Health Insurance For Digital Nomads – Options, Fees & More

Digital nomads work remotely while traveling. They usually work in content development, writing, translating, accounting, bookkeeping, IT, programming, photography, etc. As long as they can work online, digital nomads can accomplish anything. Until recently, digital nomads worked on tourist visas, which was illegal. Because of this, many nations now issue digital nomad visas for travel and work.

The health insurance situation for digital nomads is still unclear. A digital nomad visa may prevent them from receiving state-funded health insurance in their host country. They’re not going for short times, therefore travel insurance may not work. Should digital nomads get health insurance? How? A full description of digital nomads and health insurance is here.

Do Digital Nomads Need Health Insurance?

Health insurance is sometimes essential for digital nomads. It differs from their present country. Germany requires all citizens to have health insurance, therefore a digital nomad/freelancer in Germany must have it. Although other countries may not have such legislation, digital nomads should nonetheless carry health insurance.

Online marketplaces like Insubuy and International Citizens Insurance let digital nomads compare health insurance coverage before traveling.

Without insurance, they must pay for expensive medical care in some nations. As long as they have health insurance, emergency home transportation will be free.

Can Digital Nomads Use Travel Insurance?

A modest travel insurance package can cover digital nomads working overseas for a short time. Travel insurance covers travel-related losses and medical problems. In contrast, health insurance covers medical conditions, including routine checks, making it useful for long-term living abroad.

Short-term travel insurance is fine, but long-term it can be expensive and lack medical coverage.

Digital Nomad Health Insurance: What to Look for?

If you’re new to digital nomad health insurance, you might be overwhelmed with options and unsure where to begin. There are a few things to consider while purchasing digital nomad health insurance:

• Worldwide coverage – Some carriers will ask you to select the country where you want coverage. You’ll also notice that if you want coverage in certain countries (such as the United States, Hong Kong, Japan, or Singapore), the cost of your insurance rises. This is because healthcare is expensive in such countries. If you do not work in any of these places, choose an insurance coverage that excludes them, cutting your insurance costs. If, on the other hand, you intend to travel internationally, you might get a more comprehensive policy.
• Coverage in your home country – You may want to return to your native country for a brief amount of time throughout your digital nomad life. In this instance, you should check to see if your international coverage covers you while you are at home. Most insurance include home country coverage for three or six months, depending on your carrier. This feature will make it easy for you because you will not have to purchase a new policy every time you travel.
• Pre-existing conditions – If you have pre-existing conditions you know require routine check-ups, make sure you accept a policy that offers coverage for pre-existing conditions. But, know that you pay more for your premium in this case.
• Travel benefits – Most international health insurance policies cater to medical needs without including travel benefits such as coverage for loss of personal belonging or stolen or damaged gadgets. Knowing how important digital equipment is for digital nomads, it’s important to find a policy that offers coverage or at least offers add-ons for personal items.

Nowadays with comparative marketplaces such as Insubuy or International Citizens Insurance choosing an insurance plan with the benefits you need has become much simpler.

What Does Digital Nomad Health Insurance Cover?

Digital nomad health insurance coverage options vary, but a basic policy usually consists of the following:

• Emergency room visits.
• Surgeries.
• Emergency evacuation and repatriation.
• Consultations with medical practitioners and specialists
• Prescribed drugs and dressings
• Pathology, Radiology, and diagnostic tests
• Outpatient Rehabilitation Physiotherapy and Chiropractic treatment
• Cancer testing and treatment.
• Vaccinations (in some cases)
• Dental accidents
• Child and Adolescence well-being health

There are benefits that digital nomads can choose to exclude or include in their policy depending on their needs.

Digital Nomad Health Insurance Cost

Digital nomad health insurance costs $40–$500 per month. Due to its high medical coverage limit, this health insurance may cost more than travel insurance. The pricing depends on the insurance provider, policy duration, and perks.

Plans with less perks are usually cheaper. Remember that pricey doesn’t mean better. Depends on what digital nomads need to cover at work. I recommend consulting an insurance broker or competitive marketplaces like Insubuy or International Citizens Insurance to receive a thorough breakdown of the plans and rates.

How to Save Money on Insurance as a Digital Nomad?

Here are some tips to help you save on your health insurance as a digital nomad:

• Get insurance only for where you will be traveling.
• Buy extra benefits only if you need them, e.g., coverage for pre-existing conditions.
• Set a higher deductible if you can.
• See if you qualify for state-funded insurance in your current country and put those services to use. In turn, use your insurance only for benefits that are not offered to digital nomads.
• Opt for travel insurance instead of global health insurance if you will be traveling as a digital nomad short-term.

Best Health Insurance Plans for Digital Nomads

Here is an overview of some of the best international health insurance providers and their plans for digital nomads:

Additional benefits are included in all of these plans depending on what level of coverage you want— of course, in this case, you have to pay more for your insurance policy.

Health Insurance for Digital Nomads in the US

Digital nomads from other countries working in the United States should be prepared to spend a little more for their health insurance policy. In general, healthcare in the United States is expensive, and it would be unwise to visit the country without sufficient health insurance. In this scenario, you can choose one of the following health insurance policies designed exclusively for travelers to the United States:

• Atlas America Health Insurance for Visitors.
• CoverAmerica Gold.
• Patriot America Plus.