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9 Best Nomad Travel Insurance Options

Elina Geller is a former NerdWallet travel writer specializing in airline and hotel loyalty programs and travel insurance. In 2019, Elina founded TheMissMiles, a travel rewards coaching business. Her work has been featured by AwardWallet. She is a certified public accountant with degrees from the London School of Economics and Fordham University.

Anya Kartashova is a freelance writer and full-time traveler based in Salt Lake City. She has written about travel rewards and personal finance for FrugalTravelGuy, Fodor's, FlyerTalk, 10xTravel and Reward Expert. Her goal is to visit every country in the world by offsetting the cost with points and miles.

Megan Lee joined the travel rewards team at NerdWallet with over 12 years of SEO, writing and content development experience, primarily in international education and nonprofit work. She has been published in U.S. News & World Report, USA Today and elsewhere, and has spoken at conferences like that of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Megan has built and directed remote content teams and editorial strategies for websites like GoAbroad and Go Overseas. When not traveling, Megan adventures around her Midwest home base where she likes to attend theme parties, ride her bike and cook Asian food.

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

1. World Nomads

2. safetywing, 3. atlas travel insurance, 4. allianz global assistance, 5. insured nomads, 6. img global, 7. heymondo, 8. travelex insurance, 9. aig travel guard, nomad travel insurance recapped.

Travel insurance can safeguard your nonrefundable reservations and reimburse you for any unexpected emergency medical costs that you incur while traveling. However, the travel health insurance needs of those taking several short vacations per year will vary from those of digital nomads, who may spend significant portions of the year living and working from abroad.

Digital nomads may also return home less often, travel with equipment (e.g., laptop, camera, etc.), participate in adventurous activities and want access to health insurance, especially if they don’t have that coverage back home.

Given the prevalence of remote work and increasing options to live and work from abroad, here you'll find some of the most popular nomad travel insurance options .

World Nomads is a travel insurance provider that offers coverage for residents of many countries and also allows you to extend your coverage mid-trip. It is underwritten by Nationwide Insurance. Regardless of which plan you choose, the health insurance limits are fairly good.

Importantly, the provider does not have a pandemic exclusion, so COVID-related claims are covered. However, World Nomads specifically states that fear of travel is not a valid reason for trip cancellation. So if you’d like the option to cancel a trip at your discretion, you’ll want to consider plans that offer Cancel For Any Reason coverage .

There are two trip insurance policies available from World Nomads: Standard and Explorer. The Standard Plan has lower coverage limits and includes more than 200 sports (including some adventure sports), while the Explorer Plan adds on 60 other activities and sports, including more dangerous ones such as shark cage diving, skydiving and paragliding.

The inclusion of athletic activities in both World Nomads plans is unique, since most traditional travel insurance plans exclude them.

Here's a list of what's included with World of Nomads coverage:

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay.

Emergency healthcare coverage, evacuation, repatriation and 24-hour assistance services.

Accidental death and dismemberment.

Nonmedical emergency transportation.

Baggage delay and loss.

Rental car damage (Explorer Plan only).

Adventure sports and activities.

And here are a few items of note that are excluded (not a comprehensive list):

Pre-existing conditions.

Self-harm or accidents occurring while intoxicated.

Finally, coverage can’t exceed 180 days, so if you’re traveling abroad longer than that, you’d have to renew your plan once the current coverage period ends.

To see how World Nomads compares to other travel health insurance providers, we considered a sample 180-day trip to multiple countries by a 30-year-old resident of Colorado.

Due to the lower limits and less coverage for adventure activities, the World Nomads Standard Plan is priced at $549, which is meaningfully cheaper than the $788 Explorer Plan.

It's important to note that if your nonrefundable prepaid trip costs are more than $2,500, the Standard Plan will cover you only up to $2,500 on trip cancellation. In this case, you’d want to consider the pricier Explorer Plan, which provides coverage up to $10,000 on trip cancellation. Notably, emergency accident & medical coverage is $100,000 on both plans, which offers a lot of assurance, especially if you’re abroad for a long time.

The most significant advantage of World Nomads is coverage for adventure activities. In this case, assessing the suitability of the plan has more to do with the type of coverage you’re looking for than price. Because of the multitude of advantages of World Nomads plans over various providers, we've named World Nomads as one of the best travel insurance companies out there. Check out our full rationale here: Best Travel Insurance Right Now .

SafetyWing is another popular digital nomad travel health insurance option that also offers COVID coverage. You can purchase your policy while you’re abroad, which makes it easy for those who are already traveling and decide to get insurance coverage mid-trip.

Unless you are a resident of North Korea, Cuba or Iran, you can purchase a SafetyWing policy. The default length of coverage is 28 days, and the policy will continue to renew unless canceled (maximum policy length is 364 days).

SafetyWing also provides U.S. citizens with incidental coverage in the U.S. for up to 15 days out of every 90 days. Despite the U.S. coverage, SafetyWing is meant to provide medical and travel insurance coverage while you’re abroad; it does not meet the health insurance requirement under the Affordable Care Act.

Trip interruption and delay.

Emergency medical and dental expenses.

Emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains and accidental death.

Lost checked luggage and lost visa/travel documents.

Return of minor children and pets.

Political evacuation and border entry protection.

Excluded (not a comprehensive list):

Mental health disorders.

Intentional acts or damages sustained under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The cost of a SafetyWing policy is based on your age and whether you’d like health insurance coverage while you’re in the U.S. For example, a four-week policy for someone aged 18 to 39 years old who doesn’t need health insurance coverage in the U.S. will cost $45. If you would like coverage while in the U.S., the policy cost jumps to $83.

A 180-day coverage comes out to $290 for a traveler between ages 10 and 39, but increases to $536 if you want to add on U.S. coverage. A deductible of $250 applies every time you start or renew a policy.

Overall, the options to purchase a plan mid-trip and receive health insurance coverage while in the U.S. are some of the main benefits of a SafetyWing policy.

Atlas Travel Insurance offers health insurance plans for digital nomads and long-term travelers looking for medical coverage (including for COVID-19) and some supplemental trip benefits (e.g., trip interruption). When selecting a policy, you’ll need to specify if you’d like to include the U.S. within your coverage area. Coverage limits decrease with age, and the plans offer varying levels of deductibles.

Medical expenses and emergency dental.

Emergency medical and political evacuation.

Trip interruption; travel delay.

Lost checked luggage and stolen visa/passport.

Natural disaster and border entry protections.

Repatriation of remains; accidental death and dismemberment.

Many adventure sports.

Various diseases including cancer.

Self-inflicted injuries and those arising when under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

To compare these plans, we used the same parameters as the preceding example: a 180-day trip by a 30-year-old. Atlas offers two options to digital nomads: Atlas International and Atlas International Premium, which cost $274 and $682, respectively.

The main difference between these two Atlas plans is that the Premium option offers higher coverage limits.

It's also possible to customize the overall maximum limit and the deductible on both policies, so if you don’t want to go with the more Atlas International Premium plan, you can up the limits or change the deductible on the Atlas International plan.

Allianz Global Assistance offers affordable coverage for annual or multi-trip travel. It’s more cost-effective than purchasing coverage for separate trips individually. Allianz’s multi-trip policy covers trips up to 45 days in length.

Allianz is best for travelers who take multiple trips per year from their home base and not those who travel overseas for an extended period of time.

Covered illness.

Missed or delayed departures.

Baggage loss or delays.

A tropical storm (before it’s named).

Loss of passport.

Unforeseen pregnancy complications.

Losses that arise from foreseeable events.

War or civil unrest.

Participating in extreme or high-risk sports.

Flying an aircraft as pilot or crew.

Terrorist events.

Allianz plans limit or exclude coverage related to COVID-19 or resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Allianz Global Assistance offers a few annual plan options to digital nomads. The plans last a full year, so keep that in mind when comparing costs with other nomad insurance providers. The plans are Basic, Prime and Executive, quoting $138, $280 and $510 per year, respectively.

The Basic insurance plan from Allianz is designed for medical emergencies and provides some travel coverage, but it doesn’t provide any trip cancellation or trip interruption coverage.

The Prime plan provides affordable trip protection and medical coverage abroad.

The Executive plan is designed for business travelers by providing higher coverage limits and rental car damage and equipment rentals. The Executive plan covers personal vacations in addition to business trips .

It's also possible to sign up for a Premier plan, which lasts up to 365 days but covers up to 90 days of consecutive travel.

Insured Nomads provides medical coverage, travel insurance and trip cancellation to digital nomads, remote workers and expats.

Insured Nomads offers four plans, and they all have their own function. For example, the World Explorer plan provides coverage for a single trip lasting between seven and 364 days away from home, and the World Explorer Multi offers coverage for multiple trips within a single year. Plans are available to citizens of any country, not just the U.S.

Depending on the plan, you’ll have the option to add adventure sports, pet insurance, accidental death and dismemberment and car rental insurance for an extra fee.

Medical benefits, including 24-hour emergency medical care.

COVID-19 coverage.

Acute onset of pre-existing condition.

Emergency dental treatment.

Local ambulance transport.

Natural disaster accommodations.

Evacuation and repatriation.

Airport lounge access for delayed flights.

Lost luggage.

War and terrorism.

Public health emergencies or natural disasters in countries deemed Level 4 by the U.S. Department of State.

Illegal acts.

Injuries sustained while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Extreme sports (unless an add-on was purchased).

The quote for a traveler between the ages of 30 and 39 looking to travel to Mexico for six months with the World Explorer plan costs $679. This plan has a medical benefit limit of $250,000 and a deductible of $100. Increasing the medical benefit maximum to $1,000,000 increases the premium to $830, and that’s without any of the additional benefits, such as adventure sports or marine activities.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

IMG Global offers an insurance plan just for expats and citizens of the world called Global Medical Insurance. It’s a medical-only plan that doesn’t offer trip protection, but offers medical coverage worldwide.

Several tiers of Global medical insurance from IMG Global are available: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. The more expensive the plan, the lower the deductible and the higher the policy maximum.

The following expat insurance rates are for a 30-year-old traveler whose primary travel destination is Spain.

The deductible amounts can be adjusted in every plan above to reduce the monthly payment. Additionally, the total coverage cost for the year can be reduced with an annual payment. An optional dental and vision rider is available for the policy you pick.

Undoubtedly, the cost is on the high end, but it does come with some noticeable extras, such as COVID-19 coverage , telemedicine and mental health professional counseling, that most travel insurance providers don’t cover.

It’s possible to purchase a World Explorer policy after you’ve left on your trip, and you can extend coverage by up to six months beyond the initial policy purchase.

In addition to the Global Medical Insurance, IMG Global offers the following plans to long-term travelers:

The Global Employer Option: Medical coverage for internationally assigned employees.

International Marine Medical Insurance: Health insurance for long-term (longer than one year) marine crew.

MP+ International: Group travel insurance for mission groups.

Heymondo offers comprehensive travel insurance plans to short-term and long-term travelers. Digital nomads and expats can purchase a Long Stay plan for trips longer than 90 days. The initial coverage is capped at 90 days, but you can renew if necessary. You can also add electronics and adventure sports riders to the Long Stay policy at an extra cost.

Coverage is available to travelers between 90 days old and 49 years old.

What’s included :

Emergency medical and dental coverage (with a $250 deductible).

Medical transport and repatriation home.

Baggage delay , theft and loss.

Travel delay or a missed connection.

Natural disaster.

Personal liability.

Accidental death or disability.

What’s not included (not a comprehensive list):

General medical check-ups.

Trips aimed at receiving medical treatment.

Burial, ceremony and coffin costs in the repatriation of remains.

Petty theft.

Damage caused by strikes, earthquakes or radioactivity.

Motor vehicles.

A 90-day global coverage that excludes travel to Canada and U.S. costs $257 upfront. You can renew coverage once it expires or prepay for additional coverage at the following prices:

30 days: $76.

120 days: $304.

180 days: $456.

275 days: $731.

Notably, medical coverage includes COVID-19, including medically prescribed PCR tests and extra lodging expenses when you’re prescribed a medical quarantine .

» Learn more: Best long-term travel insurance options

Travelex Insurance offers long-term nomad insurance with its Travel Select plan, which is one of the provider’s comprehensive travel insurance plans . This plan covers trips up to 364 days. You must select travel dates and provide the cost of your trip to get a quote.

A 30-year-old Colorado resident traveling to Italy for six months will pay $734 for a Travel Select plan from Travelex Insurance to cover a trip that costs $5,000. It comes with:

100% trip cancellation.

150% trip interruption.

$2,000 trip delay (with a $250 daily limit).

$1,000 baggage loss.

$200 baggage delay.

$50,000 emergency medical expense.

$500,000 emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.

$25,000 accidental death and dismemberment.

Pre-existing conditions waiver : available if purchase conditions are met (more on this below).

Add-ons to the Travel Select plan include double the medical expense, adventure sports rider, car rental collision protection , extra accidental death and dismemberment coverage and even Cancel for Any Reason coverage covering 75% of the insured trip's cost (though the covered trip cost maxes out at $10,000).

The good thing about this plan is it provides coverage for pre-existing conditions as long as you pay for insurance within 15 days of the initial trip deposit. Most annual policies notably exclude a pre-existing conditions waiver.

The bad thing is its high cost because of all the bells and whistles of a comprehensive plan.

AIG Travel Guard offers an annual plan that provides essential coverage to business and leisure travelers who are U.S. residents (not available for Washington state residents).

The Travel Guard Annual Plan is an option for travelers who take multiple trips within a single year (364 days), with a limit of 90 days per trip.

100% trip interruption.

Trip delay.

Missed connection.

Baggage loss or delay.

Medical expenses, including dental.

Emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains.

Non-flight accidental death or dismemberment.

Security evacuation.

War or acts of war.

Participation in a riot, civil disorder or insurrection.

Commission or an attempt to commit a felony.

Being under the influence of drugs or intoxicated above the legal limit.

Trips taken against a physician’s advice.

Release, escape or dispersal of nuclear or radioactive contamination, and pathogenic or poisonous biological or chemical materials.

A Travel Guard Annual Plan comes out to $242 for a Colorado resident, which is a pretty good deal considering all the inclusions — but remember that your trips cannot exceed 90 days each, so its usage is limited to remote workers taking shorter trips.

» Learn more: How much does travel insurance cost?

Expats and digital nomads have different travel health insurance needs than the average traveler, so choosing a policy that aligns with your travel style is advisable.

If you’re looking for adventure sports coverage, World Nomads, Insured Nomads, Heymondo and Travelex Insurance all have the option to add a rider to their policies.

However, if those benefits aren’t relevant to you and you’d instead prefer to have the option of medical coverage when you’re abroad (and to a certain degree while you’re in the U.S.), consider SafetyWing or Atlas, which offer this feature. For medical-only coverage, IMG Global provides some options, albeit pretty expensive ones.

Additionally, take into consideration your travel style. Are you taking one long trip or multiple shorter trips within one year? Because Allianz and AIG Travel Guard won’t work well if you plan to be abroad longer than the limit specified in the policy.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee:   Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards:  Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card  

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

• 7 Best Travel & Health Insurance for Digital Nomads (By Nomads)
• December 4, 2023

FREE DOWNLOAD: 20 QUESTIONS THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE(STYLE)

A simple roadmap for setting up a life you don’t need to escape from.

• Digital Nomad

Ever wondered how to guard your health while gallivanting across the globe? As you navigate the labyrinth of worldly wanderings, ensuring your wellbeing is paramount. We delve into the best travel and health insurance solutions, tried, and tested by fellow nomads. An exploration of safety nets, tailored for those who trade skyscrapers for skylines and office blocks for breathtaking landscapes. Journey fearlessly, protected by the power of foresight and preparation.

Flâneur Life Team

The life of a digital nomad can be an exciting blend of work, travel, and adventure. While the freedom and flexibility of this lifestyle can be immensely rewarding, it also comes with its share of responsibilities—one of the most significant being health insurance.

As a digital nomad, your health is your most valuable asset, and safeguarding it should be a top priority. This comprehensive guide will delve into the crucial topic of health insurance for digital nomads. We’ll explore why it’s vital, what options are available, and how to choose the best policy for your unique lifestyle.

The world of health insurance may seem complex, but with the right information, you can make informed decisions that protect both your health and your finances as you journey around the globe.

So, let’s dive in and ensure that your nomadic adventures are covered, every step of the way.

Why the Need for Health Insurance as a Digital Nomad

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Whether you’re diving into the turquoise waters of Bali or scaling the Andes in Peru, being a digital nomad often means embracing a lifestyle filled with adventure. This thrill, however, comes with its share of risks.

