Best International Travel Insurance: For Travelers and Digital Nomads – Goats On The Road

Unless you don’t mind shelling out thousands of dollars if (when?) you have an accident while traveling, getting international travel insurance is definitely a good idea.

Most people buy cheap travel insurance (without knowing exactly what is covered), or end up not buying any due to the difficulty of understanding insurance policies…why do they make them so confusing?!

Choosing international travel insurance is a bit of a daunting task. In this article, I’ll try to simplify things so you have a better idea of ​​which insurance company covers what.

Plus, I’ll answer many of your frequently asked questions and give you some ideas on what to look for when purchasing travel medical insurance.

And I will share my Top 4 international travel insurance choices (we have personally used 3 of these companies).

*Note: It is very important that you read YOUR policy to see what is covered and what is not. Each traveler’s situation and coverage will be different. Always do your due diligence before purchasing travel insurance.

Is international travel insurance worth it?

Short answer? Yes, absolutely.

To be completely honest, in the past we had only purchased travel insurance sporadically. We thought, hey, we’re in Mexico and it’s cheap to get to the hospital, so there’s no need to get travel insurance.

But, once we talked to people who had horrible accidents abroad, and after seeing two friends and family members find themselves in an emergency situation overseas…we started to realize how stupid we were.

Of course, seeing a doctor in Mexico for something basic and getting medicine will only cost about $20-$50, and we paid about $200 in Thailand, but that’s not the only reason to get travel medical insurance.

The main reason is more serious accidents and events that can happen abroad, especially when you’re in the middle of nowhere.

• See also: My experience visiting a doctor in Argentina

Not to mention that in some countries, international travel insurance is mandatory. CubaQatar and Ecuador are a few countries that require you to show proof of travel insurance before entering the country.

A good travel insurance policy will cover you for emergency evacuations and flights to a hospital that can handle your health problem.

There are benefits for accidental death (meaning: money paid to your estate or the person you name in your will), crisis response, political evacuation, natural disasters and much more.

Many policies cost between $2 and $4 per day. If you can afford to travel, you can afford between $2 and $4 per day. So there really is no excuse!

What does travel insurance cover?

You really want to make sure you read the fine print of your travel insurance policy. All insurance policies are different and while you may be covered for something with one company, you may not be with another. It also depends on the type of policy you decide to purchase.

Different companies cover different things, so be sure to read your policy to make sure you’re insured for all your needs.

In general, you should look for a travel insurance policy that covers the following:

• Emergency evacuation
• Hospital room and board
• Intensive care
• Local ambulance
• Adventure activities – make sure you are covered for exactly what you plan to do. Some policies have exclusions regarding the depths you can dive and the altitudes you can travel, for example.
• Ambulatory care (physiotherapy, chiropractor, etc.)
• Emergency dental care
• Crisis response – ransom, kidnapping, etc.
• Terrorism
• Natural disasters
• Benefits in the event of accidental death
• Return of your remains

As an added bonus, some international travel insurers cover things that are non-medical, such as:

• Lost luggage
• Trip interruption
• Trip cancellation
• Rental Car Damage Protection
• Stolen luggage

We have personally made claims for visits to masseurs, chiropractors, acupuncture and hospitals abroad. And since we had a plan with a $0 deductible, we got our money back. On the other hand, because we had $0 deductible plans, our monthly insurance costs were higher.

You’ll also want to make sure your policy includes global, 24/7 support.

Which travel insurance is best for me?

Are you considering high-altitude trekking, scuba diving, or extreme sports? Do you drive a motorcycle or scooter? Are you a resident of your home country?

These are all factors that will determine which insurance is best for you.

Nomads of the world has the reputation of being the best for adventurous travelersbecause they cover just about every adrenaline-inducing activity you can think of. If you are from United Kingdom and Europe, The real travelers is another great insurance option for backpackers.

If you are no longer a resident of your country of origin (many digital nomads and remote workers are not) and are looking for an affordable package, Security wing is a great option. They even cover you when you visit your home country.

Another thing to consider is whether or not you will be riding a motorcycle/scooter during your trip. For most people visiting Southeast Asia, this will be your primary mode of transportation and a fun way to experience the countries you’ll be visiting.

However, not all policies cover motorcycle and scooter accidents. World Nomads does (if you have the appropriate driving licenses).

If you are a Canadian citizen and you purchase expat travel insurance from Allianz, you are not covered when you return to Canada for a visit/vacation! (I’m not sure about citizens of other parts of the world, so be sure to ask).

