7 Best Global Health Insurances for Digital Nomads in Dubai / United Arab Emirates

If you are a digital nomad and love living in different places around the world, it is important to have an international health insurance that offers coverage in several countries. That’s why we have selected the 7 best international health insurance options that offer the best cost-benefit to meet your needs.

We know that health insurance is crucial for peace of mind and security, whether for travel or for moving to other countries. Unfortunately, many companies take advantage of this need to charge exorbitant prices. That’s why choosing the best international health insurance is essential.

So, to help you, I’ve listed the best international health insurance plans for digital nomads. Those privileged people who work online from anywhere in the world… are you one of these?

The UAE is a cosmopolitan and advanced country, offering an excellent infrastructure for digital nomads. The warm, sunny climate is ideal for outdoor living, and security is high. In addition, there are plenty of entertainment options, excellent co-working facilities and a wide range of affordable accommodation options.

 

The 5 Best Cities for Digital Nomads in Dubai

  1. Dubai: The best-known and most advanced city in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads. It offers a wide range of accommodation options, high-quality co-working facilities and nightly entertainment.
  2. Abu Dhabi: the capital of the United Arab Emirates, it offers an advanced infrastructure, including excellent accommodation options, co-working facilities and a wide range of outdoor activities.
  3. Sharjah: The third largest city in the UAE, it offers a quieter, more traditional atmosphere, as well as affordable accommodation options and co-working facilities.
  4. Ajman: A small coastal town with a friendly community and laid-back atmosphere, it offers affordable accommodation options and convenient co-working facilities.
  5. Ras Al Khaimah: A mountain town with beautiful scenery and a laid-back atmosphere, it offers accommodation options and co-working facilities, as well as outdoor activities.

 

However, if you intend to stay in Dubai, the five best districts (neighborhoods) to live as a digital nomad are:

  1. Media City: is the center of Dubai’s media and technology industry, with several offices and coworking spaces.
  2. Jumeirah Lakes Towers: is a residential and commercial area, with many office buildings and nightlife options.
  3. Barsha Heights: Is a fast-growing residential and commercial area with many offices and leisure options.
  4. Internet City: is the hub of Dubai’s technology industry, with multiple offices and remote work facilities.
  5. Dubai Marina: is a residential and commercial area along an artificial marina, with leisure options and coworking spaces.

That said, the options of insurance I’ve separated below will help you to research the best health insurance policy that fits your needs!

 

But first… What is a digital nomad? 

Digital nomadism has been a reality for some time, but it has seen a significant increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people abandoned office work and had to adapt to remote work at home, thus seeking a more flexible routine closer to nature.

These people, who work from other countries and travel at the same time, are called digital nomads. They only use a laptop to perform their tasks and are paid to do so, allowing them to travel around the world while working.

For those involved in creative areas, such as copywriters, publicists and designers, or for those looking to relieve the stress of work, there is nothing better than working with a view of the sea on a paradisiacal beach. However, it is worth remembering that working on the beach is not always as pleasant or practical as it seems (I can assure you, from experience ). Still, it is possible to enjoy the view or visit the beach after work.

To stimulate local tourism, boost the economy and cater to travelers, many countries such as Costa Rica, Bermuda, Barbados, Portugal, Georgia, Estonia, among others, offer visas to digital nomads or people working remotely.

Now that you know what digital nomadism is, a lifestyle that is increasingly popular with the growth of remote work, it is important to understand the importance of having health insurance before venturing out into the world, especially in Dubai.

 

 

Digital Nomads Dubai

 

 

Why do I need international health insurance as a digital nomad? 

Many people who plan their travels neglect or even forget the importance of health insurance for digital nomads. However, if you plan to live in Dubai, it is essential to have your insurance in order.

First of all, it is important to remember that private health services abroad are extremely expensive and not all countries have an accessible public health system, especially for digital nomads.

Additionally, living in an unknown location, experiencing new things, and dealing with any hardships (such as food poisoning) increase the risks. Don’t count on your health, okay?

That’s why it’s important to pay attention to the following reasons to worry about your health insurance before embarking on your journey:

 

   1. You’ll probably need an insurance policy to get a resident or digital nomad visa 

It’s true, not all countries require health insurance for expatriates and digital nomads entering the country. However, as I already explained, you will be moving to a new and probably unknown country, which makes you more vulnerable to health or safety issues.