As a digital nomad, you might find yourself susceptible to a range of health issues, from commonplace illnesses and injuries to serious medical emergencies. Additionally, regular exposure to different environments and climates can take a toll on your health.

Take, for instance, all of these scenarios:

• Slip and fall accidents in unfamiliar environments
• Food poisoning or other food-related illnesses
• Injuries from outdoor activities like hiking or water sports
• Motor vehicle accidents, such as car or scooter crashes
• Heatstroke or sunburn from spending excessive time outdoors
• Altitude sickness when traveling to high-altitude destinations
• Animal bites or stings, particularly in rural or wildlife-rich areas
• Accidental consumption of contaminated water leading to waterborne diseases
• Travel-related diseases such as malaria or dengue in certain countries
• Unforeseen medical emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, or appendicitis
• Injuries during workouts or physical exercises
• Mishaps during adventure sports like skydiving, bungee jumping, or scuba diving.

While many may believe that their standard health insurance is enough, this often isn’t the case.

The Issue With Traditional Insurance Policies

Traditional insurance policies usually provide coverage within your home country, with limited or no benefits when you are overseas. Furthermore, they might not cover routine checkups and preventive care, which are essential for those frequently on the move. This is why it’s important for digital nomads to invest in dedicated health insurance that’s designed to meet their unique needs, providing coverage across borders and peace of mind on their nomadic journey.

Navigating the world of health insurance as a digital nomad can feel like traversing a labyrinth, but understanding your options and key features can make the journey much smoother.

While the specifics of each plan may vary, there are certain common elements that should be at the forefront of your considerations:

• Flexibility: The life of a digital nomad is often unpredictable. So, the insurance plan should be flexible in terms of coverage duration, allowing for extensions if required.
• Global Coverage: As a digital nomad, you’re not just in one place. Hence, your health insurance should provide comprehensive coverage irrespective of your location. Look for plans that offer international coverage, excluding only a few high-risk countries.
• Coverage for Common Travel Accidents: The plan should cover accidents that are common during travel such as injuries from adventure sports, road accidents, or food and waterborne illnesses.
• Emergency Evacuation: It’s critical to have a plan that covers emergency medical evacuation, especially if you travel to remote areas. This feature covers the cost of transporting you to a medical facility in case of severe illness or injury.
• Routine Health Care: While it’s essential to be covered for emergencies, don’t overlook routine healthcare. Some plans offer coverage for regular check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive healthcare.
• Direct Billing: Direct billing can be a lifesaver in a medical emergency. This means the insurance company pays your medical bills directly, so you don’t have to worry about upfront costs.

As you sift through various health insurance options, keep these key features in mind. But remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Your choice should align with your travel itinerary, health condition, budget, and personal preferences.

Popular Digital Nomad Insurance Providers

Navigating the landscape of digital nomad insurance can seem daunting, but certain providers stand out for their dedicated services tailored to the needs of this unique community.

Here, we take a closer look at the prominent players:

Known as the ‘insurance for nomads, by nomads’, SafetyWing offers a comprehensive package catering specifically to the needs of digital nomads. Their coverage is flexible, allowing you to buy insurance while already traveling, with the option to choose your home country as a coverage area. They also provide coverage for unexpected illnesses or injuries, including eligible expenses for hospital, doctor, or prescription drugs. SafetyWing operates on a subscription model, which can be a handy feature for digital nomads with an unpredictable schedule. However, it’s important to carefully review their terms as there may be some location and activity exclusions.

Founded by a fellow traveler, World Nomads has been a trusted name in the travel insurance industry for years. It offers flexible and comprehensive coverage designed specifically for nomads and long-term travelers. From emergency medical expenses and evacuation to trip cancellation and gear protection, World Nomads aims to provide wide-ranging coverage. A standout feature of World Nomads is their coverage for a large number of adventure activities, which makes them a popular choice among adventurous nomads. They also have a strong online community and provide plenty of resources for travelers. As with all insurance, it’s crucial to understand what is and isn’t covered, especially regarding pre-existing conditions and high-value gear.

Tailored for digital nomads and remote workers, Genki Nomad Travel Medical Insurance provides coverage for a wide range of medical emergencies during your travels. Their packages are flexible and scalable to meet varying requirements. Genki Nomad stands out with their dedicated support for mental health, which is not commonly covered in travel insurance.

Insured Nomads offers a suite of insurance products designed with the nomadic lifestyle in mind. They provide a combination of travel and health insurance with various tiered plans. Their coverage includes medical expenses, trip interruption, and lost luggage. They also provide unique features like identity theft protection and benefits for accidental death or dismemberment.

PassportCard provides a real-time payment card for medical treatments, removing the need for out-of-pocket payments or claim forms. Their offerings are comprehensive, covering not just medical emergencies but also cancellation, interruption, and delay, as well as baggage loss or delay. They provide 24/7 global assistance, ensuring help is always a phone call away.

Atlas Travel Insurance, administered by Tokio Marine HCC – Medical Insurance Services Group, provides coverage for international travelers. This includes coverage for unexpected medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, and complications of pregnancy. They also cover travel-related incidents like lost checked luggage and trip interruption. The company is known for its flexibility, offering insurance policies from 5 days up to 1 year.

International Medical Group (IMG) provides a comprehensive range of international medical insurance and travel insurance products for every insurance need. Whether you need individual coverage for a vacation, long-term coverage for a long-distance adventure, or group coverage for employees in locations around the world, IMG has a product to meet your needs. They provide a variety of plans so you can find the one that best fits your travel lifestyle.

Travel insurance is an essential part of any nomad’s travel checklist. Unlike traditional health insurance, travel insurance is designed to cover a variety of unexpected incidents that may occur while traveling, including but not limited to medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost belongings, and more.

As a digital nomad, your lifestyle involves constant movement, and securing global coverage becomes pivotal. Not just for those worst-case scenarios of health emergencies, but also for minor hiccups on your journey that can otherwise cause considerable inconvenience.

Several insurance companies offer comprehensive global travel insurance plans tailored to the needs of digital nomads. These policies usually provide worldwide coverage and take into account the unique needs of individuals who work while traveling.

Here are a few popular global nomad travel insurance options to consider:

• Safety Wing Nomad Insurance: Safety Wing offers a flexible payment system with coverage in over 180 countries. It provides both travel and medical coverage, including coverage for COVID-19.
• World Nomads Travel Insurance : World Nomads is recognized for its comprehensive coverage, including adventure sports that many other insurers exclude. They also allow policy purchases when already traveling.
• Insured Nomads Travel Insurance: Insured Nomads offers comprehensive travel insurance, including benefits for interruption, delay, and lost baggage, alongside their health coverage.
• Atlas Travel Insurance: Atlas is known for its wide-ranging medical benefits, including hospitalization, outpatient treatment, emergency medical evacuation, and more.
• IMG Global Travel Insurance: IMG Global offers a range of plans to cater to different travel needs. Its policies include coverage for medical emergencies, trip interruption, and even political evacuation.

While these options have excellent reputations, always assess your personal needs and risks before selecting a plan. Consider factors like the length of your travel, destinations, planned activities, and your overall health condition. Always read the terms and conditions carefully, ensuring the coverage provided aligns with your lifestyle and work needs.

As a digital nomad, your travel insurance needs go beyond just health coverage. The life of a digital nomad, while full of adventures and excitement, is not devoid of unexpected challenges and obstacles. This is where travel insurance steps in, providing a safety net for issues that are not necessarily health-related but can still impact your journey significantly.

From trip cancellations and interruptions due to unforeseen circumstances to lost luggage or stolen equipment, these inconveniences can disrupt your schedule and work, not to mention potentially incurring substantial costs. Therefore, having a robust travel insurance policy that covers such eventualities is essential.

When choosing your travel insurance, you should consider:

• Coverage Scope: Ensure the policy covers not just medical emergencies but also other travel-related issues like trip cancellation, delay, lost or delayed baggage, and more.
• Equipment Coverage: As a digital nomad, your work equipment is crucial. Make sure your policy includes coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged equipment like laptops, cameras, etc.
• Adventure Activities: If you’re the adventurous type and plan on participating in extreme sports or activities, check that your policy covers these. Some insurance companies may exclude certain high-risk activities.
• Global Coverage: Since you’re likely to be hopping from one country to another, ensure that your travel insurance provides worldwide coverage.
• Flexibility: Look for a policy that allows you to extend or curtail the coverage period according to your travel plans.

Remember, each digital nomad’s needs are unique, and so should be their insurance coverage. Therefore, make sure you pick an insurance policy that aligns with your specific requirements, offering maximum coverage and peace of mind as you embark on your nomadic adventure.

Real-life experiences from fellow digital nomads provide invaluable insights, often shedding light on situations that you might not have considered while purchasing insurance.

In a recent poll conducted in our Facebook group, we found that a staggering 77% of participants that has coverage had needed to use their travel or health insurance at least once during their nomadic journey. This substantial figure underscores the crucial importance of insurance for those living the digital nomad lifestyle.

From the same survey, here are a personal stories that highlight the importance of having good insurance coverage:

• “I was in Bali when I met with a scooter accident. I ended up with a broken arm and a hefty medical bill. Thankfully, my insurance covered the hospital expenses, and I could focus on recovering without worrying about the financial strain.” (Alicia M)
• “While in Mexico, I contracted a severe stomach bug. My insurance provided coverage for the hospital stay and the necessary medications. It’s a relief knowing that you’re covered when you’re in a foreign country and feeling your worst.” (Jake M)
• “During a trip to Thailand, my laptop was stolen from my accommodation. It was a significant setback, both financially and work-wise. However, my travel insurance policy included coverage for stolen equipment, which helped me replace my laptop quickly and get back to work.” (Lily P)
• “I had planned a workcation in Portugal, but my flight got cancelled due to bad weather. The airline refused to compensate, but my travel insurance covered the costs of the cancelled flight. It saved me a lot of money and stress.” (Sam C)

These stories underscore the value of having insurance as a digital nomad. It’s a safety net that protects you from unforeseen expenses, allowing you to enjoy your nomadic lifestyle with peace of mind.

Whether it’s a health crisis, equipment loss, or trip cancellation, a good insurance policy ensures you’re covered, leaving you free to focus on your work and travel.

What is nomad insurance?

Nomad insurance is a type of travel insurance designed specifically for digital nomads and long-term travelers. It typically covers medical expenses, emergency evacuations, trip interruptions, and sometimes gear protection. Companies like SafetyWing and World Nomads specialize in such policies, which are designed to provide coverage for an extended period, often globally.

What is the alternative to SafetyWing Insurance?

An alternative to SafetyWing Insurance for digital nomads and long-term travelers is World Nomads. It offers similar coverage, including medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and trip interruption. Other alternatives include traditional travel insurance providers or international health insurance companies, depending on your specific needs.

Does travelers insurance still exist?

Yes, travel insurance still exists and is widely available. It’s a type of coverage that helps protect against unforeseen problems before or during a trip, such as cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage. Providers include World Nomads, SafetyWing, and many traditional insurance companies. It’s recommended for international travel and trips with significant prepaid expenses.

How to extend World Nomads travel insurance?

To extend your World Nomads travel insurance, log in to your online account and navigate to your policy details. Look for an option to “extend” or “manage” your policy. If your current policy is still active, you should be able to purchase an extension. Remember to review the updated policy details and price before finalizing the extension.

As we wrap up this discussion on digital nomad health insurance, let’s remember that while our globe-trotting adventures can be full of unexpected joys, they can also bring unforeseen challenges. Ensuring your health is well-protected offers not just medical security but peace of mind. Investing in the right health and travel insurance allows you to focus on embracing the digital nomad lifestyle to its fullest, knowing you’re safeguarded against health-related hiccups.

We’d love to hear from you now. Have you had an experience where health or travel insurance saved the day? Or perhaps you have some tips to share on navigating the insurance landscape as a digital nomad? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Safe travels and stay healthy!

You might also like this related posts:

• Best Digital Nomad Books
• Best Digital Nomad Podcasts
• What is a Digital Nomad? (And How to Become One)
• Digital Nomad Packing List
• 85 Digital Nomad Locations Around the Globe
• Best Digital Nomad Blogs

Originally Published: July 7, 2023

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Best Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads (Pros & Cons)

What is the best travel insurance for digital nomads? Traveling since 2020 full-time we got asked that question many times.

We have done tons of research , not only for this blog post but also for ourselves. Because as a digital nomad travel insurance is very important.

Spending a long time away from home increases the chance that you will need travel insurance. But many travel insurance providers cater to holidaymakers and not long-term travelers.

So we went on a quest to find the best digital nomad travel and health insurance we could actually sign up for. We will share the best we came across in this blog post!

7 Factors to consider when purchasing travel insurance for digital nomads

The best travel insurance is the one that covers your individual needs as a digital nomad. Because as a digital nomad, you will have different needs than the average traveler. So read on to find out what to look out for when choosing!

#1 Flexibility

In my opinion, this is one of the most important factors you should take into account when looking for an insurance provider.

Traditional insurance providers always ask for a fixed start and end date for your travels. They also ask what countries you are going to visit.

This is often impossible for nomads to answer because you may be going to many countries at a time like us. Plus your plans could change so it’s hard to plan in advance.

This is why it is great to have a provider that will allow you to be flexible about what countries you will visit, how long you can sign up for, and when or how you can cancel your membership.

#2 Where you can sign up from

As a nomad, you may be away from your home country for months or years at a time. We both are! But some insurance providers will only allow you to sign up for a plan from your home country.

This can be extremely inconvenient so it is best to look for a provider that allows you to sign up from anywhere in the world.

#3 Deductibles

A deductible is an amount you have to pay before your insurance provider will start paying your bills.

An example : You have a $800 dollar hospital bill and your deductible is $250. You will have to pay $250 and your insurance provider will pay the rest.

Some insurance providers will offer zero deductibles but then you have to pay a higher monthly rate. While others will offer higher deductibles with lower monthly rates. This one is up to your preferences.

#4 Loss or theft of luggage covered

As a nomad, I think one of the crucial areas that you want to be covered for is the loss or theft of baggage. We don’t own anything else than our luggage so it’s very important to us.

Most of us also rely heavily on our laptops and other electronics to make a living so you want to make sure your insurance provider will cover you.

Many plans will only cover medical treatments so you need to read the terms to make sure loss, damage, or theft of personal possessions is covered if that’s of interest to you.

#5 Adventurous activities covered

If you are planning on doing sporty activities such as skydiving, bungee jumping, diving, rafting, and skiing then you want to make sure that your plan covers injuries arising from these activities.

Many travel insurances for digital nomads do not cover these activities and it could leave you with a very big hospital bill if you get in trouble in the wrong country.

Which activities you would like to have included is highly individual. So make sure to read the terms of each plan to see exactly what is covered.

#6 Ease of making a claim

Trying to make a claim is usually the worst part of dealing with insurance companies. They are usually quick to take your money and slow to give it back to you when you need it!

So you want to pick a provider that has a proven track record of paying out claims and not making you jump through thousands of bureaucratic hoops.

I have read through many reviews to assess how reliable the insurers are in paying out claims and to get an idea of what the best travel insurances for digital nomads are in practice.

#7 Review Score

How can you know if the insurance is a good one? Read the reviews! Tons of reviews. Because the best way to judge a provider is by knowing what real customers are saying.

I went through hundreds of reviews to see if companies are reliable, keep their promises, and offer an overall good customer experience . Because if you need them it shouldn’t be an extra burden.

I mainly checked Trustpilot and if they were not on there I check other review sites. So with all the factors out of the way let’s check out my list of the best travel insurance for digital nomads.

1. SafetyWing (Overall best travel insurance for digital nomads)

SafetyWing is a newcomer to the insurance scene but has become very popular recently. We have chosen SafetyWing because it is one of the best travel insurance for digital nomads.

One of the best things about SafetyWing is that it was specifically made for digital nomads. This means that it is super flexible and you can sign up from anywhere in the world.

When you sign up you only pay for the first month . Your contract will then auto-renew every month and the payment will be taken from your bank account. That means you can cancel or pause anytime.

SafetyWing Pricing

Plans start at about $45 per month and cover you everywhere in the world excluding the US. You can get coverage for the US but it will almost double the price.

What is covered?

• Max medical coverage $250,000
• Emergency dental care up to $1,000
• Physical therapy and chiropractic care up to $50 per day
• Lost checked luggage up to $3,000
• Travel delays of up to $100 per day

SafetyWing Reviews & Our Experience

SafetyWing has a Trustpilot score of 4.2 . Some reviews complain that the claim process is slow and communication is not the best. But so far we only had a good experience.

