How to Find the Best Digital Nomad Health Insurance
Imagine this: You are abroad, have a terrible accident, need to be flown by helicopter to the nearest hospital, and then have to undergo emergency surgery.
Afterward, you need to stay at the hospital for weeks, and in the end, you are faced with a hospital bill in the 5-figure USD range.
I have friends who experienced exactly that. Luckily, they had good international health insurance, got an emergency evacuation and the necessary treatment, were transported home safely, and did not have to pay anything.
And that’s exactly why you need medical coverage in the form of proper digital nomad health insurance.
This guide makes health insurance simple. I’ll help you find the right plan that works for you.
The Different Types of Health Insurance Plans
Picking the right health insurance plan takes a bit of work, but it’s so worth it for the peace of mind. Knowing you’re covered in an emergency? Priceless.
Depending on where you live, you’ve got a few options to choose from. Here’s an overview of the main ones:
Top Digital Nomad Health Insurance Providers
Here’s a quick overview—details follow below.
Safetywing
Pros:
- Insurance Designed for Digital Nomads:
SafetyWing offers insurance tailored for digital nomads, covering medical, travel, and even remote health services.
It’s built with the unique needs of a nomadic lifestyle in mind, making it easier to stay protected no matter where you are. - Global Coverage:
One handy feature of SafetyWing is its worldwide coverage. Whether you’re moving from one country to another or settling down for a bit, you’ll have the protection you need. - Affordable and Flexible:
Their plans are affordable and flexible, letting you start, pause, or stop coverage whenever you want. This flexibility is great if your travel plans are always changing. - Automatic Extension:
If you’re on the road constantly, SafetyWing extends your coverage automatically each month. No need for manual renewals, and you can opt out anytime if your plans change.
Simple and straightforward, just the way it should be.
Cons:
- Limited to Health and Travel Insurance:
SafetyWing focuses on health and travel coverage, which works well for many digital nomads.
But if you’re looking for more extensive options, like coverage of cancer treatment, for gear or liability insurance, you’ll need to look elsewhere (that’s why we decided against them). - Variable Coverage Limits:
Coverage limits can differ depending on the plan, so it’s important to read the details carefully.
This is especially crucial if you’re concerned about serious medical needs or emergencies that might require higher limits.
Genki
Pros:
- Global Coverage:
Genki provides health insurance tailored for digital nomads, covering medical needs in any country. You can get treatment from any licensed healthcare provider worldwide.
Backed by Allianz, Genki offers basic and premium plans, letting you choose the deductible that works best for you. - Simple Online Sign-Up:
The sign-up process is quick and easy, even if you’re already traveling.
You don’t need to be in a specific location to get covered, making it hassle-free for nomads on the go. - No Annual Limits:
Genki’s plans have no annual limits on necessary medical treatments, so you get comprehensive coverage without worrying about caps.
This gives peace of mind for those unexpected emergencies or bigger medical needs.
Cons:
- Treatment at Licensed Providers Only:
Genki’s coverage is limited to licensed healthcare providers.
While this ensures quality care, it might not be the most convenient option if you’re in remote or less developed areas where licensed facilities are harder to find.
World Nomads
Pros:
- Comprehensive Coverage:
World Nomads offers travel insurance that covers a lot, making it a solid choice for digital nomads.
It includes medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and even gear protection, so you’re prepared for a wide range of situations on the road. - Global Network:
With a large network of medical providers and support services worldwide, help is always nearby. No matter where you are, you can count on finding the assistance you need. - Flexible Plans:
World Nomads stands out for its flexible plans. You can extend or adjust your coverage as your travel plans change, which is perfect for the unpredictable lifestyle of a nomad.
Cons:
- Higher Cost for Comprehensive Coverage:
World Nomads offers robust coverage, but it comes with a price. If you’re on a tight budget, the higher cost might make it less appealing compared to simpler, more affordable plans. - Complexity of Plans:
The variety of options and coverage details can feel overwhelming. It might take some extra time to figure out which plan fits your needs best, especially if you’re new to travel insurance.
Hey Mondo
Pros:
- Tailored Insurance Plans:
Hey Mondo offers flexible plans—Top, Premium, and Medical—so you can pick what suits your needs and budget.
Coverage includes emergency medical and dental expenses, medical transportation, and repatriation, ensuring you’re covered for the big stuff. - Global Coverage Options:
You can customize your coverage based on your travel plans. Choose a single country, Europe, or worldwide coverage, with the option to include or exclude Canada and the USA.
