Why digital nomads need insurance in Europe
Europe is one of the easiest regions in the world for digital nomads to explore, thanks to the Schengen Area and affordable flights between countries. But healthcare works differently in each country, and relying on public systems alone isn’t enough. Here’s why private health insurance is essential:
- Upfront payment in private hospitals: Many clinics across Europe expect foreigners to pay before treatment unless insurance arranges direct billing. Even a short stay can cost thousands.
- Schengen visa requirement: The Schengen Area requires proof of insurance with at least €30,000 medical coverage. Genki and SafetyWing both exceed this limit.
- Cross-border travel: Moving between 27+ countries means navigating different healthcare systems. International insurance ensures consistent protection no matter where you are.
- Public healthcare limitations: EU citizens with EHIC/GHIC get only basic coverage, while non-EU citizens have no access at all without private insurance.
- Everyday risks: From skiing in the Alps to scooter rides in Lisbon or surfing in Portugal, accidents are common and treatment costs vary widely across Europe.
In short: Health insurance in Europe gives you fast access to private hospitals, meets Schengen requirements, and protects you from high out-of-pocket costs while moving between countries.
Travel insurance vs digital nomad insurance in Europe
Many nomads arrive in Europe with standard travel insurance, but these plans are built for short holidays, not for remote workers moving between countries. Digital nomad insurance is designed for longer stays and multi-country travel.
Key differences between travel insurance and digital nomad insurance:
- Length of stay
- Travel insurance often ends after a few weeks and may require a return ticket. Nomad insurance can continue month by month or cover you for a full year.
- Schengen documentation
- Travel insurance sometimes meets the basic €30,000 Schengen rule, but rarely provides the right paperwork for visas. Nomad insurance can issue official certificates, though acceptance depends on the embassy.
- Buying abroad
- Most travel insurance must be purchased before you leave home. Nomad insurance can be started or extended while you’re already in Europe.
- Work and lifestyle fit
- Travel insurance is made for tourists. Nomad insurance is built for freelancers, employees, and entrepreneurs working abroad.
- Healthcare coverage
- Travel insurance usually only covers major emergencies. Nomad insurance includes doctor visits, diagnostics, prescriptions, and hospital stays.
- Activities
- Many European adventures like skiing, surfing, or trekking are excluded from standard travel insurance. Nomad insurance often includes these by default or with add-ons.
For a holiday trip, travel insurance can be fine. But once you plan to stay longer or work remotely across multiple countries, digital nomad insurance is the safer and more flexible option. For a deeper breakdown, check out our full guide on travel insurance vs digital nomad insurance.
Is Genki Traveler good insurance for digital nomads in Europe?
Genki Traveler is a strong choice if you’re spending several months in Europe and want reliable health-first coverage. With a high annual cap, a low deductible, and direct billing at many private hospitals, it’s designed for nomads who move between countries but still want comprehensive protection.
Key features of Genki Traveler in Europe
- Monthly price: From €52.50 (~$58/month).
- Coverage limit: Up to €1,000,000 annually (~$1.1M).
- Deductible: €50 per claim (waived for inpatient stays).
- Waiting period: 14 days for non-emergencies (waived for emergencies or if you had prior coverage).
- Sports & activities: Many common activities included, such as skiing, surfing, trekking up to 4,000m, and recreational diving. Higher-risk or professional sports are excluded.
- Dental: Accident-related dental treatment covered up to €1,000 per case.
- Home-country coverage: Up to 6 weeks if you’ve been abroad at least 4 weeks.
- Support services: 24/7 multilingual assistance and direct billing for inpatient stays at select private hospitals.
Unique benefits for Europe
- Works consistently across the Schengen Area and beyond, so you don’t need separate policies as you move between countries.
- Meets the Schengen visa’s €30,000 minimum requirement (actual coverage is much higher at €1M).
- Direct billing at major hospital networks across Europe can save you from paying large sums upfront.
- Predictable monthly costs make it easy to budget while living in high-cost cities like Paris, Amsterdam, or Zurich.
Limitations to be aware of
- Excludes pre-existing or chronic conditions.
- No coverage for preventive care, maternity, or most mental health treatment.
- Alternative medicine (e.g., acupuncture, chiropractic) is not covered.
✅ Best for: Digital nomads staying more than a few months in Europe who want strong health coverage, straightforward claims, and the security of direct hospital billing.
SafetyWing Essential is a good fit if you’re testing life in Europe or moving around on a budget. It combines core medical coverage with travel extras like lost luggage and trip interruption, making it ideal for nomads who don’t need the higher limits of a health-focused plan.
Key features of SafetyWing Essential in Europe
- Monthly price: From $56 per 4 weeks (~$60/month) for ages 18–39.
- Coverage limit: Up to $250,000 per policy period.
- Deductible: None outside the U.S. (small copays apply only for U.S. urgent care and ER visits).
- Policy length: Flexible 5–364 day terms, auto-renews in 28-day blocks.
- Home-country coverage: Up to 30 days every 90 days (15 days for U.S. citizens).
- Travel extras included: Lost luggage (up to $3,000 per policy), trip interruption, personal liability, and evacuation in case of unrest.
- Sports & activities: Many common activities included; higher-risk sports require the Adventure Sports add-on.
