Digital Nomad Health Insurance:
Full Provider Comparison
Compare the best health and travel insurance plans for remote workers and digital nomads. From $38/month budget options to comprehensive expat health coverage.
How to Choose Nomad Insurance
Stay Duration
Short trips (<3 months): travel insurance (World Nomads, SafetyWing Nomad). Long-term stays: health insurance (Cigna, Allianz, Remote Health).
Home Country Coverage
Need cover when you return home? Only health plans (Cigna, Allianz, Remote Health, Insured Nomads) include this. Travel plans typically exclude your home country.
Pre-existing Conditions
Most travel plans exclude pre-existing conditions. If you have ongoing health needs, opt for a health plan (Cigna, Allianz, Insured Nomads) that underwrites your conditions.
Provider Comparison
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
Best for: Budget nomads & first-timers
From
$56/mo
Max coverage
$250K
Pre-existing
✗ Excluded
Home country
✗ Excluded
- • Pay-as-you-go: buy for 28 days, auto-renews
- • $40/month for under 10s (add a child)
- • Available in 180+ countries
- • Simple online claims process
SafetyWing Remote Health
Best for: Long-term expats & remote teams
From
$149/mo
Max coverage
Unlimited
Pre-existing
✓ Covered
Home country
✓ Included
- • Annual health insurance (not travel)
- • Pre-existing conditions covered after 2 years
- • Home country coverage included
- • Dental & vision add-ons available
World Nomads
Best for: Adventure sports & activities
From
$70/mo
Max coverage
$100K
Pre-existing
✗ Excluded
Home country
✗ Excluded
- • 200+ adventure activities covered
- • Trip cancellation & interruption
- • Gear & electronics coverage
- • Available to most nationalities
Cigna Global
Best for: Families & expats needing comprehensive cover
From
$230/mo
Max coverage
Unlimited
Pre-existing
✓ Covered
Home country
✓ Included
- • Global provider network of 1.65M+ providers
- • Pre-existing conditions underwritten individually
- • Maternity coverage available
- • Mental health coverage included
Allianz Care
Best for: Corporate remote teams & long-term expats
From
$200/mo
Max coverage
Unlimited
Pre-existing
✓ Covered
Home country
✓ Included
- • Direct billing with 700,000+ providers worldwide
- • Tailored regional plans (Europe, Asia, Global)
- • Wellness & preventive care covered
- • Large insurer — strong claims track record
IMG Global (Patriot)
Best for: US nationals travelling internationally
From
$59/mo
Max coverage
$50K
Pre-existing
✗ Excluded
Home country
✗ Excluded
- • Strong US market reputation since 1990
- • Multiple plan tiers (Patriot, Global Medical)
- • Emergency evacuation included
- • USA-based customer support
Genki Explorer
Best for: Young budget nomads under 39
From
$38/mo
Max coverage
$300K
Pre-existing
✗ Excluded
Home country
✗ Excluded
- • One of the cheapest health plans available
- • No deductible on standard plan
- • Mental health & physiotherapy covered
- • Price increases after age 39
Insured Nomads
Best for: Digital nomads wanting health + travel in one
From
$99/mo
Max coverage
$1000K
Pre-existing
✓ Covered
Home country
✓ Included
- • True health + travel hybrid plan
- • Pre-existing conditions accepted with questionnaire
- • Concierge service via app
- • Home country coverage (US plan available)
AXA Assistance USA
Best for: US travellers needing trip + medical combo
From
$90/mo
Max coverage
$250K
Pre-existing
✗ Excluded
Home country
✗ Excluded
- • Trip cancellation & travel delay coverage
- • Baggage & belongings covered
- • Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) available
- • Strong brand recognition globally
Atlas Travel Insurance
Best for: Non-US nationals travelling worldwide
From
$45/mo
Max coverage
$2000K
Pre-existing
✗ Excluded
Home country
✗ Excluded
- • Very high max coverage ($2M) for the price
- • Available to non-US nationals worldwide
- • Emergency evacuation included
- • Straightforward plan structure
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Provider | From | Type | Pre-existing | Home country | Deductible | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🪂 SafetyWing Nomad Insurance | $56/mo | Travel | ✗ | ✗ | $250 | ★ 4.3 |
| 💊 SafetyWing Remote Health | $149/mo | Health | ✓ | ✓ | $None | ★ 4.2 |
| 🌐 World Nomads | $70/mo | Travel | ✗ | ✗ | $None | ★ 4.1 |
| 🏥 Cigna Global | $230/mo | Health | ✓ | ✓ | $100 | ★ 4.4 |
| 🔵 Allianz Care | $200/mo | Health | ✓ | ✓ | $200 | ★ 4.2 |
| 🦅 IMG Global (Patriot) | $59/mo | Travel | ✗ | ✗ | $100 | ★ 4 |
| ⚡ Genki Explorer | $38/mo | Health | ✗ | ✗ | $None | ★ 4.5 |
| 🧳 Insured Nomads | $99/mo | Both | ✓ | ✓ | $500 | ★ 4.3 |
| 🔴 AXA Assistance USA | $90/mo | Travel | ✗ | ✗ | $200 | ★ 4 |
| 🗺️ Atlas Travel Insurance | $45/mo | Travel | ✗ | ✗ | $250 | ★ 3.9 |
Prices are indicative starting rates for a healthy adult under 40. Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between travel insurance and health insurance for nomads?
Travel insurance is short-term (days to months) and covers emergency medical events, trip cancellations, and baggage — but typically excludes pre-existing conditions and home country coverage. Health insurance is annual, covers ongoing healthcare needs including prescriptions and specialist visits, and often includes home country coverage. Long-term nomads generally need health insurance.
Is SafetyWing good for digital nomads?
SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance is ideal for budget nomads and those new to nomad life — at $56/month it's one of the cheapest options and operates like a subscription you can pause. For longer-term, higher-coverage needs, SafetyWing Remote Health ($149+/month) or Cigna/Allianz are better fits. SafetyWing has a large, vocal community of users and generally positive claims experiences.
What does digital nomad insurance typically cover?
Most nomad insurance plans cover emergency hospitalisation, surgery, doctor visits, prescription drugs, emergency evacuation, repatriation of remains, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Higher-tier health plans also cover dental, vision, mental health, maternity, and preventive care. What is almost universally excluded: pre-existing conditions (for travel plans), routine check-ups (for travel plans), and coverage in your home country (for travel plans).
Which insurance is required for a digital nomad visa?
Several countries mandate health insurance as a condition of the digital nomad visa. Japan requires at least ¥10 million ($67,000 USD) in coverage. Portugal requires proof of health insurance valid in Portugal. Spain requires health insurance without a co-pay. Always check the specific requirement for your target country — the coverage amount and type matter.
Can I get nomad insurance with pre-existing conditions?
Yes — Cigna Global, Allianz Care, SafetyWing Remote Health, and Insured Nomads all underwrite pre-existing conditions (typically after a waiting period or via individual medical underwriting). Budget travel plans like SafetyWing Nomad and World Nomads generally exclude pre-existing conditions. If you have an ongoing health condition, invest in a proper health insurance plan.
How do I make a claim on nomad insurance?
Most providers have an online claims portal or app. For non-emergency care, always contact your insurer before receiving treatment to check coverage. Keep all receipts, invoices, and medical reports. Emergency claims can typically be submitted retrospectively within 30–90 days of the incident. Direct billing (where the hospital bills the insurer directly) is available with most health plans at in-network providers.