Digital nomads have unique travel insurance needs, given their lifestyle of extended travel and remote work.
Unlike typical vacationers, digital nomads require insurance that accommodates longer stays, work equipment, adventure activities, and access to health coverage.
In this guide, we will explore the best travel insurance options for digital nomads, ensuring they have comprehensive protection while living and working abroad.
1. World Nomads
World Nomads is a highly regarded travel insurance provider catering to residents of many countries, offering the flexibility to extend coverage mid-trip. Key features include pandemic coverage, coverage for over 200 sports and adventure activities, and plans tailored to different traveler needs.
Included:
- Trip cancellation, interruption, and delay.
- Emergency healthcare, evacuation, repatriation, and 24-hour assistance.
- Accidental death and dismemberment.
- Nonmedical emergency transportation.
- Baggage delay and loss.
- Rental car damage (Explorer Plan only).
- Coverage for adventure sports and activities.
Notable Exclusions:
- Pre-existing conditions.
- War.
- Self-harm or accidents under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
World Nomads offers Standard and Explorer Plans, with the Explorer Plan providing higher coverage limits and extending to riskier activities.
2. SafetyWing
SafetyWing is a popular digital nomad travel health insurance option, offering COVID-19 coverage. It’s convenient for travelers who can purchase policies while abroad. Residents of most countries can access this coverage, with the default length being 28 days, renewable up to 364 days.
Included:
- Trip interruption and delay.
- Emergency medical and dental expenses.
- Emergency medical evacuation, repatriation, and accidental death.
- Lost checked luggage and visa/travel documents.
- Return of minor children and pets.
- Political evacuation and border entry protection.
Exclusions:
- Pre-existing conditions.
- Mental health disorders.
- Intentional acts or damages under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Policy costs vary based on age and the choice of U.S. coverage, making it flexible for a range of travelers.
3. Atlas Travel Insurance
Atlas Travel Insurance offers medical coverage, including COVID-19, and supplemental trip benefits. It offers two plans, Atlas International and Atlas International Premium, allowing you to choose the one that suits your needs and budget.
Included:
- Medical expenses and emergency dental.
- Emergency medical and political evacuation.
- Trip interruption and travel delay.
- Lost checked luggage and stolen visa/passport.
- Natural disaster and border entry protections.
- Return of minor children and pets.
- Repatriation of remains; accidental death and dismemberment.
Notable Exclusions:
- Many adventure sports.
- Pre-existing conditions.
- Mental health disorders.
- Various diseases, self-inflicted injuries, and drug/alcohol influence.
The Atlas International Premium offers higher coverage limits, with customizable maximum limits and deductibles.
4. Allianz Global Assistance
Allianz Global Assistance provides an annual or multi-trip travel insurance option, catering to travelers taking multiple trips per year. Notable coverage includes illness, missed departures, baggage issues, and trip protection.
Included:
- Covered illness.
- Missed or delayed departures.
- Baggage loss or delays.
- Protection against unforeseen events.
- Return of minor children and pets.
- Unforeseen pregnancy complications.
Exclusions:
- Losses from foreseeable events.
- War or civil unrest.
- Participating in extreme or high-risk sports.
- Flying an aircraft as a pilot or crew.
- Terrorism events.
- Epidemics.
Allianz offers Basic, Prime, and Executive plans with varying coverage, suitable for different types of travelers.
5. Insured Nomads
Insured Nomads provides comprehensive medical coverage, travel insurance, and trip cancellation options for digital nomads, remote workers, and expats. They offer four plans, each serving different functions and durations.
Included:
- Medical benefits with 24-hour emergency care.
- COVID-19 coverage.
- Acute onset of pre-existing conditions.
- Emergency dental treatment.
- Local ambulance transport.
- Natural disaster accommodations.
- Evacuation and repatriation.
- Lost luggage.
Notable Exclusions:
- War and terrorism.
- Pre-existing conditions.
- Public health emergencies in Level 4 countries.
- Illegal acts.
- Self-harm.
- Injuries under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Extreme sports (unless added).
The plans offer flexibility and can be tailored to your specific needs.
6. IMG Global
IMG Global offers Global Medical Insurance designed for expats and international citizens. It’s a medical-only plan with coverage worldwide, including for COVID-19. They offer multiple tiers with varying deductible levels and policy maximums.
Policy costs are influenced by factors such as deductible choice and policy duration. Additionally, they provide dental and vision riders.
7. Heymondo
Heymondo offers comprehensive travel insurance plans for both short-term and long-term travelers. Their Long Stay plan caters to digital nomads and can be renewed for trips longer than 90 days. You can also add riders for electronics and adventure sports.
Included:
- Emergency medical and dental coverage.
- Medical transport and repatriation.
- Baggage delay, theft, and loss.
- Travel delay or missed connections.
- Personal liability.
- Accidental death or disability.
Notable Exclusions:
- Pre-existing conditions.
- General medical check-ups.
- Trips aimed at receiving medical treatment.
- Costs related to burial, ceremony, and coffin in repatriation.
- Petty theft.
- Damage from strikes, earthquakes, or radioactivity.
- Motor vehicle accidents.
The policy offers 90-day global coverage with renewals and additional coverage options.
8. Travelex Insurance
Travelex Insurance provides long-term nomad insurance through its Travel Select plan. This comprehensive plan covers trips up to 364 days, offering 100% trip cancellation, trip interruption, and a variety of benefits.
The plan is customizable, allowing you to adjust the maximum limit and deductible. It’s an ideal option if you need coverage for pre-existing conditions.
9. AIG Travel Guard
AIG Travel Guard offers an annual plan for U.S. residents, best suited for travelers taking multiple trips within a year. The plan includes trip interruption, delay, baggage coverage, emergency medical expenses, and more.
It’s a cost-effective option for those taking shorter trips but might
not suit travelers planning to stay abroad for extended periods.
Recap and Considerations
When choosing travel insurance as a digital nomad, consider your travel style, whether you need adventure sports coverage, and your preferences for medical coverage.
Depending on your unique needs and circumstances, one of these travel insurance options will be the best fit for your lifestyle and give you the peace of mind to continue your nomadic journey.
Make sure to thoroughly compare the terms, limitations, and benefits of each insurance option before making a decision.
Your choice should align with your specific travel requirements and offer the necessary coverage for a worry-free digital nomad lifestyle.