Health Insurance for Remote Workers 2026: Complete Guide

Types of Health Insurance for Remote Workers

There’s no single “digital nomad insurance.” Instead, you’re choosing between four distinct product categories, each designed for different situations.

Travel Insurance

What it is: Short-term coverage designed for tourists and business travelers. Covers emergencies but not routine care.

Best for: Trips under 30-90 days, workations, exploring a new destination before committing

Typical coverage:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Medical evacuation to home country
• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Lost luggage and travel delays
• 24/7 emergency assistance line

What it doesn’t cover:

• Routine doctor visits and checkups
• Prescriptions for ongoing conditions
• Mental health treatment
• Pre-existing conditions (usually excluded entirely)
• Dental and vision (except emergencies)

Cost range: $50-150/month, or $5-15/day

Maximum trip length: Usually 30-90 days per trip, though some policies allow up to 180 days

Popular providers: World Nomads, Allianz Travel, IMG Travel Insurance

International Health Insurance (Expat Insurance)

What it is: Comprehensive health coverage designed for people living abroad long-term. Functions like domestic health insurance but works across multiple countries.

Best for: Digital nomads staying 3+ months abroad, expats, anyone with ongoing health needs

Typical coverage:

• Inpatient and outpatient care
• Doctor visits and specialist consultations
• Prescriptions and medications
• Emergency care and hospitalization
• Mental health treatment (varies by plan)
• Preventive care and annual checkups
• Medical evacuation

What it doesn’t cover (or requires add-ons):

• Dental and vision (often separate riders)
• Maternity (usually requires 10-12 month waiting period)
• Pre-existing conditions (waiting periods apply)
• Extreme sports (may require add-on)
• US coverage (often excluded or costs extra)

Cost range: $100-500/month depending on age, coverage level, and whether US is included

Popular providers: Cigna Global, Allianz Care, Aetna International, SafetyWing Nomad Insurance

Nomad-Specific Insurance

What it is: A newer category designed specifically for location-independent workers. Hybrid between travel and international health insurance.

Best for: Digital nomads who move frequently between countries, typically staying 1-6 months per location

Key features:

• Coverage across 180+ countries
• No fixed home base requirement
• Monthly subscriptions (cancel anytime)
• Simplified underwriting (quick sign-up)
• Often includes remote work perks (coworking passes, etc.)

Limitations:

• Lower coverage limits than traditional expat insurance
• May have higher deductibles
• Pre-existing condition coverage is limited
• US coverage usually excluded or very limited

Cost range: $45-100/month for basic plans, $150-300/month for comprehensive

Leading provider: SafetyWing (Nomad Insurance and Remote Health)

Local Health Insurance

What it is: Purchasing health insurance directly in the country where you’re living, either through public systems or private insurers.

Best for: Digital nomads on long-term stays (1+ years) in a single country, especially those seeking permanent residency

Pros:

• Often cheaper than international plans
• Access to local healthcare networks
• May satisfy visa requirements
• Can be high quality in countries with strong healthcare systems (Germany, France, Spain)

Cons:

• Only covers you in that specific country
• May require residency status to purchase
• Language barriers in dealing with providers
• Quality varies dramatically by country
• You lose coverage if you leave

Cost range: Highly variable—€50-300/month in Europe, $20-100/month in Southeast Asia, $200-600/month in the US

Provider Comparison: The Major Players

SafetyWing

Product: Nomad Insurance (travel), Remote Health (comprehensive)

Best for: Budget-conscious digital nomads, frequent country-hoppers

Nomad Insurance (travel-style):

• $45/month (under 40), $73/month (40-49), $106/month (50-59)
• $250 deductible per injury/illness
• $250,000 maximum coverage
• Covers 180+ countries
• US coverage: limited to 15-day trips, 90 days max per year
• Mental health: not covered
• Pre-existing conditions: not covered

Remote Health (comprehensive):

• Starts at ~$160/month depending on age and options
• $0-$5,000 deductible options
• $1,000,000-$10,000,000 coverage limits
• Includes outpatient, inpatient, mental health, maternity (after waiting period)
• US coverage available as add-on (~$100+/month extra)
• Pre-existing conditions: 24-month waiting period

Strengths: Easy online signup, monthly billing, cancel anytime, designed for nomads Weaknesses: Lower coverage limits, limited US coverage, no dental/vision

World Nomads

Product: Travel insurance with adventure sports coverage

Best for: Short trips, adventure travelers, sports enthusiasts

Standard Plan:

• Approximately $100-200/month depending on trip length and destination
• Emergency medical: $100,000
• Trip cancellation and interruption: up to $2,500
• 24/7 emergency assistance

Explorer Plan:

• Higher premiums (~$150-300/month)
• Emergency medical: $500,000
• Covers 200+ adventure activities including scuba, skiing, bungee jumping
• Trip cancellation: up to $10,000

Strengths: Excellent adventure sports coverage, buy online even after leaving home Weaknesses: Travel insurance only (not for long-term stays), doesn’t cover routine care, pre-existing conditions excluded

Cigna Global

Product: Comprehensive international health insurance

Best for: High earners, families, those wanting premium coverage

Plans (Silver, Gold, Platinum):

• Silver: ~$200-350/month, $2M lifetime max, higher deductibles
• Gold: ~$300-500/month, unlimited lifetime max, lower deductibles
• Platinum: ~$400-700/month, unlimited max, lowest deductibles, dental/vision included

Coverage:

• Inpatient and outpatient
• Prescriptions
• Mental health (varies by plan level)
• Maternity (after 10-month waiting period)
• Wellness and preventive care
• Optional dental and vision
• US coverage available (significantly increases premium)

Strengths: Established insurer, high coverage limits, good provider networks, strong customer service Weaknesses: Expensive, complex application process, long-term commitment expected

Allianz Care

Product: International health insurance for expats and global citizens

Best for: Expats, corporate remote workers, those wanting European insurer

Plans:

• Premiums start around $150-250/month for basic coverage
• Comprehensive plans: $300-600/month
• Modular—add dental, vision, maternity as needed

Coverage:

• Inpatient and outpatient worldwide
• Emergency evacuation
• Chronic condition management
• Mental health (up to annual limits)
• Dental and vision (add-on)

Strengths: Strong in Europe and Asia, good chronic condition coverage, modular plan design Weaknesses: Can be expensive with add-ons, US coverage costly

IMG (International Medical Group)

Product: Global Medical Insurance, travel medical

Best for: US-based remote workers, those needing US coverage included

Global Medical Insurance:

• Plans from ~$150-400/month
• $1M-$8M lifetime maximums
• Includes US coverage (unlike most competitors)
• Deductible options: $250-$5,000

Strengths: US coverage included by default, flexible deductible options, good for US citizens Weaknesses: Higher premiums to include US, underwriting can be strict

What to Look for in a Policy

Coverage Limits

Annual and lifetime maximums: Look for at least $500,000 annual coverage, preferably $1M+. Lifetime limits of $2M+ give you protection against catastrophic events.

Per-incident limits: Some plans cap individual claims. A $100,000 per-incident limit sounds high until you need major surgery abroad.

Evacuation coverage: Essential. Medical evacuations can cost $50,000-$200,000+. Ensure your plan covers evacuation to your home country or nearest appropriate medical facility.

Deductibles and Copays

Deductible options: Range from $0 to $5,000+. Higher deductibles = lower premiums. A $2,500 deductible can cut premiums 30-40%.

Copays and coinsurance: Some plans charge 10-20% coinsurance after deductible. Others pay 100% after deductible. Read the fine print.

Per-incident vs annual deductible: Per-incident deductibles apply to each separate illness/injury. Annual deductibles apply once per year across all claims.

Pre-existing Conditions

Definition: Most plans define pre-existing as any condition you’ve had symptoms of, treatment for, or diagnosis of in the past 2-5 years.

Waiting periods: Common waiting periods are 12-24 months before pre-existing conditions are covered.

Acute onset coverage: Some travel insurance covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions (sudden, unexpected flare-ups) but not ongoing management.

Full coverage options: A few insurers (typically the expensive ones) offer full pre-existing coverage after medical underwriting.

Mental Health Coverage

The gap: Many international plans either exclude mental health entirely or cap it severely ($1,000-$5,000/year).

What to look for:

• Is outpatient therapy covered?
• What’s the annual limit?
• Are prescriptions for mental health conditions covered?
• Is teletherapy included?

Better options: Cigna Global Gold/Platinum, Allianz Care comprehensive plans, and some IMG plans include meaningful mental health coverage.

Geographic Coverage

Included regions: Verify your plan covers every country you plan to visit. Some exclude certain regions or require riders for high-risk areas.

US coverage: Most international plans either exclude the US entirely or charge 50-100% more to include it. If you’ll spend significant time in the US, this matters.

Network vs out-of-network: Some plans have direct billing networks; others require you to pay upfront and submit claims for reimbursement.

Maternity Coverage

Waiting periods: Nearly universal 10-12 month waiting period before maternity is covered.

What’s covered: Prenatal care, delivery, postnatal care. Complications are sometimes covered separately under general medical.

Caps: Many plans cap maternity at $10,000-$50,000, which may not cover a complicated delivery.

