Are you a digital nomad and spend periods living in different parts of the world? Do you need international health insurance to cover your needs in each country? So you need to know the 7 best international health insurance options with the best cost-benefit for you!

Many people know that health insurance is an important requirement to ensure comfort and safety for travelers and for those looking to settle in a new country – either to travel or to live. Therefore, many companies increase prices, knowing that their services will be contracted even at a high cost, since it is an essential service.

So, to help you with your research, I have prepared a list of the best international health insurance plans for digital nomads. Are those who work remotely from anywhere in the world… are you one of them?

Spain is ranked as one of the best countries to live in after the coronavirus crisis. The country stands out for its high quality of life, good prices and political and economic stability, which make Spain one of the best options for living as a digital nomad!

 

The 5 Best Cities for Digital Nomads in Spain

1. Barcelona – Legendary neighborhoods like Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter are home to Art Deco theatres, world-class shopping and medieval landmarks. You’ll also be able to stroll under the legendary spiers of the Sagrada Familia in these parts and sample tapas (Spanish appetizers) until you drop. 😀
2. San Sebastian – often feels more like a French city than a Spanish one. The old town of Parte Vieja is the center of it all. Go there for countless breweries and restaurants to choose from! What’s more, the major borders between the Spanish and French Basque Country are accessible within a short drive.
3. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria – A gateway to the Canary Islands, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the closest thing the Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic has to a major metropolis.
4. Madrid – Madrid is fun! At night, districts such as Chueca and Malasaña become lively. They pack bars and outdoor terraces. Meanwhile, there’s tapas being served on the cobbled streets of Barrio de las Letras and La Latina, while chic Salamanca is all about trendy shops and Michelin-starred restaurants.
5. Valencia – Has some of the greatest remnants of the medieval Moorish period, such as the Cathedral of Valencia and the merchants of La Lonja de la Seda. It is also home to a fascinating old town which stands with tree-lined gardens built on the former courses of the River Turia.

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? 

Despite digital nomadism having been around for some time, there has been a huge increase during the pandemic. Many people exchanged their offices for their homes and, as a result, many of these people began to seek a freer routine closer to nature.

These people are called digital nomads and they work remotely while traveling around the world. They only use a laptop to perform their tasks and are paid for it. Why not travel the world while you work?

For those who work in creative areas, such as copywriters, publicists and designers, or simply those who have a stressful work routine and want to relax, working in front of the sea on a paradisiacal beach may seem the best option. But, to tell you the truth, I can assure you from experience that working on the beach is not as pleasant or practical as it seems. Despite this, it’s great to be able to see the sea while working or to be able to easily go to the beach after work.

Several countries have tried to create ways to attract tourists, favor the economy and still leave the nomads super satisfied! That’s why countries like Costa Rica, Bermuda, Barbados, Portugal, Georgia (the country, not the state in the US!), Estonia, among many others, started offering visas to digital nomads or people who were working remotely during the pandemic.

Now that you already 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 around the world, in this case, in Spain!

 

 

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

Many travelers and digital nomads overlook the importance of health insurance when planning their trips, and some even forget about it altogether. However, if you plan to live in Spain, it is crucial that you have valid health insurance.

First, it is important to remember that private healthcare services abroad can be extremely expensive and that not all countries have a public healthcare system that caters to citizens or expatriates.

In addition, it is necessary to be aware of the risks involved when living in a new country, especially when it comes to dealing with unforeseen and unknown situations, such as illnesses and injuries, and the famous “tricks” that life can play. Therefore, it is better to prevent yourself before leaving home.

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

 

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

In fact, it is not mandatory to have health insurance for expats and digital nomads in all countries. However, when moving to a new, unfamiliar country, you may be more exposed to health and safety issues.

Even if there is no legal requirement, it is essential to take care of your health and have adequate medical coverage for eventualities. After all, nobody wants to go through difficulties, right?

 

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

Certainly, many have already experienced that they only really know a service when they use it in practice. Even if the country you live in has a public healthcare system, it is impossible to predict the quality of care when you or a loved one needs it. This is especially true if you require specific care or treatment.

By having international health insurance, you have the assurance and peace of mind that you will receive excellent medical care, no matter what happens. This means that you don’t have to worry about accidents or medical emergencies while you and your family are abroad.

