Navigating the world as a digital nomad offers outstanding freedom and adventure. However, it also necessitates the need for a reliable insurance policy.
From medical emergencies to lost luggage, the right insurance can provide peace of mind. Here are ten top choices to consider.
1. SafetyWing (Best Budget Digital Nomad Health Insurance)
SafetyWing is one of the most popular digital nomad insurance providers, offering global health insurance specifically for digital nomads and other remote workers. SafetyWing’s flexible and affordable Nomad Insurance covers travel in over 175 countries and protects you from a range of unexpected health and travel-related expenses. One notable benefit is its coverage in your home country, which most other travel insurance policies lack. This makes SafetyWing an excellent choice for individuals who frequently move between their home country and other destinations.
SafetyWing offers a range of coverages including hospital visits, emergency flights back home, home country coverage (up to 30 days within a 90-day period), trip interruptions, emergency dental, lost or stolen travel documents, natural disasters, political evacuation, personal liability, ambulance, and intensive care, as well as lost luggage.
However, there are certain exclusions from SafetyWing coverage. These include pre-existing medical conditions, routine medical check-ups, injuries from specific adventure activities, mental health conditions, and damages or injuries caused due to the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The cost of SafetyWing insurance operates on a subscription model, with rates beginning around $45/month for those under 39, excluding U.S. coverage. The cost increases to $83 for subscriptions including the U.S. Price also varies for those aged 40 and above, reflecting different age brackets.
2. Allianz Nomad Health Insurance (Best for Established Reputation and Reliability)
Allianz is a globally renowned insurer known for its reliability and extensive network. Their Nomad Health Insurance caters specifically to digital nomads with a range of policy lengths – 3, 6, or 9 months. Allianz offers a variety of health and wellbeing tools, including mental and emotional wellbeing support, a coaching app, and access to an Expat Assistance program.
Allianz covers medical emergencies, non-emergency medical treatment, hospital visits, prescription drugs, trip cancellations or interruptions, missed departures, lost or stolen luggage, and complications during unexpected pregnancies. It also covers certain specific events like weather disruptions and loss of a passport. However, pre-existing conditions, extreme sports, predictable events, and issues not reported within a set time frame are generally excluded.
The cost of Allianz’s Nomad Health Insurance starts at around $30 per month for their Basic coverage, scaling up based on age and coverage specifics. Their premium Prime plan offers both overseas medical and trip protection while the Executive option includes additional benefits such as car rental coverage.
3. World Nomads (Best for Adventurous Activities)
World Nomads is an excellent option for those who enjoy adventurous activities. It covers a wide range of extreme sports and higher-risk activities such as skydiving and backcountry skiing. The Standard plan covers over 150 activities, whereas the Explorer package includes additional activities like paragliding, shark cage diving, and bungee jumping.
World Nomads provides comprehensive coverage including medical emergencies and evacuation, trip delays, cancellations and interruptions, personal gear and electronics, evacuation and repatriation, and damage to rental cars (only with their Explorer Plan). However, they do not offer coverage to residents of all countries.
World Nomads’ prices vary depending on factors such as destination, duration, and the insured’s age. Typically, for a 30-year-old traveling to Southeast Asia, a Standard plan can cost around $120 per month. Explorer plans tend to be approximately twice as expensive as Standard ones.
4. IMG Global (Widest Range of Policy Options)
IMG Global offers extensive health and travel insurance products, tailored for expats and digital nomads. Their packages include Global Medical Insurance and options for nomads exploring remote regions. Policies from IMG Global are known for affordability without compromising on features.
IMG Global covers hospital and medical treatments, dental injuries, medical evacuation, trip delays and cancellations, lost or stolen passport and visa assistance, lost luggage, natural disasters, political and emergency evacuation, personal liability, and accidental death and dismemberment. Some exclusions include pre-existing conditions and routine check-ups.
IMG Global’s costs start at around $100/month for younger nomads. For instance, a 20-year-old might pay around $240 for 90 days of coverage, while premiums are higher for older individuals.
5. True Traveller (Best for UK and European Residents)
True Traveller is a favored choice among European nomads, offering various levels of cover: True Value, Traveller, and Traveller Plus. Aimed primarily at UK and European residents, it covers a range of adventurous activities and provides significant medical expense coverage.
