How To Find Affordable Digital Nomad Health Insurance

Are you looking for digital nomad health insurance? I can help. I’ve been a digital nomad since 2022. Before setting out, I thoroughly researched my health insurance options.

Every year, I research all over again to make sure I still have the best insurance for my needs.

Health insurance is complicated enough. When you add in being a digital nomad, it seems impossible. When you’re traveling full-time, where do you get insurance? How can you avoid spending a fortune on health insurance and healthcare?

The good news is you do have affordable options. And you can benefit from all my research and find the best plan for you.

Don’t have time to read the whole thing? I got you. My number one pick for health insurance for nomads is SafetyWing. They have a range of options and a high customer satisfaction rating. Learn more.

Various medical symbols for digital nomad health insurance.

What Makes Digital Nomad Health Insurance Different?

Traditional health insurance assumes you live in one place and work a standard job. That’s not our reality.

If you’re a full-time traveler, you may not have a fixed address. Maybe you bounce between countries or travel slowly. Either way, you need a plan that goes where you go.

And if you’re an older nomad like me, you might also need coverage for regular checkups or pre-existing conditions, not just emergencies.

The good news is that there are insurance companies that actually understand this lifestyle.

Digital Nomad Travel Insurance vs. Health Insurance

What’s the difference between digital nomad health insurance and travel insurance? They sound similar, but they cover very different things.

Travel insurance is more about short-term problems. Things like flight delays, lost luggage, and sudden illnesses that land you in the ER. It’s important, but it won’t cover things like routine care or prescriptions.

Health insurance for digital nomads is more comprehensive. It covers doctor visits, mental health, and sometimes even chronic conditions, depending on the plan.

Both types of insurance can be useful. It just depends on what you need.

United States Healthcare Marketplace

Every state in the United States has access to the Healthcare Marketplace (also known as the Affordable Care Act). Check into your state’s options.

You should be able to run some scenarios to see how much you’ll have to pay. It’s largely based on your income and age.

You can also get dental insurance through the Marketplace. I used to pay $12 a month for a dental plan. I ended up canceling it because I could get dental care in Mexico for very little out of pocket.

Vision insurance is more expensive, in my experience. I find it cheaper to pay for glasses myself.

I have my health insurance through Covered California, which is California’s version of the Marketplace. I have a pretty good plan through Kaiser. I’m healthy and only need an annual checkup and a couple of prescriptions, so I pay very little out of pocket.

Of course, I have to go back to the United States to see my doctor. But I go back at least twice a year to visit my family, so I just plan my appointments accordingly.

It’s all very easy and works great for me.

Best Health Insurance for Digital Nomads

If the Healthcare Marketplace doesn’t work for you, there are lots of other options.

There are many companies that provide health insurance to full-time travelers. As the digital nomad lifestyle grows, there will be even more choices coming for digital nomad insurance.

Prices and coverage vary quite a lot, so shop around to see what works best for you.

1. SafetyWing

SafetyWing is my top pick. It’s designed for digital nomads and remote workers.

It covers the basics like accidents and emergencies, but they also have a plan called Remote Health that includes more comprehensive care.

No permanent address needed
Monthly payments
Some U.S. coverage (with restrictions)
One child under 10 included per adult, free
Coverage in over 175 countries

What you should know: There’s a $250,000 coverage cap. They don’t cover pre-existing conditions or most mental health services. Also, certain adventure sports require an add-on.

If you’re young and healthy, this plan could be all you need.

↳ Check SafetyWing Rates & Coverage

2. Visitors Coverage

Visitors Coverage gives you a wide range of options depending on where you’re headed and how long you’ll be there. You can compare quotes online in minutes.

Why I like them:

Easy to use
Covers expats, U.S. visitors, and more
Good prices
Good customer service

I used them before for general travel insurance and had no problems. I had to file a small claim, and it was handled very quickly. I’d definitely use them again.

↳ Check Visitors Coverage Rates & Coverage

3. IMG Global

IMG is more customizable than most. They offer everything from emergency medical to long-term health insurance.

Why people choose them:

Offers search and rescue services
Emergency coverage up to $500,000
Some coverage for adventure sports
Good customer support

Downsides: You often have to pay up front and get reimbursed. U.S. citizens can’t use the plan while in the U.S. Others can only visit home for 14 days. It also acts as secondary insurance, so you may still need coverage back home.