Even if it’s not about the law, it’s essential to take care of your own health and make sure you have medical coverage when you need it. No one wanna move to be in a pickle, right?

 

   2. An international health insurance policy protects your health & well-being  

You know that we only really know a service when we see or use it in practice, don’t we? As much as the country you will move to offers a public health system, we can’t be sure how your experience will be when you need it. Specially so if you need some specific service or exclusivity.

An international health insurance gives you the assurance and peace of mind that no matter what happens, you will receive high-quality medical care. That way, you won’t have to worry about emergencies abroad (yours or your family’s).

Also, in most countries in the world, the private healthcare system is better than the public one. And with an insurance policy, you can easily access the private system in Dubai (which can be very expensive without insurance!).

 

   3. A health insurance policy gives you access to better quality medical care

The obligation of an international health insurance is not by chance. As mentioned, the costs of private medical care can be extremely high, especially if you are working remotely in the United States, where much of the healthcare system is private and expensive.

In addition, even in countries without this requirement, prices are likely to be abusive.

Therefore, international health insurance not only guarantees access to quality medical care, but can also protect against absurdly high costs that can lead to financial ruin.

 

Why is it important for digital nomads to take out international health insurance and not just travel insurance?

Yes, with a digital nomad visa you are legalized in the country as a kind of “resident”. But, if you intend to spend a long period in the place or even get the residency through a work visa, you must have an international health insurance itself.

 

5 Cheapest International Health Insurance Plans for Immigrants & Expats

 

What is important to consider before taking out health insurance for digital nomads?

And finally, we can talk about the best (and cheapest!) international health insurance options.

But you must be thinking: how will I know which health insurance plan is best for me?

Don’t worry, here is a list of questions to consider before making your decision:

  • What type of coverage does each plan offer?
  • How many hospitals and practices does the plan cover?
  • Your specific needs or those of your family.
  • Quality of service and customer support

 

Let’s understand better:

 

   1. The coverage that each international health plan offers

One of the main factors when choosing your international health insurance is to consider coverage. To know whether it is right for you, there are a few questions to keep in mind:

  • What is the scope of the plan? Can I have appointments in other cities or countries if
  • I’m traveling? If I am an expatriate as a digital nomad, will I be able to use the plan in other countries? Would it cover the entire Dubai?
  • Is this the ideal plan for all my family’s needs?
  • Is it possible to customize the plan according to my priorities and/or my family’s needs?
  • How many people are covered by the plan? How much for additional members?

 

   2. The number of hospitals and practices covered by the international health plan

It is important to consider not only the quality but also the number of hospitals and practices available before choosing a health plan. If you’re moving to a small town, the more health options you have, the easier it will be for you to find care quickly.

Some international health plans allow the use of medical services at no additional cost, while others charge and offer later reimbursement. It is important to avoid this type of plan, as it can be difficult to get the insurer to pay what they owe.

Finally, it is advisable to choose a plan with broad coverage to ensure better healthcare services.

 

   3. What are your specific health needs or pre-existing conditions for you and your family?

It is worth investigating health plan coverage, especially with regard to pre-existing conditions. It is important to be aware of the coverage offered by the insurance company you are interested in.

Remember that not all health insurances have free and unlimited coverage for pre-existing conditions, specific treatments or even pregnancy.

Before choosing a plan, make sure it includes the medical care you may need.

 

   4. How good is the insurance company’s customer support?

Another important aspect is the quality of service provided by the insurer. This is critical if you ever need to trigger your insurance, as it will be a factor that will affect your experience with the company.

When considering a health insurance company, there are a few points to consider, such as: response time, successful claim rate, and customer reviews. However, it’s important to keep in mind that many insurers have low ratings, so caution should be exercised when rating them.

If you do not speak English or the language of the country where you are going to move, it is important to check if the insurer offers assistance in other languages, including your native language. This is important in case of emergencies, as it is important to have the guarantee that you can count on a quality and efficient support service in an understandable language.

Finally, make sure the insurer offers 24/7 customer service. This is crucial to ensuring that you have access to services when you need them.

