Health insurance for people who live abroad
A single hospitalisation without cover can cost $10,000–$50,000. Here's how the main nomad and expat health insurance options compare.
Find your best match
Plan comparison
| SafetyWing Nomad Insurance | SafetyWing Remote Health | Cigna Global | AXA Schengen / Global | World Nomads | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Budget nomads, short-to-medium stays | Remote workers wanting comprehensive long-term cover | Long-term expats and families | European nomads, Schengen visa requirements | Adventure travellers and backpackers |
| Monthly cost (approx) | From ~$42/mo (age 18–39) | From ~$147/mo | From ~$200/mo | From ~$50/mo (Schengen); ~$150/mo (Global) | From ~$80/mo |
| Coverage area | Worldwide (excl. home country) | Worldwide including home country | Worldwide (home country optional) | Schengen zone or Global | Worldwide |
| Medical evacuation | |||||
| Pre-existing conditions | Case by case | Case by case | ❌ (Schengen); case by case (Global) | ||
| Adventure sports | Limited | Optional add-on | |||
| Dental | Emergency only | Optional add-on | ❌ (Schengen); optional (Global) | Emergency only | |
| Vision | Optional add-on | ||||
| Cancel anytime | ✅ (Schengen) | ||||
| Waiting period | None for most | Some conditions | Some conditions | None (Schengen) | None |
| NoodlePants verdict | The nomad standard — affordable, flexible, widely used | Step up from Nomad Insurance for settled expats | Gold standard for established expats needing comprehensive cover | Best for European visa compliance; Global plan for broader needs | Best for active nomads doing adventure activities |
The most popular nomad insurance in the world
SafetyWing is used by hundreds of thousands of digital nomads across 180+ countries. Subscribe monthly, cancel anytime — no annual commitment needed.
Prices shown are approximate and based on publicly available provider information for a healthy adult aged 18–39. Actual prices vary by age, health history, destination and coverage options. Always get a personalised quote directly from the provider before purchasing. NoodlePants is not an insurance broker or adviser.
What to check before you buy
Check your home country exclusion
Most nomad plans exclude treatment in your home country. If you plan to visit home, make sure you're covered or maintain domestic health coverage separately.
Understand pre-existing condition exclusions
Budget plans typically exclude any pre-existing conditions. If you have ongoing health needs, invest in a comprehensive plan that covers them.
Medical evacuation matters
In many countries, local hospitals may not have the facilities you need. Medical evacuation (getting you to the nearest adequate facility) can cost $50,000–$200,000 without cover.
Adventure sports coverage
Standard plans often exclude activities like motorcycling, diving, skiing or rock climbing. If you're active, check the exclusions list carefully.
Don't confuse travel insurance with health insurance
Travel insurance covers trip cancellation and lost luggage. Health insurance covers medical treatment. Long-term nomads need dedicated health cover, not travel insurance.
Coverage information sourced from provider websites and is regularly reviewed. Always verify current terms directly with the provider.