Does a digital nomad need special insurance?

Yes. Classic travel insurance covers short stays (30 to 60 days as a rule) in a specific destination. A nomad who spends several months abroad or changes country regularly quickly exceeds these limits. Long-stay or multi-destination insurance, like the plans soNomad offers, is better suited to this lifestyle.

How much does emergency medical care cost abroad?

Costs vary widely by country. In the United States, a night in intensive care can exceed US$5,000; an international medical evacuation commonly costs between US$25,000 and US$100,000. In Europe, daily hospitalization rates range from €500 (France) to more than €3,000 (Monaco). The global average of a hospitalization abroad exceeds $25,000 in 2025.

Does my credit card insurance cover a stay of several months?

Generally no. Most premium cards cap medical coverage at 15, 31 or 60 days per trip. Beyond that, protection stops. The card's coverage also often activates only if you used that card to pay part of the trip, which excludes many nomad-style stays.

Does the digital nomad visa require specific insurance?

Yes, in almost all cases. Portugal, Spain, Costa Rica and Indonesia (among others) require proof of medical coverage with precise minimum ceilings, often €30,000 or more. A standard 30-day travel insurance policy does not meet these requirements. You need coverage valid for the full duration of the visa.

What does trip interruption insurance cover?

It reimburses non-recoverable costs committed before a trip (flight, lodging, rental) if you must interrupt or cancel it for a covered reason: serious illness, death of a loved one, natural disaster or other unforeseen event. For a nomad, this can include rebooking or emergency repatriation costs.

Are activities like surfing or hiking covered?

Not automatically. Off-trail hiking, surfing, diving, motorcycling and climbing frequently appear in the exclusions of basic policies. You must either add a "high-risk sports" rider or choose a contract that includes these activities by default. Declare your planned activities at purchase to get written confirmation.

Does working from another country change my tax situation?

Not automatically. Most countries trigger a local tax obligation after 183 days of presence on their territory. Below that threshold, you generally remain taxable in Canada. Some countries apply different rules on income earned locally, however. A consultation with an accountant specialized in international taxation remains advisable before any extended stay.

How much does nomad-suited travel insurance cost?

The rate varies by duration, destination, age and chosen protections. For a three-month stay in Europe or Latin America, long-stay plans suited to nomads generally run between $150 and $400. That is a fraction of the potential costs of an uncovered medical emergency. Get a quote directly on the soNomad site to compare based on your situation.

Audrey Voisine

Audrey, co-founder of Milesopedia, is a dedicated entrepreneur, avid traveler, and mother of two children. She shares valuable tips and recommendations for families and frequent travellers alike, helping everyone get the most from points and rewards programs. As Executive Vice President of Marketing and Communications, she is committed to guiding Milesopedia readers toward more accessible, practical, and memorable journeys.

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