Are you a digital nomad and move through different countries living for periods of time? Need international health insurance to cover your travels? Discover the 7 best international health insurance options with the best cost-benefit for you!

Many people know that having health insurance is crucial for traveling safely and comfortably, or even settling down in a new country. Unfortunately, many companies take advantage of this and raise prices, knowing that the service will be hired even at a high cost, as it is a fundamental service.

To make your search easier, I’ve created a list of the best international health insurance plans for digital nomads. Those who work remotely anywhere in the world… are you one of them?

Living as a digital nomad in South Korea offers a unique combination of high technology, security, good quality of life, vibrant cuisine and incredible natural landscapes. Plus, it’s easy to find workspaces and high-speed internet connection. The vibrant culture also offers plenty of opportunities to have fun and explore.

 

The 5 Best Cities for Digital Nomads in South Korea

1. Seoul: is the largest city in South Korea, offering a wide variety of opportunities for work, entertainment and nightlife.
2. Busan: is a popular coastal city with beautiful beaches and a vibrant food scene.
3. Daegu: It’s a smaller city with a welcoming vibe and a large community of digital nomads.
4. Daejeon: It is a university city, with a large number of research institutions and technology companies.
5. Incheon: is a major port city with an international airport and vibrant nightlife.

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

 

But first…what is a digital nomad? 

Although digital nomadism exists since some time, many people only started working remotely during the pandemic. Several people exchanged their offices for their homes and, as a result, some (or many) of these people began to seek a freer routine closer to nature.

So, people who have chosen to work in other countries and at the same time do leisure and tourism are called digital nomads or digital nomads, in English. These nomads only use a notebook to carry out their tasks and are paid for it, therefore, 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 have tried to create ways to attract tourists, favor the economy and still leave the nomads super satisfied! In this way, 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 South Korea!

 

 

 

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

Many people do not pay attention to health insurance for digital nomads when planning their trips and even forget about it. However, it is extremely important to have valid health insurance when living in South Korea.

First, it is important to highlight that private medical care abroad is very expensive and not all countries have a public health system for citizens or expatriates.

In addition, one must consider the risks of living in a foreign country, in an unfamiliar city or even new experiences and problems such as food poisoning. It’s better to be prepared, right?

So here’s a quick list of reasons to be concerned about your health insurance BEFORE you travel:

 

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

Yes, we know that not all countries require health insurance for expatriates and digital nomads to live in 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 a legal issue, it’s important to take care of your own health and ensure you have medical coverage when you need it. Nobody wanna be in a pickle, right?

 

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

Everyone who has ever hired a service knows that we only really know it when we use it in practice, don’t we? Even if the country you move to offers a public healthcare system, we cannot know what your experience will be like when you need care. Even more so if you need some specific service or exclusivity.

An international health insurance gives you the reassurance and peace of mind that no matter what happens, you will get great medical care. That way, you won’t have to worry about accidents abroad with you or your family.

Also, in most countries around the world, private hospitals are better than public ones and with an insurance policy, you can easily access the private system in South Korea (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 it is a requirement in most countries. As I said at the beginning of this article, the costs of private medical services can be VERY high, even for the simplest services… specially 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 know that, in countries that do not have this requirement, 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 absurdly 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, of course, probably you must be thinking: how will I know which health insurance plan is best for me?

Don’t worry, here is a list of the most important points 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 consider 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 South Korea?
• 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

Here we bring another 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 can have access to 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 health insurance offers specific coverage for pre-existing conditions if you need, 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 factor to be taken into account 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 some valuable and decisive tips 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 factor 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:

• 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 

Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for the most: check out the list we’ve prepared below so you can find out about the best international health insurance and choose yours!

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:

• 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  

 

 

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 

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: 

• 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

 

 

 

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

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: 

• 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 

 

 

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 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:

• 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 

 

 

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. 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: 

• 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 

 

 

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

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:  

• 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 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)

 

 

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)

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.   

 

	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 South Korea

South Korea may soon become the second country in North Asia to offer digital nomads the chance to reside for long periods. With the aim of boosting the tourism industry and helping to recover the economy, the government plans to step up its efforts between 2023 and 2024. This visa is aimed at attracting freelancers, digital nomads, KPOP enthusiasts and corporate professionals.

The visa for digital nomads in South Korea is new and the government has recently announced its plans to launch. The country has recently relaxed many of its Covid restrictions and is looking to boost its tourist industry during 2023-2024. According to updated government information, the visa may be available as early as the second half of 2023. Digital nomads are expected to stay tuned for further updates in the coming months.

Plans for a digital nomad visa in South Korea are still in the early stages, so many specific details are not yet available. However, the duration of the visa will likely allow digital nomads to live and work in the country for up to two years. There is currently no information on how to extend the visa.

As for income requirements, there is no reliable information available. However, it is common for regional countries to require an annual income in excess of $45,000. The Korean government plans to launch a system known as K-ETA, which will allow digital nomads to upload important information such as travel, criminal background, insurance and medical information. The application process will likely be done online, making it more streamlined.

In addition to income requirements, digital nomads will also need to provide documentation that proves their work and stay in South Korea, such as health insurance and a criminal background check. This visa will be available at the earliest after mid-2023, so digital nomads planning to move to South Korea will have enough time to prepare and gather all the necessary documentation.

While the digital nomad visa is not official, know that South Korea offers several types of work visas, including:

• E-1 (Foreign Language Teacher Visa): For foreign language teachers working in schools, universities or language teaching institutions.
• E-2 (Special Foreign Worker Visa): For professionals specializing in areas such as information technology, business, media and entertainment.
• E-3 (Foreign Investment Worker Visa): For workers involved in foreign investment in South Korea.
• E-4 (Researcher Visa): For researchers and professionals conducting research in South Korea.
• E-5 (Business Visa): For workers engaged in business in South Korea, including managers and entrepreneurs.
• H-1 (Highly Skilled Worker Visa): For highly skilled workers in areas such as technology, research and development.
• H-2 (Unskilled Worker Visa): For unskilled workers, including domestic servants, caretakers, and agricultural workers.

The requirements and conditions for each type of visa may vary, so it is important to check with the relevant Korean authorities for up-to-date and accurate information.

 

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… 

Wassup, could I help you? I hope that now it will be easier for you to hire the perfect health insurance for you, so that you can take advantage of all the the fun parts of being a digital nomad! 

But don’t forget the importance of comparing each of the options in detail and always purchasing one. 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! 

 

Planning your next trip?

 

 

 

 

Planning your next trip?

Then don’t forget travel insurance! You don’t want to get stuck paying a ton of money and ruining your trip if you get sick or have an accident without travel insurance. Our page with The 3 Best and Cheapest Travel Insurance on the Market can help you choose the right plan and will give you some discount coupons for the biggest insurance companies!

 

 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.

 

 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. 

 

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.