Also, most countries across the world have private hospitals that offer superior services compared to public hospitals. By having an insurance policy, you have simple and easy access to the private system in Spain, which can be quite expensive for someone without medical insurance.

 

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

It’s no surprise that international health insurance is a mandatory requirement in many countries. As I mentioned earlier, the costs of private healthcare can be astronomical, even for simple procedures. This is especially true if you are working remotely in the United States, where the healthcare system is predominantly private and extremely expensive.

It is important to remember that even in countries that do not impose this requirement, prices for private medical services can be excessively high.

Therefore, international health insurance not only guarantees access to high-quality medical care, but can also help you avoid exorbitant costs that can lead to personal financial bankruptcy.

 

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

In fact, with a digital nomad visa, you are legalized in the country as a kind of “resident”. However, if you plan to stay locally for an extended period or even gain residency via a work visa, you need to have adequate international health insurance.

 

 

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

Now, we can discuss the best (and most affordable) options for international health insurance.

However, it’s understandable if you’re wondering, “How can I choose the best health insurance plan for me?”

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

• What type of coverage is offered by each plan?
• How many hospitals and practices are covered by the plan?
• What are your specific needs, or those of your family?
• What is the quality of customer service and support offered by the plan?

Let’s analyze each point in more detail:

 

   1. The coverage that each international health plan offers

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

What is the geographic coverage area of the plan? Does the plan cover services in other cities or countries if you are traveling? As a digital nomad, will you have coverage in other countries? Does the plan cover all US states?
Is this the ideal plan to meet all your family’s needs?
Is it possible to customize the plan according to your specific priorities and needs, or the needs of your family?
How many people are covered by the plan? What is the value for adding additional members?

 

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

Another factor to consider when choosing international health insurance is assessing your or your family’s specific needs. It is important to check whether the plan provides coverage for treatments or procedures that you or your family members may need in the future, such as surgery, treatment for chronic illnesses or maternity.

In addition, it is also valid to evaluate the quality of service and customer support offered by the insurer, ensuring that you can count on efficient and fast service in case of need.

Remember to compare different plans and their coverage, rates and benefits to find the best option that suits your needs and budget.

 

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

It is also important to consider the specific needs of your family or yourself, such as maternity coverage, dental care, alternative therapies, among others.

Some international health plans offer additional services, such as psychological support, legal assistance, document translation, among others, which may be useful depending on your situation.

Finally, it’s critical to research and compare the prices and benefits of different insurers to find the plan that best fits your needs and budget. Remember that cheap can be expensive, so don’t get carried away just by the lowest price and evaluate all options well before making a decision.

 

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

In addition, it is important to verify that the company offers customer support efficiently, with clear and accessible communication channels, such as telephone, email or online chat. Also check if the company has an application to facilitate communication and access to services.

Another valuable tip is to research the company’s reputation in the market and read comments from other customers. It can help to get a sense of other people’s experience with the insurer and gauge whether it is trustworthy.

Finally, remember to always read the terms and conditions of the contract carefully, to understand all the coverage and limitations of the chosen plan. And, if you have any doubts, do not hesitate to contact the insurer to clarify them before closing the deal.

Who does these international health insurances cover?

Below is a list of international health insurances that offer coverage for citizens living 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 summary, regardless of your current location or future plans to move, most of these international health insurance plans have global coverage and can be a good option for digital nomads who want access to quality health care.

 

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 

Now the long-awaited moment has arrived: check out the list we prepared with the best international health insurance and choose the ideal one for you!

Suggestion: It is important to get a quick quote with all the companies mentioned in the list below. Although it takes work, this research can result in significant money savings in the end.

  1. Cigna 

Cigna is an American company that offers international health insurance with a high standard of quality and efficiency throughout the world. With more than 180 million employees and presence in several countries, the company seeks to offer access to health without bureaucracy.

Nikki, when living in Sweden, took out international insurance from Cigna to fulfill her resident visa requirements and test the quality of coverage and medical care. Cigna can be a good option for those who need proof of health insurance coverage in order to obtain visas or residency permits in other countries. However, it is important to carry out detailed research on the plan’s coverage before contracting, even if the objective is only to prove coverage.

