The life of a digital nomad can be wonderful but also quite unpredictable. Remote work from anywhere in the world seems like an exciting prospect, but no one can guarantee protection from illnesses and injuries abroad. Quality medical insurance can help you get access to qualified medical care at any time and in any place.
Why do digital nomads need insurance?
First and foremost, obviously, protection against unforeseen injuries and illnesses. A quality policy can provide reliable protection in any country in the world.
After extensive research on digital nomad insurance policies, we have selected the best companies. This material includes a comparison of programs from Western insurance companies with travel insurance programs from leading Russian banks – SberInsurance and T-Insurance. It is difficult to meticulously compare products, as each has many nuances and conditions. However, the main points can always be highlighted – price, duration, coverage area, and covered risks.
SafetyWings
Official website: safetywing.com
One of the most popular health insurance options for digital nomads in the world. The policy can be purchased even abroad, which makes it easier if insurance is needed during the trip. An ideal option for travelers on a budget.
Basic package cost: $56.28. Restrictions – age from 10 to 39 years. The age of insurance coverage reaches 69 years, but the price in this case is $196.
Coverage: worldwide. The Nomad Insurance program is primarily aimed at covering emergency medical expenses and unpleasant situations during travel, including delays and lost baggage.
Basic package duration: 4 weeks.
Coverage amount: the insurance plan includes $250,000 for emergency medical care, $100,000 for emergency medical evacuation, $25,000 in case of death, $5,000 for trip interruption, $1,000 for emergency dental care, etc.
Advantages: In case of an insurance event, it is easy to file a claim for reimbursement through your personal account on the SafetyWings website. The average response time is 4-7 days. Two children under 10 years old (per one adult) can be insured for free. The insurance policy is automatically renewed based on a subscription (every 4 weeks).
Genky
Official website: genki.world
Cost: $58 and $69 per month. The basic plan does not include coverage in the USA or Canada (available for an additional fee). Conditions for age groups at different prices, including 0–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–69, and 60–69.
Coverage: worldwide. The program includes emergency medical care (including emergency dental care), coverage of expenses for flight delays/cancellations, lost baggage, evacuation, death, etc.
Basic package duration: 1 month. Monthly subscription up to 2 years.
Coverage amount: three coverage levels – standard (up to $1.5 million for outpatient treatment, examinations and vaccinations, maternity and more), premium (up to $1.5 million. Everything included in the standard plan, plus limits for dental, ophthalmological, and higher payouts), Premium Plus (up to $2.5 million. Everything included in the Standard and Premium plans, but with higher limits).
Advantages: Reviews of Genky insurance indicate a simple registration and policy purchase process, affordable prices and flexible tariff plans, quality customer service, and fast and fair claims processing.
WorldNomad
Official website: www.worldnomads.com
Cost: Standard plan – $85.56, Extended (Explorer Plan) – $154.72
Coverage: worldwide. The program includes emergency medical care (including emergency dental care), coverage of expenses for flight delays/cancellations, lost baggage, evacuation, death, etc.
Basic package duration: up to 180 days with the possibility of extension.
Coverage amount: medical expenses in case of accident and illness up to $100,000 (both tariff plans).
Advantages: a good insurance company for solo travelers, especially for fans of active sports, as it offers broader coverage (it is important to note that it does not include extreme sports). Simple choice of 2 tariff plans, each of which can be extended at any time. Claims are accepted 24/7.
SberInsurance
Official website: sberbankins.ru
Basic package cost: from 2423 rubles
Coverage: Russia and the world. The program includes emergency medical care (including emergency dental care), coverage of expenses for flight delays/cancellations, lost baggage, evacuation, death, civil liability, etc. Permissible age from 0 to 80 years.
Basic package duration: 30 days with the possibility of extension.
Coverage amount: from $35,000 to $120,000
Advantages: high reliability rating of the company, convenient, simple online application form, various communication methods and filing a claim for insurance risks coverage, fast application processing and coverage of expenses incurred in a state of alcohol intoxication and engaging in high-risk sports.
T-Insurance (Tinkoff)
Official website: www.tbank.ru
Basic package cost: from 246 rubles/day.
Coverage: Russia and worldwide. The program includes emergency medical care (including emergency dental care), accommodation in case of quarantine illness, coverage of expenses for flight delays/cancellations, lost baggage, evacuation, death, civil liability, loss and damage of photo and video equipment/sports equipment, etc.
Basic package duration: From 1 day. The policy can be issued for 365 days or only for the travel period.
Coverage amount: $30,000 to $100,000
Advantages: high reliability rating of the company, convenient, simple online application form, a wide range of options for the optimal insurance case set, options for insurance for any case and activity, fast reimbursement (from 3 days), round-the-clock assistance and support, no hidden restrictions.
Conclusions
The analysis shows that Russian insurance companies are quite competitive with leading global insurers. At the same time, the product selection functionality is not inferior, and sometimes even surpasses foreign analogs. In terms of cost, with precise customization (including the choice of destination country and service package), it is somewhat cheaper. It can be confidently said that for a regular trip, T-Insurance is more affordable and functional than SberInsurance.
For example, Nomad Insurance from SafetyWings is deservedly considered the most expensive when insuring freelancers, but it protects not only from accidents but also allows for planned medical care. In this case, SafetyWings becomes the most attractive company capable of covering any risks. Therefore, when planning a freelancer’s lifestyle abroad, it is worth considering this insurer.
