Healthcare & Insurance Considerations for Working Abroad

When you’re planning life as a digital nomad, it’s easy to focus on visas, co-working spaces, or the best beach cafés with Wi-Fi. But one thing that often gets overlooked is healthcare.

It might be something as simple as food poisoning in Mexico, a sprained ankle while hiking in Croatia, or running low on a prescription in Portugal. Everyday health needs like these can pop up no matter where you are, and having a plan for how you’ll handle them will save you a lot of stress.

This guide will give you clear answers. You’ll find out whether countries require proof of health insurance before granting digital nomad visas, how much you can actually rely on local healthcare in places like Spain, Colombia, or Croatia, and when it makes sense to buy an international health insurance plan instead. We’ll also look at some of the most trusted global providers that nomads use, so you can compare your options with confidence.

In this guide, we will answer the following questions:

Questions To Ask Before You Travel

Below are some important healthcare and insurance points to consider before traveling, depending on your situation.

Will I Need Healthcare for a Visa?

In many countries you can’t acquire a residency permit or even a digital nomad visa without health insurance. For example, Thailand requires applicants for certain long-term visas to show proof of coverage that meets minimum medical expense requirements. Officials often require a policy that covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergencies. Basic travel insurance that only protects against flight delays or lost luggage most likely won’t meet the requirement. So, always read the visa instructions carefully to confirm what type of insurance you need.

Will I Have Public Healthcare Access?

Not every country allows foreigners to use their public healthcare system. In Germany, for example, you can access public healthcare once you become a legal resident and start paying contributions, while in other countries, public healthcare might be limited to people with local work contracts. Even when you qualify, public healthcare can mean long waits for appointments and fewer English-speaking staff, so it may not always be the most practical option. It is generally wise to check before traveling to a country.

How Does Private Healthcare Function When Living Abroad for Work?

Private clinics are often the first choice for nomads because they offer faster service, modern facilities, and doctors who speak English. But, private clinics can sometimes be more expensive. Without insurance you may have to pay the full bill upfront for even routine care. This is one reason many long term visas require proof of private coverage before they are approved.

How Should I Get Medications and Prescription Drugs Abroad?

Prescription drugs are not always easy to access abroad. Some are sold under different names, and others may be restricted or banned altogether. For example, metformin, a common diabetes medication in the U.S., may be sold under a different brand name or have different dosage rules in other countries. As such, it’s a good idea to carry a doctor’s note or prescription when bringing medicine across borders. You should also learn the local names of your prescription drugs and check their availability in your destination country. Many travelers bring at least one to three months of supply to give themselves time to connect with a local doctor if needed.

Healthcare in the Most Popular Countries for Digital Nomads

Now, let’s take a closer look at the healthcare and insurance requirements in some of the most popular digital nomad destinations. Public systems may be available to residents or long-term visitors, but private insurance is often needed to access faster care or meet visa requirements. Understanding how each country’s healthcare works and what coverage is expected can help travelers plan ahead and stay protected while living or working abroad.

Spain

Spain offers a digital nomad visa that requires applicants to provide health insurance covering medical, hospital, and out-of-hospital expenses. The insurance must have no deficiencies, co-payments, or coverage limits. Basic travel insurance is not accepted.

Portugal

Travelers applying for long-term visas in Portugal, such as the D7 visa for remote workers and retirees or the D2 visa for entrepreneurs, must have valid health insurance covering medical expenses, emergencies, and repatriation. The insurance must remain valid for the entire duration of the stay.

Mexico

Mexico’s temporary resident visa does not explicitly require health insurance. However, expats are strongly encouraged to maintain coverage because medical costs can be high. Many travelers opt for private plans to ensure access to quality care.

Thailand

Thailand’s retirement visa (Non-Immigrant O-A) and the newer Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) focus mainly on age, financial, and background requirements rather than health insurance. Still, it’s a smart move to carry coverage, since private hospitals in Thailand are world-class but can be costly if you need care.

Colombia

Colombia’s new Digital Nomad Visa makes health insurance mandatory, covering everything from accidents to hospitalization during your stay. Beyond visa requirements, expats often choose between enrolling in the public EPS system for low-cost care or using private options like Medicina Prepagada to get quicker access and shorter wait times.

Indonesia (Bali)

Indonesia offers a few different long-stay visas such as the Limited Stay Permit (KITAS), the Second Home Visa, and the Remote Worker Visa E33G, and health insurance is sometimes mentioned as a requirement depending on the visa type. For digital nomads, the rules around insurance are less clear, so it is safest to confirm with the Indonesian consulate before applying. Once living in the country, some foreign residents may be able to enroll in the public BPJS Kesehatan program, although coverage is limited and many expats continue to rely on private or international insurance for broader access and faster service.

Croatia

Croatia offers a Temporary Stay for Digital Nomads visa that lets remote workers live in the country for up to one year. To apply, you need proof of private health insurance that is valid in Croatia for the entire stay. Standard travel insurance or policies with limited coverage are not sufficient, so it’s important to make sure your plan meets the visa requirements.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica offers several long-stay visas that require proof of health insurance. The Digital Nomad Visa lets remote workers live in the country for up to one year and requires private health insurance that is valid in Costa Rica for the entire stay. Other long-stay visas, such as the Rentista and Pensionado visas, also require applicants to have valid health insurance. Travel insurance or policies with limited coverage are not sufficient, so it’s important to confirm that your plan meets the visa requirements.

