Health Insurance is essential for digital nomads. A digital nomad is a person whose job allows him or her to work remotely and change residence regularly, combining highly skilled work with immersive tourism in the country of preference. This has increasingly become the best way to bring experienced and skilled tech workers into a country and many countries all over the world have created programs to attract the digital nomad.
For digital nomads who travel frequently and move from country to country, the usual travel insurance may not be adequate or the annual medical insurance from each country is not suitable.
Fortunately, there are reputable companies that offer international health insurance specifically for digital nomads.
What is international health insurance and why is it important for digital nomads to have one?
International health insurance provides travelers and digital nomads with coverage when traveling abroad. This allows the holder access to local health services and emergency coverage that you may need while in another country. Treatment of recurring conditions and maternity are also included.
Premium Access to Healthcare
An international health insurance will ensure that you and your family have access to the best local health care options available in any country that you move to.
Avoid Economic Losses and Reduce Expenses Due to a Medical Emergency
Another good reason for having an international health insurance is to prevent huge medical and out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a medical emergency or a major illness. The costs of healthcare in a country may be much higher than what you are used to or expect.
The income you may be earning, or your savings status will not impact on the care you receive with international health insurance.
Emergency Coverage
Should you or any family member require emergency treatment, your international health coverage will help you to get immediate treatment from the initial ambulance ride to surgery and rehabilitation. These can be very costly. Fortunately, your international health insurance will keep these costs manageable.
Preventive Care
International health insurance does not only provide coverage for emergency medical procedures but also covers preventive care treatments such as flu shots, physical and wellness checkups at no cost or low costs.
Regular Medical Expenses
International health insurance will help you cover expenses that arise from regular medical expenses like dental care, eye examinations and general visits to a doctor. This also includes pre-natal, natal, and post-natal checkups.
Peace of Mind
Having international health insurance coverage gives the holder the confidence that should anything happen to him or any of his family members while traveling, their health care needs will be taken cared of at no extra expense.
Discover the Digital Nomad Visa
The digital nomad visa or remote worker visa or temporary resident visa allows a person the opportunity to live in a foreign country for an extended period without being subject to that country’s tax laws and without having to go through the often long and laborious process to obtain a residency visa or citizenship.
Most digital nomad visas require the applicant to have the financial means to support themselves and have a certain amount of funds in the bank as they cannot apply for local jobs. Other requirements are no criminal record, travel, and health insurance. The digital nomad visa allows the holder to stay in a particular country for a minimum of one year to a maximum of two years and is renewable.
Digital Nomad Visa Spain
In February 2021, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced the Startup Act, a pro-start-up legislation as part of Spain’s 10-year strategy of turning the country into a global hub for entrepreneurship in 2030. Included in this proposed law is the digital nomad visa. This program is most advantageous to Spain as it will help Spain’s economic sector to recover from the crisis that the corona virus and its different strains has imposed on the country.
To encourage an international workforce to live and work in Spain particularly those working in technology sectors, a new special visa has been created for digital nomads that will allow them to stay in Spain for one year with the possibility of renewing for another two years or longer without the right to residency. Digital nomads can be defined as foreigners who work in Spain for a company outside Spain or foreigners who work online, have multiple sources of online income, and who travel from one country to another or foreigners working in a foreign company located in Spain.
The number of non-profit residents or persons who work for a foreign company has increased along with the rapidly growing ecosystem of entrepreneurs, angel investors, early-stage incubators, and venture capital funds.
An added benefit for the digital nomads living and working in Spain, in addition to obtaining health insurance, is that they can also avail of a reduced non-resident tax rate or IRNR of 20% to 15% for a maximum period of four years for up to €60,000 and can be enjoyed and extended from 5 to 10 years for residents currently not paying taxes.
What are the general requirements for applying for Digital Nomad Visa?
- The applicant must be employed by a non-Spanish company that exists and has had continuous activity for at least a year
- The applicant must have an income of less than 20% earned from Spanish companies
- The applicant must show documentation that certifies that his or her work can be carried out remotely
- The applicant must show documentation that he or she has been with the company for at least three months as an employee or in a professional capacity
- The applicant must be a highly qualified professional
- The applicant must have a minimum of 3 years professional experience
And what about the Digital Nomad Visa Portugal?
The digital nomad visa Portugal is a temporary resident visa that allows the holder to live and work in Portugal for more than one year that can be extended if necessary. It can be used as a path to permanent residence and is available to freelancers, digital nomads, or tech entrepreneurs
General Requirements for Applying for Digital Nomad Visa for Digital Nomads, Freelancer or Self-employed
These workers earn money from jobs performed independently without the need of an employer’s contract.
- The applicant must have a contract or written proposal from the service provider
- The applicant must have monthly earnings greater than the amount of 580 euros
- The applicant must show documentation that certifies that his or her work can be carried out remotely
- The applicant must have travel insurance
- The applicant must show criminal record certificate
General Requirements for Applying for Digital Nomad Visa for Businessmen and Entrepreneurs
Those with plans to start and open a business in Portugal
- All the above plus
- Contract signed with an incubator in the Startup Visa Program
- Proof of financial means available in Portugal