Guides
Digital nomad health insurance
It's the least exciting line on every visa checklist — and the one most likely to get your application rejected if you get it wrong. What each program actually requires, and how to buy cover that satisfies a consulate.
What the major programs require
| Country | Insurance requirement |
|---|---|
| Spain | Private insurance with no co-pays, coverage equivalent to the public system, valid 1 year |
| Portugal | €30,000 minimum including repatriation, valid for the stay |
| Thailand (DTV) | Required by some embassies; strongly recommended everywhere — Bangkok private hospitals are expensive |
| Croatia | Comprehensive coverage for the permit duration |
| UAE | Mandatory UAE-compliant health insurance for the residence visa |
| Japan | No fixed figure published, but you get no residence card — private cover is essential |
What to look for in a plan
- Explicit international coverage. The policy document must state worldwide/regional cover — consulates reject vague wording.
- Repatriation included. Schengen consulates specifically check for it.
- No home-residency requirement. Standard travel insurance often voids if you're away more than 90 days; nomad plans don't.
- Monthly rolling terms. Your visa is 1–5 years; don't prepay a year you might not use.
- Deductible you can actually afford. A €2,500 deductible that voids your savings defeats the purpose.
Nomad-specific providers
Plans built for remote workers — SafetyWing, Genki, Insured Nomads and similar — are designed around exactly this paperwork: monthly terms, no home-residency clause, and consulate-friendly proof-of-coverage documents. We're currently evaluating partners in this space; our recommendations will always be labeled clearly when they arrive.
Frequently asked questions
Is health insurance mandatory for a digital nomad visa?
Almost always yes. Spain, Portugal, Croatia, the UAE and most others require proof of coverage at application. A few embassies (some Thai posts) treat it as recommended rather than mandatory — but going uninsured in countries with expensive private healthcare is a financial risk, not a loophole.
How much coverage do I need?
The common floor is €30,000 including medical repatriation (the Schengen standard). Spain goes further, demanding no co-pays and equivalence with the public system. Buy to the strictest requirement among the countries you're considering.
Can I use my home country's health insurance?
Rarely. Most domestic plans don't cover long stays abroad at the required levels, and consulates usually want a policy document stating international coverage explicitly. Nomad-specific plans (SafetyWing, Genki and similar) are built for exactly this paperwork.
What should a good nomad insurance plan include?
Worldwide (or region-wide) coverage, at least €30,000–€100,000 in medical benefits, emergency repatriation, no requirement to maintain home-country residency, and monthly rolling terms so you're not locked in. Check the deductible and whether adventure sports are covered if that's your life.