We already filed a claim with SafetyWing nomad insurance and although it wasn’t the smoothest process we received compensation for our claim quickly.

We also had fast and friendly customer service via live chat on their website. A feature we both love – no exhausting email threads or phone lines!

SafetyWings sign-up process is also super easy and straightforward. No bureaucratic hoops to jump through or endless papers to fill out. You can get your digital nomad insurance in under 15 minutes.

• Can sign up from anywhere fast
• Super flexible with pausing and canceling
• Low monthly rate
• 24/7 live chat
• Made for digital nomads
• New Company
• People reported a hard time filing claims
• No coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged possessions
• Quite a high deductible $250

👉 Check out SafetyWing travel insurance for digital nomads here or calculate your price here 👇

2. Genki (Best cheap digital nomad health insurance)

Genki is another newcomer to the scene that has a very similar setup to SafetyWing. They have also been created for digital nomads and allow you to sign up at any time from anywhere in the world.

They are operating since March 2022 so they are a very new company. Genki was started by a group of young people working in tech so they realize the needs of digital nomads. Many of the team at Genki are themselves digital nomads which is another bonus.

With Genki nomad insurance, you can only receive medical coverage . So if you want coverage for things like trip delays or lost luggage SafetyWing is the better option.

But if you are looking for the best digital nomad health insurance then Genki may be a great and cheap option for you.

Genki Pricing

Genki has different monthly costs depending on your age. If you are aged 0-29 years then you will pay $40 a month. The next age bracket is 30-39 years where you will pay $55 euros a month.

Genki also has a fairly low deductible of $50 per case. But you will have to pay this deductible for every claim so if you make multiple claims it could add up.

• No cost limit for medical care
• Coverage for dental care up to $1,000
• Treatment for sports injuries unless they are listed under dangerous activities

Genki Reviews

Genki has a score of 4.3 on Trustpilot. There are a few negative reviews from people having trouble making claims. But since it is a brand new company there is room for improvement.

• Cheap monthly rate
• Flexible, can cancel anytime
• Low deductible
• Only covers medical expenses
• People reported that it is hard to file claims
• Very new company (2022)

👉 Check out Genki travel insurance for digital nomads here 👈

3. Heymondo (Best digital nomad medical insurance)

Heymondo is a well-established insurance provider that offers some of the best health insurance for digital nomads.

It is not quite as cheap or flexible as SafetyWing or Genki but it is still a great option. Heymondo has wider coverage options and a greater ability to customize your plan.

You can for example opt to cover yourself for loss, damage, or theft of your electronics. This will cost extra but will be of peace of mind to many digital nomads if they own expensive electronics.

Heymondo also offers a 24/7 medical chat for members. So as soon as you have a medical emergency you can contact them and they will direct you to the nearest appropriate medical facility. Handy!

Heymondo Pricing

Option 1: long trip plan.

The Long Trip Plan is the best plan for digital nomads on Heymondo and costs about $47 per month . If you include travel to the US this goes up to about $76 per month. You must book your insurance for a minimum of 90 days and then the plan renews as you like.

Option 2: Annual Multi-Trip

The Annual Multi-Trip is great if you plan to do lots of small trips from your home country. You can get worldwide coverage for as little as $240 per year.

This plan is only available to you if do not spend more than 60 days in a row outside your home country. So if you do a few trips per year it is a great plan with great benefits.

• Emergency medical and dental up to $2,500,000
• Lost or damaged baggage up to $1,200
• Up to $350 for costs incurred to travel disruptions such as missed or canceled transfers
• Natural disaster coverage up to $1,250

Heymondo Reviews

Heymondo has a score of 4.5 on Trustpilot from about 1,700 reviews. So it has a proven track record of being a reliable company.

• Well-established company, good reviews
• Coverage for theft, damage to baggage
• Potential to get coverage for electronics
• 24/7 medical chat for emergencies + app
• Wide range of sports covered, plus you can upgrade to cover adventure activities
• Not super flexible
• Quite a big deductible $250
• The minimum period is 90 days so not as convenient for shorter trips

👉 Check out Heymondo travel insurance for digital nomads here 👈

4. Atlas Travel Insurance by World Trips (Highly customizable)

Atlas Travel Insurance is a company that has been around for many years with a great reputation . They are not focused primarily on digital nomads but have plans that can be tailored to your needs.

They are suitable for digital nomads as their plans are available to citizens of most countries and you can sign up anywhere .

When signing up to Atlas you will have to select what countries you will be visiting. You will also have to select the time in which you are traveling.

So it is not super flexible in terms of signing up and canceling but you will have a broader range of coverage. For example, you will receive $100 for a lost passport and up to $10,000 to fly home when a close relative passes away.

You will not get these benefits on SafetyWing, Heymondo or Genki, so if you prefer these benefits over flexibility , then Atlas Travel Insurance may be for you.

Atlas Travel Insurance Pricing

When choosing a plan with Atlas the monthly price will depend on what choices you make. But when I selected different countries and deductible amounts it usually came to around $50 per month .

Considering the benefits you get from Atlas I think that this is a very reasonable price.

• You can choose from $50,000, $100,000, $250,000 or $500,000 max coverage
• Emergency dental up to $300
• Lost luggage $1,000
• Lost passport $100
• Up to $10,000 to return home after the death of a close relative

Atlas Travel Insurance Reviews

Atlas Travel Insurance has a score of 4.6 from over 2,000 reviews on InsureMyTrip. So they seem like a very reliable company with great customer service.

• Available to all nationalities
• Can sign up from anywhere
• A well-established company that has been around for many years
• The plan is very customizable
• You can choose to pay no deductible
• Not flexible, you have to choose countries you are visiting and travel time period
• Low dental coverage compared to other plans

👉 Check out Atlas travel insurance for digital nomads here 👈

5. IMG (Best nomad travel insurance with lot of coverage)

IMG is an international insurance provider that serves over 190 countries and has been operating for over 25 years. They offer a wide range of insurance options for all types of needs.

The two plans they offer that are the best for digital nomads are the Patriot International Lite and the Patriot International Platinum plans.

IMG Pricing

The Patriot International Lite Plan which will cover most digital nomads needs costs about $50 per month . The Patriot International Platinum Plan is about $72 per month.

The main difference between the plans is that the Lite Plan has a policy maximum limit ranging from $50,000 to $1,000,000. Whereas Platinum has maximum limits from $2,000,000 to $8,000,000.

The amount you pay will increase depending on what maximum limit you want for your insurance.

The Lite Plan can be extended up to 24 months whereas the Platinum Plan can be extended up to 36 months. So apart from the medical max limits and renewal period, the plans are quite similar.

• Medical maximum $50,000 to $8,000,000 depending on your plan
• Deductible $0 to $25,000 depending on what you choose
• Emergency Reunion with selected family member $100,000
• Return travel home for the death of a close relative $10,000
• Dental care $300. For emergency dental care coverage up to plan maximum
• Lost luggage $50 per item and $500 in total

There are also some optional coverage options such as cell phone coverage . For just $90 you can be covered for loss, damage, or theft of your cellphone.

IMG Reviews

IMG has a score of 4.6 on Trustpilot from over 7,000 reviews. So you can see that it is a reliable company with a large customer base.

• The company exists for a long time
• Available to citizens of all countries
• Can choose to have zero deductible
• Plans are customizable
• Not flexible, have to choose travel dates
• Can not pay by the month or pause plan

👉 Check out IMG travel insurance for digital nomads here 👈

6. True Traveller (Best travel insurance for digital nomads from UK and EU)

True Traveller is a trusted insurance provider with some of the best travel insurance for digital nomads if you are from the UK or the EU . Unfortunately is not available for citizens outside of these regions.

The insurance plans they offer are created by travelers for travelers and you can really see that in the options they offer.

For example, they offer plans for people taking gap years or doing working holidays in Canada. So it is not just great for digital nomads but all travelers in general.

What stood out to me was how customizable True Traveller’s plans are. You can choose to ensure yourself for winter sports, lost stolen possessions, trip delays, and more.

So if there is something particular that you want to be insured for then True Traveller is a good option.

True Traveller Pricing

The Basic Plan costs around $50 per month and will give you all the basic health care coverage you need. It comes with zero deductible so you will not have to pay anything if you make a claim.

True Traveller also has Plus plans which more comprehensive coverage for a slightly higher price.

There are three main plans available for digital nomads. The below table displays the main areas of coverage of the three plans. For a more detailed list of coverage, you will have to visit their website.

True Traveller Reviews

True Traveller has a 4.8 on Trustpilot from over 3,000 reviews. Which is a really good score considering the number of reviews.

Overall customers in the reviews seemed to be very happy with the claims process. So True Traveller seems like a trustworthy insurance provider that is easy to deal with.

• Customizable plans
• Very good reviews
• You can sign up while traveling
• You can choose to have zero deductible
• Only for UK and EU citizens
• Not super flexible if you want to cancel or pause your plan

👉 Check out True Traveller travel insurance for digital nomads here 👈

7. Insured Nomads (Best insurance for adventurous remote workers)

Insured Nomads offers a wide range of plans for digital nomads with varying needs. You can get coverage for entering a warzone! So if there are any digital nomads out there wanting to go off track then this is the insurance for you.

But the plan that most people will want is the World Explorer Plan which offers medical insurance for single trips from 7 to 364 days.

This plan offers the usual medical coverage that does not differ too much from other providers. But one thing that stood out to me was that if your flight is delayed you get free use of an airport lounge which is a great feature.

There is also a World Explorer Guardian Plan which includes cover for costs associated with having to cancel a trip . But this is only available to US citizens. However, it could be a good option if you are booking an expensive trip such as a safari, and are worried it may be canceled.

Insured Nomads Pricing

On the Insured Nomads website, they state that the typical cost for the World Explorer Plan is about $86 per month . But this price will vary depending on your age, nationality, etc.

• Medical expenses up to $2,000,000
• 24-hour emergency medical care
• Acute onset of a pre-existing condition
• Airport lounge access

Insured Nomads Reviews

Insured nomads have a score of 4.1 on Trustpilot from 90 reviews. So considering the number of reviews it is not the best score but also not highly representable. Room for improvement!

• Wide range of plans for specific needs
• You can sign up while abroad
• Not Flexible
• More expensive than other plans
• Newer company so might not be as reliable

👉 Check out Insured Nomads travel insurance for digital nomads here 👈

8. Passport Card (Medical treatment on a debit card)

Passport Card is a new insurance provider with a unique concept . When you sign up for Passport Card you receive a debit card.

If you need some medical treatment you call Passport Card and they will preload your card with money and then you pay directly with the card.

This is really convenient as you do not have to pay out of pocket and wait for a refund from the company. Passport Card is however a very new company without a proven record yet.

Passport Card Pricing

The pricing per month depends on what country you are traveling to and what deductible you choose. The plans seem very expensive: For a 35-year-old male (me) with worldwide coverage, it would cost $289 a month with zero deductible.

The zero deductible is great but you will pay much more in a year ($3,000) than for SafetyWing, Genki or Heymundo ($600). So you have to check if the coverage is worth it for what you need.

• 24/7 telemedicine services
• Medical care up to $1,000,000 on the basic plan
• Dental care up to $3,000 for pain relief
• Vaccinations up to $100
• Up to 5 physiotherapy visits per year

Passport Card Reviews

Passport Card has only a score of 3 on Trustpilot from less than 50 reviews. The pre-load concept is great but at this point in time, you may take a risk in being one of their first customers.

• Convenient system
• No out-of-pocket expenses
• 24/7 support line
• No deductible
• Very high monthly rates
• Not flexible
• Does not have the best reviews
• No coverage for lost baggage or missed flights. Only medical coverage

👉 Check out Passport Card travel insurance for digital nomads here 👈

9. World Nomads (Not recommended anymore)

World Nomads used to be well-respected with the best travel insurance for digital nomads. They have been operating for around 20 years but during Covid, they stopped accepting new customers.

They have started accepting new customers but from the recent reviews I have been reading, it seems like they are not doing a good job anymore.

For the last 6 months, every review that I read was a one-star. Customers claimed that they could not get in contact with World Nomads and that the customer service was terrible.

The reason that I have added it to this list is that I have seen many people still recommending World Nomads. It was also the insurance we initially wanted to sign up for before choosing SafetyWing .

One of the big benefits of World Nomads is that they cover you for a wide range of sporting activities. You are also covered for loss, damage, and theft of possessions in certain situations which is great.

Another great advantage is that you are covered if you have to cancel your trip . But based on all the negative reviews they have received recently, I do not think it is worth the risk to sign up with them.

World Nomads Pricing

I selected the standard plan for World Nomads and it came up to about $85 per month . You can choose the Explorer plan which gives you much more coverage for about $125 per month.

What is Covered?

• Medical expenses up to $5,000,000
• Dental care up to $1,000
• Cancellation of trip $5,000

World Nomads Reviews

3.6 on Trustpilot – Many negative reviews recently stated that customer service was terrible and claims were denied. It seems that recent changes have been made at World Nomads and customers are not happy. Hopefully this changes soon again!

• Extensive coverage for a small price
• Cover for theft or damage to possessions
• Coverage for a wide range of sporting activities
• Terrible reviews
• Seems like it is very hard to make claims

👉 Check out World Nomads travel insurance for digital nomads here 👈

Conclusion on the best travel insurance for digital nomads

Insurance is something that is easy to put off but you never know when you will need it. So it’s better to sort it out before an accident happens.

Being clear about what you need and expect from an insurance provider will help you narrow down the options. Because many insurers nowadays offer tailored plans for nomads. Yeah!

We went for SafetyWing because it fulfills all our needs and we can recommend it because we had a good claim experience .

To find the right plan for you make sure to consider the 7 factors we listed at the beginning of this blog post and voilá you will be an insured nomad soon.

I hope that this review helped you to find the best company to get nomad insurance. If so or if you have any questions let me know in the comments down below!

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Hi, I am Allan, a travel, health and fitness fanatic from New Zealand. I'm a former lawyer who turned into a full-time nomad in 2020. For the last 4+ years I've been traveling the world. I'm always on a hunt for good food, activities on a budget and workouts on the go. I hope you find my tips helpful and get inspired to travel more!

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4 thoughts on “best digital nomad travel insurance 2024 (pros & cons)”.

You have made a wonderful compilation. Thank you.

Hi Gökçe, great to hear you found our review of insurances for nomads helpful. We will keep it updated 🙂

Best overview I have been able to find on this subject. Thanks so much for your effort putting together this compilation. Very appreciated!

Hi Cathy, thanks so much for your nice comment! We are really happy to hear that our blog post has helped you out 🙂

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Digital Nomad Insurance: Is It Worth It?

Why is Insurance Important For Digital Nomads?

• According to LuggageHero data and reports, a total of 2.8 million bags were mishandled by U.S. airlines in 2019 . You could be one among the 2.8 million in the coming years. These mishandled bags can also get lost. Having no travel insurance could mean the loss of not just your luggage but also extra time, money, and resources spent to buy everything that was in the bag, again. Also, if you have no insurance, get ready to bid adieu to the money you spent on a flight that never took off because of an emergency event like the pandemic. 
• Hospital costs averaged $2,607 per day throughout the U.S. in 2020. Staying overnight can cost you a lot more. The average hospital stay runs $11,700. Those are exorbitant numbers, especially for those who don’t have insurance. 60%-65% of all bankruptcies are related to medical expenses. As a digital nomad, you travel often and are prone to catch sudden illnesses. The weather change, different pathogens, and new types of food can sometimes cause your health to suffer. It is best to have health insurance to avoid unforeseen medical expenditures.

Things to Consider Before Getting an Insurance as a Digital Nomad

• The annual limit
• Is evacuation covered?
• Are there any age restrictions?
• Does your digital nomad insurance cover sports and extreme sports?

What Kind of Insurance Should Digital Nomad’s Have?

 1. digital nomad travel insurance .

• Travel medical coverage
• Emergency medical evacuation coverage
• Trip cancellation coverage
• Car and bike accident coverage
• Protection of lost or stolen items
• Third-Party Liability Coverage
• Leaving your personal belongings in an unsupervised place.
• Equipment used for work purposes.
• Failing to file a loss or theft complaint with the local authorities.

2. Digital Nomad Health Insurance

• Tests and vaccination 
• Medical checkups
• Prescribed medication 
• Psychiatric visits and care
• Cancer treatment 
• Dental treatments and care
• Optical treatments and care
• Emergency treatments and ambulances
• Deductibles
• Excess or co-pays
• Exclusions of pre-existing conditions
• Coverage limits

3. Digital Nomad Gadget Insurance

Best digital nomad insurance plans, health insurance.