 

Who does these international health insurances cover?

The international health insurances on this list provide coverage for these citizens who live abroad as digital nomads:

  • Americans
  • Canadians
  • Australians
  • Chinese
  • Germans
  • French
  • Argentineans
  • British people
  • Swedes
  • New Zealanders

And for citizens of almost every other country living abroad.

 

For digital nomads residing in:

  • U.S
  • Canada
  • China
  • Germany
  • Sweden
  • Spain
  • Portugal
  • France (European Union/Schengen area as a whole)
  • United Kingdom
  • China (and Hong Kong)
  • Australia
  • Switzerland

And for expats living in almost any other country in the world.

 

In short, no matter where you live or where you want to go, most of these health insurances will be able to offer you a good service, as they are companies with global services.

 

Tip for Cheap International Transfers: if you are a Digital Nomad and need to send or receive money from abroad, take a look at our article with the 7 Best and Cheapest Apps and Websites for International Transfers

 

The 7 Best & Cheapest International Health Insurance Plans for Digital Nomads 

Tip: I always recommend that you get a quick quote with all the companies listed below. Despite the work, at the end of your research, you can save a lot of money.

 

    1. Cigna  International Insurance Expat

As an American insurance company, Cigna follows the American standard when it comes to customer service and efficiency. They seek to provide you with access to quality health care without too many bureaucracies, from anywhere in the world. It already has more than 180 million employees and has offices in several countries around the world.

When we were living in Sweden, Nikki got an insurance policy from Cigna to have sufficient coverage and medical help, as well as meet the requirements to get her residency permit.  

Because of this, Cigna is a great option if you’re also in search of a health insurance plan to meet your visa or residency requirements

Of course, this doesn’t mean you should ignore the questions above…and I’d still recommend checking out all the companies on this list to make sure you’re getting the best plan! 

That said, we had a good experience with Cigna. It was easy to find the right plan, and it was easy to cancel the policy once Nikki received her residency and got access to the public healthcare system. However, since we never filed a claim with them, we can’t speak on the ease of this process. 

 

Cigna international health insurance

 

Here are some of the positive and negative points about Cigna. 

 

Pros of digital nomad insurance with Cigna:

  • They have flexible deductibles (in other words, you can control what you pay in advance) 
  • You have flexible payment options (monthly, trimester, or annual) 
  • You don’t need to request a reimbursement/file a claim since the company will pay your health provider directly 
  • You have 3 types of plans to choose from: Silver, Gold, Platinum 
  • The basic plan covers some types of cancer screenings and up to $100 in ophthalmology annually 
  • They have 24-hour customer service, 7 days a week 
  • They offer medical coverage in the Middle East 
  • They have plans that include the transplanting and transportation of organs as well as kidney dialysis treatments 
  • The company’s website has information about the financial system, culture, and schooling system of the country you’re going to 
  • COVID-19: Cigna covers all potential costs in the treatment of this illness, in compliance with the protocols recommended by the WHO  

 

cigna International Health Insurance Plans

 

Cons of digital nomad insurance with Cigna: 

  • You have to put in a lot of personal info to get a personalized quote 
  • If you plan to have a child during your stay abroad, you’ll need to invest in a more expensive policy since the basic plan doesn’t cover maternity help 

 

 

   2. Now Health

Now Health is a bonus option worth mentioning, this company is one of the leaders in the international health insurance market and has been serving clients around the world for years.

Now Health’s main mission is to provide a quality service with clear and efficient communication. Therefore, their customer service is exceptional and one of their main qualities.

Another advantage of this company is its varied plans with customizable options available to its customers with the most varied profiles and needs.

 

 

Pros of digital nomad insurance with Now Health: 

  • Provides coverage in over 190 countries and territories
  • Flexible plans with many customizable options
  • Options for plans with maternity coverage
  • 24/7 service focused on agility and efficiency

 

Cons of digital nomad insurance with Now Health: 

  • Some exams and services need to go through the company’s reimbursement system
  • To use maternity coverage, you must meet the 12-month grace period of the plan

 

 

  3. IMG  Good International Insurance Expat

Considered to be one of the best health insurance companies for digital nomads, IMG has been working with insurance for more than 30 years. 

