Top 5 Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads [2023]

Robert_Stark

As digital nomads redefine the traditional workspace by trading in their office cubicles for the freedom to work remotely from anywhere worldwide, they often opt for destinations with lower living costs. While this often brings significant financial benefits, it presents potential challenges. Sometimes, healthcare standards do not meet your current expectations, and crime rates are possibly higher.

If you're young, fit, and healthy, medical travel insurance might not seem a top priority. However, even the most careful traveler can't predict what lies ahead. That's why securing basic travel insurance is crucial to ensuring peace of mind as you embark on your digital nomad lifestyle.

When selecting the right travel insurance plan, weigh up:

• Your destination(s): Are you visiting multiple countries during your travels? 
• The duration of your trip: How long will you be traveling? 
• Existing health conditions: Do you have any pre-existing medical issues that could flare up while you're away? 
• Local risks: Are you heading to a region known for natural disasters, terrorism, or political instability? 
• Financial coverage: What level of protection are you comfortable with for inconveniences such as lost luggage?

By carefully considering these factors, you can find the travel insurance plan that best suits your unique needs as a digital nomad.

What is travel insurance for digital nomads? 

Most travel insurance is for someone traveling to a single country or a small group of countries on a booked bus tour or cruise. Digital nomads often travel to multiple countries that are off the beaten track and may travel on a whim. So, you'll need flexible insurance that covers health and travel situations.

Why do digital nomads need travel insurance? 

Digital nomads, like any traveler, require travel insurance to ensure peace of mind for themselves and their loved ones. Knowing you can return home by medical evac without imposing a significant financial burden on your family is critical.

Travel insurance offers protection as you're covered for natural disasters or unforeseen misadventures. This means your goods will be replaced, your teeth will be fixed, and your travel plans can be changed without too much hassle.

Life is unpredictable, and digital nomads are not immune to the occasional misstep or accident:

• In a rush to catch a flight, leave your laptop at the airport. 
• You miss the step while running to catch a taxi and break your ankle. 
• Your bag is stolen while you nap on the train. 
• Read a few other common digital nomad mistakes and how to avoid them.

But accidents and mistakes aren't the only concerns for digital nomads. Natural disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis, and sudden political upheavals in the country you're visiting can necessitate a hasty departure. In these situations, travel insurance becomes essential, providing support and assistance to navigate these unforeseen challenges.

What should insurance for digital nomads include? 

As a digital nomad, your adventurous lifestyle demands a tailored insurance plan that covers your unique needs and potential risks. When choosing the ideal insurance for your globe-trotting, keep these factors in mind:

1. All-inclusive medical coverage: Ensure your plan covers hospital stays, emergency treatments, dental emergencies, and even repatriation in case of severe illness or injury. Plans that cover pre-existing conditions can be a plus. 
2. Trip interruption and cancellation: Life is unpredictable, so opt for insurance that has your back when unexpected interruptions or cancellations occur due to illness, natural disasters, or political unrest. 
3. Baggage and belongings protection: Ensure your insurance covers lost, damaged, or stolen luggage and personal items, especially essential work gear like laptops and cameras. 
4. Emergency evacuation: When a natural disaster or political turmoil strikes, your insurance should cover evacuation costs to a safe location or back home. 
5. Personal liability: Accidents happen. Choose a plan that covers legal expenses and potential compensation if you unintentionally cause injury or damage to someone else. 
6. Work equipment coverage: Protect your lifeline—your work tools. Insurance should cover essential devices like laptops in case of theft or damage. 
7. Adaptable coverage duration: Your travel plans may change. Pick a flexible policy that can extend or shorten your coverage as needed. 
8. Global coverage: You can work from anywhere, so your insurance should cover multiple countries and regions. 
9. Adventure sports and activities: Embrace your inner explorer with insurance that covers thrilling activities like scuba diving, hiking, or skiing. 

By ensuring your insurance plan covers these essentials, you'll be ready to face any unexpected challenges that come your way.

5 best travel insurance sites for digital nomads to use

Note: No one knows until they try to make a claim whether they will be successful or how long it will take for the money to come through. This is not to suggest any insurance company will not meet its promises but is a general comment.