↳ Check IMG Rates & Coverage

4. Insured Nomads

Started by nomads for nomads, Insured Nomads offers plans built around remote living.

They have:

Over a million providers
24/7 emergency help
Telehealth included
High coverage limits (up to $5 million)
Add-on for adventure sports

It usually requires a one-year commitment, and pricing can be higher than some other providers. But it’s a good choice if you want premium coverage.

↳ Check Insured Nomads Rates & Coverage

5. AARDY Travel Insurance

AARDY is a comparison tool. It helps you find and compare travel and health insurance plans from top providers.

Perks:

Clean and simple interface
Works with reputable insurance companies
Lets you compare multiple plans at once

Just know you’re only seeing the providers they partner with, which is around five or six companies.

↳ Check AARDY Rates & Coverage

6. Integra Global

Overview of Integra Global

If you want full, long-term health insurance and don’t care about travel coverage, this is a strong option.

They offer:

Preventive care, mental health, and dental
Coverage for pre-existing conditions (with added cost)
Any licensed provider, anywhere in the world

It works like a domestic insurance plan. You’ll pay upfront and submit claims. Their policies are long-term only, so it’s not a fit for short trips.

↳ Check Integra Rates & Coverage

Prescriptions And Other Medications

A prescription pad with a bottle of pills.

If you take prescriptions or other medications regularly, you’ll need to plan ahead for long-term travel.

Most insurance plans will only let you obtain a certain amount of a prescription at a time. You may be able to get around this by explaining you’ll be out of the country. Still, you aren’t likely to get a year’s supply of any prescription.

It’s possible that you’ll be able to get refills wherever you’re traveling. Do some checking to make sure. In some countries, like Mexico and Colombia, many medications don’t even require a prescription.

As a last resort, you can have refills mailed to you. Depending on where you are, you might need to use Federal Express or another international delivery service.

For over-the-counter medications and supplements, you’ll most likely be able to get them while you’re traveling. If they aren’t available locally, you might be able to get them by mail order.

Be sure to check the laws of the country you’re in. In Mexico, for example, it’s illegal for someone to bring another person’s prescriptions into the country. That includes services like FedEx.

What About Country Entry Requirements?

In some countries, having travel health insurance is required for entry.

If you’re heading to places in Europe, parts of Asia, or even some countries in Central and South America, you may need to show proof of insurance that covers medical expenses, emergencies, or even COVID-19 care.

Make sure to double-check the visa requirements of any country you’re visiting. The last thing you want is to be denied entry because you didn’t have the right paperwork.

Travel medical plans like SafetyWing and Visitors Coverage usually meet these requirements, but it’s still smart to confirm your policy meets the criteria of the country you’re entering.

Frequently Asked Questions: Health Insurance for Digital Nomads

Do digital nomads need health insurance?

Digital nomads need health insurance for thorough medical care abroad. While travel insurance offers basic coverage, digital nomad health insurance ensures deeper protection during extended stays.

What does worldwide coverage mean?

Worldwide coverage means that your insurance policy will cover you no matter where you are in the world.

Does health insurance for digital nomads cover pre-existing conditions?

Some digital nomad insurance plans do cover pre-existing conditions, but coverage varies by provider. It’s essential to read the policy details and consult the insurer directly to confirm.

How does emergency medical insurance differ from regular health insurance?

Emergency medical insurance covers unexpected health crises during travel, like accidents or sudden sickness. Regular health insurance covers everyday medical issues.

Wrap-Up: Digital Nomad Health Insurance

The digital nomad lifestyle is exciting, but it comes with responsibilities. Health insurance is one of them.

You’ve got choices, whether you’re looking for affordable basics or full-scale coverage.

Start by figuring out what you need and how often you’ll be in the U.S. Then weigh your options and go with what fits your life and your budget.

The important thing is that, yes, it is possible to get affordable, reliable health insurance as a digital nomad. Don’t let this be the thing that stops you from living the life you want.

Still trying to figure out how to become a real-life digital nomad? I wrote a book on it! Read the first part of it for free to see if it will help you live your dream life too.

Ladies, join my free, private Facebook group, Women Over 50 Digital Nomads. It’s a safe place to connect, learn, and thrive as a digital nomad. You don’t need to be over 50 but you do need to be a woman.

How to Find Affordable Digital Nomad Health Insurance