supporting documents.
- Submit the claim ASAP: Send the completed claim form and supporting documents to your insurance provider. You may be able to submit it online, by mail, or in person. Submit your claim as soon as possible after receiving medical treatment to avoid delays in processing.
- Follow up: After submitting your claim, follow up with your insurance provider to check on its status. If you have any questions or require additional information, don’t hesitate to contact them.