It’s a practical choice for travelers with specific destinations in mind. - No Deductibles:
Hey Mondo keeps it simple—there are no deductibles. You’ll get full coverage without worrying about extra out-of-pocket costs for most cases. - Innovative Features:
They’ve added helpful tools to make life easier: a 24/7 medical chat, online assistance calls, and an exclusive app for quick claims and policy management.
It’s a modern, user-friendly approach to travel insurance.
Cons:
- Age Limit:
Hey Mondo’s coverage is available only for travelers up to 69 years old. This could be a dealbreaker for older travelers looking for insurance options. - No Home Country Coverage:
The plans don’t include coverage in your home country. For digital nomads or expats who need insurance that covers both abroad and at home, this might not be the best fit. - Waiting Period for Late Purchases:
If you buy the insurance while already traveling, coverage only kicks in 72 hours later. Plus, if you purchase it less than 14 days before your trip ends, it won’t cover extended stays due to COVID or last-minute changes to your return flight.
This is something to keep in mind if your plans tend to be spontaneous.
Insured Nomads
Pros:
- Comprehensive Coverage:
Insured Nomads provides travel insurance that covers the essentials and more, like emergency medical care, evacuation, trip interruption, and other travel hiccups.
They have plans for single trips, frequent travelers, and even coverage for high-risk destinations. - INC Membership Benefits:
Every policy comes with a 12-month INC membership, no matter the plan. This includes perks like mental health support, cybersecurity protection, and even access to airport lounges—a nice bonus for frequent travelers. - User-Friendly Process:
The sign-up process is simple and hassle-free.
With a clear website and easy application steps, Insured Nomads makes it straightforward to get covered, so you can focus on your travels instead of paperwork.
Cons:
- Cost:
Insured Nomads provides solid protection and valuable extras, but the plans can be pricier than what some travelers might want to spend. It’s worth weighing the benefits against your budget. - App Performance:
While the app is helpful, some users have noted that it can be a bit slow at times. This could be frustrating if you need quick access to services or important information. - Limited Coverage for Physical Therapy and Chiropractic Services:
Physical therapy and chiropractic care aren’t explicitly included in the coverage, which might be a downside for travelers who rely on these types of treatments.
IMG Global
Pros:
- Customizable Plans:
IMG’s Global Medical Insurance lets you build a plan that fits your specific needs.
Whether you’re a solo traveler or traveling with family, this flexibility helps adapt to the unique healthcare needs of digital nomads. - Worldwide Coverage:
With coverage across the globe, you can get treatment wherever you go. It’s perfect for nomads who are constantly on the move, providing peace of mind no matter where your travels take you. - Comprehensive Benefits:
The plan includes a wide range of medical services, from routine outpatient care to major procedures.
You can choose deductibles between $100 and $25,000 and set a coverage limit anywhere from $1,000,000 to $8,000,000, giving you plenty of options. - Lifetime Coverage Option:
If you enroll before turning 65 and keep your coverage active, you can enjoy lifetime medical coverage.
At age 75, the plan transitions to the Global Senior Plan® without needing additional medical underwriting—a great long-term perk.
Cons:
- Age Limitations:
Coverage with IMG ends at age 75, and new plans aren’t available for individuals over 75.
This could be a drawback for older digital nomads or expats seeking long-term insurance options. - Eligibility Restrictions:
U.S. citizens must plan to live outside the U.S. for at least six months in the next year to qualify.
For non-U.S. citizens living in the U.S., additional restrictions apply, which might limit eligibility for some digital nomads with unique residency situations.
HCI Group
Pros:
- Tailored Coverage:
HCI Group offers customizable plans, including NIMBL Health, which uses a modular approach.
This lets you pick and choose what you need, making it easy to create a plan that fits your lifestyle. - Global Healthcare Solutions:
Designed for expats, digital nomads, and even marine crew, HCI Group provides global healthcare options to suit a variety of lifestyles and professional needs.
Whether you’re on land or sea, they’ve got you covered. - Personal Service:
HCI Group takes a personal approach, with an expert team ready to help you find the best policy for your needs. No matter where you are, you’ll have access to private medical care and support whenever you need it.
Cons:
- Complexity of Choices:
NIMBL Health offers a modular system with over half a million possible combinations.
While this level of customization is great, it can feel overwhelming without proper guidance to navigate all the options. - Geographical Limitations:
HCI Group covers 98% of territories outside the USA, which is impressive. However, some less common destinations might have limited services or support.
It’s worth checking in advance if you’re heading to more remote or niche locations.