True Traveller covers medical emergencies, personal accidents, and many adventure sports. Trip cancellations and higher limits for certain items are included in the Traveller and Traveller Plus plans.
However, they exclude certain extreme sports and undisclosed pre-existing medical conditions. The True Value plan costs around GBP £80 per month for a 30-year-old. More premium plans offer greater value for slightly higher prices.
6. Heymondo (Best App to Manage Policy)
Heymondo provides versatile insurance solutions for short-term and long-term travelers, including digital nomads. Their Long Stay plan is particularly beneficial for trips over 90 days. Heymondo’s fully digital approach includes a user-friendly app for medical assistance and claims management.
Heymondo covers emergency medical and dental treatment, COVID-19-related treatments, medical repatriation, baggage protection, travel delays, natural disaster support, personal liability, and optional adventure sports coverage.
Exclusions include hiking at high elevations, deep scuba diving, incidents related to war, alcohol or drug-induced incidents, pre-existing medical conditions, and trips aimed at seeking medical treatment. Costs for Heymondo’s plans start from $30/month, with comprehensive plans around $50/month. Renewal discounts are available for long-term customers.
7. Insured Nomads (Best for Additional Unique Benefits)
Insured Nomads is a newer entrant offering medical coverage, travel insurance, and trip cancellation benefits tailored for digital nomads and expats. Their tech-enabled approach ensures ease of use with a user-friendly online platform. A unique feature is their complimentary 12-month membership to the Insured Nomads Community with various benefits such as free lounge access during flight delays.
Coverage includes a wide range of medical benefits, emergency medical evacuation, trip interruptions, 24/7 telehealth services, emergency dental care, natural disaster coverage, airport lounge access, and lost luggage. Certain add-ons are available for adventure sports and marine sports.
Insured Nomads’ pricing varies, with a sample rate for a 30-year-old starting from around $70/month. The comprehensive benefits offered make the cost worthwhile for some digital nomads.
8. AIG Travel Guard (Best for Comprehensive Trip Protection)
AIG Travel Guard is a well-established travel insurance provider offering various plans to meet different travel needs, including digital nomads. A highlight is their Travel Guard Annual Plan, which covers multiple trips per year with each trip lasting up to 90 days.
Coverage includes trip cancellations, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, dental care, baggage loss or delay, weather-related travel delays, and COVID-19 coverage. Exclusions commonly include pre-existing conditions, high-risk activities, incidents related to intoxication, and acts of war.
AIG Travel Guard’s basic plans start from $40/month. Pricing factors include age, destination, and trip duration.
9. Travelex Insurance (Best for Digital Nomad Families)
Travelex Insurance Services offers customizable plans suitable for nomad families. Their Travel Select plan covers trips up to 364 days and extends coverage to dependent children under 17. Medical insurance and extensive travel-related expenses are covered under Travelex’s plans.
Coverage includes medical emergencies, trip cancellations, delays, interruptions, baggage protection, pre-existing condition waivers, and emergency evacuation. However, activities not explicitly covered in the policy are excluded, as are incidents from alcohol or drug use.
The cost for Travelex Insurance depends on coverage level, age, and trip specifics. A 30-year-old American might pay around $100 for a month’s coverage under the Travel Select plan, with various optional add-ons available.
10. PassportCard Nomads (Best for Avoiding Out-of-Pocket Expenses)
PassportCard uses a unique debit card system to avoid out-of-pocket expenses. Customers notify the company via an app, and funds are transferred to the card to cover expenses immediately. This feature eliminates the need for reimbursements, making it ideal for digital nomads who prefer not to handle out-of-pocket expenses.
Coverage includes hospital and outpatient treatments, certain elective medical treatments, physiotherapy, routine checkups, emergency dental, personal liability, lost luggage, COVID-19 coverage, and various extreme sports. Exclusions include undeclared pre-existing conditions and non-emergency treatments not pre-approved.
PassportCard’s monthly subscription model starts from $199 per month for their Remote plan, increasing with added benefits and higher coverage limits. The Comfort plan, suitable for up to 65-year-olds, also starts at $200 per month.
Choosing the right digital nomad insurance can make a significant difference in your travel experience.
By understanding your needs and evaluating these options, you can find the perfect coverage and travel with confidence.
Source: Goatsontheroad