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7 Best Global Health Insurances for Digital Nomads in India

Are you a frequent traveler working remotely in multiple countries? Do you need international health insurance to ensure your safety and well-being while traveling? Here are the seven best international health insurance options for you that perfectly suit your nomadic lifestyle!

We understand the fundamental importance of having adequate health insurance, not only for your personal protection and well-being, but also to facilitate entry into foreign countries, whether for tourism or residence. Unfortunately, many companies charge exorbitant prices for these plans.

To help make your search easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best international health insurance plans for digital nomads, that is, privileged remote workers who can work from anywhere in the world. Is this your profile?

Life as a digital nomad in India offers many opportunities to connect with a vibrant culture, explore beautiful landscapes and enjoy low living costs. Furthermore, India is a technology and innovation hub, making it an attractive place for tech professionals to work remotely. The combination of accessibility to technological resources and a rich culture makes India an attractive option for digital nomads.

 

The 5 Best Cities for Digital Nomads in India

  1. Bangalore: Known as the “Silicon Valley Capital of India”, Bangalore is home to many tech companies and start-ups.
  2. Goa: is known for its beautiful landscape and laid-back lifestyle, as well as a strong community of digital nomads.
  3. Hyderabad: is one of the most advanced cities in India in terms of technology, as well as being one of the cheapest to live in.
  4. Chennai: is a vibrant city with a strong presence of technology and business companies.
  5. Delhi: is the capital of India and offers a wide range of opportunities for digital nomads, as well as being a vibrant city with many historical and cultural sites to visit.

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

 

But first…what is a digital nomad? 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the popularity of the digital nomad lifestyle has grown exponentially, leading many people to leave the office in search of a freer life closer to nature. These remote workers, known as digital nomads, use only a laptop to perform their tasks and travel the world at the same time.

For creative professionals such as writers, publicists, designers and others with stressful work routines, traveling and working can be a way to relax. While working on the beach might not be as practical as it sounds, it’s amazing to be able to admire the sea while working or easily visit it after work.

Countries such as Costa Rica, Bermuda, Barbados, Portugal, Georgia and Estonia have started offering visas to digital nomads during the pandemic in order to boost local tourism and benefit the economy.

Before embarking on a journey as a digital nomad, it’s important to remember the importance of having international health insurance. This is especially crucial in India, where the need for medical coverage is even greater.

 

 

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

Many travelers plan their trips without giving due importance to health insurance for digital nomads or even forget about it. However, when living in India, having up-to-date health insurance is essential!

It is worth remembering that private medical care abroad can be very expensive, and not all countries have a public health system available to travelers or digital nomads.

In addition, it is important to consider the risks of living in a foreign country, where you may be exposed to new situations and dangers, such as food poisoning. Do not neglect your health and avoid taking unnecessary risks.

Here is a quick list of reasons to be concerned about your health insurance BEFORE you travel:

 

   1. International health insurance guarantees safety and comfort

While not all countries require health insurance for expats and digital nomads entering the country, when moving to a new and likely unknown country, you make yourself more vulnerable to health and safety issues.

Even if they aren’t laws, it’s important to take care of your own health and have medical coverage when you need it. No one wants to go through perrengues when moving to another place, right?

 

   2. International health insurance provides access to quality medical care

Although many countries offer a public healthcare system, it is difficult to know what the experience will be like when you need care, especially if you need specific care or exclusivity.

International health insurance gives you the assurance and peace of mind that, whatever happens, you will have access to high-quality medical care. You won’t have to worry about overseas emergencies (yours or your family’s).

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

 

   3. International health insurance guarantees savings

It is no coincidence that international health insurance is a requirement in most countries. Expenses for private medical services can be VERY high, even for the simplest of services.

It is important to be aware that, in countries that do not require insurance, prices are likely to be abusive as well.

In this way, international health insurance is not only a guarantee of access to quality health care, but it can also help you avoid incredibly high health costs, which can even lead to personal bankruptcy!

 

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

While travel insurance can provide coverage for medical emergencies during a short-term trip, international health insurance is necessary to cover all of your long-term health needs. If you intend to spend a long time in the country or even get residency through a work visa, you must have adequate international health insurance.

 

 

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

And finally, let’s talk about the best (and cheapest!) options for international health insurance.

But, of course, you might be wondering: how do I know which health plan is best for me?

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

  1. What is the coverage offered by each international health plan?
  2. How many hospitals and practices are covered by the plan?
  3. What are your specific health needs or those of your family?
  4. How is the quality of customer service and support?

Let’s understand better:

 

   1. International health plan coverage

One of the main aspects to consider when choosing your international health insurance is the coverage offered. To determine if it’s right for you, it’s important to keep a few questions in mind:

 

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

Here is one more important condition to be considered before purchasing a plan. In addition to quality, it is also essential to look at the number of hospitals and offices that will be available for use, especially if you are moving to a small town.