• Flexible deductibles.
• Flexible payment options (monthly, trimester, or annual) 
• The company pays your health provider directly so there’s no need to file a claim or reimbursement.
• 24-hour customer service, 7 days a week. 
• Some Cigna plans include the transplanting and transportation of organs and kidney dialysis treatments.
• The company’s website provides you with information about the culture, financial system, and education system of the country you’re traveling to.
• Cigna covers all potential costs in the treatment of COVID, in compliance with the protocols recommended by the WHO .
• The basic plan doesn’t cover maternity costs.
• To get a personalized quote, you’ll need to enter way more personal information for this one than you will enter for other insurance companies. 
• They offer personalized plans for digital nomads based on destinations and needs.
• They have offices in more than 15 countries and a 24-hour customer service, 7 days a week. 
• Various magazines have named Aetna as the “Best International Private Health Insurance Provider” and “Health Insurer of the Year.’’
• Most of their plans cover for hospitalization, cancer treatment, and emergency evacuation
• IMG offers extensive coverage that includes 17,000 doctors and clinics across the globe.
• Using your IMG policy with a healthcare provider outside the United States will grant you a 50% reduction on your deductible. 
• IMG has special health insurance plans for overseas missionaries. 
• Their coverage options are available to all nationalities.
• IMG covers almost all costs for COVID-19 related tests and treatment.
• IMG plans have an age limit. There are no plans available for adults above 75 years of age.
• You get maternity care coverage only with the most expensive plans.

Travel Insurance

• Trip delays and interruptions.
• Emergency dental expenses.
• Emergency medical expenses.
• Emergency medical evacuation, accidental death and repatriation of remains.
• Return of minors and pets.
• Political evacuation and border entry protection.
• Lost visa/travel documents and lost checked luggage.
• Pre-existing medical conditions.
• Psychiatric visits and mental health disorders.
• Damages sustained under alcohol or drug influence.
• World Nomads
• The Standard Plan includes more than 200 sports but has lower coverage limits. 
• The Explorer Plan adds 60 more sports and activities (dangerous ones too such as skydiving, paragliding, and shark cage diving).
• Trip interruptions, cancellations, and delays.
• Baggage delay and loss.
• Emergency medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation.
• Accidental death and dismemberment.
• Non Medical emergency transportation.
• Adventure sports and activities.
• Rental car damage (Explorer Plan).
• Pre-existing conditions.
• Self-harm or intoxication related accidents.

Gadget Insurance

• TCP Insurance
• Cameras, sound equipment, editing hardware and computers.
• Work related injuries, cancellations and theft (for photographers and filmmakers)
• TCP’s automotive insurance covers your vehicle + equipment left in your vehicle. 
• Renters insurance that also covers your equipment if left at home or stolen.
• The biggest drawback with TCP insurance is that it covers only that equipment which is used for film and photography production. 
• Laptops used for any other work that doesn’t include film production and photography will not be covered.
• They offer insurance plans only for mobile phones (especially iPhones) in case you need coverage only for your phone.
• Every kind of gadget is covered. This includes electronic items like television sets and stereos too.
• Worldwide coverage for up to 180 days.
• The insurance will not cover beyond 2 loss or theft claims within a 12-month period.
• Theft, loss, damage or breakdown where you have knowingly put your gadget at risk.

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Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads: 20 Tips to Choose the Best Nomads Travel Insurance

In a world where remote work is becoming the norm, digital nomads have embraced a lifestyle that combines work and travel. Roaming the globe, exploring new cultures, cuisines, and adventures while staying connected to their careers. However, amidst the excitement of jet-setting from one destination to another, it’s essential for digital nomads to prioritize their well-being and financial security. That’s where travel insurance for nomads comes into play.

Nomads travel insurance is more than just a safety net; it’s a lifeline that protects against unexpected mishaps and provides peace of mind. From medical emergencies and lost belongings to trip cancellations and unforeseen delays, a comprehensive international travel insurance plan (designed for nomads) is a vital companion on your journey.

With so many options available, choosing the best travel insurance for nomads can be daunting. To help you make the right decision, we’ve compiled 20 essential tips to help you find a policy that aligns with your unique needs and circumstances. So, whether you’re a seasoned nomad or just starting your digital wanderlust, read on to discover the key factors that will help you navigate the world of travel insurance with confidence.

What is a Digital Nomad?

Imagine a life where your office is not a cubicle, but a breathtaking beach in Bali or a cozy cafe in Paris. . . Anywhere you want it to be.

This is the life of a digital nomad.

A digital nomad is an individual who works remotely while exploring the world.

They are adventurers with laptops and passports at the ready, breaking free from the traditional 9-to-5 to embrace a lifestyle of flexibility, curiosity, and unlimited possibilities.

Digital nomads seamlessly blend work and travel, embracing the wonders of new cultures, forging connections with like-minded individuals, and creating a lifestyle that knows no geographical boundaries.

What Is Nomad Travel Insurance?

Nomad travel insurance is a specialized form of insurance designed specifically for those leading a nomadic lifestyle. Unlike traditional travel insurance, which may cater to short-term vacations, travel insurance for nomads is tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of digital nomads, long-term travelers, and remote workers.

Nomads travel insurance provides coverage for a range of risks and incidents that can occur while on the go, like medical emergencies, trip cancellations or interruptions, lost or stolen belongings, and even liability protection. It offers a comprehensive safety net, ensuring that nomads can explore the world with confidence, knowing they have financial protection in case of unforeseen circumstances.

How Long Does Travel Insurance for Nomads Cover You For?

Travel insurance for nomads offers coverage for varying durations depending on the specific plan and insurance provider. The general coverage options available include:

• Travel Medical Plans (Up to Six Months): These plans are designed for shorter-term travel, typically covering nomads for a duration of up to six months. They focus on providing healthcare coverage, including emergency medical services, evacuation, and trip interruption during the travel period.
• Travel Major Medical Plans (Longer Than Six Months): For travel exceeding six months, Travel Major Medical Plans come into play. These plans function similarly to regular health insurance policies and offer coverage not only for emergency medical situations but also for non-emergency medical care. This means they can cover regular wellness check-ups, prescription medications, and, in some cases, dental care.

Travel Major Medical Plans often operate on a model that resembles domestic health insurance, where you may have co-pays and deductibles. Unlike standard travel insurance plans that require reimbursement, Travel Major Medical Plans may provide more direct coverage, reducing the need for you to pay the full medical expenses out-of-pocket.

When selecting travel insurance for nomads, consider the duration of your travel and choose a plan that aligns with your needs and the length of your journey. It’s essential to carefully review the coverage details and consult with insurance providers to ensure you have the right level of protection throughout your adventures.

Is Nomads Travel Insurance Primary or Secondary for Insurance?

One important thing to keep in mind when choosing travel insurance for nomads is whether it’s primary or secondary coverage.

Primary coverage means the insurance policy takes precedence over other forms of insurance, such as your personal health insurance, while secondary coverage means it supplements or fills in the gaps of existing insurance policies. The distinction is important, as it can affect the ease of making claims and the overall coverage provided.

When selecting nomad travel insurance, it’s essential to understand the terms and conditions, policy limits, exclusions, and any additional benefits or services offered. With thorough research and comparing different insurance providers, you can find the right policy that suits your lifestyle and offers the peace of mind you need to embark on your nomadic adventures.

What Does Travel Insurance for Nomads Usually Cover?

• Medical Emergencies: Traveling nomads’ insurance typically covers expenses related to unexpected illnesses or injuries that may occur while traveling, including hospitalizations, doctor visits, medications, and emergency medical evacuations (if your policy doesn’t include nomads travel evac insurance, consider getting supplementary cover).
• Trip Cancellations or Interruptions: Travel insurance for nomads can reimburse non-refundable trip expenses if your trip gets canceled or cut short due to covered reasons, such as illness, injury, or unforeseen events like natural disasters.
• Lost or Stolen Belongings: Nomad insurance may provide coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings, such as luggage, electronics, and important documents.
• Personal Liability: Nomad insurance may include coverage for personal liability, protecting you in case you cause accidental damage or injury to others while traveling.
• Emergency Assistance Services: Many nomad insurance plans offer round-the-clock assistance services, providing access to travel assistance, emergency hotlines, and support for various travel-related issues.
• Travel Delays: Nomad insurance may cover additional expenses incurred due to travel delays, such as accommodation, meals, and transportation, resulting from circumstances beyond your control.
• Emergency Medical Evacuation: In case of a severe medical condition or injury that requires transportation to the nearest suitable medical facility, nomad insurance can cover the costs of emergency medical evacuation.
• Repatriation of Remains: If the unthinkable happens, and a digital nomad passes away while abroad, nomad insurance can assist with the repatriation of their remains to their home country.

It’s important to note that coverage specifics can vary among insurance providers and policies, so carefully review the terms and conditions to understand the extent of coverage offered by a particular nomad insurance plan.

20 Tips to Choose the Best Travel Insurance for Nomads

1. get worldwide coverage:.

Opt for a comprehensive policy that offers worldwide coverage, including the countries you plan to visit, to ensure you’re protected wherever your travels take you.

2. Consider Pre-Existing Conditions:

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, choose an insurance policy that covers acute pre-existing conditions or offers comprehensive coverage for your specific needs.

3. Ensure There’s Emergency Medical Insurance:

Make sure the travel insurance for nomads’ plan includes coverage for sudden illnesses, accidents, and acute injuries that require immediate medical treatment during your trip.

4. And Emergency Evacuation:

Check if the insurance policy covers emergency evacuation in case of medical emergencies, political unrest, terrorism, or natural disasters.

5. Seek Recommendations:

Ask fellow digital nomads or long-term travelers for their recommendations based on their own experiences with travel insurance for nomads. Their firsthand insights can help you discover lesser-known insurance providers or policies that offer excellent coverage and value for money.

6. Don’t Forget About Trip Cancellations and Delays:

Look for coverage that protects against trip cancellations and delays, as they can result in significant financial losses for flights, accommodations, and tours.

7. Make Sure Baggage Loss is Covered:

Consider travel nomads trip insurance that provides coverage for lost or stolen baggage, offering reimbursement for the value of your belongings.

8. Gadget Protection For Your Devices:

If you rely on electronic devices like phones, cameras, and laptops, choose travel insurance for nomads that covers the loss or theft of your gadgets.

9. Emergency Assistance Is a Plus:

Ensure the insurance provider offers 24/7 emergency assistance, including a responsive hotline, to provide support and payment guarantees at medical facilities.

10. Compare Coverage and Benefits:

Thoroughly compare the coverage and benefits offered by different insurance plans. Pay attention to details such as coverage limits, deductibles, exclusions, and any additional features that may be relevant to your specific needs as a digital nomad.

11. Check Reviews and Ratings:

Read reviews and ratings of different insurance providers to find out about their reputation, customer satisfaction levels, and experiences of other nomads. This helps you make an informed decision and choose a reliable insurance company.

12. Research Customer Support:

Check the responsiveness and quality of customer support offered by the insurance company. Prompt and helpful customer service can be crucial when you need assistance or have inquiries regarding your coverage or claims.

13. Don’t Skimp on Cost:

Try to find a balance between price and coverage, opting for an insurance policy that offers a fair price based on the level of protection and benefits provided.

14. Look For Quick Insurance Claim Processes:

Read reviews and research the claim process of the insurance provider to ensure they have a reputation for prompt and efficient claims handling.

15. Additional Coverage Needs:

Consider any specific needs you may have, such as coverage for adventurous activities, digital nomad equipment, or rental car protection, and choose a policy that addresses those requirements.

16. Find Out About Policy Exclusions and Limitations:

Carefully review the policy’s terms and conditions, including exclusions, limitations, deductibles, and coverage limits, to fully understand what is covered and what is not.

17. Consult Nomad Travel Blog Websites:

Explore blogs from nomads or long-term travelers. These blogs often provide valuable insights, recommendations, and comparisons of different insurance options based on the authors’ first-hand experiences. Their perspectives can offer valuable guidance in selecting the best insurance for your nomadic lifestyle. One of our faves is: Nomadic Matt , travel insurance guru.

18. Consider Policy Duration and Renewability:

Assess if the insurance policy aligns with the duration of your travel plans. Some policies have maximum trip durations or may not offer easy renewability for extended periods. Choose a policy that accommodates your travel timeline and offers the option to renew if needed.

19. Read the Fine Print:

Carefully read the policy’s terms and conditions, paying attention to any hidden clauses or limitations. Understand what is covered, what is excluded, and the requirements for filing claims to avoid any surprises or misunderstandings down the line.

20. Seek Professional Advice:

If you find it challenging to navigate through the various insurance options, consider consulting with an insurance broker or professional who specializes in travel insurance. They can offer personalized guidance and help you find the best policy to suit your specific needs.

Remember, choosing the best travel insurance for nomads is a crucial step in protecting yourself and your belongings during your nomadic journey. Take the time to research, compare, and consider your unique requirements to make an informed decision that ensures a worry-free and enjoyable travel experience.

Is Nomad Insurance Worth It?

Absolutely. Travel insurance for nomads is more than just a safeguard; it’s a wise investment for digital nomads. While traveling the world as a nomad is an exhilarating experience, it also exposes you to various risks and uncertainties. Nomad insurance provides essential protection against unforeseen circumstances, giving you peace of mind and financial security.

The benefits of nomad insurance extend beyond medical emergencies. It covers trip cancellations, lost belongings, travel delays, and personal liability, among other things. Medical treatment in a foreign country can be extremely costly, and having insurance ensures you receive necessary care without draining your savings.

Plus, nomad insurance offers valuable assistance services, such as emergency hotlines and travel support, which can be invaluable when navigating unfamiliar territories.

Ultimately, nomad insurance is worth it because it allows you to fully immerse yourself in the nomadic lifestyle, knowing that you have a safety net to rely on. It provides the freedom to explore, create, and connect with peace of mind, making it an essential investment for any digital nomad seeking a worry-free journey.

Don’t Forget To Download The Air Doctor App

Having access to reliable healthcare services while abroad is essential – especially for digital nomads. That’s where Air Doctor comes in. To ensure your well-being on the go. With the Air Doctor app, you can easily find a trustworthy, local doctor (who speaks your language and meets other preferences) even if your insurance provider doesn’t have a direct affiliation with Air Doctor.

The user-friendly app lets you browse over 20,000 multi-lingual doctors, anywhere, anytime. Whether you require in-clinic, at-home, or virtual consultations, Air Doctor has you covered. Regardless of your location or the time of day, scheduling an appointment with the doctor of your choice is just a few taps away. This provides you with peace of mind and convenient access to quality healthcare services while you’re exploring new horizons abroad. Plus, the Air Doctor team provides 24/7 multi-lingual support!

Don’t let concerns about finding a reliable doctor in unfamiliar territory hold you back. With Air Doctor, you can travel with confidence, knowing that medical assistance is readily available whenever you need it. Travel worry-free!

Jenny Cohen Derfler

Air dr ceo & co-founder.

Jenny is the CEO and one of the Co-Founders at Air Doctor. She spent more than 20 years at Intel, most recently as general manager of its manufacturing facility in Israel and before that in various engineering and manufacturing roles in Silicon Valley. Air Doctor is her second startup having previously founded electric vehicle company ElectRoad.

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Ultimate Guide to the Best Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads (2024)

Because anything can happen when you’re on the road.

As someone who has been doing remote work since 2019, getting insurance has never crossed my mind until I almost crashed into a family of four while I was riding a bike in Vietnam. Mind you, the last time I touched a bike before that was nine years ago.

Then there was a time I thought I had lost my passport and when my phone got washed away by a huge wave, etc. In short: there were many times I cut it too close. Because the harsh reality of travel is that these things are inevitable.

So when I learned that certain travel insurance plans cover more than physical injury (lost passport and gadget damage), I knew I had to look deeper into them.

Photo credit: Johnny Africa via Unsplash

If you’re someone who has already decided to take “the leap” and be a digital nomad, then getting the right travel insurance is a must … no matter how overwhelming the process of getting one can be.

Just the peace of mind it’ll give you is worth it 🧘‍♀️

And to make this transition safer and less intimidating for remote workers, we’ve made a guide to help you choose the best travel insurance!

Basic things to consider for travel insurance

It’s essential to consider the following factors when buying travel insurance, regardless of whether you’re a digital nomad or not:

Special considerations for digital nomads

Throwback to when we tried remote working as part of the Airbnb Live Anywhere programme !

