This blog post is all about travel insurance for digital nomads.
Life as a digital nomad is full of adventure, spontaneity, and freedom.
One month, you’re waking up to the sound of waves in Bali, the next you’re sipping espresso in a café in Italy.
But with this freedom comes one thing most of us don’t think about: travel insurance.
Let’s be honest, travel insurance for digital nomads isn’t the most exciting thing to research. I get it, because I used to be the same.
When I first started travelling long-term, I thought, I’m young, healthy, and careful. What could go wrong? Turns out, a lot.
Getting Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads While Already Abroad
My first experience with travel insurance issues came when my traditional insurance ran out while I was still abroad.
I assumed I could just buy another policy online, but nope. Most providers won’t let you extend or purchase insurance once you’ve already left your home country.
I was left uninsured and scrambling to find a solution.
That’s when I discovered SafetyWing, and it completely changed the way I think about travel insurance for digital nomads. Not only could I sign up while already abroad, but their rolling monthly coverage meant I never had to stress about renewal dates again.
And when I went home to Ireland for Christmas? I just paused my coverage and restarted it when I resumed travelling. No wasted money, no unnecessary payments.
So, if you’re a digital nomad, long-term traveller, or remote worker, this guide is for you.
I’ll explain why travel insurance is an absolute must, what makes SafetyWing different, and why it’s the best travel insurance for digital nomads like me.
RELATED blog post to read: How to Get Travel Insurance When Abroad Already
Why Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads is Essential
If you’re travelling full-time, you need to be prepared for the unexpected. Here are some real-life situations where travel insurance for digital nomads is essential:
1. Medical Emergencies Can Happen Anytime, Anywhere
It’s easy to think, I never get sick, I’ll be fine! But when you’re constantly moving between countries, your immune system takes a hit. Different climates, food, and environments can all have an impact.
I’ve met digital nomads who:
- Ended up in the hospital with food poisoning in Thailand
- Got dengue fever after getting bitten by mosquitoes in Bali
- Fell off a motorbike in Vietnam and needed stitches
- Suffered a surfing injury in Sri Lanka
Without travel insurance, a simple hospital visit can cost you thousands. Some countries won’t even treat you unless you pay upfront, and trust me, you don’t want to be stuck in that situation.
With SafetyWing, medical emergencies are fully covered up to $250,000, meaning you won’t be left with a massive bill if something goes wrong.
2. Most Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads Won’t Cover You If You’re Already Abroad
I learned this lesson the hard way. My original insurance plan ran out while I was still travelling, and I assumed I could just renew it or buy a new one online.
Turns out, most traditional providers require you to purchase coverage before you leave your home country. If you’re already abroad and need insurance, you’re out of luck.
SafetyWing? No problem.
You can sign up from anywhere in the world, even if you’re already travelling. This was a lifesaver for me when I needed coverage but had no way of flying home just to purchase insurance.
3. Travel Plans Change: You Need Flexible Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads
One of the biggest struggles of long-term travel is not knowing how long you’ll be gone for.
When I first left home, I planned for six months of travel. That turned into a year, then two years, and I quickly realised that fixed-term insurance plans don’t work for nomads.
Most insurance policies make you:
- Prepay for a set period (6 months, 12 months, etc.)
- Renew manually every time your plan runs out
- Struggle to extend coverage while abroad
With SafetyWing’s rolling monthly coverage, you don’t have to worry about any of this. It works like a subscription—you pay monthly, and it renews automatically until you cancel it.
And if you take a break from travelling, you can simply pause your plan and restart it whenever you need it. When I went home to Ireland for Christmas, I paused my coverage and restarted it when I went back abroad. It was that easy.
4. Lost Luggage, Flight Delays & Emergency Evacuations Happen
Here’s another thing that happens more often than you’d think:
- Your airline loses your backpack with all your essentials inside
- Your flight gets delayed for 12+ hours, and you need a last-minute hotel
- You have a family emergency and need to fly home unexpectedly
With SafetyWing, these situations are covered:
- Lost luggage? They cover up to $3,000.
- Flight delays? You’ll get $100 per day for accommodation and meals.
- Emergency flight home? You’re covered for up to $5,000.