One major advantage of IMG is that they have global customer service and it’s very easy to get in contact with them. With their live chat feature, you can ask questions about the plans and get answers quickly when you need them. 

Nikki and I have personally used the “Patriot America Plus” and “Global Medical Insurance”  plans and had a good experience. But like Cigna, we also didn’t need to file a claim with IMG so we can’t speak to this part. 

 

Cheap International Insurance

 

Pros of digital nomad insurance with IMG: 

  • They have extensive coverage with more than 17,000 doctors and clinics around the world 
  • There are 5 different plans for you to choose from 
  • If you use your IMG policy with a health provider outside the United States, you can get a 50% reduction on your deductible 
  • There are special health insurance plans for overseas missionaries 
  • There’s an automatic debit payment option 
  • They have an efficient online portal with access to emergency services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 
  • They have coverage for all nationalities 
  • The company considers COVID-19 as any other illness and injury, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy

 

 

cheap student health insurance 1

 

Cons of digital nomad insurance with IMG: 

  • There’s an age limit with no plans available for adults above 75 (however, if you get an insurance policy when you’re 65+, you can sign up for IMG’s lifetime plan instead) 
  • Only the most expensive plan offers maternity care coverage (and it only offers it at a minimum of 10 months after your policy has begun) 

    4. Allianz Care Global Assistance Allianz-Global-Assistance-Logo1

Our final health insurance company on the list today is German insurance company Allianz. 

One of the best features about Allianz is that they have a specific program made just for expats. 

 

student health insurance allianz care

 

Pros of digital nomad insurance with Allianz: 

  • You don’t need to request a reimbursement/file a claim since the company will pay your health provider directly 
  • They have 24-hour customer service, 7 days a week 
  • They have a medical phone app that’s available to you 6 months after the start of your contract 
  • Beyond your plan, they also have a specific program for expats (including info about the specific country you’re moving to) 
  • They have coverage on all 7 continents 

 

allianz care health insurance for immigrants and expats

 

Cons of digital nomad insurance with Allianz: 

    • You don’t have very many plans to choose from 
    • Although their website has a lot of info about COVID-19, it doesn’t clarify whether or not they offer COVID coverage 

 

   5. Global UnderwritersGlobal Underwriters

Global Underwriters is another great insurance option for digital nomads, that’s because this company has been in the market for years, always offering plans with different alternatives for travelers around the world.

The most recommended plans for digital nomads are Diplomat Long Term and Diplomat International, in both cases the coverage is very complete and meets the needs of foreigners residing in other countries relatively well.

 

Global Underwriters

 

Pros of digital nomad insurance with Global Underwriters:

  • Coverage of up to $1,000,000 in medical care and accidental or dismemberment deaths
  • Plans covering medical evacuations, repatriation of remains and emergency dental treatment
  • Provides assistance in cases where there are interruptions during your trip due to health reasons or loss of luggage 

 

Global Underwriters

Global Underwriters

 

Cons of digital nomad insurance with Global Underwriters:

  • The Diplomat Long Term plan does not have coverage in Cuba, Afghanistan and Iran
  • Diplomat International does not provide coverage for covid-19
  • The Diplomat Long Term plan does not serve residents of New York, Maryland, South Dakota, Australia and Iran

    6. SafetyWingCheap International Insurance Expat

SafetyWing is a modern insurance company that has quickly adapted to the innovations in the industry  – and has today earned a spot as one of the best insurance providers for digital nomads. 

All you have to do is look at the website to see how different they are from other insurance companies – featuring a modern, colorful, and intuitive design…plus policy options that cover medical and travel expenses. 

They also have a few exclusive and innovative options, such as offering 30 days of health coverage in your home country for every 90 days that you spend overseas. 

The website is very “smart” and focuses on self-service. That said, it makes it easy for you to solve any issues you might have quickly and without much hassle. 

