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6 Best Global Health Insurance Companies for Digital Nomads

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Looking for a global health insurance policy that’ll cover you in countries all around the world? You probably know that health insurance is essential – not only for your own well-being, but also to be allowed to enter a new country for traveling or living. 

To guide your search are six of the best global health insurance companies to consider as you work internationally. Use these options as a guide to find the best health insurance policy based on your needs! 

Why do I need global health insurance as a digital nomad? 

It is important to prioritize health insurance no matter the length of your travels. While some countries have public health systems; however, as a traveler it is unlikely you will qualify to use it in case of an emergency.

Health Protection

Don’t rely on luck while you're traveling. You don’t want to come across travel hiccups that involve your health like food poisoning or getting sick. With global health insurance, you can be assured that no matter what happens you’ll have access to high-quality healthcare says this dental expert who does teeth whitening in Lunenburg.

Making sure you have a global health insurance plan before you leave can help keep down unnecessary costs that can accrue, even when the costs are lower than in your home country.

A global health insurance policy :

  • Gives you access to better-quality medical care
  • Can help to save you money 

Acquiring a Visa

Many countries require proof of insurance in order for you to obtain a resident or digital nomad visa no matter the length of time you are staying. For example, Portugal’s Digital Nomad visa requires you to show proof of health insurance for you and your dependents for the first four months. Many global health policies are flexible and can allow you to cancel them when you no longer need it.

A global health insurance policy:

  • Is required for many resident and digital nomad visas

Why can’t digital nomads use travel insurance instead of international health insurance? 

While you don’t need health insurance to enter every country, when traveling your health and safety are more vulnerable. Many travelers can get away with travel insurance on their trips when staying for short periods of time in one country on a tourist visa. It is made for people who only need it for a few weeks to a few months. 

However, as a digital nomad with more long-term traveling, travel insurance is not enough to get you by, especially if you don’t have health insurance in your home country. Many travel insurance companies will only cover you long enough to send you back home which could severely increase your costs.

Digital nomad global health insurance options

1. Cigna Global Health Insurance

Cigna is a U.S. insurance company that aims to give digital nomads access to high-quality healthcare no matter where you are around the world. They have specific policies for people needing global health insurance.

Pros:

  • Large network and well-known insurance company
  • Flexible deductibles
  • Easily update your address to anywhere in the world as long as you are not a citizen of that country. 
  • Making claims is easy through their web portal.
  • 3 types of plans to choose from Silver, Gold, Platinum 
  • Flexible payment options: monthly, trimester, or annual 
  • 24-hour customer service, 7 days a week
  • Mental health coverage
  • Covid-19 coverage

Cons:

  • Significant process to get a quote
  • The basic plan doesn’t cover maternity help

2. Allianz World Care

Allianz is a German insurance company that is one of the largest 3 medical insurance companies in the world. They pride themselves on providing top-quality service, and they offer a wide variety of plans and global health insurance coverage. They have a specific plan made for expats and digital nomads.

Pros:

  • Large network and well-known insurance company
  • Medical phone app available 6 months after your contract begins
  • 24-hour customer service, 7 days a week
  • Coverage for all 7 continents.
  • Online services
  • 24/7 helpline with assistance on blood pressure, vaccinations, infectious diseases, first aid etc.

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Few plans to choose from
  • Does Not cover US residents

3. GeoBlue

GeoBlue is high-quality insurance with extended global health insurance coverage. It has a wide range of insurance policies depending on the length of your time abroad (long-term and short-term) and the purpose of your trip (digital nomad, yacht crew, students, missionaries, etc.).  They have specific plans for digital nomads who live overseas.

Pros:

  • Wide range of options and plans
  • 24-hour customer service, 7 days a week
  • Plans that cover accidents from extreme sports
  • Don’t charge deductible fees for standard services or cancellations
  • Unlimited medical service 

Cons:

  • Only cover American citizens; excluding individuals in New York or Washington
  • Expensive

4. IMG Global

IMG is an award-winning provider of global health insurance benefits and assistance services. They have 17,000 accomplished physicians and facilities allowing you to access quality care worldwide.

Pros:

  • Wide range of options and plans
  • Easy sign-up online
  • Live chat, global customer service
  • Automatic debit payment option
  • Online portal with access to emergency services available 24/7 
  • Coverage for all nationalities
  •  

Cons:

  • Require you to be out of your home country for at least 6 months per year
  • Age limit restrictions (75+)
  • No maternity care except for the most expensive plan and it only covers a minimum of 10 months after your policy began

5. Global Underwriters

Global Underwriters has been in the market for years and offers plans with different global health insurance plans for travelers around the world. For digital nomads, the Diplomat Long Term and Diplomat International are the most recommended. 

Pros:

  • Coverage of up to $1,000,000 for medical care, accidental or dismemberment deaths
  • Plans cover medical evacuations, emergency dental treatment, and more
  • Provides assistance for interruptions during your trip due to health

Cons:

  • Diplomat Long Term plan does not have coverage in Cuba, Afghanistan, and Iran
  • Diplomat International does not provide coverage for covid-19
  • Diplomat Long Term plan does not cover residents of New York, Maryland, South Dakota, Australia, and Iran

6. Integra Global

Integra Global is a great option for digital nomads looking for a global health insurance company. They provide hassle-free plans with high levels of benefits at competitive rates.

Pros:

  • Individual and Family policies
  • The basic policy covers all standard medical needs and medical evacuation
  • Easy sign-up online
  • IntegraGlobal or MedNet apps for claims and policy assistance
  • Expat assistance program provides counseling services and support 24/7
  • Individuals can pay quarterly, semi-annually, and annually via credit card

Cons:

  • 5 fixed plans are not super flexible
  • Only co-insurance option without any fixed deductibles

Choosing global health insurance as a Digital Nomad

Overall, you have to choose the best global health insurance plan that is best for you and your circumstances. Figuring out how much coverage you need, the access in the country you will be in, and any pre-existing conditions you will need to be covered should be taken into account before choosing the plan best for you.

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