We didn’t realize this until a few months ago, and that’s part of what inspired me to write this article. We took out this insurance specifically for our trip to Canada and the USA. It turns out we wouldn’t have been covered at all during our one month visit to Canada.

Read the fine print and choose an international travel insurance policy that covers everything you need.

How much does international travel insurance cost?

How much you will pay for travel insurance depends on several factors, the main ones being your agewhere you live, where in the world you will be traveling, the length of the trip, and the company you are shopping with.

For example, with World Nomads Insurance, for a one-month trip you would pay $158.64 for their lowest plane. With Safety Wing, you would pay between $62.72 – $218.96 for their lowest plan, depending on your age.

How much you’ll pay really depends on your age and the insurance company you choose. Some insurance policies do not cover people who live in certain locations or are of a certain age.

For example, if you are from Quebec, Canada, World Nomads will not cover you. If you’re coming from the UK, you must be under 65 to get travel insurance.

Prices often vary depending on the amount of your coverage (i.e. $250,000 vs. $1M) and whether or not you have a deductible.

Everyone’s circumstances are different, which is why it is so important to get a number of quotes and read the policies before choosing an insurance company.

How to take out travel insurance?

Purchasing travel insurance is simple. You can start by contacting a few insurance companies to get a quote, and when you decide which company you want to go with, you provide your trip details and make payment. Within an hour you will receive your insurance policy in your email inbox.

Many companies allow changes to your policy before the effective date. Allianz authorizes changes 10 days before the start of the insurance policy.

With some companies, you can purchase the policy while you’re already traveling and extend it while you’re on the move. You need to make sure your company allows this, because as with some insurance policies, you must first return to your home country.

Important questions to ask before buying

When we first purchased international travel insurance, we didn’t even think to contact the company and ask more questions. We just read (some) of the fine print and booked.

We have been on the road for over 10 years and have tried different travel insurance companies. We now know that there are some questions you should definitely answer before purchasing:

1. Will this insurance cover me during a stay in my country of origin?

2. If I’m in the Amazon (or any other remote area) and I fall, break my back and have to be airlifted to the hospital. Will this insurance cover me for ALL expenses?

3. Will this insurance cover transportation costs to my home country if I suffer a serious injury or illness? – or simply to the nearest hospital?

4. What happens when I need medical treatment? Can I go to any hospital or doctor or only those approved by the insurance company?

7. Does this insurance cover me for adventure activities? Are there any exclusions?

8. What happens if the company goes bankrupt? Will I still be insured?

9. Is the deductible per claim or per trip?

Travel insurance companies want to do business with you, so don’t hesitate to ask them any questions you may have.

Which international travel insurance is best?

There are many travel insurance companies out there and it is important that you find one that suits your needs and the type of trip you are undertaking.

If you are a digital nomad or long-term traveler, Security wing is a great option. If you like adventure activities and go for a few months, Nomads of the world is a good bet.

If you want excellent comprehensive coverage, with a well-known brand (at a higher price), then Allianz might be good for you. If you enjoy adventure activities and reside in the UK or Europe, True traveler is a good option.

Here is a breakdown of these four travel insurance companies. Of course, you’ll need to make sure you read the policies yourself, but here are some of the main pros and cons:

1. Security wing

It is one of the best international travel insurance companies for digital nomads, freelancers and long-term travelers. If you don’t have residency or healthcare in your home country, Safety Wing is a good option. If you are between 18 and 39 years old, this is the cheapest policy you can find.

Advantages of the security wing:

• You do not need to be a resident of your home country. This is ideal for digital nomads who don’t have a permanent home.
• Costs are reasonable at $62.72/month for ages 18-39.
• The cost is the same whether you purchase 1 month or 1 year of coverage.
• Rather than having to pay a large lump sum up front, you pay monthly.
• They offer automatic renewal. It’s like a subscription service, which is great because you can cancel at any time and you don’t need to set an end date (unless you want to).
• The insurance is underwritten by Tokio Marine HCC.
• The policy and website are easy to read and understand.
• Private doctors and hospitals are covered.
• Coverage in your home country is provided. If you reside in the United States, you will be covered for 15 days out of 90 days of purchasing the insurance policy. Outside of the United States, you have 30 days in your home country.
• In addition to medical coverage, you will receive travel benefits including trip interruption, travel delay, loss of checked baggage, natural disaster and political evacuation.
• There is no deductible.