Take note that while any kind of travel insurance is good, having a plan specifically tailored for remote working is highly recommended. Here are some things that you won’t normally find in short-term travel insurance plans (which are imperative for digital nomads):

Duration of coverage: You’ll want an insurance plan that will cover you for a long period of time — whether it’s months, a year, or longer. The option to extend your plan at any time will be helpful in the off-chance that you might extend your travel dates.

Location coverage: The fun in remote work is you don’t know which country you might end up in next! Make sure your insurance plan covers countries you’re hoping to visit, including emergency care.

Equipment insurance: One of the worst things that could happen on a digital nomad’s trip is losing an expensive gadget (laptop, smartphone, etc). So we recommend getting a plan with equipment insurance coverage — especially for those with professional equipment like DSLR cameras and lenses.

Adventure activities and sports: Certain international health insurance providers have plans tailored for more “extreme” physical activities, which aren’t usually covered in basic travel insurance plans. This is something adventurous travellers might want to get if you’re thinking of off-piste snowboarding or deep-level scuba-diving on your off day 😉

Read also: Best Adventure Travel Insurance for Thrill-Seekers (2024)

Medical coverage for short-term vs long-term trips

It’s important to note that basic travel insurance normally only covers emergency medical situations, trip cancellations, and baggage loss/delay — more applicable for short-term trips.

However, what remote workers may be looking for is called international health insurance (or global health insurance) — designed specifically for long-term coverage.

It provides comprehensive medical coverage such as in-patient and out-patient visits, check-ups, etc. Basically, an emergency or accident doesn’t have to happen for you to benefit from this type of plan.

But depending on how long you’ll actually be remote working, you might be okay with the usual travel insurance.

Best travel insurance providers for digital nomads

Photo credit: Sam Lion via Pexels

Now that you know what to watch out for, let’s get to our list of top travel insurance for digital nomads. We primarily picked these based on three things: (1) credibility, (2) coverage, and (3) benefits.

Credibility includes how trustworthy the insurance providers are based on the number of customers who have bought the plan and their satisfaction. So we looked at their scores on Trustpilot , a platform where customers can leave reviews for companies.

Coverage refers to specific things or incidents that are protected or paid for by your insurance policy — like emergency medical situations and outpatient coverage, etc.

Benefits refer to the maximum amount of money you can get if something happens.

Take note that costs vary depending on many factors such as where you’re going, where you’re from, age, travel duration, and pre-existing medical conditions. We recommend getting a quote from the provider to know specifically how much your plan will be.

1) World Nomads — all-around insurance for digital nomads

Photo credit: World Nomads

As their name suggests, World Nomads is tailored for… digital nomads. They only offer two plans which makes buying insurance less complicated.

The Standard plan covers all essential things a remote worker would want: overseas medical expenses, personal belongings (including stolen passports and credit cards), pre-trip cancellation and interruption, and more.

Meanwhile, the more expensive Explorer plan has higher benefit limits and more coverage, such as rental car excess, personal accidents, and coronavirus-related costs during your travel.

World Nomads — General Highlights

World Nomads — Specific Highlights

Get a quote for full policy writings of both plans. It only takes seconds!

World Nomads plans cover travel delays.

Other highlights ( see full coverage ):

– Out-of-pocket hospital expenses – Emergency dental treatment – Travel delay – Money theft (Explorer only) – Local funeral expenses

2) SafetyWing — budget-friendly insurance for digital nomads

A more affordable travel insurance for digital nomads is SafetyWing . For example, their Standard Plan for me (a 26-year old) is US$133/month, compared to US$161/month for World Nomads (note that this can vary depending on certain factors).

Add-ons also include more extensive coverage for adventure sports, electronics theft, and US coverage.

They have two plans you may want to check out: Nomad Insurance (travel insurance) vs. Nomad Health (full international health insurance).

SafetyWing — General Highlights

SafetyWing Nomad Insurance Plan Highlights ( see full coverage ):

*Max limit refers to the maximum amount of money that you can get reimbursed for (US$250K per insurance period).

Get a quote using this price calculator:

SafetyWing Nomad Health Plan Highlights (see full coverage for Standard and Premium ):

SafetyWing’s Nomad plans cover Covid-19 treatment and quarantine.

Other highlights:

– Diagnostics – Physical therapy – Emergency dental treatment – Out-of-pocket hospital expenses – Covid-19 treatment and quarantine

3) Genki — health insurance with unlimited payouts

Genki has only been in the game since 2018, but is already one of the most-suggested health insurance for digital nomads within the community. Their plans are notable for providing unlimited payouts with worldwide coverage for approved claims.

They have three plans: the Explorer plan is their travel health insurance, suitable for trips up to two years.

The Resident plan is their international health insurance (incl. pre-existing conditions, dental, and mental health treatments), while the Resident Premium plan is the same but with more coverage.

Genki — General Highlights

Genki Explorer Plan Highlights ( see full coverage ):

Genki Resident and Resident Premium Plans Highlights ( see full coverage )

Genki’s Resident plans include massage treatments.

– Eye treatments – Massages – Chiropractic treatments – Traditional Chinese medicine – Physiotherapy

Learn more about Genki here .

4) FWD Singapore — international health insurance for expats and Singaporeans

FWD Singapore offers international health plans tailored for expats, Singaporeans, and overseas students.

Their most basic plan covers hospitalisation, but you can upgrade your plan to include other benefits. These include outpatient, dental, vision, and maternity benefits.

FWD Singapore — General Highlights

FWD Singapore — Specific Highlights

*Benefit amount depends on your plan.

Photo credit: Nadezhda Moryak via Pexels. FWD Singapore’s higher-tier international health insurance plans cover dental treatments.

Other highlights for more premium plans ( see full coverage ):

– Consultations, medications, diagnostic tests – Routine health checks and vaccinations – Dental work – Physiotherapy – Frames, lenses, and eye checks every 2 years

5) MSIG TravelEasy — comprehensive medical coverage

MSIG’s TravelEasy has over 50 benefits, including Covid-19 coverage for single trips and annual plans. FYI, they have a separate plan which covers pre-existing medical conditions for single trips (TravelEasy Pre-Ex) too.

*Note: TravelEasy is a travel insurance plan and not a full health insurance.

MSIG TravelEasy — General Highlights

MSIG TravelEasy highlights (benefits listed are for adults below 70 years old):

Learn more about the MSIG TravelEasy travel insurance.

Photo credit: Kaique Rocha via Pexels. The MSIG TravelEasy plan covers missed travel connections.

– Emergency dental expenses – Medical expenses in Singapore within 72 hours of return – Overbooked flight and missed travel connection – Emergency phone charges – Compassionate and hospital visit

Steps for choosing the best travel insurance for digital nomads

Step 1: List down your priorities. Example: A super adventurous traveller will probably need a more comprehensive plan than someone who just likes sightseeing. We’re all different from one another, so make sure your plan works for you !

Step 2: Find a resource to trim down your options. Chances are you don’t know every insurance provider and plan in the market, so it’s best to seek help from someone who’s done their research, like a digital nomad group or an online article. But you’re already here, which means you’ve done this step. Hooray! 🥳

Step 3: Compare travel insurance plans. Now that you have a list of insurance providers and/or plans, check the items they cover regarding your priorities, as well as the considerations we listed in this guide. Make sure you’re qualified to avail of it as well!

Photo credit: Jason Goodman via Unsplash

Step 4: Read properly and clarify. Chances are these providers won’t tell you everything on their website, so read the full policy of your plan thoroughly. If in doubt, contact their support team for answers. This will probably save you a lot of trouble later.

Step 5: Read customer reviews. Trustpilot is a great website to check customers’ experiences. You’ll learn a lot about an insurance provider from here. Alternatively, I like checking Reddit for more authentic reviews as well. Look out for how easy and smooth a travel insurance provider’s claims process seems to be!

Step 6: Get a quote. Once you’ve made a decision, get a quote on the insurance provider’s website. They’ll connect you to an agent to jumpstart the process and answer your questions.

Read also: 9 Must-Have Remote Working Travel Essentials That Make Life Easier While on The Road

Any questions about buying travel insurance for digital nomads? Let us know in the comments below!

Like what you see? Follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram ,  YouTube , and  Telegram  for more travel tips!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Travel Intern (@thetravelintern)

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Best Travel Insurance Providers for Digital Nomads

About Author: Hi, I’m Jessica Suess, an Aussie who moved to the UK for studies and ended up on a global journey as a freelancing digital nomad. I’m recently settled in Brazil, navigating finances and sharing what I have learned. See My Full Bio .

Most people wouldn’t dream of traveling overseas without the security of travel insurance. It covers your treatment if you become sick or injured and covers expenses for delayed flights or lost baggage. Basically, it gives you the resources to deal with the unexpected.

Digital nomads who are regularly on the move benefit from the protection of travel insurance . The more you travel, the greater the chance that something can go wrong. Plus, if you aren’t heading home, you can’t wait until you “get back” to deal with medical and dental issues. But traditional travel insurance policies just aren’t designed with digital nomads in mind.

Most travel insurance policies are designed for short trips. You need to specify your destinations, apply from your home country before you travel, and pay in advance. For most digital nomads, this just doesn’t work.

Fortunately, the travel insurance market is catching up and is finally offering travel insurance policies designed specifically for digital nomads and long-term travelers.

Read on as we take you through what to look for when choosing a travel insurance policy as a digital nomad and review what we think are the three best travel insurance providers for digital nomads.

Digital Nomad Travel Insurance: What To Look For?

Digital nomads should be looking at open-ended or long-trip policies with monthly premiums rather than upfront payments. But even monthly rolling policies are for a maximum of 364 days. After a year you need to apply for a new policy. Also, make sure you can apply for or extend your insurance while traveling.

Unless you have a specific travel itinerary, most digital nomads will want global coverage. This means that you don’t need to specify your destinations, but they probably will ask whether you intend to travel to the United States. This always pushes up premiums. Also, check whether you are covered if you are visiting your home country. Most provide 15-30 days of home coverage every three months.

Next, medical coverage is probably the most important element. Traditional travel policies generally only cover emergency medical treatment. But as a permanent traveler, you will probably want more comprehensive coverage including routine medical checkups, prescription medications, vaccinations, dental, etc. You can choose between all-in-one travel and medical insurance, and travel insurance with a separate global health insurance policy. You can read our complete guide to health insurance for digital nomads .

With these general bases covered, it is time to consider your specific situation:

• What level of medical and emergency evacuation coverage do you need? Are you traveling in a part of the world where healthcare is available and affordable? You may only need US$100,000 in medical coverage. If you are traveling in more remote parts of the world, you will want higher medical and emergency evacuation coverage.
• What level of coverage do you need for your possessions? If your laptop is lost, stolen, or broken, will this affect your livelihood? How quickly will you need a replacement?
• Do you enjoy sporting activities such as climbing and diving? These usually aren’t included in standard coverage, You need to purchase a premium plan or add-on to ensure you are covered.
• Do you have enough savings to get home in case of an emergency? Many digital nomads who didn’t have travel insurance were bitten by this during the pandemic. Not necessarily because they had COVID, but to avoid lockdowns and be with family.

Before shopping around for the right digital nomad insurance for you, make a checklist of must-haves.

Best Digital Nomad Insurance Providers

SafetyWing and Insured Nomads have 4.1 and 4.3 ratings respectively on Trustpilot, while World Nomads insurance has 3.3/5 reviews. SafetyWing offers monthly subscription-based insurance for digital nomads, while Insured Nomads and World Nomads both offer comprehensive insurance.

Many insurance providers are now offering plans for digital nomads, but a few providers have emerged that are specifically focused on long-term travelers. They tend to offer the best plans because rather than adapting existing plans, they are optimized for digital nomads. Below are our three top picks for the best digital nomad insurance providers.

Safety Wing

Safety Wing offers one of the most affordable combined travel and health insurance plans for digital nomads starting from just US$45 per month for under 40s. You can sign up anywhere in the world and it covers you for multiple countries , plus 30 days in your home country every 90 days. This is so important as something is just as likely to happen to you “back home” as anywhere, and for most digital nomads things like health insurance have expired.

Your monthly rolling coverage includes both emergency and routine medical coverage up to US$250,000, however, it doesn’t include things like routine check-ups, pre-existing conditions, and cancer treatment. It also includes trip interruption (if you need to go home for an emergency), unplanned overnight stays due to travel delays, protection for personal possessions, emergency evacuation due to political unrest, personal liability, and death.

For those wanting more comprehensive health coverage, you can upgrade to a Nomad Health plan, which provides up to US$1.5 million in coverage annual maximum and includes everything, such as routine dental care, eye exams and glasses, psychiatric treatment, etc for the premium plan and higher. It also includes full coverage in your home country.

World Nomads

World Nomads also provides very good coverage for digital nomads and is underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance. The policies are for a maximum of 180 days, at which point you need to start a new policy. But you can apply from anywhere in the world, not just your home country. I once got caught out with a policy without this option and ended up traveling for three months without insurance.

The policy includes medical coverage up to US$100,000, but excludes pre-existing conditions and self-harm. It also includes trip cancellation, interruption, and delay, emergency evacuation and repatriation, baggage delays and loss, rental car damage, and more.

While World Nomads is comprehensive, it is quite a bit more expensive than Safety Wing. A person under 40 can expect a starting pay between US$100-150 per month for a multiple-country trip for 180 days.

Insured Nomads

Insured Nomads is a flexible provider that has a range of policies for different situations. It offers both individual policies and group health insurance policies for companies that employ remote workers around the world.

It has a number of different individual traveler policies. World Explorer is for extended trips, up to 364 days, starting from US$2.87 per day. World Explorer Multi is for people who make several trips throughout the year but return home regularly. World Explorer Hotspot is for people who know they will travel to conflict zones.

The World Explorer policy covers both medical and travel needs and stands out because it provides up to US$2 million in medical coverage. It also includes treatment for acute onset of an existing condition, but not general treatment of existing conditions. You are also covered in your home country for 15 days every three months. A person under 40 can expect to pay US$100-150 per month.

Find Your Policy

Just like looking for any kind of insurance, you will find the best policy by shopping around. When looking, you should have a list of your must-haves to hand so you don’t find yourself with a policy that doesn’t cover you for something essential. You should also have an idea of what you don’t need so that you don’t find yourself paying for bells and whistles that just don’t apply to your travel experience.

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10 Digital NOMAD INSURANCE Plans for Health & Travel in 2024

When you become a digital nomad or long-term traveler, you know that unexpected things can happen and you always need to be insured.

Considering the option of traveling without insurance is NO GO! Even a simple doctor’s visit or medical check-up in a foreign country as a tourist can be very expensive.

Without insurance, you can end up in a big debt if something serious happens to you. Also, having your gear stolen may be an annoying problem for your wallet and also your business or remote job if you “ travel and work from anywhere “.

Nomad Insurance Plans 2023

• SafetyWing – Insurance for Digital Nomads – MONTHLY PLAN
• PassportCard Nomads Insurance
• Insured Nomads – Nomad Insurance
• Heymondo – Travel Insurance
• CoverAmerica-Gold – Best for U.S. Travel
• Travelex Insurance Services – For all type of trips
• Integra Global – Nomad Insurance
• Allianz Global Assistance
• AIG Travel Guard

Best Digital Nomad Insurance for Health & Travel:

1. safetywing – digital nomad insurance – monthly plan ($42).

SafetyWing is a remote working company that is rapidly gaining new clients. Their specialty is providing primary health insurance for nomads.

This is very helpful for long-term travelers who may no longer carry health insurance in their home country. Their company is a subsidiary of a powerful global insurance company, Tokio Marine.

• You don’t need permanent residency in any country to get the insurance.
• Those under 39 years old will find SafetyWing quite affordable.
• Besides the medical coverage, you will get non-medical evacuation coverage, interruption, and cancellation of trip coverage and baggage claims.
• You can pay monthly, rather than all upfront.
• When you visit your home country for up to 30 days, you are still covered, unless you are a U.S. citizen.
• You can choose private doctors and hospitals.
• 1 child per adult and 2 children under 10 per family can be also included free of charge. 
• Some activities that a regular nomad considers not very risky are not covered, such as climbing mountains at high elevations, scuba diving, and ice hockey.
• The coverage in total maxes out at $250,000.
• You have to be in possession of an international scooter license to be covered if you have a scooter or motorbike accident. These kinds of accidents are very common while traveling around Southeast Asia.

Some estimates on pricing: Some estimates on pricing: SafetyWing travel insurance for a 90-day trip for a 20-year-old to Finland comes up to only $129! Anyone up to age 39 will get that price. If you are 60 or older, the price jumps to $443.

