The BEST Travel Insurance For Digital Nomads And Backpackers

Alrightio then, let’s get down to it with

International Travel or Health Insurance for Digital Nomads: What’s the Difference?

Ok, so I need to get some details in here before I take a deep dive into the best travel insurance for nomads because there are some key differences of note. If there’s one thing I’ve learnt whilst travelling is that you really need to make sure you’re covered!

So, hopefully, this explanation can help you decide whether you need travel insurance instead of health insurance.

Digital Nomad Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is primarily designed for short or long-term trips (depending on the type) and covers things like – 

• Trip-Related Issues: These include lost luggage, cancellations, and delays.
• Emergency Medical Care: Coverage for unexpected accidents, illnesses and treatment during your trip. (Usually doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions). 
• Repatriation: Getting you or your body back home. 

What is it best for:  Travellers and backpackers who need coverage for emergencies and trip disruptions.

Digital Nomad Health Insurance

Health insurance for digital nomads is kinda like normal health insurance you might have at home, but it covers you across the world and includes –

• Comprehensive Medical Care: Routine checkups and treatment including preventive care, chronic conditions and emergencies.
• Global Coverage: Covers you the world over (may exclude certain countries or have higher charges for them). Some include coverage in your home country. 
• Flexibility: Higher levels of customisation are available for different needs, regions and time overseas. 

What is it best for:  Long-term travellers, digital nomads and ex-pats needing more comprehensive health coverage 

1. SafetyWing: The Roaming Renegades’ Favorite Digital Nomad Travel and Health Insurance.

Drumroll please… presenting the winner of the best travel health insurance for digital nomads. SafetyWing!

Our Pick For Best Nomad Insurance is SafetyWing and I’m going to run down a few key features here to explain why we love them. 

Why We Love SafetyWing Nomad Insurance

Having used them for many years whilst on the road we can attest to their flexibility, ease of use and wide range of coverage. All these things add up to make them the best travel insurance for digital nomads for us. 

For us, SafetyWing has a few key features that make it stand out among the rest of the providers, these are –

1. They offer a rolling monthly subscription that can be cancelled or paused at any time. 
2. They offer the best value for money and flexibility on the market.
3. Their customer service and 24/7 advisor availability are unrivalled.
4. Their policies are tailored to digital nomads.

For me, one of the biggest issues was selecting a provider that understands the needs of digital nomads inside and out. That is exactly what SafetyWing do. 

They are an insurance company that is focused on the unique needs of digital nomads, expats and long-term travellers. They intimately understand the different circumstances and support we need and go out of their way to provide that. This is why we rate them as the best international health insurance for digital nomads.

Plus, they also offer the best health insurance for digital nomads if you decide to go with their dedicated plan.

Benefits of Choosing SafetyWing Travel Health Insurance

• Coverage in over 180+ countries worldwide (Excluding some high-risk and worst countries to visit)
• Cheaper than biggest rivals World Nomads.
• SafetyWing offers a rolling monthly subscription (which can be activated and cancelled, mid-trip.)
• No need to have trip end dates or return flights booked
• Policies can be purchased when you’re already overseas
• User-friendly and accessible dashboard making claims easy to submit
• Superfast turnaround on claims
• 24/7 communication access to advisors 

Key Features and Coverage

SafetyWing Nomad 2.0 Insurance Key Features 

• Up to USD 250,000 in coverage for emergency medical treatment and expenses. 
• Medical Expenses (Hospital, Ambulance, Emergency Dental, Physical Therapy)
• Emergency medical evacuation Up to $100,000 lifetime maximum.
• Coverage for COVID-19, including mandated quarantine. 
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment
• Travel delay (Up To $100/day for 2 days)
• Lost checked luggage (up To $500 per item)
• Lost or stolen passport & visa
• Natural disasters (5 nights stay max $100 per night)
• Political and emergency evacuation
• Personal liability
• Sports and adventure activities including: hiking, cycling, snorkelling, surfing, canyoning, bungee jumping and climbing (at low altitudes). 

Add-Ons and Customisation:

• Electronics theft which covers devices up to $1,000 per item.
• Adventure sports add-ons include activities like motorbiking, skydiving, scuba diving, paragliding and whitewater rafting. 
• US Coverage (for non-residents) 

Exclusions

• Pre-existing illness or injury (Some acute related treatment may be included)
• Pregnancy or childbirth
• More extreme or higher risk sports and activities. 

How Much Does It Cost?

