Nomads often live where care is expensive or visas require proof of insurance. Below: what to look for in travel and global health cover for long trips and overseas living.

Why nomads need cover

Insurance isn’t only for visas: a hospital bill abroad can run to tens of thousands. Policies with medical and evacuation limit that risk. Many visas (Schengen, Spain DNV, Thailand DTV, etc.) require minimum cover amounts and validity. For multi-country years, global or regional annual policies beat stacking short policies.

Medical cover

Look beyond the headline limit ($50,000–100,000+ is common): check excess, exclusions (chronic conditions, extreme sports), and whether you must call assistance before treatment. Confirm your destination countries are included. Some policies exclude high-risk regions. Routine and dental care are often optional or excluded in travel plans.

Evacuation and repatriation

Medical evacuation moves you to appropriate care or home when local facilities aren’t enough. Repatriation covers return of remains. Both matter in remote or weaker healthcare systems. Evacuation limits are high because air ambulances are costly — ensure your countries of stay are covered.

Types of policy

Travel insurance — weeks to months, sometimes up to a year. Global / expat health — annual renewals, broader cover including planned care. Nomad-specific products (SafetyWing, Genki, Heymondo, etc.) offer flexible terms and monthly pay — compare limits and exclusions.

How to choose

Decide: visa-only, short trips, or full-year overseas living. Check country lists and exclusions. Compare excess vs limits. Learn the claims path: hotline-first vs pay-and-claim. Read payout reviews. Cheapest plans often exclude a lot — for long stays, under-insuring critical risks is a false economy.

Practical tips

Buy before departure; cover should start day one. Store policy number, assistance contacts, and terms offline and online. If the policy requires calling before non-emergency care, do it — or claims may be reduced. For visa applications, print or PDF exactly what the consulate asks. When you move countries or extend trips, confirm coverage still applies. Review annually and switch providers if needed.