Disadvantages of the security wing:

• If you are traveling to the United States, you need to add $1.78 to $7 more per day depending on your age.
• Maximum coverage of $250,000 on the Essential plan. If you choose the more expensive “Comprehensive” plan, you get $1.5 million in coverage.
• Many activities are not included. Including trekking above 4,500 m, kite surfing, ice hockey, American football, football and scuba diving above 10 m.
• If you are an adventurous traveler, this is not the best insurance policy.
• Motorcycles and scooters are covered by the policy but you must have an appropriate license and wear a helmet.

Click here to read the full insurance policy. Click here to learn more about Safety Wing and get a free quote.

2. World Nomads Travel Insurance

If you’re a fan of the Lonely Planet guide, you’ll know that this is the company they frequently recommend. We have opted for World Nomads in the past and were easily able to make a claim and extend our cover while we were on the road.

If you are a backpacker or adventure seeker, this is the company you will want to choose.

Benefits of World Nomads Travel Insurance:

• While they don’t offer the cheapest plans, they certainly aren’t the most expensive.
• You can purchase and extend your insurance policy while you’re traveling – without having to return home.
• Many activities and adventure sports are covered (make sure you have the right plan).
• In addition to medical care, you’re covered for baggage delays, trip cancellation or interruption, baggage theft, assault, theft of electronic devices under your supervision and more.
• The policy and website are easy to navigate and understand.
• A popular and highly recommended travel insurance company.

Disadvantages of World Nomads Travel Insurance

• You must receive health care in your home country. This is a huge inconvenience for us as we are no longer residents of Canada and therefore do not have provincial healthcare. We can no longer use World Nomads Insurance.
• Motorcycle and scooter accidents are not covered unless you hold a valid motorcycle license from your home country and one from the local country (in most cases).
• There is no single standard subscription company for World Nomads. The company you are insured with (including policy inclusions and exclusions) depends on the country in which you reside.
• To receive a discount, you will need to book and pay for your insurance in advance.
• With the “Standard” plan, you get only $125,000 of coverage for medical emergencies.

Click here to get a free quote with World Nomads Insurance. Click here to read the full policy (for US residents).

3. Allianz International travel insurance

This long-standing company is reputable and offers many types of policies. They also offer excellent insurance plans for expats.

In the past, we have personally purchased our expat travel insurance from Allianz, as they offer affordable packages (around $2/day), with $500,000 of coverage and the adventure activities we participate in are covered.

Expat plans are different from travel insurance plans – in terms of costs and coverage.

Benefits of Allianz travel insurance:

• They offer varying levels of emergency transportation coverage – up to $2 million.
• Coverage up to $500 for stolen baggage.
• $150 per day of travel delay coverage is available for plane delays due to bad weather, natural disasters, etc.
• A reputable and long-standing company.
• Making a claim is simple.

Disadvantages of Allianz travel insurance

• One of the more premium insurance providers, which means they cost more.
• Travel to the United States and Mexico incurs an additional daily fee.
• You are not covered when traveling to your home country if you are an expatriate. (this is true for Canadians, check Allianz for your Country of Residence).
• Trip interruption is covered, but only for medical reasons or in the event of a natural disaster. No compensation for airline, cruise or trip cancellation.

Click here to read Allianz’s comprehensive travel insurance policy for Americans. Every country is different, be sure to read the policy applicable to the country in which you reside.

4. True traveler

If you are a resident of the United Kingdom or many countries in Europe (including France and Germany) and you are a backpacker who loves adventure activities, then True Traveler is a great insurance option.

Benefits of the true traveler:

• They cover many adventure activities
• High cover amounts – up to £10 million
• You can take out a policy even if you are already abroad
• You can choose policies with excess (deductible) or not.
• Insured by Inter Partner Assistance SA which is part of the AXA Group
• 24/7 medical assistance

Disadvantages of the true traveler:

• They only cover UK and EU citizens and residents.
• You should add “packs” to your policy to ensure you are covered for the right activities and interruptions.
• You must have a valid motorcycle license and wear a helmet to be covered in the event of a scooter accident.

Click here to read the insurance policy and see if it is right for you. Or, Click here to learn more about True Traveler.

Insurance helpline

If you’re Canadian, you might want to check out Insurance helpline. This is a comparison site that will compare travel insurance quotes and purchase the right medical cover for your trip online. They claim that on average, customers save up to 50% using their service. They offer travel insurance, car insurance, and many other types of coverage. On average, they also offer pretty good prices.