SafetyWing starts at $56.28/ 4 weeks for ages 18-39 and $92.40/ 4 weeks for ages 40-49. 

Why Pick SafetyWing?

SafetyWing travel health insurance offers a seamless process from sign-up to accessing advice all the way through to claim. Their easy-to-use subscription model, ability to sign up whilst overseas and competitive price makes them a clear winner. 

Plus, if you do end up settling somewhere for longer whilst you’re away, you can also check out their Nomad Health insurance which is a separate plan designed for full health coverage including preventative care and regular checkups. It’s the best international health insurance for nomads on the market.

Feature	Nomad Travel Insurance	Nomad Health Insurance
Emergency Medical Care	Yes (up to $250,000)	Yes (higher limits and broader scope)
Preventative Care	No	Yes
Travel Disruptions	Yes (some coverage for delays)	Limited
Deductible	$250	Varies
Home Country Coverage	Limited to 30 days per 90-day period	Comprehensive

Wanna know more? I also recently wrote a more in-depth SafetyWing review for your reading pleasure.

5 More Picks of the Best Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads

Alright then, so let’s have a look at the main competitors to Safetywing on the market when it comes to the best insurance for digital nomads. 

2. World Nomads  

Overview 

World Nomads is a big name in backpacker and nomad insurance and for a long time (before SafetyWing came literally swooping in) was the best travel insurance for long-term travel.

They offer flexible policies tailored to those travelling long-term and working remotely around the world. These can be taken out whilst travelling and extended when needed. Plus, they cover a wider range of activities than many other providers. 

One of the big downsides to World Nomad Insurance is their higher prices in comparison to many other providers out there. But you know what they say, you get what you pay for! And you really do with World Nomads, they are known for being super reliable and offering an easy-to-use claims service. 

Pros 

• Extensive adventure activity coverage
• Flexibility
• Available in 150+ countries including top backpacking destinations.
• 24/7 emergency assistance
• Comprehensive Benefits (emergency medical coverage, evacuation, trip cancellation, and gear protection.) 
• Easy Online Management
• Designed for long-term travellers and digital nomads

Cons 

• Premiums are often higher compared to competitors
• Doesn’t cover pre-existing medical conditions.
• Doesn’t differentiate between general and digital nomad-specific needs 
• Some adventure sports, high-risk activities, or destinations may not be covered.

Typical Costs 

For a 29-year-old from the UK, a Standard World Nomads annual travel insurance policy costs £196.20.

3. Genki

Overview 

This Japanese health and travel insurance provider is tailored to long-term travellers including backpackers, digital nomads and ex-pats. Genki offers coverage for those on the move without a fixed address and offers a “digital first” experience where everything is processed online, making it easy for digital nomads.

Purchase options offer a monthly subscription service that can be cancelled at any time. Plus they also offer one of the highest coverage levels for healthcare including some coverage for dental visits, mental health, outpatient visits and pregnancy. When it comes to the best travel insurance for long trips, they offer plenty of unique features.

Plus, they cover a whole heap of different sports activities and offer 24/7 assistance with direct billing, so you’re always covered. With affordable policies that are kept cheap by only offering the US as an optional add-on, you’ll never be paying for what you don’t need. Plus, they are the cheapest long term travel insurance providers on this list.

Pros 

• Covers you in almost every country (optional U.S. coverage add-on).
• No requirement for a fixed home base.
• Includes doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and emergency transport.
• Transparent, pay-as-you-go pricing with no cancellation fees.
• Covers remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs.
• More budget-friendly than many alternatives. 
• 24/7 emergency assistance

Cons 

• Limited U.S. Coverage without add-ons 
• Doesn’t cover non-health-related travel issues such as trip cancellations or baggage loss. 
• Doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions
• Dental care and maternity treatments have a mandatory waiting time

Typical Costs 

For a 29-year-old from the UK, a Travel health insurance plan costs £40 a month.

4. Travelex Insurance 

Overview 

Travelex is a great option for those wanting comprehensive coverage for both travel and health-related claims. It’s well suited for digital nomads and long-term travellers. Its primary drawback is that it is more aimed towards travellers hailing from the US.

Travelex ticks off all the main boxes for things like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, delays, and baggage loss, so it offers more than travel health insurance. For those with kids in tow, it also covers children under 17 for free with a covered adult, which is a massive bonus. 