The greater the number of options, the more easily you will be able to schedule appointments, exams or emergencies, and you can even choose the hospital closest to your home or the one that offers faster service.

Last but not least: there are several international health plans that allow you to use the network’s medical services at no additional cost, but there are also those where you need to pay in advance and request a refund later (we don’t recommend the latter, in case avoidable, as it can be difficult to get insurers to meet their obligations).

Thus, the greater the coverage of the plan, the better.

Your specific health needs or pre-existing conditions for you and your family
Most health insurance offers specific coverage for pre-existing conditions, and it is very important to research and know the type of coverage offered by the company you are interested in.

However, not all insurances have unlimited and free coverage for pre-existing illnesses, specific treatments or even pregnancy.

So if there’s a specific type of treatment or medical care you think you might need, make sure the plan you’re considering includes that.

 

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

Another crucial aspect to be considered is the excellence of the service provided by the contracted insurer. This is because, if there is a need to activate insurance, the quality of care can make all the difference in your experience.

There are several fundamental and decisive points when hiring a health insurance service offered by a company. It’s recommended to check response times, successful claims filed, and customer reviews (however, it’s important to remember that insurers often receive low reviews, so caution is needed).

If you do not speak English or the language of the country you are moving to, it is interesting to check if the company offers assistance in other languages, including your mother tongue. As we know, unforeseen events can happen and, in desperate situations, it is essential to have efficient and quality support – and in a language that you understand.

An essential factor to be checked is whether the company offers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week service (all plans listed below offer this service), to avoid unpleasant surprises and not be helpless when you need it most.

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:

And for citizens of almost every other country living abroad

 

For digital nomads residing in:

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 

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. 

 

 

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

 

Pros of digital nomad insurance with Cigna:

 

 

Cons of digital nomad insurance with Cigna: 

 

 

   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: 

 

Cons of digital nomad insurance with Now Health: 

 

 

  3. IMG 

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. 

 

 

Pros of digital nomad insurance with IMG: 

 

 

Cons of digital nomad insurance with IMG: 

    4. Allianz Care Global Assistance

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. 

 

 

Pros of digital nomad insurance with Allianz: 

 

 

Cons of digital nomad insurance with Allianz: 

 

   5. Global 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.

 

 

Pros of digital nomad insurance with Global Underwriters:

 

 

Cons of digital nomad insurance with Global Underwriters:

    6. SafetyWing

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. 

 

 

Pros of digital nomad insurance with SafetyWing: 

 

 

 

Cons of digital nomad insurance with SafetyWing:  

    7. 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.

 

 

Pros of digital nomad insurance with GeoBlue:  

 

 

Cons of digital nomad insurance with GeoBlue: 

 

 

Bonus #1 – Foyer Global Health

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: 

 

 

Cons of digital nomad insurance with Foyer Health: 

 

 

Bonus #2 – Aetna (acquired by Allianz)

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: 


Cons of digital nomad insurance with Aetna: 

 

 

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.   

 

Cigna Global

IMG

Aetna

GeoBlue

SafetyWing

Foyer Global Health

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.

 

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

 

Visas for Digital Nomads in India

The visa most used by digital nomads who want to spend time in India is the e-tourist visa is valid for one year or five years, but you can only stay in the country for 90 days at a time, or 180 days if it is from the United States or Japan. Once you reach that time limit, you must leave the country and then return for another 90 or 180 days.

There is no limit to how many times you can enter while your visa is valid. Therefore, you must have your return/departure ticket to present whenever you enter the country, showing that you will not stay beyond the allotted time.

Anyone who is not from one of the following countries (temporary restriction) can apply for the visa: Canada, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macau, Malaysia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, United Kingdom , Uzbekistan.

The application process for India Digital Nomad Visa is simple. First, decide if you want a one-year or five-year multiple-entry visa, then complete the online application. Then pay the eVisa fee, receive the Electronic Travel Authorization by email, print it and present it to the Immigration Checkpoint.

The cost will depend on where you come from, with some countries waiving the entry fee while others still have to pay. The highest entry fees are around $80 from places like the US, Russia and Ukraine, while most other countries are around $50. You can find the full cost sheet country by country here. As expected, getting a 30-day single-entry visa is much cheaper than a 5-year multiple-entry visa.

 

In conclusion… 

So, did you like the article? You should now have a clear idea of how to find the right health insurance to make the most of the benefits of being a digital nomad.

Remember to carefully evaluate all options before making a decision and always have health insurance before embarking on a journey.

If you still have questions about international health insurance, the digital nomad lifestyle, or living abroad in general, leave your questions in the comments. I’ll do my best to answer them and help you find the right answers! To the next!

 

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