Cigna Global
Pros:
- Wide Coverage:
Cigna Global connects you to over 1.5 million healthcare professionals worldwide. Wherever you are, finding quality care is simple with their extensive network. - Flexible Plans:
Cigna offers plans for expats, families, and students, making it easy to find something that fits your lifestyle and needs.
Whether you’re traveling solo or with loved ones, they’ve got options for everyone. - 24/7 Support:
Their customer support is available around the clock and in multiple languages.
No matter your time zone, help is just a call or message away, which is a huge plus when you’re navigating healthcare abroad.
Cons:
- Complexity:
Cigna Global offers many options and coverage details, which can be overwhelming for some. Without proper research or guidance, picking the right plan might feel like a challenge. - Cost:
Comprehensive international health insurance plans, like those from Cigna, often come with a higher price tag. This is especially true if you choose top-tier coverage or add extra benefits. It’s worth budgeting carefully to see if the cost aligns with your needs.
Why Digital Nomads Need Specialized Health Insurance
If you’re a digital nomad, focus on the basics: emergency care, hospital stays, and covering medical costs wherever you go.
Regular travel insurance? It’s fine for a quick holiday, but not for long-term travelers or those with a nomad visa. That’s why digital nomad insurance is a game-changer.
It covers more—emergencies, dental, prescriptions—the stuff you actually need when life happens on the road.
Tips for Choosing the Right Digital Nomad Health Insurance
I recommend that you first familiarize yourself with your home country’s rules. Are you obliged to remain part of the health insurance system in your country?
If not, do you lose rights once you leave? Do you want to take that risk? For us Germans, there is an obligation to have health insurance.
After we became Digital Nomads, we decided to still pay for our insurance in Germany in order not to lose our rights (“Anwartschaft”).
Only when we finally deregistered from Germany did we ultimately give up our health insurance there.
So far, so good. The next step is to determine which insurance features are essential to you.
1. Understanding Your Health Needs
When picking health insurance, think about what you really need. Got a pre-existing condition? Look for a plan that covers it.
Feeling healthy and just want emergency coverage? A basic plan might do the job. Keep it simple and focus on what works best for you.
2. Considering Your Lifestyle
Your lifestyle plays a big role in choosing the right digital nomad health insurance. Love extreme sports? You’ll need a plan that covers those wild adventures.
Travel a lot? Go for one that works in multiple countries. Match your insurance to how you live—it’ll save you headaches later.
3. Mental Health: The Often Overlooked Aspect
Don’t forget about mental health. The nomadic life is exciting, but it has its challenges—time zones, new cultures, and the occasional loneliness can add up.
That’s why finding insurance that covers mental health services is so important. It’s not just about staying physically healthy; your mind deserves the same care, too.
4. Knowing Your Future Plans (roughly)
I know digital nomads love to keep things spontaneous, but when it comes to health insurance, a bit of planning goes a long way.
Thinking about starting a family someday? You’ll want a plan that covers maternity care. Take it from me—I didn’t read the fine print on my previous health insurance.
When we decided to have another baby, we realized maternity care wasn’t covered, and we had to pay for everything ourselves. That wasn’t fun.
👉 You might also find these articles interesting:
– The Most Important Vaccines for Thailand Travel
– Honest Luma Health Insurance Review
– Giving Birth in Thailand as a Foreigner
– How to keep up with a Healthy Lifestyle as a Digital Nomad
What Emergency Services Usually Include
Emergency services in health insurance usually cover urgent care visits, trips to the ER, and ambulance rides when you need help fast.
They’re essential for those unexpected moments—sudden illnesses or injuries—no matter where you are in the world.
What is Considered an Extreme Sport?
Extreme sports, the ultimate adrenaline rush, often fall under the high-risk category. Here are some examples:
- Skydiving
- Bungee Jumping
- Scuba Diving
- Mountain Climbing
- Base Jumping
Resources for Travelers
- The world’s best hospitals worldwide in 2025
- This site has listed the emergency numbers worldwide
- First aid instructions for the 10 most common emergencies
Final Thoughts on the Best Digital Nomad Health Insurance Options
Picking the right health insurance as a digital nomad can feel overwhelming, but it’s one of the most important steps in your journey. Trust me, I’ve been there.
Take the time to dive into the details, compare plans, and choose wisely. Your health and safety are key to enjoying this amazing lifestyle with peace of mind. Good luck finding the perfect plan—it’s worth the effort!
Are you still unsure what digital nomad health insurance to choose? Leave your question in the comments, and I’ll try to help!
Thank you for reading and for making me part of your day! Yours, Lulu
Just a heads up: some links in the article “Best Digital Nomad Health Insurance” on Nomadmum.com are affiliate links. This means if you click and buy, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