Recent customer reviews of Safetywing on trustpilot.com

2. PassportCard Nomads – Nomad Insurance

PassportCard Nomads is a company that is always adapting and improving to meet the needs of the digital nomad community.

• Flexibility – It’s simple to cancel, change, or extend your plan’s duration.
• No out-of-pocket charges – Simply download the app, file a claim, and money will be loaded onto your card so you can immediately cover any expenses.
• One of the best apps in the market- You may use the app to find a doctor nearby, load money onto your card, update your information, and view your plan’s coverage advantages 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• 24/7 Emergency assistance 
• You can make a purchase after your trip has begun.
• Prices are relatively low: Plans start at $59 per month and include Covid-19 coverage.
• Great coverage for extreme sports
• Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
• There is no coverage for the United States.
• Only up to 45 years old

3. Insured Nomads

I nsured Nomads is a travel insurance company created by nomads who have lived on five continents and understand what a traveler need when on the road.

The company offers two options, Global Health and Travel insurance, we’ll focus on the first because it covers extended trips (365 days or more) and people who reside overseas as digital nomads.

• This policy offers travel alerts, country-specific datasheets, telemedicine consultations, airport lounge access, and more. 
• It also covers COVID-19.
• It is possible to add on its Adventure Sport option.
• Great coverage! The “Preferred” option covers up to USD 1,134,250.00 and the “Preferred Plus” up to USD 5,672,125.00
• Their “Travel Insurance” option is available for those on short-term trips (less than a year) or for multiple short trips within the 1-year coverage period.

The “Preferred Plus” costs $588.7658 a month, while the “Preferred” costs $407.97 also per month (for Americans living in Mexico – example.)

Health Coverage:

The coverage includes all these services in the countries selected in your 1-year renewable plan.

• Hospital Stay
• Surgery & Related Care
• Organ Transplant
• Physician consultations
• ER or Urgent Care
• Diagnostic tests
• Alternative & Complementary treatments
• Ambulance Transportation
• Vaccinations
• Preventative Screenings
• Prescription Drugs
• Vision Care

Both choices are pricier than several of their competitors. However, their coverage is far more comprehensive than most of them offer.

4. Heymondo Travel Insurance

Best for tourists going on single trips and who don’t want to sign a long-term commitment.

The majority of travel insurance providers offer coverage for 30 days to 6 months. When traveling on a single trip for business or pleasure and knowing your departure and return dates, Heymondo not only offers safety for extended stay plans but also for single trips.

• Ideal for – Single or multiple-trip travelers
• Heymondo provides medical aid ranging from USD $100.000 to USD $10.000.000. (conditions apply)
• Depending on your plan, the coverage limit is either USD $ 250,000 or USD $ 500,000.
• Purchase time: You can obtain it before or during your trip.
• You are not required to sign a long-term contract.

Other benefits:

Heymondo quote for a single trip

Both Heymondo Top and Heymondo Premium cover:

• Medical and dental emergencies overseas
• Medical transport and repatriation
• Baggage 
• Travel disruption
• It may be a little bit expensive. For a 2-week trip from the U.S. to Europe Heymondo Premium costs USD $102.85, Heymondo Top costs USD $80.48 and Heymondo medical costs USD $73.57
• Heymondo medical doesn’t cover baggage loss or travel disruption.

5. CoverAmerica-Gold  

Best for nomads, tourists, and remote workers visiting the U.S.

CoverAmerica-Gold travel insurance provides a cost-effective solution when visiting the U.S. amidst the current new travel uncertainties. Their plans have been customized for non-U.S. residents. 

Back in your home country, you are probably used to seeing visitors getting covered by your great public health care. Keep in mind that that option is not available in the U.S. 

Making sure that your health is protected is nothing but an integral part of your nomad trip. 

Below we decoded the advantages of CoverAmerica-Gold:

• CoverAmerica-Gold is part of the United Healthcare PPO network which offers a large-scale network of medical providers and medical facilities across the U.S. that can directly bill the insurance company. This means that you don’t have to be worried about not having cash with you.
• In addition to your travel insurance coverage, CoverAmerica-Gold offers medical emergency services
• Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions for those under 70
• You annual influenza shot is included 
• A quick visit to the urgent care is included with a small copay of only $15
• No cancellation or renewal fees
• COVID-19-related expenses are included if purchased for a minimum of 30 days. 
• It’s affordable. A 30 year old visiting the U.S. in Christmas 2021, will only need to pay $ 96,72 for a 30-day visit. 

• Loss of passport or travel documents 
• Foreign excursions and cruise coverage around North America 
• Emergency dental treatment & eye exam
• Missed connection benefit available during international travel to the U.S.
• Only non-U.S. residents can purchase it 
• Trips to other South and North American countries may be very limited

6. Travelex Insurance Services – For all types of trips

Travelex travel insurance offers digital nomads and remote workers protection for a variety of trips, including weekend getaways, long stays and luxury vacations.

The Basic plan provides you with all the essentials. Travel Select plan allows travelers to customize their needs. And Flight Insurance is designed for those whose needs are more related to flight-specific protection.

• Covers COVID-19: if you test positive for COVID-19 you may be eligible for trip cancelation, interruption, or emergency medical or medical evacuation.
• Trip Cancellation and Interruption: regardless of the covered reason why your trip is canceled or interrupted, you will receive a reimbursement of the money you have spent. These include injuries, flights cancelations and others. This benefit also applies for the basic plan. 
• Emergency medical and evacuation: If you suffer an accident when traveling, the company will provide you with emergency evacuation to a medical facility. In case you or your travel companion passes away, the policy will cover the cost of transporting remains home. 
• 24/7 Assistance: This is our favorite one! Who doesn’t love a travel concierge? Well, in case you are looking for hidden paradises, or get sick and do not know where to go or even have legal issues, Travelex travel assistance will assist you as a travel concierge. And it is included in all of the plans!
• 98% of claims are paid: Filing an insurance claim is relatively easy and seems to be faster than the industry average .
• The coverage for COVID-19 may be quite limited. 
• Basic services have an additional cost otherwise, they are not included.

Our 22-year-old remote worker will pay $ 324 for the basic plan. However, they should add extra money for basic services such as some medical expenses ($139), adventure sports ($10) and AD&D ($18) so the total plan actually starts at $491. 

7. Integra Global – Nomad Insurance

Integra Global offers international healthcare insurance for long-term digital nomads. They offer no traveler’s benefits, such as lost luggage claims or trip cancellation insurance. Instead, they offer comprehensive international medical insurance that is not limited to emergency care, the latter as is the case with most travel insurance.

They also cover routine health exams, dental and mental health services as well as chronic conditions. Travel insurance rarely covers these types of expenses.

• It might cover you if you test positive for COVID-19, but conditions apply.
• After the deductible is paid for the year, the coverage is 100 percent. You can choose a range of yearly deductibles. A good sweet spot is around $1,000, but you can make your deductible as high as $5,000 to save some serious money on the coverage .
• They work with any licensed hospital or doctor.
• There are also plans available, at an additional cost, that will provide you treatment for pre-existing conditions.
• They cover a much higher amount of medical expenses per year than travel insurance health care plans do.
• You will have to purchase separate travel insurance for everything other than medical needs.
• You must purchase a policy for a year or more.
• There is no direct billing, so you will need to front the money to the medical care provider and wait seven to 10 days for reimbursement.

For our 20-year-old globetrotter with no pre-existing conditions who do not opt for the dental plan, we have a quarterly premium of $884 with a reasonable $200 deductible. If you opt for the dental plan, the quarterly premium rises to $1,009. For an individual who is 60 years of age with no pre-existing conditions and the $1,000 deductible, we have a cost of $4,468 with the dental plan inclusive.

8. Allianz Global Assistance

Allianz Travel Insurance, a prominent player in the travel insurance industry, offers comprehensive coverage to travelers worldwide. As part of the larger Allianz Group, a global leader in insurance and financial services, Allianz Travel Insurance specializes in providing a range of travel insurance plans designed to meet the diverse needs of travelers.

• Allianz Travel Easy – Oversea Annual offers up to $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage, $5,000 in baggage loss or damage claims, $2,000 of travel delay coverage and pre-existing medical condition coverage availability.
• You can’t buy coverage for canceling your trip for any reason.
• Their packages are fixed in their offerings, but there are a wide variety of packages.
• Their plans are higher priced.
• Their customer service could be better.
• In order to have the coverage, you have to buy it before you leave on your trip.
• Does not cover medical emergencies related to COVID-19.

Some estimates on pricing: Allianz Travel Easy Plan for the 18-70-year-old costs $1,090 for 180 days of travel. The price is dependent upon the cost of your trip.  

9. IMG Global

IMG’s travel insurance packages have many of the features that others provide but at a very affordable price. They have a number of packages. For nomads who simply want medical insurance coverage and don’t feel the need for the rest, the best package is called “Global Medical Insurance.” The “iTravelInsured Travel Insurance” caters to digital nomads who are in far-flung regions of the world and are active and adventurous.

• The cost to renew your policy is much cheaper than with the other insurers.
• If you want the coverage to ski, bungee jump, ride in helicopters and go scuba diving, this is your company. If you get lost, they will provide $10,000 for a search and rescue team.
• You get $500,000 in emergency medical coverage (!) and $1 million in medical evacuation coverage.
• Cancel for any reason or interruption for any reason coverage is included without an extra fee.
• Their customer service is stellar.
• They have a wait time before you can claim lost baggage or trip cancellation. It’s excessive and leaves customers out in the lurch a bit.
• The health coverage package is not primary coverage, so you need to have coverage in your home country as well in order to qualify.
• U.S. citizens are not allowed to return home while the policy is in force. Nationals of other countries are only allowed 14 days, otherwise, they cancel your policy.
• They do not directly bill medical providers, so you will have to foot the fee and wait for reimbursement.
• The coverage is based on the amount you plan to spend on your trip. 

Some estimates on pricing: For a $4.000-budget trip the coverage for the Travel LX policy costs the 20-year-old $239.44 for the 90 days. For our 60-year-old, they can expect to pay a premium of $3,396.91 for a trip the same length, so there is a bit more of a price differential here by age.

As you can see, there is a lot of variety in the offerings of travel insurance coverage for digital nomads. You have to consider your length of stay if you have and will maintain insurance in your home country, your age, pre-existing medical conditions and the types of activities you will engage in on your trip. Some may opt for international medical insurance only, if they may be considering not returning home.

10. AIG Travel Guard

AIG Travel Guard is a global insurance company. It supports customers from all walks of life, including digital nomads and remote workers.

AIG Travel Guard Pros

• Travel Guard provides a variety of insurance policy plans to suit various lifestyles.
• It has a comprehensive website that is simple to use.
• Subscribing to a policy is a simple and straightforward process.
• Travel Guard updated its strategies to cover COVID-19 cases.

AIG Travel Guard Cons

• Although it claims to be a worldwide insurance organization, most of its plans are not available around the globe .

Other insurance alternatives:

• World Nomads
• Visitors Coverage

We hope you’ve found some useful information about digital nomad travel insurance plans. If you have some additional information, feedback or any other suggestions. Feel free to leave a comment in the section below. Thank you 🙂

Disclaimer: Affiliate links are links that allow website owners to earn a commission on any sales generated by a click from their website. It’s important to note that some of the links on this website may be affiliate links, which means that if you click on the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission.

Thanks so much for this review! I’ve been pulling my hair out for days trying to find an insurance company who will offer annual coverage for those of us who are “homeless” and don’t have health insurance already. Phew!

Safety Wing website now says it is not primary coverage in the FAQ.

Thanks for updating us.

Comments are closed.

The Ultimate Guide to Primary Health Insurance for Digital Nomads

Updated: Jun 6, 2024 • by Sam Crawford

Just imagine for a second that you are in the middle of a long-term trip abroad. You are not just on holiday; you are a digital nomad with your travel itinerary booked up for months— but you suddenly get seriously ill.

Are you fully prepared for this type of thing to happen? For a lot of people, the answer is no.

The truth is, perpetual travelers, digital nomads, and serial expats don’t really fit the mold when it comes to most traditional forms of insurance and primary health insurance plans.

If you are using a domestic health program or insurance tied to one specific country, you will usually be required to live the majority of your time there as a tax resident in order to qualify for coverage. You can’t just hop back “home” after being absent for years of not paying taxes and expect free or affordable health care by flashing your passport.

Table of Contents ↺ Why you can’t rely on just travel insurance What global primary health insurance gives you instead What to look for when shopping for digital nomad health insurance Jurisdiction coverage Home country coverage Treatment coverage Reputation of insurer Pre-existing and chronic conditions Coverage for Life Travel benefits Cost Insurance Provider Showdown Global Providers SafetyWing Nomad Health Integra Global IMG Allianz AXA Global Healthcare William Russell MSH International For US Citizens & Residents GeoBlue Xplorer Cigna Global Closing Thoughts

The world is not yet built with the lifestyles of digital nomads and global citizens in mind, unfortunately. This seeming complexity results in many nomads taking their chances and relying on a cheap travel insurance option at most, even though it really doesn’t cover the needs of a long-term traveler.

On the other end of the spectrum, there are those that are over prepared—throwing away money on ensuring every little thing, with the costs outperforming the benefits. While a better problem to have than too little insurance, forking out hundreds every year to ensure that you are covered if your suitcase goes missing is probably not worth it.

For many digital nomads and serial expats, what you most likely need is a primary global health insurance policy . Ideally, one that’s tailored to your lifestyle. That’s what I’ll cover in this article.

The only exception is if you still have valid primary health coverage in your home country, in which case a comprehensive travel health insurance policy is probably what you need.

If you’re unsure what type of health insurance you need, take our 30-second interactive insurance quiz (no personal details required):

Why you can’t rely on just travel insurance

Having primary health insurance is not an unnecessary expense. If you lived permanently in your home country, it would most likely be scandalous if you didn’t have access to adequate health care. So why should it be any different if you are a digital nomad?

It’s important to remember that as a nomad, you are not just on vacation but you chose to live a permanent or semi-permanent life of travel. This means that you are not just prone to the health risks of adventure and travel, but you also need to check up on your regular health needs that come with daily life.

Travel insurance has its place. It’s a great (and crucial) option if you are on short trips, but it just doesn’t cut it as a long-term health care option for perpetual travelers. Many basic travel insurances don’t contain health coverage at all; the more comprehensive ones usually just cover emergency treatment and emergency evacuation if needed.

Just imagine that you break your leg while climbing Kilimanjaro and need emergency care—travel insurance will save you, but if you are diagnosed with a chronic condition that requires regular check-ups—basically, it’s game over for both your wallet and possibly even your future travel ambitions.

Additionally, even with only emergency health care, it often means that they will send you back to your home country as soon as it is cheaper or more convenient for them to do so, or if it’s the only way they can give you sufficient care.

As you can imagine, it’s less than ideal if you are forced into making an unplanned visit to your country of residence. Even worse, if you don’t have coverage there either, which, if you live full-time abroad, is most likely going to be the case.

Sadly, despite this huge gap in coverage, relying on travel insurance abroad is a risk that many digital nomads and other expats are willing to take, but it comes at a possibly catastrophic cost should you get some serious illness whilst having no primary health insurance at all.

What global primary health insurance gives you instead

Luckily, nowadays, there are many plans out there tailored especially for digital nomads and other citizens of the world.

Thanks to many who choose this lifestyle, international health insurance has become more affordable than ever. You can now easily get location-flexible health care whenever and wherever you need it.

You will see a lot of terms floating around, such as nomad health insurance, expat health insurance, private global health insurance, and overseas primary health insurance—they all essentially meant the same thing as global primary health insurance.

Global primary health insurance can typically cover the following things which travel health insurance doesn’t:

• Long stay trips (many travel health insurance companies won’t cover you for more than three or six months without paying a lot more money)
• Everyday preventative care
• Care related to pre-existing medical conditions
• Long-term care of chronic conditions, cancer treatments
• Routine examinations and treatment
• Access to birth control or prenatal care
• Dental care

In addition to this, you can get all the emergency care you need without the fear of being sent back to your country of residence at the decision of your provider.

Note that while they can cover all of your health needs, they generally do not cover travel-related incidents like missing baggage and delayed flights. Also, some things are an additional add-on, such as extreme sports coverage, dental, and maternity care. The good thing is that it can be tailored personally to your own needs.