Greece

Greece offers a National Visa Type D for stays longer than 90 days, which can be the most suitable option for remote workers or freelancers who want to live in the country for several months. Applicants must provide travel or health insurance that covers repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical care, and emergency hospital care for the entire duration of the visa. The insurance must be valid in Greece and remain active for the full stay.

Can You Get Travel Insurance If You Have Pre-Existing Conditions?

Living and working abroad with a pre-existing medical condition requires thoughtful planning, especially when it comes to insurance. For example, someone with diabetes or asthma can select a plan that covers doctor visits, emergency care, and medication refills in a foreign country. While managing health needs abroad may take a bit more preparation, having the right coverage makes it entirely manageable.

Ensuring Your Pre-Existing Condition Is Covered Abroad

Not all international health insurance plans cover pre-existing conditions. Some plans provide coverage for stable conditions such as well-managed diabetes or controlled hypertension, while others exclude any pre-existing issues. It is essential to disclose your medical history upfront and review the policy carefully. Plans designed for expatriates often offer optional add-ons that extend coverage to pre-existing conditions. Some of these add-ons may require a waiting period before full coverage takes effect.

How Coverage Keeps You Safe While Working Overseas

Having insurance that covers pre-existing conditions protects you in multiple ways. It can cover emergency care if a flare-up or complication occurs, medical evacuation if local hospitals cannot provide the necessary treatment, and replacement of lost or forgotten prescription medications.

Some policies also include 24/7 assistance hotlines that help you find English-speaking doctors, navigate local pharmacies, or handle lost documents. Proper coverage ensures you can focus on work abroad without facing unexpected, high medical costs.

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost While Working Abroad?

The cost of international health insurance for people working abroad can vary depending on your age, health status, and the type of coverage you choose. For someone in their 20s or 30s with no major pre-existing conditions, a comprehensive plan might range from $50 to $250 per month, while older travelers or those with health conditions may pay several hundred dollars per month.

Some popular options include:

• Cigna Global – Highly customizable plans with Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers, plus add-on modules for outpatient, dental, or vision care. Annual costs can range from around $2,500 to over $6,000 depending on benefits and whether U.S. coverage is included.
• Allianz Care – Offers international coverage with strong emergency and evacuation support, plus flexible outpatient add-ons. Premiums often start around $100 to $200 per month for younger, healthy travelers and can increase when travelers include additional benefits or coverage options.
• Safety Wing – Between $160 and $250 per month depending on age. Coverage includes routine and emergency medical care worldwide, mental health support, and travel protections like burglary, canceled accommodation, and delayed luggage. Plans are renewable indefinitely with no restrictions when returning home.

When comparing plans, it helps to look beyond the monthly premium. Some policies are designed for long-term living abroad and emphasize ongoing care, while others focus more on short-term travel needs such as emergency evacuation or trip protection. Thinking about how you will actually use the insurance, whether for routine doctor visits, prescription refills, or unexpected emergencies, makes it easier to decide which plan provides the best value for your situation.

How Do Health Insurance Payments and Claims Work Abroad?

Understanding how your international health insurance handles payments and claims is important for knowing what costs you’ll face when you need care.

Some insurers have agreements with hospitals and clinics overseas, which means the provider bills the insurer directly. In those cases, you may only be responsible for a deductible or coinsurance. This system can be especially helpful in emergencies, because you are not expected to pay thousands of dollars upfront.

Other insurers use a reimbursement model. That means you pay the hospital or clinic at the time of treatment, then submit the bill, proof of payment, and any required claim forms to your insurer. Most companies now allow this process online, but you must usually file within 90 days of treatment.

Your out-of-pocket responsibility will also depend on the structure of your plan. For example, if you chose a $250 deductible and your bill is $3,000, you pay the first $250 and the insurer reviews the rest. Some plans cover 100 percent after the deductible, while others may require coinsurance, such as paying 20 percent of the remaining balance.

Routine care such as annual checkups or prescription refills may also be handled differently. Some plans require you to visit specific partner providers abroad, while others will reimburse visits to any licensed doctor. It is always best to carry your insurance card, emergency hotline number, and policy details when visiting a clinic or pharmacy.

Essentially, every international health insurance plan works differently. The only reliable way to understand how payments and claims are handled is to review the plan details carefully or contact the insurer directly.

Checklist for Expats

Before heading abroad, it helps to get organized and consider a few key steps to cover healthcare and emergencies. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Gather medical records and prescriptions.
• Compare at least three international insurance providers.
• Confirm coverage for any pre-existing conditions.
• Identify the nearest major hospital in your destination city.
• Save important emergency contacts, including the local ambulance number and your embassy.

Preparing for Life Overseas

Navigating healthcare and insurance while living abroad may feel complicated, but it becomes manageable with some research and planning. Understanding how different international health plans work, what coverage they provide, and what costs you might face can make a big difference in staying protected and accessing care when you need it.

Every traveler’s situation is unique, so taking the time to review policies carefully and ask questions directly to insurers can provide confidence and clarity. Being proactive about health coverage shows you are prepared for life overseas and ready to handle both routine care and unexpected emergencies.

Be sure to check out our next article, where we will explore freelancing and entrepreneurship abroad. We’ll cover how to set up a business, navigate local rules, and manage taxes while working independently in a new country.

Author: Aaron Randolph | LinkedIn