 

nomade insurance safety wing

 

Pros of digital nomad insurance with SafetyWing: 

  • As with the other companies, you can personalize your plan based on your coverage needs 
  • The website is very functional and gives you a clear idea of how much your plan will cost and how the coverage for each plan works 
  • They cover children under 10 for no extra charge 
  • You can add extra services to your policy like dental, maternity care, physical therapy, family medicine, deductible expenses, and outpatient services 
  • They offer $100 in coverage for repatriation after an evacuation 
  • If you’re treated at a public hospital free of charge OR if your treatment is covered by another insurance, SafetyWing will give you a daily allowance of $125 per night for up to 30 nights 
  • They offer full value coverage for cancer treatment and reconstructive surgeries 
  • They have 24-hour customer service, 7 days a week 
  • They offer total COVID-19 coverage when recommended by your doctor 
  • Their website has a fun, playful design which is much easier to use than most of its competitors 

 

safety wing cheap international health insurance

 

Cons of digital nomad insurance with SafetyWing:  

  • The quote you see on the website doesn’t include all the fees (to see the final price, you’ll need to create a login) 
  • The plans that cover the United States, Singapore, and Hong Kong are much more expensive than those for the other countries 

    7. GeoBlue geoblue

In search of high-quality insurance with extended coverage and class A service? Then GeoBlue is a great option for you! 

In an effort to make life easier for those it insures, GeoBlue tries to offer customized service, including a variety of coverage for you to choose from and short- and long-term plans. 

Beyond this, GeoBlue also has insurance plans for a wide range of customers such as missionaries, teachers, students, yacht crews, immigrants, or digital nomads.

 

GeoBlue

 

Pros of digital nomad insurance with GeoBlue:  

  • They have 24-hour customer service, 7 days a week 
  • They have a wide range of options for plans 
  • They have plans that cover accidents from extreme sports
  • They don’t charge deductible fees for standard services or cancellations, and have unlimited medical service 
  • They have plans designed exclusively for digital nomads, immigrants to the U.S., and Americans who live overseas 

 

 

Cons of digital nomad insurance with GeoBlue: 

  • They don’t offer coverage for individuals who live in New York or Washington 

 

 

Bonus #1 – Foyer Global Health Foyer

Foyer is a large player in the health insurance world and is one of the largest insurance companies in Europe. 

They offer many different types of plans and is an ideal company for digital nomads in search of international travel insurance.

 

 

Pros of digital nomad insurance with Foyer Health: 

  • As with the other companies, you can customize Foyer plans based on your characteristics and medical necessities, such as age, country of origin, dental care, vaccines, maternity, young children, etc. 
  • You can also personalize your level of coverage for each of these elements from nothing to the maximum coverage 
  • You have the option of selecting an individual plan or a family plan with or without children 
  • Unlike many other companies, the process for getting a quote is very simple and you don’t need to give much info 
  • They have multiple options for deductibles 
  • They have short-term plans for those who don’t plan to spend a long time overseas 
  • You can easily compare plan prices and coverage to find the one that’s best for you 
  • They offer travel insurance for digital nomads anywhere in Europe (and the world)

 

foyer global health plans

 

Cons of digital nomad insurance with Foyer Health: 

  • As with the other companies, Foyer’s most basic plan doesn’t include maternity or newborn care 
  • Their customer service gets the job done, but isn’t as practical as the others on this list 
  • The website isn’t very clear about the coverage limits 
  • Although they have a lot of info about COVID-19 on their website, they don’t make it clear if their plan covers COVID treatments or not 
  • They charge a 5 euro fee for emergency support 
  • They don’t have health insurance for digital nomads in the United States (only medical help for emergencies) 

 

 

Bonus #2 – Aetna (acquired by Allianz)

Aetna

Beyond the quality of the service and its accessible health solutions, Aetna has been in the world of insurance for more than 50 years. 

It’s one of the biggest health insurance providers in the United States and has one of the cheapest international health insurances that can be used by digital nomads.

They have a pretty decent customer service team that’s available to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

 

 

Pros of digital nomad insurance with Aetna: 

  • They have plans personalized for digital nomads based on your destinations and coverage needs 
  • They have 50 years of experience and offices in more than 15 countries 
  • They have 24-hour customer service 
  • They’ve been named the “Best International Private Health Insurance Provider” and “Health Insurer of the Year” by various magazines   
  • Most of their plans include coverage for hospitalization, cancer treatment, repatriation, and emergency evacuation 


Cons of digital nomad insurance with Aetna: 

  • Their site doesn’t offer a lot of explanation about what’s actually included in their plans 

 

 