What to look for when shopping for digital nomad health insurance

For those who are new to shopping for health insurance, you will quickly realize that it isn’t as simple as looking at the price tag. There are all sorts of things to weigh and consider when comparing one plan to another. Before taking a look at some of the top providers, let’s go over some of the key indicators to be looking at when shopping for an insurance plan that works for you.

Jurisdiction coverage

Seems obvious, but it’s important to know what countries you will be covered in (either as a resident or while traveling). Most companies cover practically every country except a handful of ones where health care is more expensive, such as the US, Canada, Hong Kong, and Singapore. To include these, you can expect an additional cost or another plan entirely.

In addition, some plans may make you specify which countries or regions you are going to be in before you sign up. That means if you have any last-minute changes, you might end up having to try and change your jurisdiction so you can get treatment in another country (presuming that is even possible according to the plan’s terms). Many also ask you to list a primary country which is typically where you’ll officially be a resident. In case you won’t be based anywhere in particular for long enough to become a resident, you can usually list the first country you go to or the one you plan on staying in the longest.

Home country coverage

If you think you are going to need it, you might want to check the terms of home country coverage. While many plans will list this as ‘home country coverage’, this typically refers to the country where you’re a national, not your country of expatriation/residency. Many plans will cover your home country, typically for up to 3 months or 6 months per year.

Some allow you to opt-in for home country coverage when you start your plan, and some won’t cover it at all if you are from certain countries (such as the US, a consistent outlier when it comes to health insurance 🙂 ). It’s also worth checking that you will get the same treatment coverage in your home country; some might only cover emergency care.

Treatment coverage

As you can probably imagine, when it comes to health care, there are loads of potential things you might need treatment for. Most insurance policies will have a huge list of treatments that are both covered and not covered. Several different plans cover different things at different coinsurance amounts (more on that later), and there are also bonus things you can add on if you think you will need them, etc.

The must-haves are emergency health coverage, as well as outpatient care (all the main types of care that don’t require overnight stays, such as x-rays, MRIs, routine consultations, etc.), and inpatient care (overnight hospital stays, e.g. following complex surgeries), and prescription coverage. There are many things that either aren’t covered or can be added such as dental, vision, maternity, physical therapy, and mental health services. As health is so unique to us all, it’s best just to find their list and compare to see which things are most important to your health.

Reputation of insurer

There is no point paying up each month if the insurance company isn’t there for you when you need them. Reputation and reviews are all subjective and sometimes hard to evaluate, but you will need to have an idea of who is reputable. Things to look for include how fast they pay their claims and if a lot of people have had experiences where they are looking for excuses to avoid paying the costs. That being said, don’t expect an insurance provider to pay for things not covered in the policy wording! Many reviewers seem to expect this. The most important advice here is: Read the damn insurance policy yourself!

Pre-existing and chronic conditions

It gets tricky with these because while most will say they cover pre-existing conditions, there is a lot of fine print. When you declare a pre-existing condition, it is typically subject to medical underwriting. There is also the option to get coverage for everything except your pre-existing conditions, but if you would like it to be covered, the price can vary a lot depending on the risks involved, and as you can imagine, going to each provider for medical underwriting and then evaluating later is quite a time-consuming thing to do. Also, some of the US health insurances, in particular, will want to see if you have had coverage for this before in order to include it. It’s also possible that it won’t be covered from the start, and only when you renew for year two.

Coverage for life

Most plans will list some kind of maximum entry age. This means that you have to be under a certain age to start the insurance agreement, not that you will lose the insurance after you hit a certain age. With most plans, however, your premium will go up when you hit a certain age bracket. If you are reaching retirement age, it’s good to check first of all that the pricing is appropriate for your age, but also that you will be able to stick with them long-term without it getting severely overpriced.

Travel benefits

More of a ‘nice to have’ rather than a necessity. Typically, international primary health insurance does not include the usual travel insurance benefits like lost luggage and missed flights. That said, there are some that will add it on for extra. You may want to consider how much it would cost if you added separate travel insurance on top of the primary health insurance and do some calculations. Maybe a very basic travel insurance plan could go in tandem, or maybe just go for one with a premium option for added care. In many cases, you may be better off getting a dedicated travel insurance for longer trips abroad or stick with what’s included with your credit or debit card.

One of the most important things to consider, but also one the most complex to determine, is the price you will be paying and if it is all going to pay off. It can kind of feel like a balancing act when deciding if each add-on will be worth it, but if you understand insurance lingo, then you should be fine when evaluating the plans.

Insurance Lingo Glossary Premium —This is the monthly fee you will pay to keep your insurance plan. Deductible —The amount you must pay initially for health care before the insurance starts to pay for anything. Since it is agreed based on a shared risk between you and the provider, you can typically select a different deductible amount either higher or lower. If it is higher, the premium is going to be lower, and vice versa. Deductibles can be paid per incident or per year, with the latter being the preferable option as a customer. Copay and Coinsurance —This is the cost you pay for services where the deductible doesn’t apply. In the US, usually, the copay is the cost before you have paid the deductible and coinsurance is the cost after the deductible. You may find both of these terms used interchangeably internationally, as they are mostly the same thing. Whether you would like these to be lower or higher depends on your financial situation, as it affects whether your premiums are lower or higher. Out-of-pocket maximum —If listed, you should take a close look at this one. It usually sums up the .absolute max you will pay annually out of pocket. They generally do not include the premium in this figure, just the copay, coinsurance, and deductible amounts.

As you can see, health insurance costs are very individual. It’s impossible just to pull up a number without knowing who the customer is. To make a relative price comparison, we decided to come up with four typical ‘personas’, submitted quotes to all of our recommended international primary health insurance providers, and have listed the pricing we received in the table below.

To give you an idea of our four price profiles, here is what information we used in the quotes for each of our personas:

Cheapo —a 30 year old guy who spends most of his time in low cost of living countries. In this example, we used Thailand as the country of residence/expatriation. He is looking for insurance that is the lowest possible plan, with worldwide coverage minus any additional add-ons (such as the US), he only wants inpatient and emergency care (no outpatient), with a benefit limit of $100,000, and a deductible up to $5,000

Typical Nomad —Another 30 year old guy, but this one lives in a more typical cost of living country, we used Portugal for this one. Like the Cheapo, he wants worldwide coverage minus the US or other extra-cost jurisdictions, same deductible and benefit limit, but the addition of outpatient care.

Early retiree —Basically the same as Typical Nomad, but this guy is 60 years old. If you are one of our older readers, you will definitely find this valuable to know as age can significantly jack up the price in some cases (but not all!) We’ve also added an “age multiplier” column in the table which shows the difference in price between someone aged 60 rather than 30 for the same benefits.

Specced out —Finally with this example, someone who wants to go all out. We used a 30-year-old female in this example, looking for all add-ons such as maternity, dentistry, vision, anything that is offered. The plan should be worldwide with no exclusions, no deductible and an unlimited benefit limit. We also chose a country of expatriation that is known to have expensive healthcare costs, Hong Kong.

For all of the personas, we chose Canada as the country of nationality, with the exception of GeoBlue Xplorer, which is only available for US citizens and permanent residents.

Insurance Provider Showdown

Now you know what to look for, here’s a showdown of all the main international primary health insurance providers you should consider. We’ve decided to split it into two sections: one focusing on global options, which are available for residents and citizens of most countries, including the US, and another section exclusively for US residents and citizens.

The main reason for this distinction is that certain countries have higher costs of health care. The US is a notorious example of this, so much that it is often excluded from coverage (or included for a higher price).

Since there are many great options that are only available to US citizens and residents, we thought it was worth exploring if you are American. That’s not to say that some of the Global providers might also be more suitable instead.

Global Providers

Safetywing nomad health.

SafetyWing is a global company built by nomads for nomads, making it probably the most popular provider out there for digital nomads. What’s truly great about them is their level of flexibility for those who are non-stop traveling, not just more traditional expats.

They offer a product called Nomad Insurance which is travel insurance with some emergency health coverage. We’ve covered this in our travel insurance article , so check that out if that’s what you think you need. On top of that, however, they also offer a product called Nomad Health , which provides global health insurance for remote workers and nomads.

Safety Wing’s Nomad Health plan not only gives you access to treatment in over 175 countries, but it also gives you coverage in your home country as well (although it must be incidental, i.e. you cannot just return home for the purpose of receiving treatment). For every 90 days, you will be covered up to 30 days in your home country (or 15 days if your home country is the US).

They will also cover most preexisting conditions, although they must be approved and may bring up the price depending on what it is. The basic Standard plan covers outpatient care visits with a 10% copay, and everything most people will need besides dental and vision. For these things you can subscribe to their Premium plans.

The monthly Standard plan start at $133 per month for someone who is aged 18-39 (annual plan), however, pre-existing conditions, add-ons, and other age groups can significantly add to the price. You are covered in any country in the world with the exception of sanctioned countries. These are currently Belarus, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, and Ukraine.

One nice thing is that there is no deductible for any of the plans. There is only 10% co-insurance for outpatient services in the Standard plan (none for the Premium plans). Maternity is covered in all three plans with a 20% copay, but various levels of coverage.

For the full details, see Safety Wing’s comprehensive policy document for the Standard Plan , Premium Plan , and Premium Plus Plan .

Costs for each persona

One final great thing about Safety Wing is that they also have a full-company plan option called Remote Health . So, if you have a remote company, you are able to provide access to worldwide health care for all your employees. One major benefit over Nomad Health is that when your company has more than 10 included employees, all pre-existing conditions are covered without any prior approval. This makes it great for employees who wouldn’t otherwise be able to get affordable private health insurance, and is a valuable strategy for companies to retain talent.

Safety Wing at a glance

Things to note, integra global.

Part of the International Health Care (HCI) Group, Integra Global is a UK-based international health insurance provider, claiming to be an “uncommon company for uncommon people”. Their insurance is aimed at virtually any type of expat—even people who work as part of a boat crew have specific coverage options.

The plans can range from their most basic ‘InCare’ plan which covers everything except outpatient care, wellness visits, vision, and dental care. This one doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions either. The best choice for most is probably their middle plan called ‘yourLife’, which will cover essentially everything except dental and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. These however can be added on for an additional cost.

They also have a premium plan ‘PremierLife’, it has a higher lifetime benefit, but apart from offering you a private room in a hospital instead of a semi-private room, it really doesn’t add much extra value to the ‘yourLife’ plan other than some extra medical concierge services (advanced health checks). The only thing all plans don’t cover is maternity, services related to special needs, and treatment in the case of an accident as a result of doing extreme sports.

They also offer a family plan version of InCare, yourLife, and PremierLife, meaning a discount if you sign up the whole family.

While not specifically mentioning the countries they cover, they do say they offer global coverage, except in the US and Canada, which will cost extra due to their higher healthcare costs. You will also need to list a primary country when you sign up, which is your country of residence where you spend at least 9 months out of the year.

The coverage is wide, and deductible options range from $0 to $5,000 on all plans. For most coverage, there is no copay either.

Their insurance can be customized to cover the needs of a lot of travelers, with plans for individuals, families, other groups, and employers. They also offer very industry-specific options for the energy sector and maritime crews. Those who sign up for their plans also get access to digital health tools and a confidential support hotline for mental health, called the Life Aware Program.

Integra Global at a glance

IMG is another well-established international health insurance provider that covers nomads globally. They offer both short-term and long-term options from simple travel insurance to full health coverage for expats and multinational workers. Coverage is open for people of all nationalities under the age of 75. For US citizens and permanent residents, you must be already residing abroad when the plan starts and when it is renewed and must stay abroad for at least 6 months out of the year.

You can use IMG in over 190 different countries, but the US, Canada, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Macau, Singapore, and Taiwan are not automatically included, although they can be for an extra cost. Home country coverage is also included in this one, however, when you sign up you must list one country as your primary country. So, if you are traveling to many places, you can just pick the one you will spend the most time in, or the first country you will stay in.

They have various insurance products, such as their Patriot plans aimed at US customers looking for short-term travel health insurance, but the one we will focus here is their Global Medical Insurance which is more geared towards expats and nomads. It is split into Bronze , Silver , Gold , and Platinum coverage.

Their pricing can be quite a puzzle to be honest as there are so many different factors. The main differences are the lifetime maximum limit getting higher from bronze to platinum (the amount the insurance company is willing to pay out for your non-essential treatment in your lifetime), also the deductibles grow more flexible with Platinum ($100-$25,000) compared to Bronze ($250-$10,000).

While the bronze and silver packages cover most of the basic health needs, Gold and Platinum cover more things like dental, maternity, preventative child care, vision, mental health, travel insurance, etc. It would be better to observe the chart in their detailed brochure to discover the terms for each treatment—they vary greatly depending on the service and package. For example, sometimes they will set a maximum cost per visit or other limits, so it’s worth checking this yourself.

If you have Gold or Platinum, you are likely covering every possible health service you will need and more, but it’s subject to a lot of conditions and exemptions. It’s also worth noting that they usually cover 100% of treatment costs, but in the US, if the hospital is not in IMG’s network, it is only 80%. This doesn’t apply worldwide, just the US, however, their network is very extensive anyway.

IMG at a glance

Germany-based international insurance provider Allianz could be another option for you. From what I’ve seen, they seem very modern and straightforward. When you sign up with them, you can manage and view all your coverage information from their easy digital portal. In addition to all their insurance plans, you will get access to other bonuses such as digital health apps for your wellbeing, an expat assistant program, a travel security benefit that offers an emergency travel hotline, as well as the occasional special deals. As an example of their deals, they currently offer 200 euros back towards wellness benefits, which you can use towards things such as yoga classes, gym equipment, and massages.

They have several plan levels with opt-in features that cover students, individuals, businesses, families, and people planning to have a family in the future. Their cheapest plan is Care, which offers most of the basic needs such as inpatient care and medical evacuation. Emergency outpatient treatment is included in this plan however with a limit of $338. If you upgrade to Care Plus or Care Pro the limit is set higher at $1,015, plus emergency dental treatment is also available for different limit levels depending on the upgrade. There are several optional things that can be added on for maternity, dental, repatriation, and a full out-patient plan.

Pre-existing conditions again are subject to full medical underwriting and can affect the price, or possibly lead to exclusions depending on the situation. The plan is open to any nationality, although the prices and conditions will depend on where you are a resident. Any changes to your residency status must be shared with Allianz so that you can continue to get coverage. You can be covered in your home country as well if it is under your area of cover. Where you are covered depends on your residency, and where you choose to live. You decide this when you first create your plan.

Deductibles range from none to 10,000 euros, their brochure has more detailed pricing and terms, as well as showing you what is covered and not covered in each individual plan.

Allianz at a glance

Axa global healthcare.

AXA has plans for both short-term and long-term travel health insurance coverage. It’s aimed at anyone living in another or multiple other countries year-round. They have five different plans , which is quite a lot of flexibility. Their ‘comprehensive’ and ‘prestige’ give you added coverage with prescriptions and treatment for chronic conditions. The lower packages only really cover emergencies.

I’d personally recommend the ‘comprehensive’ package from looking at the comparisons, as it seems to be the best balance between necessary and not always necessary. Prestige and Prestige Plus just give you added travel insurance, and higher annual limits. There are optional upgrades for dental and outpatient treatment as well. They also give you the choice to include or exclude the US, however with all plans except foundation, you will be covered for emergency treatment there regardless.

They are another one who kind of likes to keep their deductibles and premiums a secret — you need to get a quote from them to see anything like this. They do however mention that you can choose how you pay your premiums, paying either monthly, quarterly, or annually. If you pay annually, you will save 5% on the annual cost.

AXA at a glance

William russell.

William Russell specializes in several different types of expat insurance, offering international health insurance, in addition to life insurance, income protection, and employee plans. Their international health insurance plans not only cover traditional expats but also work as a great option for those who move more frequently from one place to another.

You can choose between their Bronze, Silver Lite, Silver and Gold plans. The Bronze plan is a budget-friendly option that offers full cover for hospital treatment, cancer treatment, and medical evacuation, with outpatient treatment limited to post-hospital treatment for up to 90 days. Silver and Silver Lite offer the same but with full outpatient treatment, the main difference being whether you get a private or shared hospital room. The gold plan includes extras like mental health and maternity care, with a higher annual limit.

What’s good about these plans is that they are fully personalizable depending on your needs, for example, if you want additional coverage in the US. One thing to note is that coverage is split into five zones, where Zone 1 is worldwide with limited cover in the US. You will have to specify the country you are primarily residing in when signing up with them, however, you are free to travel about and receive coverage anywhere as long as it is in your area of cover.

William Russell at a glance

Msh international.

