Continuous coverage for long-term travelers working across borders.
Evaluate global health insurance plans, equipment protection, and visa-compliant coverage for remote professionals. Standard travel insurance expires after 90-180 days, leaving long-term nomads without coverage precisely when they need it most—and a hospital stay in Bali costs $5,000-$15,000 without insurance.
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Continuous global coverage without return-home requirements—critical since standard travel insurance requires periodic returns every 6 months.
Equipment insurance for laptops, cameras, and work gear—your $3,000 MacBook isn't just personal property, it's your livelihood.
Multi-country healthcare networks with telemedicine support for routine prescriptions and specialist consultations across time zones.
Visa-compliant health insurance documentation required by digital nomad visas in Portugal, Spain, Croatia, and 50+ countries.
Liability coverage for coworking spaces and rental agreements that require proof of insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep coverage if I'm outside my home country for over 6 months?
Look for policies with no mandatory home return period or those that offer extendable coverage for 12+ months. SafetyWing and Genki offer month-to-month global coverage, while traditional travel insurance requires you to return home every 180 days to renew. A medical emergency in month 7 with an expired policy could mean paying $20,000+ out of pocket.
Do digital nomad policies cover pre-existing conditions?
Many plans exclude active treatment. Consider global expat health insurance if you require ongoing prescriptions or specialist care. If you have diabetes, asthma, or heart conditions, you'll need a plan that covers prescriptions and routine monitoring—most budget nomad plans don't. Expat plans cost $200-$500/month but cover chronic conditions.
What happens if my laptop is stolen while traveling?
Standard travel insurance caps electronics at $500-$1,000, which won't replace your $2,500 laptop and $800 camera. World Nomads and Safetywing offer higher limits for work equipment—but you'll need receipts and police reports. One nomad in Colombia lost $4,000 in gear to theft and recovered $2,800 with proper documentation.
Will my policy cover me in countries with travel advisories?
Most policies exclude coverage in countries with Level 3 or 4 travel warnings (e.g., Afghanistan, Yemen, Ukraine conflict zones). If you're working from a borderline area, check exclusions. Coverage was denied for a nomad injured in a non-conflict area of Ukraine in 2022 because the entire country was under advisory.
Do I need insurance to get a digital nomad visa?
Yes—most digital nomad visas in Europe (Portugal D7, Spain Non-Lucrative, Croatia Digital Nomad) require proof of health insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000-€50,000. Standard travel insurance letters often don't meet visa requirements. You'll need a policy that explicitly states coverage amounts and duration.
Can I get dental and vision coverage as a nomad?
Some expat health plans include dental and vision, but most nomad policies exclude them or offer minimal coverage ($100-$500 caps). A root canal in Thailand costs $200-$400, while in the US it's $1,000-$1,500. Consider separate dental riders or budget for out-of-pocket care in affordable countries.
What if I need mental health support while traveling?
Nomad isolation, burnout, and anxiety are common, but coverage varies widely. Safetywing includes telemedicine mental health support, while World Nomads excludes it entirely. If you have a therapist at home, ask about teletherapy options and whether your policy covers it. Sessions cost $80-$200 without insurance.
How do I file a claim from a foreign country?
Digital-first insurers like Safetywing and Genki handle claims via app with photo uploads of receipts and medical reports. Traditional insurers require mailed paperwork and can take 30-90 days to process. One nomad in Mexico paid $3,000 for an ER visit and waited 12 weeks for reimbursement—keeping an emergency fund is essential.
Recommended providers
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Built specifically for digital nomads by travelers. Covers 180+ countries. Adventure sports included in Complete plan. Very fast claims (2.8 days average). Best for nomads.
World Nomads