The Digital Nomad's Guide To Healthcare

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The Digital Nomad’s Guide To Healthcare

Even digital nomads, enjoying the freedom of working from anywhere in the world, aren’t immune to illnesses and injuries. Perhaps being bedridden with food poisoning or taking a spill on your motorbike sounds like a familiar scene. Suddenly, the excitement of your adventure is overshadowed by the daunting task of finding quality healthcare in an unfamiliar place.

Written exclusively for Expat Network by SafetyWing

Nomads often face significant healthcare challenges. One primary issue is the lack of consistent access to quality healthcare. Navigating different healthcare systems and languages can be daunting, and the high cost of out-of-pocket medical expenses can be prohibitive. Traditional health insurance policies typically do not cover international travel, leaving nomads vulnerable.

Ensuring access to medical services while traveling is vital, and companies like SafetyWing are stepping up to provide comprehensive solutions for nomads. In this blog, we’ll delve into the unique healthcare challenges faced by nomads and explore how SafetyWing can help.

Who is SafetyWing?

SafetyWing is built by nomads to provide global health insurance options for fellow nomads. Our products are designed by a team that has always been fully remote, distributed across six continents. We’re on a mission to build a global social safety net so that people everywhere can have access to social benefits, starting with health insurance.

Health insurance offers:

Nomad Insurance: travel medical insurance for unexpected injuries and illnesses.
Nomad Health: complete health insurance in 180+ countries, including preventative care, diagnostics, mental health counseling and more.
Remote Health: basically the same as Nomad Health, but designed for remote companies.

Your insurance plan options

Before diving into insurance options, it’s vital to assess your individual health needs. Consider your age, current health conditions, medications, and anticipated healthcare needs in your destination country. Do you have any pre-existing conditions that require regular medical attention? Are you planning to start a family? Answering these questions will help you identify the level of coverage necessary for your specific circumstances.

SafetyWing’s insurance plans cover a wide range of medical expenses, including hospital stays, prescription drugs, and emergency medical evacuations. This comprehensive coverage ensures that nomads are protected in various health scenarios. Some of the standout features of SafetyWing’s health insurance are:

Sign up anytime, anywhere, even if you’re already abroad.
Easily submit and track claims through their user-friendly online platform. Claims take less than 7 days to be processed.
Access their 24/7 customer support team from anywhere.
Get the coverage you need at a competitive price.
Many countries require proof of health insurance as a condition for issuing visas. Nomad Health provides a certificate of insurance that can be used to meet this requirement.

The monthly subscription model allows nomads to maintain continuous coverage without being tied down by long-term contracts. Additionally, there is no cap on the duration of travel, and coverage extends to home countries under specific conditions.

SafetyWing prioritizes user experience with an easy online sign-up process and a straightforward claims procedure. Their 24/7 customer support usually answers chat questions in under a minute.

Why Nomad Health is a top choice for digital nomads

If you’re looking for a comprehensive and flexible health insurance option, consider SafetyWing’s Nomad Health plan. Designed specifically for digital nomads and expats, Nomad Health offers global coverage in over 175+ countries, including your home country. Choose from two plan options: the Standard Plan and Premium Plan.

Here’s a snapshot of what Nomad Health offers:

In addition to basic emergency and preventative health coverage, Nomad Health also includes coverage for virtual therapy sessions with licensed therapists, physiotherapy, acupuncture, and other alternative treatments. There is no deductible, except for visits to the USA, and you can choose from flexible copay options.

Comparing SafetyWing to other insurance providers

Our testimonials speak for themselves, but it’s important to consider potential limitations and exclusions in the policies, and evaluate your specific needs. For example:

Evaluate your health needs, including any pre-existing conditions and the frequency and type of travel you do. This assessment will help you determine the level of coverage you require.
Balance cost and coverage when choosing a plan. Ensure that the insurance you select fits within your budget while providing adequate protection.
Check reviews and testimonials from other nomads. Consulting with others can provide valuable insights into the best insurance options available.

Research and secure your health insurance well in advance of your move. This will ensure you have coverage from day one in your new country. Carefully review the policy documents, including the terms and conditions, exclusions, and limitations. Don’t hesitate to contact the insurance provider if you have any questions or need clarification, and choose a plan that can adapt to your changing needs, whether you’re staying put or exploring new destinations.

Note: SafetyWing’s Nomad Health is an excellent option for many expats, but it’s important to research and compare different plans to find the one that best suits your individual needs and budget.

With the right health insurance coverage in place, you can embrace your expat journey with confidence, knowing that you’re prepared for the unexpected.

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.