MSH International First Expat is one we have chosen to include on this list due to its mostly positive reviews. It seems that making a claim with them is pretty straightforward, thus making them a reliable option for international health care.

This one may be more suitable for slow travelers rather than those who hop around quite frequently, as you have the opportunity to select certain countries for full coverage, while getting emergency coverage for everywhere else up to 2 months at a time. The benefit to this is that if you are staying in countries with lower cost health care, then your insurance costs will also reflect that, compared to programs that cover you everywhere the same but the cost is also the same. They have a zone system where Zone 5 covers the countries with the most expensive health care (such as the US), and Zone 1 which covers the lowest cost health care.

Starting at 25 euros per month, their ‘First Expat’ plan is suitable for those who need coverage for more than a year. Like most plans, it covers hospitalization and routine care, but what’s special about it is you also get third-party liability coverage, which is nice to have. They also have good add-ons such as dental, vision, maternity and repatriation assistance.

Within this plan, they have four tiers of coverage (Quartz, Pearl, Sapphire, and Diamond). The main difference is not the treatment you have access to, but rather the maximum coverage amounts. From Quartz which covers you up to 400,000 euros, and Diamond, covering you up to 2,400,000 euros.

Finally, while their list of covered services is quite extensive, many of them come with a waiting period. For example, prescription drugs and psychiatric treatment comes with a 12 month waiting period before you can make a claim. There are also waiting periods for the maternity, dental and vision add-ons.

MSH International at a glance

For us citizens & residents, geoblue xplorer.

GeoBlue is part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield network, one of the most popular domestic primary care options in the US. They have several different plans from “Voyager” (single trips) and “Trekker” (multiple trips) to “Xplorer” (long term for expatriates). The first two are health travel insurance plans and act as sort of an add-on coverage for those who already have Blue Cross Blue Shield for their primary care (although you can add it to other primary care plans as well). The Xplorer plan, however, is a fully-fledged primary health insurance option for location independents covering over 180 countries. It’s probably one of the most pricy options on this list, but it does have great coverage as a result.

For this plan, you must be a US citizen or foreign national with permanent residency to be eligible. Having said that, if you are a US permanent resident (not a citizen), it’s really only suitable if you are working for a US company from abroad, due to the immigration laws on permanent residency.

What’s important to note about this, is how it would be covered if you were to receive treatment when going back to the US. GeoBlue currently has two options for the Xplorer plan—one with comprehensive added US coverage, and one with basic or no US coverage. This means you can have no coverage, or you can do an optional upgrade for medical emergency coverage while in the US. Think of it as home travel insurance for Americans visiting home. Otherwise, you can just have both and it will be more expensive. It of course depends on how likely you are to go back to the US, and how long you plan on staying, but it’s great that GeoBlue is able to offer this kind of flexibility.

Deductibles vary depending on plan but can range anywhere from $500 to $10,000. It also depends on whether you are in the US network, in the US but outside of their network, or outside the US. Overall they are still quite flexible, and you can find their comprehensive list with all the deductible options, types of coverage, where deductibles are waived, and percentages the insurer pays in this chart . Overall, it will pay 100% for most professional services, preventative care, and hospitalizations after the deductible is met, and slightly less for rehabilitation or therapy.

GeoBlue Xplorer at a glance

Cigna global.

Cigna is a popular international health insurance provider from the US, however, it is available for most nationalities and for coverage in a wide range of countries around the globe. It is also one of the most well-known international health insurance providers out there. Having said that, US customers seem to be the main focus here, and they are linked to a large network of US hospitals and doctors, which is why I thought to include it in this section. While it isn’t uniquely tailored to nomads like some of the other programs, it is definitely still a viable option.

It will cover you in emergencies, overnight hospital stays, as well as dental emergencies during an accident. It also covers limited outpatient care, but extra can also be added on if desired. The main drawback is that they tend to exclude a lot of pre-existing conditions, so if that’s you, probably it is wise to take advantage of one of the other options.

It generally has good reviews, as well as being one of the cheaper options, with the lowest plans starting around the $100 per month mark. As for plans, you have the possibility of both including and excluding the US (affecting the price no doubt). It is up to you if you think you will need it and the price you are willing to pay. They offer family and employer plans as well.

Separate from Cigna Global, they also have Cigna Close Care, which instead focuses on expats rather than perpetual travelers. It’s a good option for those who only want to pay for coverage where they will need it most, plus coverage while home as well.

Cigna Global at a glance

Closing thoughts.

As you can probably tell, purchasing international primary health insurance is a huge puzzle with many different pieces to fit together. Each provider tends to have a completely different approach to their plans, pricing models, coverage, and business model overall. With so many variables involved, it can make things a little bit of a headache to compare at times (trust us, it took a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, as well as patience, to get this article as useful and accurate as possible for you 😅). However, such flexible options mean that there should be a suitable plan for just about anyone, no matter your budget, travel plans, age, or medical priorities.

We hope you are able to find the best health coverage possible thanks to these recommendations, and at the very least, we hope it highlights the importance of looking after yourself while enjoying a nomadic lifestyle. Nobody should have to sacrifice their health for a location-independent lifestyle, and likewise, nobody should have to end up penniless because they suddenly get ill.

That being said, since health is often a personal and subjective topic, everyone has their own mixed experiences with health insurance providers. So, we’d love to hear you share your personal experiences, as well as any other providers that you feel deserve an honorable mention.

Please share your experiences and questions in the comments below. You, as the reader, can also provide enormous value and contribute to helping people make informed decisions on their health.

Good luck and stay healthy!

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• Best Online Advisor for Low Fees 
• Best Online Advisor for Diversified Investing
• Best Online Advisor for 529 Plans
• Best Online Advisor for Financial Planning and Personal Development
• Best Online Advisor for Retirement Saving
• Why You Should Trust Us

Best Online Financial Advisors 2024: Find the Right Fit for Your Needs

Paid non-client promotion: Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate investing products to write unbiased product reviews.

What Are Online Financial Advisors?

A financial advisor is a catch-all term that includes financial planners and investment advisors. Most online advisors offer investment management — whether it's carried out by a human or a sophisticated computer algorithm — and financial planning services or tools.

Types of Online Advisors

The main types of online financial advisors are: 

• Robo-Advisors: Automated investment platforms (aka robo-advisors) use algorithms to generate a custom investment portfolio based on an individual's risk tolerance, goals, and time horizon. Robo-advisors typically offer low-cost ETFs as a cost-effective way to instantly diversify an investor's asset allocation and mitigate risk. 
• Human Advisors (Virtual): Financial advisors that offer personalized financial planning and investment advice online through virtual meetings, email, and other virtual communication channels. 
• Hybrid Models: Some online brokerages offer hybrid financial advice, combining automated investment advice and management through a robo-advisor and one-on-one consultation from a human advisor. 

Benefits of Using Online Financial Advisors

Online financial advisors allow you to ditch the in-person hassle and access expert financial guidance from your phone or home computer. Online financial advisors leverage investment technology and generally low-cost compared to traditional in-person consultants.  

Not only does it make investing more affordable for many individuals, but clients can more easily adjust and monitor their investments on their own time. Robo-advisor and hybrid online advisors typically offer online dashboards and tools for convenient managing and monitoring. 

Compare the Top Online Financial Advisors 2024

For this list, we didn't consider online advisors that match clients and advisors for comprehensive financial  planning services, such as Zoe Financial or Facet Wealth . Instead, we focused on tech-driven firms where you can access an automated and personalized portfolio and consult a professional for advice when needed.

Here are our top picks for the best online financial advisors as picked by Business Insider editors in 2024.

SoFi Automated: Best Online Advisor for Low Fees 

SoFi Automated Investing supports individual investment accounts, joint accounts, traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, and 401(k) rollovers.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No account minimum or management fees to invest
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Goal planning and automatic portfolio rebalancing
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Range of other account options across SoFi website
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. SoFi offers complimentary CFP access across all accounts
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No tax-loss harvesting
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No socially responsible portfolio options

SoFi Invest is one of the best investment apps and the best investment apps for beginners. It's a great platform for US investors who are looking for an intuitive online trading experience, an open active or automated investing account, and assets like cryptocurrencies.

• Promotion: None at this time.
• Consider it if: You're new to investing and want to leave the trading decisions to professionals.

SoFi Automated Investing offers individual and joint taxable brokerage accounts , traditional IRA, Roth IRA, and SEP IRA.

SoFi stands out for its lack of advisory fees, free one-on-one consultations with CFPs, portfolio diversity, and goal-planning features. SoFi builds a personalized investment portfolio based on your risk tolerance, goals, and time horizon. Additional SoFi membership perks include loan discounts and career counseling. 

What to look out for: SoFi doesn't have tax-loss harvesting features and limited portfolio diversity. 

SoFi Invest review

Betterment: Best Online Advisor for Diversified Investing

Betterment offers individual or joint accounts, IRAs, trust accounts, and cash reserve or checking accounts.

$0 to open, $10 to start investing ($100,000 for premium plan)

$4 per month (or 0.25%/year) for digital plan; 0.40%/ year for premium plan; 1%/year for crypto portfolios

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No minimum for standard investing account
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Goal-based planning, tax-loss harvesting, charitable giving, and socially responsible investing available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Access to certified financial planners
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Mobile app with external account syncing options
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. You'll have to pay to consult a human advisor, unless you have the premium plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. $4 monthly fee (or 0.25% annual fee)

Betterment is best for hands-off investors who want to take advantage of professionally built, personalized ETF and cryptocurrency portfolios. The platform offers CFP access, so it could suit those in search of additional guidance from human advisors.

• App store rating: 4.7 iOS/4.5 Android
• Consider it if: You want access to robo-advice with multiple service levels.

Betterment Investing offers individual and joint taxable brokerage, traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SEP IRA, inherited IRA, and trust.

What stands out:  Betterment is a robust trading platform offering premium plans with unlimited access to CFPs through phone or email. Investors can use the platform's goal-setting feature, ESG investing, automatic rebalancing, and easy-to-use financial dashboard. 

What to look out for:  Accounts with a $100,000 balance can upgrade to get advisor access, but the annual fee increases from 0.25% (an industry low) to 0.40%

Betterment review

Wealthfront: Best Online Advisor for 529 Plans

Fund your first taxable investment account with at least $500 in the first 30 days of account opening and earn a $50 bonus.

$1 ($500 for automated investing)

$0 for stock trades. 0.25% for automated investing (0.06% to 0.13% for fund fees)

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Low annual fee for investment accounts; crypto trust investments available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Tax-loss harvesting, portfolio lines of credit, 529 college savings plans available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cash account
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Mobile app and investing and retirement tools
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. You need at least $100,000 to utilize additional investment strategies
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No human advisor access

Wealthfront is one of the best robo-advisor options if you're in search of low-cost automated portfolio management, and one of the best socially responsible investing apps for features like tax-loss harvesting, US direct indexing, and crypto trusts.

• Consider it if: You're balancing several goals and want to streamline your finances.
• Promotion: Fund your first taxable investment account with at least $500 in the first 30 days of account opening and earn a $50 bonus.

Wealthfront Investing offers individual and joint taxable brokerage, traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SEP IRA, trust, and 529 savings plan .

Wealthfront is one of the best online financial advisors for college education savings and cryptocurrency trusts. You can borrow up to 30% of your investment balance at a low interest rate with a portfolio line of credit. Wealthfront also offers personalized recommendations with smart financial planning software. 

What to look out for:  On-staff financial advisors don't offer personalized advice

Wealthfront review

Ellevest: Best Online Advisor for Financial Planning and Personal Development

Ellevest offers two investing portfolios to fit your needs.

$1 - $240 (varies by portfolio)

$54 - $97 annually; $5 or $9/month

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Personalized, automated investment advice with a $0 minimum requirement
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Monthly plans include discounted access to certified financial planners
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Automated IRA accounts and 401(k)/403(b) rollovers available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Private wealth management for individuals, families, and institutions who have at least $1 million to invest
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No active trading opportunities available; money is mainly invested in stock ETFs and bond ETFs
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. You can only open individual investment accounts and retirement accounts; joint accounts or custodial accounts not available

Ellevest is one of the best robo-advisors for goal-focused investing. It could be a good fit if you want automated investing and retirement accounts.

• Consider it if: You're looking for a one-stop shop for financial planning.

Ellevest offers individual taxable brokerage, traditional IRA, Roth IRA, and SEP IRA (all held at Folio Investments).

Ellevest is a comprehensive financial advisor and trading platform built around women's unique needs and challenges. Investors get access to an extensive library of content and advisor-led workshops. Additionally, Ellevest offers a socially responsible investment portfolio and monthly progress reports. 

What to look out for:  Financial coaching costs extra (but members get 30%- 50% off). Access to retirement account management requires an upgrade.

Ellevest review

Ameriprise Financial Investments: Best Online Advisor for Retirement Saving

Ameriprise Financial Services has been operating for 130 years Ameriprise Financial Services is licensed in all 50 states but only has 10 physical locations throughout the US; it's currently headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Varies by account

$500 annual advisory fee, 2% AUM

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Access to personal finance research and investment tools
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Fiduciary financial advisor access
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Various account and investment options
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. High account minimums
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Difficult to navigate website
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Complex fee structure

Ameriprise Financial Services is a brokerage and financial advisory firm best for experienced, passive investors interested in using the site's financial planning services, wealth management tools, and fiduciary advisor access.

Ameriprise Financial Investments offers three managed account options that can be opened as an individual brokerage account, traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, Simple IRAs, SEP IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, 529 plans, and Coverdell education savings accounts (CESA). 

Ameriprise Financial Investments is one of the largest registered investment advisors in the US and is best for experienced investors looking for advanced charting and investing features. You'll get access to fiduciary financial advisors for consultations or account management. 

What to look out for: Ameriprise 's managed account fees are high, and it has a complex fee structure. 

Ameriprise Financial Services review

How Much Do Online Financial Advisors Cost?

Financial advisors providing financial advice often charge by the hour, typically between $100 to $300. Advisors creating a comprehensive financial plan tend to charge a flat rate between $1,000 and $3,000. 

If you hire an advisor to manage your investment portfolio, you'll be charged a percentage of your account balance, typically between 1% and 3% annually. In comparison, that's much higher than the fees that the best robo-advisors charge; you get the added benefit of building a relationship with a trusted source who can adjust your strategy as needed, provide personal recommendations, and answer questions when they arise.

How to Choose the Best Online Financial Advisors

The best online financial advisor for you depends on your goals, risk tolerance, investments, and time horizon. If you're a new investor interested in passive investing, an online robo-advisor is likely a good place to start. On the other hand, if you're looking for professional insight and a customized financial plan, you're better off with access to a human advisor through phone or video calls. 

You can also meet with an expert in person for financial guidance. So if you prefer to meet face-to-face, here are some tools to find some in your area:

• This is a database of all CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals who are authorized to use their CFP® marks by the CFP® Board and are accepting new clients.
• Using the advanced search function, you can choose from over 40 focus areas you're looking to get help with and include your current amount of investable assets.
• Click here to visit the CFP Board website .
• This database helps connect young professionals — those in generations X and Y (millennials) — with individual advisors.
• Every advisor holds the CFP® certification, is a fiduciary , does not require a minimum net worth to take on new clients, and does not earn commissions.
• Click here to visit XY Planning Network .
• This platform maintains a database of fee-only financial advisors, not specifically CFP® certificates, who commit to a fiduciary oath once a year. 
• You can filter by location to see a list of advisory firms in your area.
• Click here to visit the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors website .

Online financial advisors are generally trustworthy. The best advisors follow the fiduciary rule, meaning they operate in their clients' best interest and are fee-only. This means client fees are their only compensation, and they don't earn a commission when they invest in certain funds or buy financial products.

Not everyone needs a robo-advisor, but beginners or passive investors looking for a hands-off approach to stock trading may prefer how cost-effective and convenient robo-advisors are. Affordable financial advisors can be hard to come by, so robo-advisors are a great alternative for many people. However, a financial advisor may be better if you need specific advice on your finances or investment strategy or if you're too overwhelmed or confused by your money to plan for retirement or invest in the stock market. 

The cost of an online financial advisor varies from platform to platform and advisor to advisor. The cost largely depends on the services, licensing, account balance, and complexity. Robo-advisors typically charge lower fees than human advisors. 

Why You Should Trust Us: Our Methodology

We Reviewed the best online financial advisors using Business Insider's methodology for rating investment platforms . We compared a long list of Registered Investment advisors (RIAs), considering fees, investment selection, access, ethics, and customer service. The best online advisors have top marks in all five categories. Investment platforms are given a rating between 0 and 5.

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