Unique benefits for Europe
- One policy covers both Schengen and non-Schengen countries (UK, Ireland, Balkans), so you can travel freely without worrying about coverage gaps.
- Includes travel extras that are useful if you’re hopping between countries by train or budget airline.
- Automatic renewals mean you don’t have to reapply if you extend your European trip.
Limitations to be aware of
- Lower medical cap ($250,000) compared to Genki’s €1,000,000.
- Some higher-risk activities require an add-on.
- Works mostly on a reimbursement basis for hospital bills in Europe, meaning you’ll often need to pay first and claim later.
✅ Best for: Digital nomads in Europe who want affordable coverage, short-term flexibility, and travel extras, but don’t need the higher medical limits of a comprehensive health plan.
Genki Traveler vs SafetyWing Essential in Europe (2025)
Which has higher medical coverage?
- Genki Traveler: Up to €1,000,000 per year.
- SafetyWing Essential: Up to $250,000 per policy period.
Which plan has a deductible?
- Genki Traveler: €50 per claim (waived for inpatient stays).
- SafetyWing Essential: No deductible outside the U.S.
Which plan includes travel extras?
- Genki Traveler: Health-only, no extras.
- SafetyWing Essential: Includes lost luggage, trip interruption, liability, and evacuation.
Which activities are covered in Europe?
- Genki Traveler: Covers many common activities (skiing, surfing, trekking up to 4,000m, recreational diving). Excludes extreme/professional sports.
- SafetyWing Essential: Covers many everyday activities. Higher-risk sports (paragliding, motorbiking, advanced diving, mountaineering) require the Adventure Sports add-on.
Which is easier for hospital payments in Europe?
- Genki Traveler: Offers direct billing at many private hospitals across Europe.
- SafetyWing Essential: Often requires upfront payment, then reimbursement.
Which should digital nomads in Europe choose?
- Pick Genki Traveler if you’re staying several months and want stronger medical coverage, higher limits, and direct billing at many European hospitals.
- Pick SafetyWing Essential if you’re on a budget, want no deductible, and value extras like luggage and trip protection while moving between countries.
What are the insurance requirements for Schengen & European visas?
If you’re entering Europe on a Schengen visa, you’ll need proof of insurance with at least €30,000 medical coverage. Both Genki Traveler and SafetyWing Essential easily exceed this requirement, making them suitable for most Schengen visitors.
For digital nomad visas in specific countries, requirements are stricter and differ by country. The most popular European programs are in:
What do European digital nomad visas require? Most programs demand insurance with no deductible, no coverage limits, and full inpatient + outpatient care. International plans like Genki Native (€0 deductible) or SafetyWing Complete may be suitable, but acceptance depends on the consulate.
👉 For a full overview of country-specific insurance articles, see our country overview table at the bottom of this page.
What should digital nomads know about health insurance in Europe?
Healthcare in Europe is excellent overall, but systems vary widely between countries. For digital nomads, it’s important to understand these differences before relying on insurance:
- Public vs private healthcare: Western Europe (France, Germany, Netherlands) has strong public systems but often requires reimbursement paperwork. Eastern Europe and the Balkans have cheaper private care but fewer English-speaking doctors. Insurance gives you consistent access across borders.
- EHIC/GHIC limitations: EU citizens can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/GHIC) for basic public care, but it doesn’t cover private hospitals, repatriation, or many specialist services. Non-EU citizens must rely entirely on private insurance.
- Schengen 90-day rule: If you’re traveling on a tourist basis, you can only stay 90 days in the Schengen Area within 180 days. Insurance must remain valid even if you leave and re-enter or spend time in non-Schengen countries like the UK or Balkans.
- Seasonal activities: Europe offers skiing in the Alps, surfing in Portugal, hiking in the Dolomites, and diving in the Mediterranean. Genki covers many of these by default, while SafetyWing requires an Adventure Sports add-on for higher-risk activities.
- Language and documentation: Hospitals in big cities like Berlin or Paris often have English-speaking staff, but rural areas may not. Carry both digital and paper copies of your insurance, and use providers with 24/7 multilingual support.
Tip: Healthcare costs vary dramatically. A private consultation in Prague may cost under €50, while the same visit in Zurich can be €200+. Insurance smooths out these differences and protects you from unexpected bills.
Final Summary & Recommendations
Choosing insurance for Europe depends on how you plan to travel: short exploratory trips, long stays in one country, or applying for a digital nomad visa.
- For most digital nomads visiting Europe:
- Genki Traveler is the stronger choice if you’re staying several months in one place and want robust health coverage with high limits and direct billing at many private hospitals.
- SafetyWing Essential works best if you’re on a tighter budget, moving between countries, and value extras like lost luggage and trip interruption.
- For digital nomad visa applicants:
- Some countries in Europe, like Spain, Portugal, and Estonia, require stricter insurance (no deductible, no coverage limits, full inpatient + outpatient care). In those cases, premium options such as Genki Native (€0 deductible) or SafetyWing Complete may be more suitable. Acceptance depends on each consulate, so always double-check the latest requirements before applying.
Alongside insurance, don’t forget reliable mobile data to stay connected in critical situations. See our guide to the best eSIMs for Europe.
