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7 Best Global Health Insurances for Digital Nomads in Portugal

Are you a digital nomad and like to live in different places around the world? Need international health insurance to cover you in multiple countries? Then you need to know the 7 best international health insurance options with the best cost benefit that suits you!

We know that health insurance they are essential requirements, both for our comfort and safety, and for going to a new country – to travel or to live. In this way, many companies extrapolate in prices knowing that their service will be contracted one way or another, as it is a necessity.

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?

Living in Portugal offers many advantages: warm climate, Atlantic Ocean, nearby mountains, low crime rate and relatively low cost of living. Medicine and education are well developed, which makes Portugal a great choice for digital nomads!

 

The 5 Best Cities for Digital Nomads in Portugal

  1. Lisbon – Famous for its UNESCO sites like Sintra and its rich Moorish history, Lisbon offers many amazing things for digital nomads to enjoy.
  2. Porto – Porto has a lively vibe and is an ideal choice for digital nomads who want to spend their weekends partying and indulging in delicious food and wine.
  3. Ponta do Sol – Ponta do Sol is one of the sunniest areas in Portugal and home to many beautiful beaches. You cannot expect to find many digital nomads and tourists in this beach town, allowing you to enjoy calm and tranquility.
  4. Lagos – Lagos is a beautiful beach town in the south of Portugal, offering great weather, beautiful beaches, lots of fun outdoor activities and good infrastructure. As a compact beach town, getting around is very easy, even without a car.
  5. Ericeira – For digital nomads who want to spend their free time surfing the waves, you should consider staying in the small town of Ericeira, dubbed the surfing capital of Europe. It has eight kilometers of coastline and is home to many beautiful beaches famous for their world-class waves.

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? 

The digital nomadism has been around for a few years now, but it has seen a significant increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the quarantine, many people stopped working at the office and were relocated into their homes and, as a result, people began to seek a freer routine closer to nature.

So, remote workers who chose to work in other countries and at the same time do leisure and tourism are called digital nomads or digital nomads, in English. These people only use a notebook to carry out their tasks and they are paid for it, so why not be able to travel around the world working?

For those who work in the areas of creativity, such as copywriters, publicists, designers or simply those who have a stressful work routine and want to relax. Is there anything better than working facing the sea, on a paradisiacal beach?

(To be honest, I’ll confess… I can assure you, from personal experience, that working on the beach is not as pleasant or practical as it seems. But although working on the beach may not be as good, what’s great is being able to see the sea from where you are working or being able to go to the beach easily after work )

Several countries thought of possibilities that could stimulate local tourism, favor the economy and make the travelers satisfied! So, countries like Costa Rica, Bermuda, Barbados, Portugal, Georgia (the country, not the state in the US!), Estonia, among many others, began to offer visas to digital nomads or people who were working remotely during the pandemic!

Now that you know what a digital nomad is, a lifestyle that is growing more and more with the rise of remote work, let’s understand the importance of having health insurance before venturing out into the world! In this case, in Portugal!

 

 

 

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

Many people who are planning their trips do not give much importance to health insurance for digital nomads or even forget about it. But, to live in Portugal, it is very important that you have yours up to date!

First, it is important to think that the private health service abroad is very expensive and that not all countries have a public health system, not even for citizens, let alone for digital nomads…

You also have to think about the risks of living in a different country, of being in a place you don’t know, living new experiences and the famous “to be in a pickle” (food poisoning, who never?). Better not count on luck, right?

So, pay attention here at this quick list of reasons to be concerned about your health insurance BEFORE you leaving home:

 

   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 Portugal (which can be very expensive without insurance!).

 

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

No wonder international health insurance is a requirement in most countries. As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the expenses for private medical services can be VERY high, even for the simplest services… even more so if you are doing telecommuting in the United States where the health system is almost entirely private and costs a fortune! !

It is important to be aware of the fact that, in countries that do not have this requirement, prices are likely to be abusive as well.

So, international health insurance is a guarantee of access to quality health care, but it can also help you avoid incredibly expensive health costs – which could even lead to personal bankruptcy!

 

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.

 

 

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:

 

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:

 

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

One more important factor to be taken into consideration before hiring a plan. In addition to quality, it is also essential to pay attention to the number of hospitals and offices that you will have available for use, especially if you are moving to a small town.

The greater the number of options, the easier it is for you to have consultations, exams or emergencies, and you can even choose the hospital closest to your home or that the service is faster.

The last tip, but not least: There are several international health plans that you can use the network’s medical services without paying anything, but there are also others where you pay and only then can you request a refund (we don’t recommend the latter if you can avoid it, as it can be difficult to get insurers to pay what they owe).

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

 

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

Most of health insurance offers specific coverage for pre-existing conditions, and it is very important to do your research and know the type of coverage from the company you are interested in.

Remembering that 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 important factor is the quality of service provided by the contracted company, as if you need to claim your insurance, this will be a differentiating factor in your experience with the insurance company.

There are some critical and decisive points when hiring the health insurance service offered by the company: I recommend looking at their response times, successful filed claims and customer reviews (but one thing to keep in mind here: the insurance companies basically always have low ratings, so take them with a grain of salt).

If you do not speak English or the language of the country where you will be moving, it is interesting to find out if the company has services in other languages, including your native language. We know what unforeseen events are like, and when you’re desperate, it’s good to be sure that you can count on a quality and efficient support service – and in a language that you understand.

An indispensable point is to know if the company offers 24/7 service (all plans listed below do), so as not to be caught by surprise and stay on hand 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.

 

Visas for Digital Nomads in Portugal

Portugal finally offers a new digital nomad visa called the Portugal Temporary-Stay Visa. The Visa is available to those who can provide proof of an independent income and who want to live in Portugal.

 

Temporary Stay Visa

This visa is specifically aimed at digital nomads and is granted to those who can prove that they work remotely, with a salary of at least €2,800 per month.

The visa lasts for one year and can be extended up to four times for a maximum of five years. The visa and residence permit also grant you full access to the Schengen area as if you were an EU citizen. You can also bring your spouse and dependent children with you as an extension of the visa, as long as you can support them financially.

That’s the equivalent of a minimum wage, which is €8,460 a year. If you are bringing a spouse, you must show a further 50% in addition (€4,230 per year) and another 30% in addition for a dependent child (€2,538 per year).

Before applying for a Temporary Stay Visa, you must ensure that you are eligible and have all your documentation ready.

 

The main eligibility requirements for the Temporary Stay Visa are as follows:

You must be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen (these do not require a visa).
You must have a minimum income (from outside Portugal) of at least €2,800 per month.
You (and your dependents) must have a clean criminal record.
You must have proof of accommodation in Portugal for one year (rental agreement, hotel reservation, etc.).
When you arrive in Portugal, you must obtain a Portuguese TIN (Tax Identification Number) and open a Portuguese bank account before making your residency application within 120 days.

Minimum Stay Requirement

When you receive a two-year temporary stay visa, you are expected to stay in Portugal for a minimum of 183 consecutive days (6 months) at some point during the period of your 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… 

So? I hope you enjoyed the text and that now it is easier for you to find the perfect health insurance, so that you can take advantage of all the the fun parts of being a digital nomad

Just remember to take some time looking at each of your options in detail and to purchase your plan BEFORE you begin your adventure

And if you have any final questions about international health insurance, being a digital nomad, or living abroad in general, let me know in the comments area below and I’ll get back to you! 

 

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