With flexible options available including plans ranging from comprehensive to limited, you can easily customise your level of cover and cost. But what really makes them stand out is that they are one of the only providers that offer true dedicated travel insurance for digital nomads rather than partial health insurance.

Pros 

• 24/7 assistance for emergencies, delays and lost passports. 
• Policies are easy to customise according to trip length, destinations and activities. 
• A trusted and well-established travel insurance brand. 
• Coverage includes most countries with add-ons for the US.

Cons 

• More suited to American travellers.
• More expensive than other options.
• The digital claims process isn’t as streamlined as others 
• No direct billing. 

Typical Costs 

A 30-year-old from California should expect to pay around $120 a month.

5. Heymondo 

Overview 

For digital nomads who want a well-rounded policy that combines comprehensive health and travel cover, Heymondo is a fantastic shout. Those wanting to combine maximum convenience and support will love their travel assistance app which is super easy to access and use. 

One of the best features of Heymondo is their customisable tiered plans which offer different pricing and coverage to suit different travel plans. Another bonus is the option to add on cover for your electronic items, something that all digital nomads will appreciate, especially if they’re staying in a hostel.

With direct billing for most medical treatments, you also never need to worry about affording the cost of treatment upfront. And with their app, claiming is quick, easy and doesn’t require any complicated forms.

Pros 

• Covers both medical emergencies and travel-related issues like lost baggage and cancellations. 
• Offers multiple tiers of coverage for different needs and budgets. 
• The HeyMondo app makes it easy to file claims, contact support 24/7 as well as manage your policy. 
• Global coverage is available.

Cons 

• Full coverage plans significantly push up premiums. 
• They offer limited coverage for high-risk activities.
• Access to services is limited to the app. 
• They don’t offer long-term fixed plans. 

Typical Costs 

Heymondo Medical for someone from the UK starts at £600 for the year (With the link below you’ll get 5% off!)

6. Insured Nomads

Overview 

Insured Nomads are a modern provider who, as the name suggests, caters more specifically to digital nomads, remote workers and ex-pats. With a range of different health insurance plans available and seamless online management, they are perfect for those moving regularly whilst working online. 

Bonus features for digital nomads include mental health support, remote work tools and telehealth coverage. Plus, they also offer preventative and well-being services such as gym memberships and routine checkups to keep you in tip-top condition. 

On top of comprehensive coverage for health-related claims, they also offer some more travel-specific support including evacuation from natural disasters and dangerous political situations. With their flexible plans, you can select the amount of coverage you’d like according to your needs and budget.

Pros 

• Specifically designed with digital nomads in mind. 
• Comprehensive cover including travel, health, medical and emergencies. 
• Their app is easy to use including for claims, managing policies and accessing resources. 
• They don’t require a home base to take out coverage. 
• Includes preventative care and well-being services.

Cons 

• Can be quite a bit more expensive than basic travel insurance. 
• The amount of customisation options available can make it a little complicated. 
• Limited coverage for pre-existing conditions. 
• Not cost-effective for short-term trips. 
• Some plans are only for US-based travellers

Typical Costs 

Expect to pay around $100 a month on the World Explorer travel medical insurance plan.

Choosing Insurance as a Digital Nomad: What You Need to Know 

Right here I’ve got all the juicy, exciting info you’ve just been gagging to know! Ok, I know it’s a bit dry, but I will try to throw in the odd cool photo or something to keep you awake. 

But listen up, this stuff might be dull, but it’s the sorta info you need to make a fully informed decision on your digital nomad insurance. 

Country Coverage

Make sure your provider covers you for all countries you plan on visiting. Some regions and countries are often excluded, such as Syria, Ukraine or Somalia. Some providers offer specific “warzone” coverage. 

Plus, some providers offer different policies for travelling worldwide, including or excluding the USA (ahh, yes, we all know about the health care costs over there!). If you don’t plan on visiting the “land of the free”, you can usually get a better price. 

Pre-Existing Conditions

Most policies don’t cover pre-existing conditions, especially standard travel insurance. 

However, some digital nomad health insurance, Safetywing for example, offers coverage for “acute onset” of pre-existing conditions but not regular treatment. 

Emergency Medical Insurance

Don’t just presume you’ll be covered for all of your medical expenses. In fact, most policies have a limit on how much you can claim. So be sure to check the fine print and aim to be covered for a minimum of $250,000. 

Emergency Evacuation

You never know what sort of sticky situation you might get yourself into. Think hiking in the mountains and needing a helicopter rescue. That stuff can be expensive and is separate from your medical coverage. 