Our experience with Cigna was positive, we were able to find the right plan and cancel the policy after obtaining a visa and access to the public health system. Can’t speak to the complaints process as we never had to use it.

 

 

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 an excellent alternative to consider as it is one of the leading companies in the international health insurance market, serving customers around the world for many years.

The company is dedicated to providing high quality service with clear and efficient communication, and its exceptional customer service is one of its key differentiators.

In addition, Now Health offers a variety of customizable plans that meet the needs and diverse profiles of its customers. So it’s worth checking out the available options and finding a plan that meets your 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 

A IMG é uma empresa de seguro de saúde com mais de 30 anos de atuação no mercado, reconhecida como uma das melhores opções para nômades digitais. Um dos pontos positivos da empresa é o atendimento ao cliente global, que pode ser facilmente acessado.

Eu e Nikki escolhemos os planos “Patriot America Plus” e “Global Medical Insurance” da IMG e tivemos experiências satisfatórias. Vale ressaltar que o site da empresa possui um chat ao vivo para suporte, que tem recebido avaliações positivas.

Quanto a reclamações, não podemos opinar, já que nunca precisamos registrar uma.

 

 

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

Allianz, a German insurance company, offers a unique program designed exclusively for individuals living abroad, which is one of their standout features.

 

 

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

If you are looking for high quality international health insurance with full coverage and premium care, GeoBlue is an excellent option to consider.

The company values personalized service and offers several coverage options, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs. There are both short- and long-term plans, serving different customer profiles.

In addition, GeoBlue stands out for its wide range of target audiences, offering plans for missionaries, teachers, students, yacht crews, immigrants and digital nomads.

Check below my impressions about GeoBlue: 

 

 

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 Spain

Finally, digital nomads who want to move to Spain can apply for a residence permit adapted to their needs!

One of the great advantages of this residency is the flexibility of enrollment. You may:

• Apply directly from Spain with a tourist visa, directly obtaining your 3-year card;
• Or, it is also possible to obtain a 1-year visa from your home country (at the Spanish consulate) so that you can enter Spain and change your visa to 3 years later.

You also need to pay attention to the two profiles of nomads who can get this permission (with slightly different requirements):

• Employed nomads whose company allows them to travel and work remotely from another country (in this case, Spain)
• Self-employed workers with multiple clients around the world or with different sources of income from online activities, but spread around the world outside of Spain

Therefore, if you want to apply for a remote work visa in Spain:

• The company(s) you are currently working for (or have an employment relationship as a freelancer), must be located outside of Spain
• Income received by Spanish companies (or in Spain) cannot represent more than 20% of the total
• You must demonstrate that you have been working for your company or having a freelance relationship with your clients for at least 3 months prior to your application
• Contract with the same company for at least 1 year
• You must demonstrate work-related experience with 3 years of experience prior to application or be a graduate or postgraduate of a reputable university, vocational training and recognized prestigious business schools
• You cannot have a criminal record or be banned from entering Spain. For this, you must send your criminal record certificate with a minimum validity of 90 days, and they must be legalized and apostilled.
• Submit a statement of no criminal record in the last 5 years
• You will have to fill in the application form (download it here)
• Pay the administrative fee
• Take out private health insurance, with full coverage throughout Spain
• Bank certificate proving ownership of at least €25,000, per year, for the main applicant, which is 200% of the minimum wage in Spain (and €9441 for each additional family member, 75% of the minimum wage in Spain). If the money is in a foreign bank, you will need to provide a simple translation. On the other hand, you can also use your salary or employment contract to demonstrate ownership of these economic funds.

And finally, we find a difference depending on whether you work for a company as an employee or are a freelancer:

• If you have a contract with a foreign company, it will be essential that this company has been operating for at least 1 year prior to your application. And in addition, the company must state that your position allows for remote work and that they specifically allow you to do so.
• If you are a freelancer, you must be working for at least one company (which must be outside Spain), and it will be through the terms and conditions of your contract that the possibility of working remotely is specified

Upon your arrival in the country, you will need to visit the police office as one of the final steps to register your fingerprints and obtain your physical residency card.

 

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, what did you think of the matter? I hope you now have an easy time finding the perfect health insurance so you can now enjoy all 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! 

 

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.