Country-Specific Requirements

Most digital nomad visas require health insurance. Here’s what major programs demand:

European Union / Schengen

Portugal (D8 Visa):

• Minimum coverage: €30,000 medical expenses
• Must cover repatriation
• Valid for full visa duration
• Travel insurance often insufficient—international health insurance recommended

Spain (Digital Nomad Visa):

• Coverage for full duration of stay
• Must be from insurer authorized to operate in Spain
• No deductibles or copays that would limit access to care
• Coverage must include hospitalization

Germany (Freelance Visa):

• Comprehensive health insurance mandatory
• Public or private options
• Private must meet minimum standards (no annual caps below €30,000)
• If over 55, private insurance may be required

Croatia:

• Health insurance mandatory
• Minimum coverage: €30,000
• Must cover COVID-19 treatment

Estonia:

• Valid health insurance required
• Must cover minimum €30,000 medical expenses
• Valid for full visa duration

Other Popular Destinations

Thailand (DTV):

• Health insurance not strictly required by visa
• Strongly recommended given healthcare costs
• Some insurance companies offer Thailand-specific plans

UAE (Dubai Remote Work Visa):

• Health insurance mandatory
• Must be valid in UAE
• Coverage requirements: standard comprehensive medical

Costa Rica:

• Health insurance required for digital nomad visa
• Must cover COVID-19
• Coverage for full stay duration

Mexico:

• No visa-mandated insurance requirement for most stays
• Highly recommended given variable healthcare quality

Visa Compliance Tips

1. Get coverage before applying: Most visa applications require insurance proof at submission
2. Match duration: Coverage period must match or exceed visa duration
3. Get certificates: Request formal certificate of coverage from your insurer, not just a policy document
4. Check authorization: Some countries require insurers to be authorized in their jurisdiction
5. Keep proof accessible: Digital copies on phone, physical copies in luggage

US-Specific Considerations

American remote workers face unique challenges maintaining appropriate coverage.

ACA (Affordable Care Act) Implications

Physical presence requirement: ACA marketplace plans are designed for people living in the US. They generally don’t cover care abroad except limited emergency coverage.

Individual mandate: While the federal penalty is $0, some states (California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, DC, Rhode Island) have their own mandates with penalties.

Maintaining eligibility: If you maintain a US domicile and file US taxes, you may still need to have qualifying coverage or claim an exemption.

Coverage gap exemptions: If you’re abroad for 330+ days in a 12-month period, you may qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and potentially coverage exemptions.

COBRA Continuation

What it is: Allows you to continue employer health coverage for 18-36 months after leaving a job.

Cost: Full premium (employer no longer subsidizes) plus 2% admin fee. Often $500-$2,000/month.

International coverage: Most employer plans have limited international coverage. COBRA doesn’t change this—you’re continuing the same plan with the same limitations.

When it makes sense:

• Short-term gap before new coverage starts
• High healthcare needs and US-based specialists
• Maintaining US coverage while primarily abroad

When it doesn’t make sense:

• Long-term abroad (too expensive for limited international coverage)
• Healthy individuals who can get international coverage cheaper

Short-term Health Plans

What they are: Limited-duration plans lasting 3-12 months, renewable up to 36 months in some states.

Cost: $100-$300/month for basic coverage

Limitations:

• Pre-existing conditions typically excluded
• Limited coverage scope
• May not satisfy ACA requirements
• Primarily domestic coverage

Use case: Bridge coverage for US visits, maintaining some US coverage cheaply while primarily using international insurance abroad.

HSA Compatibility

The issue: To contribute to an HSA, you must be enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) as defined by the IRS.

International plans: Most international health insurance does not qualify as an HDHP, meaning you can’t contribute to an HSA while enrolled.

Workaround: Some people maintain a compliant HDHP for the US while also having international coverage abroad. Consult a tax professional.

Medicare Considerations

Coverage abroad: Medicare generally does not cover healthcare outside the US except in very limited circumstances.

If you’re Medicare-eligible: You may want to maintain Medicare Part A (free if you have work history) and consider whether to keep Part B (monthly premium). Late enrollment penalties apply if you drop Part B and re-enroll later.

Supplemental coverage: Some Medigap plans offer limited foreign travel emergency coverage, but this is not comprehensive international coverage.