Table comparison of the 7 best international medical insurance companies for digital nomads

To help you make the most of all the information I gave you above, here’s a table comparing all the companies I talked about. With the help of the table, hopefully you can have a better idea of which insurance company is right for you for your move overseas 

 

seguro de saúde internacional para expatriados 6

Cigna Global

IMG

AetnaAetna

geoblueGeoBlue

safety-wing for seniors

SafetyWing

Foyer

Foyer Global Health

Global Underwriters

Global Underwriters

BENEFIT LIMIT LIMIT LIMIT LIMIT LIMIT LIMIT LIMIT
Medical Maximum Unlimited (for the Platinum plan) $8,000,000 The site doesn’t specify  Unlimited US$1,000,000 per year The site doesn’t specify  Depending on the plan, can be up to $1 million
U.S. In-Network Coinsurance You choose. From 70%(100% thereafter) to 100% 100% No 60% for maximum coinsurance and then 100% Yes, for higher fees Only in emergencies Yes
U.S. Out-of-Network Coinsurance You choose. From 70%(100% thereafter) to 100% 90% to $5,000 (100% thereafter) Yes, for higher fees 100% 100% 100% 100%
Mental Health Availability No waiting period 12-month waiting period Co-payment of $25 per visit, waived deductible 75% up to 40 visits / 60% after that No Waiting period of 10 months Yes
Mental Health Benefit Inpatient and Outpatient: $5,000 lifetime maximum to paid in full depending on the plan Inpatient and Outpatient: $50,000 lifetime maximum Co-payment of $250 after deductible 100% up to 60 days International and ambulance: limit not specified Inpatient, outpatient, and therapy: limit not specific
Inpatient Prescription Drugs $500 to paid in full depending on the plan Up to $8,000,000 Yes Complete reimbursement Yes Yes
Outpatient Prescription Drugs None, unless you buy the International Outpatient Option Up to $8,000,000 Complete reimbursement Yes Yes
Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains Paid in full Up to $8,000,000 Yes Up to $25,000 No Up to 10,000 euros  Yes
Accidental Death & Dismemberment Depends on the plan Rider available, limit depends on age. $50,000 It has limitations depending on the plan
Emergency Dental Paid in full Up to $8,000,000 Optional 1,000 per year, $ 200 per tooth Yes, however you need to pay an extra fee on top of your plan Depending on the plan, it’s unlimited It has limitations depending on the plan
Treatment Necessary as Result of Terrorism Up to the amount of the coverage Rider available up to $50,000-lifetime maximum Clause available up to maximum of $50,000 in lifetime payments N/A
Amateur Sports Unlimited Rider available up to $10,000 No Yes No No N/A
Routine Nursery Care of a Newborn Child of a Covered Pregnancy $25,000 to $156,000 depending on the plan $1,000 additional deductible, $50,000 lifetime maximum, $200 wellness benefit for first 12 months Yes Depends on the plan Can be unlimited depending on the plan Depends on the plan
Children born as a result of fertility treatment (such as IVF or surrogacy) Only after the baby is 90 days old Excluded Depends on the plan Excluded No No
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Check website for updated information $250,000 maximum for first 31 days No Up to $250,000 for the first 31 days  No Depends on the plan (Bloom or Bloom Plus)
Pre-existing condition exclusion period Conditions that are fully disclosed on the application and have not been excluded or restricted by a rider will be covered as any illness Conditions that are fully disclosed on the application and have not been excluded or restricted by a rider will be covered as any illness Conditions that are fully disclosed on the application and have not been excluded or restricted by a rider will be covered as any illness Conditions that are fully disclosed on the application and have not been excluded or restricted by a rider will be covered as any illness Conditions that are fully disclosed on the application and have not been excluded or restricted by a rider will be covered as any illness Conditions that are fully disclosed on the application and have not been excluded or restricted by a rider will be covered as any illness Conditions that are fully disclosed on the application and have not been excluded or restricted by a rider will be covered as any illness
Pre-existing condition look back period Any time prior to effective date Any time prior to plan effective date Any time prior to plan effective date Any time prior to plan effective date Any time prior to plan effective date Any time prior to plan effective date Any time prior to plan effective date
Pre-existing annual maximum once covered Unlimited depending on the plan Up to $8,000,000 Unlimited depending on the plan Unlimited depending on the plan Full reimbursement Unlimited depending on the plan Unlimited depending on the plan
Pre-existing lifetime maximum once covered Unlimited depending on the plan Up to $8,000,000 Unlimited depending on the plan Unlimited depending on the plan Full reimbursement Unlimited depending on the plan Unlimited depending on the plan