Trip Cancellations and Delays

Most providers will cover non-refundable expenses like flights, accommodation, transport and tours as a result of cancellations. For delays you might also be able to claim for things like food or fees incurred when rearranging booked items. 

Each provider has their own list of covered reasons, but the most commonly covered include: 

• Illness, injury, or death of either you, a close family member or your travelling companion. Severe weather and natural disasters 
• Sudden job loss 
• Airline bankruptcies or strikes 
• Legal obligations like jury duty 

Baggage Loss

This is pretty self-explanatory, but as always, the level of monetary coverage varies by policy. Some will reimburse the bare minimum, others will replace everything lost. Most will have some sort of coverage for damage to your bags at least. 

Gadget Protection

For most policies, gadget protection is either an additional add-on or is limited to either a certain amount of money or a number of items. For digital nomads carrying a lot of expensive gear, it’s worth double-checking what you’re covered for and considering purchasing extra coverage. 

Emergency Assistance

Do they offer 24/7 assistance (like SafetyWing) in the form of a dedicated phone line and/ or online chat? Accidents and emergencies happen at any time, and a good provider is always there for help and advice. 

Insurance Claim Process

Is it easy and simple to claim back your money, or is the process complicated and convoluted? Look for those with easy-to-use online portals. 

Deductibles/ Excess 

What do you need to pay upfront in order to claim? In the UK we call it the policy “excess” and this can range between providers and selected policies. Expect to pay around £100 – £150 on average but this can be much higher or even nothing. 

Duration of Coverage 

Are you covered for a set period of time, or is it a rolling contract? Also, check your insurance covers you for extended trips; standard travel insurance usually only covers you for so many weeks in a year, even if it is an annual policy. 

Activity Coverage 

Not all sports and activities are covered by standard insurance. Often, you might need an extreme sports package or winter sports add-on. Plus, you’ll have to have the proper licenses for anything you’re doing, such as riding a motorbike. 

Other 

Other things you need to check your coverage include political emergencies, natural disasters, COVID-19-related treatment or cancellations as well as accidental death and dismemberment. 

Final Comparison: Digital Nomad Travel Insurance

I’ve put together this handy table so you can quickly compare some of the features and benefits of each policy.

Provider	Coverage Highlights	Target Audience	Monthly Cost (Approx.)	Value of Coverage (Approx.)	Pros	Cons
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance	Medical emergencies, travel delays, trip interruptions	Short- to mid-term nomads	$42/month (ages 18-39)	$250,000 medical coverage	Affordable, flexible start/stop, basic travel coverage	No pre-existing conditions, minimal trip coverage
SafetyWing Remote Health	Global health insurance, including preventative care	Long-term nomads/remote teams	$120/month+	$1,000,000 health coverage	Comprehensive health coverage, family options	Expensive for individuals, no trip-specific coverage
World Nomads	Medical emergencies, gear protection, adventure sports	Adventure travellers	$80-150/month	$100,000 medical coverage	Covers high-risk activities, customizable plans	Higher cost, U.S.-focused claims process
Genki	Medical emergencies, wellness add-ons	EU-based nomads	€35-70/month	€500,000 health coverage	Transparent pricing, wellness coverage	Limited coverage outside of health
Travelex Insurance	Trip cancellation, medical, lost baggage	Budget-conscious travellers	$40-80/month	$500,000 medical coverage	Comprehensive plans, family-friendly	U.S.-centric, prepay for claims
Heymondo	Medical emergencies, cancellations, gear protection	Long-term nomads, ex-pats	$40-100/month	$500,000 medical coverage	Easy claims process, app-based management	Limited extreme activity coverage
Insured Nomads	Long-term nomads, ex-pats	Long-term nomads, ex-pats	$150/month+	$1,000,000 health coverage	Nomad-focused benefits, mental health support	High premiums, complex plans

Final Thoughts—What’s the Best Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads?

Well, we got there in the end! Thanks for sticking around. I get it, travel insurance for nomads isn’t the most exciting topic when all you’d rather be doing is picking out the next awesome spot to work from. 

But as a digital nomad, I know all too well that getting these things sorted and out of the way makes everything else much less stressful. Trust me, you’re gonna want to make sure you get yourself good coverage if you’re gonna spend extended periods working overseas. Because the odds are, at some point, you’ll need it!

Hopefully, you’ll be able to pick the best digital nomad insurance for you from this list and get on with picking out what the next view from the office will be. 

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