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How to Choose the Right Insurance Coverage for Digital Nomads

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By Ben Spicer
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Nov 10, 2022

If you're looking for insurance while you travel the world, then you've come to the right place. In this blog post, we'll share some tips on how to find the best health insurance for your needs. We'll also provide some information on what to look for in a policy and what to avoid. So whether you're looking for emergency medical coverage or trip protection, read on for our top nomad insurance tips.

What is insurance for nomads?

Digital nomad insurance is a type of health insurance that is specifically designed for people who travel frequently or live in multiple countries around the world. It's often used by travelers doing remote work who need special coverage.  It can cover things like emergency medical expenses, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. Some policies also include coverage for things like adventure sports and political evacuation. 

Couple on scooter

Why do world nomads need global health insurance?

There are a few reasons why nomads might need health insurance coverage. First, if you're traveling frequently, you may not be eligible for health insurance in your home country. Second, if you're living in multiple countries, you may not be able to get health insurance that covers you in all of them. And finally, even if you are eligible for health insurance in your home country, it may not cover you for extended periods abroad. This is why having a policy that specifically covers digital nomads can be so important.

What are the different types of nomad travel insurance?

There are a few different types of digital nomad insurance. The most common is health insurance, which can cover things like emergency medical expenses, hospital stays, and prescriptions. Other types of insurance that digital nomads might need include trip protection (in case you have a trip cancellation), lost luggage services (could include gear stolen as well), and adventure sports coverage (in case you're doing something like skydiving or shark cage diving).

Skydivers

5 steps to assessing your needs for insurance:

When you're trying to decide what type of insurance to get, it's important to first assess your needs. Here are five steps to help you do that:

1. Determine your health insurance needs. If you're a healthy person with no pre-existing  conditions, you may not need as much health insurance coverage as someone who has a chronic health condition.  Medical needs are an important consideration as any care without medical insurance can be extremely costly.  On the bright side, there may be options for remote health care that you can continue you to use from your home country.

2. Consider your travel habits. If you travel frequently, you may want to get a policy that has services for trip interruption or travel delays. If you expect to be driving, assess insurance plans for rental car damage policies. If you travel to remote areas, make sure you are still in the coverage area.

3. Evaluate your risk tolerance. It's not often that you'll need a medical evacuation or there is a natural disaster but things happen! You want to have the medical care you need, especially if you tend to do more adventure activities.

4. Decide what type of coverage you need. There are many different types of insurance policies available. Do some research to figure out which type of policy is right for you.  There are major providers like World Nomads but also smaller insurers that may have the right benefits for you.

5. Get quotes from multiple insurers. And read the benefits and policy carefully!

4 comprehensive health insurance options:

Now that we've gone over what you should look for in a policy, let's take a look at four of the best options for digital nomad insurance:

World nomads

1.World Nomads: One of the most popular travel insurance providers, World Nomads plans' offer health, dental, and life insurance for digital nomads. They have a wide range of coverage options and their policies are backed by some of the world's largest insurers.

Safety wing

2.SafetyWing: A newer player in the space, SafetyWing insurance offers health and travel insurance for digital nomads at a fraction of the cost of other providers. Their policies cover things like emergency medical expenses and repatriation.

Cigna

3.Cigna: One of the world's largest health insurers, Cigna offers health insurance plans for individuals and families that include coverage for international travel.

Blue Cross Blue Shield

4.Blue Cross Blue Shield: Another major health insurer, Blue Cross Blue Shield offers a variety of health insurance plans that include international travel coverage.  A great option to check out is GeoBlue.

When selecting an insurance provider, it's critical to compare policies and rates to find the best fit for your needs. Remember to thoroughly examine the advantages and coverage before purchasing a policy!

How much does digital nomad health insurance cost?

The cost of digital nomad health insurance will vary depending on the type and amount of coverage you need. For example, a basic policy from World Nomads travel insurance starts at $37 per week for emergency medical coverage. A more comprehensive policy from Cigna could start at $100 per month. Ultimately, the cost of your insurance will depend on your individual needs.

Find deals for travel insurance

There are a few ways to find deals on travel insurance. Many health insurers offer international plans that can be added on to your existing policy for an additional premium. You can also check with credit card companies, as some cards offer travel insurance as a benefit. There are also a number of standalone travel insurance providers that offer both health and travel insurance plans. When shopping around, it's important to compare policies and rates to find the best deal.  You can often find discounts by buying online or through a broker.

Family jumping on sand dune

Family policies

If you have a family, you may want to consider a family travel insurance policy. A family travel insurance policy is a type of policy that covers all members of your immediate family for one trip. This can be a great option if you're traveling with young children or elderly relatives. Family travel insurance policies typically cover things like emergency medical expenses, trip cancellation, and lost luggage.

You may also want to consider getting a multi-trip travel insurance policy if you take multiple trips per year.

What are some common exclusions in travel insurance coverage?

Some common exclusions in travel insurance coverage include:

  • Pre-existing medical conditions

  • Adventure activities

  • Terrorism

  • War

  • Political unrest

  • Natural disasters

These are just a few of the most common exclusions. Be sure to read the fine print of your policy to understand what is and isn't covered.  And remember, you can always purchase additional coverage for things like adventure activities or political unrest if you feel you need it.

How to submit a claim for travel insurance

Here's a general overview of what you'll need to do:

1. Gather your documentation. This will typically include things like medical bills, receipts, or proof of trip cancellation.

2. Submit your claim form and documentation to the insurance company. You can usually do this online or by mail.

3. The insurance company will review your claim and make a decision.

4. If your claim is approved, you will be reimbursed for covered expenses within a few weeks.

5. Keep all documentation related to your claim in case you need to follow up with the insurance company.

Following these steps should help you get your travel insurance claim processed quickly and smoothly. Remember to reach out to your insurer if you have any questions or need assistance.

Tips for staying safe and healthy while you travel

There are a few things you can do to stay safe and healthy while you travel and hopefully avoid the need to ever have to submit a claim:

  • Get vaccinated before you go. This will help protect you from diseases that are common in other parts of the world.

  • Drink plenty of water and avoid dehydration. Carry a water bottle with you and drink often, even if you're not thirsty.

  • Wear sunscreen and protective clothing to guard against sun exposure.

  • Avoid contact with animals, especially wild animals.

  • Be aware of your surroundings and trust your gut instinct. If something feels off, it's probably best to avoid it.

  • Wash your hands often, especially after using the restroom or coming into contact with food.

  • Travel with insurance. This will help you cover medical expenses if you get sick or injured while you're away from home.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your trip is safe and healthy. Bon voyage!

Boy getting vaccinated

You are now travel ready

As a digital nomad, it's important to have insurance in case of any emergency situation that may occur while you're away from home. There are many different types of insurance available to digital nomads, so it's important to assess your needs and find the right policy for you. Travel insurance covers things like medical expenses and lost or stolen belongings, while health insurance covers your medical needs. You can find the best deals on travel and health insurance by shopping around and comparing rates. And finally, make sure to read the fine print and understand what your policy covers before you buy it. With a little bit of research, you can find the perfect insurance policy for your needs. Thanks for reading!

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