Worldwide Medical Insurance / Comparison Chart*

Part of the table courtesy of Tokio Marine HCC

*Note: this table is just for informational purposes and subject to change. It was accurate as of the time we wrote it here, but please check each company’s individual website for updated info.

 

Visas for Digital Nomads in Dubai

The United Arab Emirates introduced a very simple program that allows people from any nation to apply for a one-year remote work visa. It’s called The Remote Working Visa Scheme.

The scheme allows anyone who qualifies to move to Dubai and enjoy most of the same rights as any other resident.

The visa has no nationality restrictions, which means anyone can apply for it. However, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • All applicants must have a passport with a minimum of 6 months validity.
  • All applicants must have UAE covered health insurance.
  • If you are an employee, you must show proof of employment from a current employer with a valid one-year contract.
  • If you are an employee, you must earn a minimum wage of $3,000 per month.
  • You must show last month’s pay slip and three bank statements from the previous month.
  • If you are a business owner, you must show proof of ownership of your business for one year or more.
  • If you are a business owner, you should have an average monthly income of $5,000.
  • You must also show bank statements from the previous three months.

To apply, you must submit the following documents:

  • Passport with a minimum validity of 6 months.
  • UAE covered health insurance.
  • If you are an employee, proof of employment from a current employer valid for a one-year contract.
  • Last month’s pay slip and three bank statements from the previous month.
  • If you are a business owner, proof of ownership of your business for one year or more.
  • Three bank statements from previous months.

The registration steps are:

  • Check the requirements to qualify
  • Gather the necessary documents
  • fill in the forms
  • Submit forms and documentation to the correct authority
  • wait for approval

The government fee for the Remote Work Visa is approximately US$287 per person. This excludes the medical examination and fees for the Emirates ID Card.

Your application will be reviewed by the authorities before the final result is delivered to you. Costs will not be refunded if your application is denied.

 

Also, if you would like to stay longer, the UAE offers several types of work visas, including:

  • Standard Work Visa: You must have a job offer from a local company to apply for this visa.
  • Freelance work visa: for those who wish to work as freelancers in the country.
  • Work visa for independent foreigners: for those who wish to open their own company in the country.
  • Investor Work Visa: for those who want to invest in a local company and work there as a manager.

Processing times and requirements can vary and it is important to check with immigration authorities for more information on processing times and specific requirements before applying for a work visa.

 

In sum… 

Here are the 7 best (and cheapest!) international health insurance companies for digital nomads: 

  1. Cigna
  2. Now Health
  3. IMG
  4. Allianz
  5. Global Underwriters
  6. SafetyWing
  7. Geoblue

 

In conclusion… 

I hope you found it useful and enjoyed the text. Now, you should have a clear understanding on how to find the right health insurance for you. Being a digital nomad is an incredible adventure, and having adequate health insurance will help you make the most of it.

When it comes to finding international health insurance, it’s important to remember to evaluate all available options. Check that the coverage is adequate for your needs, and that the company’s quality of care is good. It is always better to be prepared with health insurance before venturing out.

If you still have any questions about international health insurance, living abroad or being a digital nomad, don’t hesitate to ask. Leave your message in the comments below, and I’ll do my best to help you in your search. See u later!

 

Planning your next trip?

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 Already reserved your hotel or hostel? If not, our article with The 6 Best and Cheapest Websites to Find & Reserve Accommodation can help you out. You’ll also find some promotions and discount codes.

 

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 Still haven’t booked your plane ticket and want to save big? Take a look at our page with 16 Tips to Save on Flights where you’ll also find the 4 best websites to buy your plane tickets. 

 

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And finally, will you need to rent a car during your trip? Then surely our page with The 5 Best and Cheapest Websites to Compare and Rent Cars Around the World will help you choose the best rental car and find a good deal.

 

One Response

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