Do you work remotely and dream of turning every destination into your office? Digital nomads and nomadic workers enjoy exceptional freedom: the ability to travel the world while pursuing their professional careers. However, to work and travel with peace of mind, good health insurance for digital nomads is essential.
The right health insurance is essential to avoid the unexpected. With solutions like those offered by AXA Global Healthcare, you benefit from reliable medical cover, whether you’re away for a short or extended stay. What’s more, many countries require international health insurance to issue a telecommuting visa, making this coverage essential if you want to work abroad with peace of mind.
Digital nomads in 2025: a profile still in demand in certain countries
For several years now, telecommuting has given rise to a new category of worker: the digital nomad. The health crisis of 2020 accelerated the adoption of telecommuting, enabling many workers to adopt a nomadic lifestyle. This development has led some countries to set up programs aimed at attracting these international professionals, often freelancers, who work from abroad.
For example, Dubai has introduced a specific visa for remote workers, allowing one-year residency. Antigua and Barbuda offers a “Nomad Digital Residence” allowing nomadic workers and their families to stay for up to two years. Barbados offers the “Welcome Stamp”, a one-year visa for remote workers. Costa Rica, meanwhile, offers a program enabling digital nomads to work from the country for one year, with the possibility of renewal. Georgia has set up a “Remotely from Georgia” program, allowing remote workers to stay for up to a year. Croatia offers a temporary residence permit for digital nomads, enabling them to live and work in the country.
Mandatory health insurance to obtain a telework visa
In most countries offering visas for digital nomads, international health insurance is an essential requirement. This obligation stems from the fact that these workers, whether salaried or self-employed, carry out their activities remotely for a company located outside the host country. As a result, they are generally not covered by the local social security system, barring specific exceptions.
In Europe
If you’re planning to work remotely from a European Union country, you can take advantage of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to cover your medical needs (emergencies or unexpected care). However, this coverage is limited and does not cover all expenses, particularly in the private sector where costs can be high. What’s more, the EHIC does not cover repatriation costs, which can be expensive in the event of a serious incident.
Outside the European Union
Outside the EU, the situation is different. French Social Security generally does not reimburse medical expenses incurred abroad, with some exceptions. Some bank cards include travel insurance, but this is often limited to 3 months, and coverage is restricted. In addition, medical expenses can be considerable in many countries, making adequate coverage essential.
Why specific insurance for digital nomads?
Digital nomad insurance is specially designed for people who live on the move while working remotely. Unlike occasional travelers and expatriates, digital nomads have no fixed residence and travel regularly from one country to another. They therefore need flexible, international travel insurance that can adapt to the different situations they encounter abroad.
Our international health insurance meets these specific needs, offering comprehensive medical coverage and access to healthcare in many countries. You benefit from high-quality care, whether for routine consultations, emergencies or even treatment for serious illnesses such as cancer. What’s more, you can choose between monthly, quarterly or annual payments, and tailor your package to suit your needs and budget.
Key criteria for a good Digital Nomad insurance policy
When choosing your insurance, consider the following:
- International health insurance: Check that your policy covers medical expenses, including hospitalization and emergencies, in all the countries you visit.
- Repatriation assistance: In the event of a serious problem, assistance to return to your country of origin is essential.
- Civil liability: Protects you against damage you may cause to others.
- Business equipment protection: Your computer, smartphone and other equipment should be covered against theft or damage.
- Contract flexibility: Opt for formulas with no long-term commitment, with the option of easy modification or termination.
Top 5 recommended insurances for Digital Nomads
- SafetyWing – Nomad Insurance: Designed specifically for digital nomads, this insurance offers worldwide medical and travel coverage. It works on a monthly subscription basis, with affordable rates and appreciated flexibility.
- April International – My Travel Cover: Ideal for French people abroad, this policy offers comprehensive coverage, including third-party payment in the USA. It is tailored to the needs of nomads, expatriates and long-term travelers.
- Ava – Plan Santé Diginomad: This package covers medical expenses, third-party liability, luggage and even extreme sports. A major advantage: protection for your digital devices, essential to your business.
- Genki – Health Insurance for Digital Nomads: Genki offers international health insurance with worldwide coverage. It’s easy to take out online, even if you’re already abroad.
- AXA – International Health Insurance for Digital Nomads: AXA offers health insurance tailored to digital nomads, with fast access to quality medical care, wherever you are.
Another interesting solution for digital nomads is Santexpat.fr, an international health insurance comparator dedicated to expatriates and nomadic workers. Thanks to its platform, you can easily compare different insurance offers adapted to your itinerant lifestyle. Santexpat.fr offers flexible packages with extensive medical cover, including emergency care, regular consultations and treatment abroad, depending on your destination. What’s more, Santexpat.fr supports you every step of the way, with a 24/7 assistance service to ensure your peace of mind in all circumstances, even if the unexpected happens.
The importance of international health insurance
International health insurance is essential for digital nomads. This insurance guarantees comprehensive coverage in the event of unforeseen medical circumstances abroad, covering medical care (hospitalization, consultations, emergencies), medical repatriation and civil liability. So, if you want to travel and work abroad with peace of mind, it’s crucial to choose an international health insurance policy tailored to your needs and the requirements of your host country.
