When you live and work around the world, travel and medical insurance isn’t just a checkbox on your to-do list. It’s your lifeline. In this episode of The Nomad Summit Podcast, hosts Palle Bo and Christoph Huebner explore the ins and outs of finding the right insurance as a digital nomad – what to look for, what to avoid, and how to make sure you’re covered wherever your journey takes you.
Christoph isn’t just a co-host this time. He’s also an experienced insurance broker with NOMADS.insure, specializing in helping remote workers and long-term travelers find the best possible protection for their lifestyle. In this episode he shares insights and common misconceptions from years of experience in the field.
Travel Insurance vs. International Health Insurance
One of the biggest misconceptions among digital nomads is thinking that travel insurance and international health insurance are the same. They’re not. Travel insurance typically covers short-term trips, emergencies, or cancellations. But when you’re living abroad for months or years, you need international health insurance that protects you wherever you go – not just while you’re “on holiday.”
Christoph breaks down how these two types of coverage differ in purpose and structure. He explains that while travel insurance might be cheaper upfront, it’s often not built for the realities of long-term travel – especially not if you don’t have an underlying comprehensive health insurance back home anymore.
Why You Shouldn’t Rely on Your Home-Country Policy
Many travelers assume their home-country health insurance will keep them safe abroad. Unfortunately, that’s rarely true. Most policies are designed for domestic coverage and often exclude long-term stays outside the country. Even if they include emergency travel coverage, it usually only applies for a limited time – often 30 or 60 days.
Christoph and Palle discuss real-world examples of nomads who found out the hard way that their home coverage didn’t extend overseas. From hospital stays to medical evacuations, these stories show why understanding your policy is crucial before you hit the road.
What to Look for in a Nomad Insurance Plan
Choosing the right insurance can feel overwhelming, especially with so many companies claiming to offer “nomad-friendly” plans. Christoph simplifies the process by pointing out key factors to look for:
- Global coverage, including your home country
- Flexibility to change destinations without losing protection
- Reliable claims process and customer service
- Coverage for both emergency and routine medical care
He also highlights that the cheapest plan isn’t always the smartest one. Many low-cost options have high deductibles, low coverage limits, or exclusions that can lead to expensive surprises later.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Insurance
During the conversation, Palle and Christoph share common mistakes digital nomads make when buying insurance. These include failing to read the fine print, underestimating the importance of evacuation coverage, and assuming that “global” means “everywhere.”
Christoph also stresses the value of working with an independent broker who understands the nomad lifestyle. Instead of selling a one-size-fits-all policy, a broker can compare plans from multiple providers and tailor coverage to your specific needs and travel patterns. And more important: A broker can perform anonymized pre-approvals from medical underwriters in order to get pre-existing conditions checked without disclosing a customers identity.
Peace of Mind for the Modern Nomad
For digital nomads, having the right insurance isn’t just about financial protection – it’s about freedom. It allows you to explore new countries, try new experiences, and take professional risks without worrying about what might happen if things go wrong.
We travel for the joy of discovery, not the fear of uncertainty. With the right coverage, you can focus on what really matters – the adventure.
Listen to the Full Conversation
Tune in to Episode 24 of The Nomad Summit Podcast to hear the full discussion between Palle Bo and Christoph Huebner. They share personal stories, expert advice, and practical tips for finding insurance that truly fits the nomadic lifestyle.
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