Why do remote workers need their own health insurance?
Employees hired through an Employer of Record usually get local statutory and sometimes private cover. Contractors don't: you are your own business, so health cover is your cost. Many public systems also stop covering you, or never covered you, once you leave or stop paying in.
Budget for it when you set your rate. It is one reason a contractor rate should sit above an equivalent salary.
Travel medical insurance vs international health insurance: what's the difference?
They solve different problems. Many long-term nomads end up needing the second.
| Travel medical insurance | International private medical insurance (IPMI) | |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Emergencies and unexpected illness abroad | Ongoing healthcare wherever you live |
| Routine care and check-ups | Usually no | Usually yes, depending on plan |
| Home country cover | None or limited | Often included or optional |
| Pre-existing conditions | Usually excluded | Sometimes covered after underwriting |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Contract style | Monthly or per trip, cancel anytime | Usually annual |
| Example providers | SafetyWing, Genki, World Nomads | Cigna Global, Allianz Care, Bupa Global |
Will you be covered when you visit home?
This is the most common gap. Many travel policies only cover you abroad, or cover short visits home for a limited number of days. If you spend months at home, a travel policy may not protect you there.
If home is where you'd go for serious treatment, choose a plan that includes your home country, or keep a local policy alongside it.
Do digital nomad visas require health insurance?
Most do. Requirements differ, but common conditions include cover valid for the whole stay, a minimum benefit amount, and in some cases no deductible. A Schengen short-stay visa requires at least €30,000 of medical cover including repatriation.
Check the official government page for the visa you're applying for and ask the insurer for a certificate that names the visa requirements.
How should you compare health insurance plans?
Compare like for like. A cheap plan with a high deductible and no US cover isn't comparable to a comprehensive annual plan.
- Area of cover: worldwide, worldwide excluding the US, or a region
- Home country cover and how many days it allows
- Annual limit and deductible (excess)
- Pre-existing conditions and waiting periods
- Medical evacuation and repatriation
- Outpatient, dental, maternity and mental health cover if you need them
- Direct billing with hospitals versus pay-and-claim
Frequently asked questions
+What is the best health insurance for digital nomads?
It depends on your needs. Travel medical plans suit short-term travellers who want emergency cover; international private medical insurance suits people living abroad long term who want routine care and home-country cover.
+Does travel insurance cover remote workers?
Some policies cover remote work and some exclude business activity. Choose a plan that explicitly allows remote work or is designed for nomads.
+Do remote companies provide health insurance to contractors?
Usually not. Some offer a wellness or health stipend; Employer of Record hires generally get local benefits.
+Is US healthcare covered by nomad insurance?
Often only for short visits, or as a paid add-on. Plans that exclude the US are noticeably cheaper.
+Do I need insurance for a digital nomad visa?
Most nomad visas require proof of health insurance valid for your stay. Check the official requirements for your destination.