Why Standard Travel Insurance Isn't Enough
Most travel insurance policies cover emergency care for trips under 90 days. If you're living abroad — even as a digital nomad — you need international health insurance designed for long-term stays. The differences matter when you actually need care.
Quick Comparison: Top Policies for 2026
| Provider | Price/month | Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| SafetyWing Nomad Insurance | $42–100 | Emergency + some routine | Budget nomads, frequent movers |
| SafetyWing Remote Health | $150–300 | Full comprehensive | Settled nomads, families |
| Cigna Global | $200–500 | Comprehensive + dental | Corporate expats, families |
| AXA Expatriate | $180–450 | Comprehensive | EU-based expats |
| PassportCard | $120–350 | Comprehensive | Digital-first users |
| Local health insurance | $20–80 | Local hospitals only | Long-term residents in one country |
SafetyWing — The Nomad Standard
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance ($42/month for ages 18–39) has become the de-facto standard for budget-conscious nomads. It covers emergency care, hospitalization, and limited routine care, and you can buy it while already abroad — unlike most traditional policies.
By Country: Best Coverage Strategy
- Thailand: SafetyWing for emergencies + local AIA/BUPA Thailand ($40–80/month) for routine care and dental. Total: ~$90/month.
- Portugal/EU: If registered as a resident, you get access to state healthcare. Still recommend a private top-up for shorter waits: ~$100/month.
- Georgia: Local insurance from Imedi L or GPI for $30–50/month covers most needs well.
- Mexico: GNP or Seguros Monterrey for ~$80–150/month gives comprehensive coverage at Mexican hospitals (excellent quality).
- Indonesia/Bali: SafetyWing + international evacuation cover (AXA or Cigna) — local hospitals vary widely in quality.
What to Look For
- ✅ Pre-existing conditions — most policies exclude them. Cigna and AXA offer partial coverage after a waiting period.
- ✅ Medical evacuation — critical if you're in a country with poor hospital quality
- ✅ Mental health coverage — only higher-tier plans include this
- ✅ Dental — usually a separate add-on
- ✅ Home country visits — check how many days you can spend at home without losing coverage
Bottom Line
For most nomads on a budget: SafetyWing Nomad Insurance ($42–100/month) is the pragmatic choice. For those settled in one place for 6+ months: switch to a local policy or SafetyWing Remote Health for better routine coverage. For families or those with pre-existing conditions: Cigna Global is worth the premium.