For long-term travellers and digital nomads, these small details make a huge difference.
5. It’s Affordable Compared to Traditional Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads
One of the main reasons travellers skip insurance is the cost. Traditional insurance providers charge a fortune for long-term coverage.
SafetyWing? It’s one of the most affordable options of travel insurance for digital nomads.
Instead of paying a huge lump sum upfront, you pay monthly. So you’re not locked into an expensive plan you might not even use.
6. The Claims Process is Simple & Support is 24/7
Let’s be real: most insurance companies make filing a claim a nightmare.
With SafetyWing, everything is handled online, and they offer 24/7 human support. So you’ll never be stuck in a crisis without help.
What Does SafetyWing Cover?
One of the biggest concerns when choosing travel insurance is what’s actually covered. A lot of policies look great at first glance, but once you dig into the fine print, you realise important things aren’t included.
That’s why I love SafetyWing. It’s simple, transparent, and covers all the essentials that digital nomads and long-term travellers need.
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be covered for with SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance:
1. Medical Expenses (Up to $250,000)
If you get sick or injured abroad, SafetyWing covers up to $250,000 in medical costs.
This includes:
- Hospital stays and treatment
- Doctor visits
- Emergency medical procedures
- Prescription medication related to a covered incident
This is crucial because hospital bills can skyrocket fast, especially in countries like the USA or Japan.
2. Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
If you suffer a serious illness or injury that requires medical evacuation, SafetyWing will cover:
- Up to $100,000 for emergency evacuation
- Repatriation of remains up to $20,000 (in case of death)
- Local burial or cremation up to $10,000
Hopefully, you’ll never need this, but it’s reassuring to have a safety net if the worst happens.
3. Trip Delays & Unexpected Travel Disruptions
Flight delays are a nightmare, but with SafetyWing, you’ll get:
Up to $100 per day for accommodation and meals if your flight is delayed 12+ hours (for up to two days).
If you’ve ever been stranded in an airport overnight, you know how valuable this can be!
4. Lost Luggage (Up to $3,000)
If your airline loses your bags, you’ll be compensated:
Up to $3,000 total (max $500 per item) for lost checked luggage.
Just note that this doesn’t cover lost electronics (e.g., laptops or cameras), so if you rely on expensive tech, consider a separate gadget insurance plan.
5. Emergency Flights Home (Up to $5,000)
If you need to return home due to a family emergency, SafetyWing covers:
Up to $5,000 for an emergency flight home (e.g., if an immediate family member passes away).
This is a huge relief for long-term travellers who might need to get home quickly but can’t afford last-minute airfare.
6. Coverage for Leisure Sports & Adventure Activities
Love hiking, cycling, or surfing? SafetyWing covers injuries from common adventure activities, including:
- Surfing
- Hiking and trekking
- Cycling
- Diving (up to a certain depth)
It doesn’t cover professional or extreme sports, but for most nomads, this is more than enough.
What’s NOT Covered?
Like all insurance plans, there are also exclusions.
Here’s what SafetyWing does NOT cover:
- Pre-existing conditions: If you have an ongoing medical issue, it won’t be covered.
- Lost or stolen personal items: Phones, laptops, and cameras aren’t included.
- Extreme sports & professional athletics: If you’re doing high-risk activities like skydiving or competing professionally, you’ll need extra coverage.
- Trip cancellation before departure: If you cancel your trip before you even leave, it’s not covered.
Why SafetyWing is My Go-To Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads
After years of travelling, I’ve tested multiple insurance providers, and SafetyWing has been by far the easiest and also most flexible option.
- I never have to worry about renewal dates
- Can pause my coverage when I go home
- I can sign up or restart coverage anytime, from anywhere
- It’s affordable compared to traditional insurance
The biggest selling point for me was how effortless it was to sign up. My boyfriend and I were sitting in a café waiting for coffee, and before the coffee even arrived, we were both signed up and covered. That’s how simple it is.
So if you’re a digital nomad or long-term traveller, I highly recommend checking out SafetyWing. It’s made my travels stress-free, and I can’t imagine travelling without it.
Get SafetyWing Travel Insurance here.
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