Source: Unsplash

Today’s ease of international travel, advances in tech, and the availability of remote jobs are fuelling a trend that has long been in the making: the technology-empowered return to a nomadic lifestyle.

But, while over 15.5 million people are now living the dream of pursuing their career goals while discovering the world, this lifestyle isn’t risk-free.

And, when it comes down to accessing healthcare services abroad, many digital nomads find themselves at a loss.

Luckily, health insurance providers are evolving with this trend, and are now providing tailored and comprehensive coverage. Here’s all you need to know before taking the leap and committing to a nomadic lifestyle.

Go Beyond Traditional Travel Insurance

One of the main downsides of being a digital nomad is that, given how new this lifestyle is, there is no handbook or answer sheet to consult to find solutions to everyday problems.

When it comes down to getting health insurance cover, you’ll find out that your lifestyle does not fit the standards and requirements of a traditional insurance plan. And that’s mostly why many digital nomads resort to travel insurance policies to cover their healthcare expenses abroad.

But no matter how expensive your travel insurance policy might be, the chances are that healthcare coverage will still be limited. After all, travel insurance is designed as a safety net for short-term travelers (usually capped at 180 days) who might find themselves in an emergency situation.

However, travel insurance providers also assume that, if you are struggling with a chronic condition, or need recurring screenings, you’d fly home and access care through your standard policy.

Since this might not be a viable option for serial expats, you should consider working with specialized health insurance companies such as InsuranceMarket.ae, which provide ad hoc coverage for digital nomads.

Invest in Global Primary Health Insurance

Once you have excluded travel insurance as a viable replacement for primary health insurance, it’s time to look at your options. The most common alternatives include:

Discussing options with your home country’s health insurance provider

Some health insurance providers provide coverage abroad or in specific countries. For example, EU citizens can access healthcare in other member countries, and Australian citizens benefit from the country’s reciprocal agreement with 11 jurisdictions. It’s important to notice that, with this option, you might not be covered everywhere.

Buy a local health insurance plan

If you are planning to reside in a certain country for six months or longer, you might consider investing in local healthcare coverage. Some countries even provide monthly-based plans specifically to short-term expats. This option might not be suitable for digital nomads who travel at a faster pace.

Opt for international primary healthcare cover

Global health insurance is one of the best options for digital nomads since it covers multiple destinations and allows pay-outs for emergency and non-emergency care, including everyday preventive care, long-term treatments for chronic conditions, dental care, and routine screenings.

Choosing Your Health Insurance Policy: What to Look For

Investing in travel and health insurance policies is an essential aspect of staying healthy while traveling. However, finding the right option for your needs can be overwhelming. Here are five aspects to review before committing to a certain insurance plan:

  • Jurisdiction coverage – not all plans will cover you everywhere you travel. Make sure to find the right policy for your travel plans.
  • Treatments and care covered – some global health insurance policies won’t cover screenings, preventive care, or non-emergency treatments. Make sure yours includes, at least, emergency, inpatient, and outpatient care as well as prescription coverage.
  • Pre-existing and chronic conditions coverage – if you suffer from chronic or long-term conditions, consider reviewing your insurance plan to make sure that you can access the care you need abroad.
  • Cost and fees – insurance policies vary greatly in terms of monthly premiums, pay-out caps, and deductibles. Consider finding a policy that you can afford but suits your medical and lifestyle needs.

Work With a Specialized Health Insurance Provider

Not all insurance providers offer policies created with the needs of digital nomads in mind. And, in some cases, not even digital nomads know what kind of coverage is needed abroad. Working with a reputable and specialized insurer is a surefire way to access affordable and comprehensive coverage designed around your lifestyle goals.