Because everyone has different budgets and needs and travels to other parts of the world, it is impossible to recommend a blanket insurance plan that will suit everyone. These companies are an excellent place to start working out what kind of insurance and how much of it you will need.

1) SafetyWing 

SafetyWing covers medical and other usual travel insurance products while you are outside your own country. It is designed explicitly with digital nomads in mind.

Pros 

• Can be purchased even if you're already abroad. 
• Features a convenient monthly payment system. 
• Offers group coverage options for companies with remote teams. 
• If you have been out of the US for 90 days, you will be covered for 15 days while visiting your home. 
• Offers both family and individual policies. 
• Covers up to 2 children under 10 years of age per family with 2 adults, at no extra cost.

Cons 

• Organized sports or team sports injuries are not covered. 
• Excludes coverage for professional athletes. 
• Scooter or moped accident coverage is limited to licensed riders wearing appropriate gear.

2) World Nomads 

World Nomads insurance is designed for travelers by travelers, making it an option worth exploring for digital nomads. The company offers insurance, travel alerts, and guides to help you stay safe on your journey. With its traveler-centric approach, you can learn a lot just by visiting its site.

Pros 

• Can be purchased while you are already overseas. 
• Both family and single policies. 
• Provides travel alerts and guides to help ensure you travel safely. 
• Cover is available for many adventure activities other insurance companies do not cover. 
• The website is intuitive, making it easy to understand what is covered and what is not, so you know exactly what cover you purchase. 
• 24/7 assistance hotlines with access to translators to help with languages you may not be familiar with.

Cons 

• Do not offer "cancel for any reason" coverage. 
• Pre-existing medical conditions cannot be waived. 
• While offering coverage on activities that many other insurance companies will not cover, you can find higher payment limits.

3) Genki World Insurance

Health or medical insurance is the focus of Genki, offering two levels for digital nomads and other frequent or long-term travelers. The rates vary according to the type of insurance you are after. There is the World Explorer plan for people under 50 who want to travel for a minimum of 2 months and up to a year. There is the World Resident, more comprehensive life-long insurance for everyone else

Pros 

• Monthly payment plans. 
• Injuries caused by many types of adventure activities are covered. 
• Health insurance continues while you are back home for up to 180 days a year on the World Resident scheme.

Cons 

• Health or medical insurance only. 
• In the World Explorer plan, existing conditions that have occurred in the last 6 months are not waived.

4) Atlas Travel Insurance 

Atlas Travel Insurance offers solid medical insurance, and the usual range of travel insurance digital nomads need. The premiums are lower than many other travel insurance companies because they do not offer a trip cancellation benefit.

Pros 

• Atlas policies are very well-priced, providing competitive premiums. 
• Flexible policies ensure maximum coverage on the items you wish to have coverage for. 
• Policies can be purchased after the trip has started.

Cons 

• Lost luggage items only include clothing and personal items, with a maximum of $50 on each item. 
• While trip interruption is claimable, there is no reimbursement for cancellation of the trip prior to the start of it.

5) IMG Global

IMG Global is a well-established insurance provider with a solid track record, offering flexible and comprehensive coverage options for digital nomads in more than 190 countries. With over 25 years of experience, they cater to many travelers, including digital nomads and expatriates. Plus offer policies tailored for US citizens on the move, including the Patriot Platinum policy.

Pros: 

• IMG Global policies are highly flexible, allowing you to pay for only the necessary coverage. 
• Excels in handling emergency medical situations, providing peace of mind in case of accidents or injuries. 
• Claims are generally processed promptly.

Cons: 

• Your travel insurance policy will be canceled once you return home, even if you plan to leave the country again shortly after. 
• Claims for trip cancellation or lost luggage may experience longer wait times.

Do you need travel insurance? Absolutely you do.

Understanding the insurance landscape becomes vital as your journey unfolds and your needs evolve. With a diverse range of companies and the convenience of monthly premiums, you can seamlessly adapt your coverage or switch companies to match your ever-changing itinerary.

So, before jet-setting off on your next adventure, gear up with the right travel insurance to safeguard your experiences and give you the confidence to explore without hesitation.