Cost Comparison by Profile

Budget Nomad (Under 35, Healthy)

Profile: No pre-existing conditions, willing to accept higher deductibles, primarily in low-cost countries

Recommended approach: SafetyWing Nomad Insurance + travel insurance for adventure activities

Cost breakdown:

• SafetyWing Nomad Insurance: $45/month
• World Nomads (if needed for activities): ~$100/month when active
• Monthly average: $45-100/month

Trade-offs: Limited coverage, no US coverage, no mental health, must pay out of pocket for routine care

Mid-Range Nomad (35-50, Healthy)

Profile: Some ongoing health needs, wants peace of mind, mix of countries including occasional US visits

Recommended approach: SafetyWing Remote Health or IMG Global Medical

Cost breakdown:

• SafetyWing Remote Health: $160-250/month
• IMG Global Medical (with US): $200-350/month
• Monthly average: $200-300/month

Trade-offs: Moderate coverage limits, US coverage may be limited, some waiting periods

Premium Coverage (Any Age, Comprehensive Needs)

Profile: Higher income, wants best coverage, ongoing health conditions, family to cover

Recommended approach: Cigna Global Gold/Platinum or Allianz Care comprehensive

Cost breakdown:

• Cigna Global Gold: $300-500/month (individual)
• Cigna Global Platinum with dental/vision: $400-700/month
• Family coverage: $800-1,500+/month
• Monthly average: $300-700/month (individual)

Trade-offs: High cost, complex application, may require medical underwriting

US-Focused Nomad

Profile: Spends significant time in US, needs US coverage to work

Recommended approach: IMG Global Medical or domestic HDHP + international travel insurance

Cost breakdown:

• IMG Global Medical (US included): $250-400/month
• US HDHP + SafetyWing: $200-400 (HDHP) + $45 (SafetyWing) = $245-445/month
• Monthly average: $250-450/month

Trade-offs: Higher cost to include US, may have coverage gaps between plans

Filing Claims: What to Expect

Direct Billing vs Reimbursement

Direct billing: Insurer pays provider directly. You show your insurance card, receive care, and the insurer handles payment. Available in network hospitals and clinics.

Reimbursement: You pay out of pocket, then submit receipts to insurer for reimbursement. Standard for out-of-network care and in countries without direct billing agreements.

Reality check: Outside major cities and network hospitals, expect to pay upfront and file for reimbursement. Keep all receipts and documentation.

Documentation Requirements

What to save:

• Itemized bills (not just payment receipts)
• Medical records and diagnosis codes
• Prescription receipts
• Doctor’s notes and referrals
• Proof of payment (credit card statements, bank transfers)
• Photos of prescriptions/medications

Translation: Many insurers accept documents in English, Spanish, French, German. Other languages may require certified translation.

Reimbursement Timeline

Typical timeline:

• Submit claim: Same day to 90 days after treatment (check your policy)
• Initial review: 5-10 business days
• Request for additional info: Common, adds 1-2 weeks
• Payment processing: 5-15 business days after approval
• Total: 2-6 weeks for straightforward claims

Complex claims: Hospitalizations, surgeries, and large claims may take 4-8 weeks or longer.

Common Claim Issues

Denied for pre-existing condition: Insurers review medical history. If they find evidence of a pre-existing condition, they may deny the claim.

Insufficient documentation: Missing itemized bills or medical records delays or prevents payment.

Out-of-network penalties: Some plans pay only 70-80% for out-of-network care.

Excluded treatments: Cosmetic procedures, experimental treatments, and some alternative medicine typically excluded.

Currency conversion: Insurers may use their own exchange rate, which can differ from what you paid.

Conclusion

Health insurance for remote workers isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your choice depends on how long you’ll be abroad, which countries you’ll visit, whether you need US coverage, and how much risk you’re comfortable accepting.

For short workations under 90 days, travel insurance from World Nomads or similar providers offers adequate emergency coverage at low cost. For extended stays of 3+ months, international health insurance from providers like SafetyWing Remote Health, Cigna Global, or IMG becomes essential—particularly if you have any ongoing health needs or want access to routine care.

The key considerations:

• Duration: Under 90 days = travel insurance. Over 90 days = international health insurance.
• US needs: Most international plans exclude the US or charge significantly more to include it.
• Pre-existing conditions: Expect waiting periods; plan coverage switches during stable health periods.
• Visa compliance: Verify minimum coverage requirements for your destination—€30,000 is common in Europe.
• Budget vs coverage: You can get basic coverage for $45/month or comprehensive coverage for $400+/month. Choose based on your risk tolerance and healthcare needs.

Don’t wait until you need care to understand your coverage. Read your policy, know your deductibles, save the emergency number in your phone, and keep claim documentation ready. The best insurance is the one you understand before you need it.

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Sources

• SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
• SafetyWing Remote Health
• World Nomads Travel Insurance
• Cigna Global Health Insurance
• IMG Global Medical Insurance
• Allianz Care International Health Insurance
• Spain Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
• Portugal D8 Visa Insurance Requirements
• IRS Foreign Earned Income Exclusion
• Healthcare.gov ACA Marketplace