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Choosing the Right Travel Insurance for Nomads: Lessons From Life on the Road
- Jenn & Leon
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
Traveling full time has taught us plenty, but nothing shaped our mindset more than the moment we realized how exposed we were without proper travel insurance.
For the first few years of our nomadic life, we travelled with a mix of optimism and naivety.
We assumed we were healthy, careful, and adaptable, so insurance felt like something for people on short holidays, not people living on the road.
We believed our spreadsheets, safety habits, and backpacks were enough.
Then Bali happened.
In this post, we share the real moment that changed how we think about travel insurance, what long-term nomads actually need, what to look for in a policy, and how to choose coverage that protects your lifestyle.
You will also learn how our experience in Bali shaped the creation of our Travel Insurance page, a resource we built to help other travelers avoid the same painful mistake we made.
Introduction: Learning the Hard Way
A simple day turned into one of the most stressful moments of our travels. We needed medical help quickly, and it brought everything into focus.
One unexpected moment made it painfully clear that long-term travel without proper insurance is not freedom. It is risk disguised as independence. That realization changed how we travel for good.
Since then, we have built an entire Travel Insurance page to help other nomads avoid the same mistakes we made.
Insurance isn’t exciting, and it isn’t glamorous, but it is the one thing that can save you from losing thousands, cutting your journey short, or facing medical emergencies without support.
This guide brings together what we learned, what we wish we had known sooner, and how to choose the right protection for a nomadic lifestyle.
Why Nomads Need a Different Kind of Coverage
Living on the road requires a different mindset. Unlike short-term holidaymakers, nomads move across borders often and stay for months in each place.
We carry our entire lives in backpacks and rely on our gear to work online. That lifestyle changes the kind of protection you need.
Nomads need:
• Coverage valid in multiple countries
• Emergency evacuation
• Protection for laptops, cameras, and work tools
• Trip interruption cover
• Support that works across time zones
We did not have any of this when we landed in Bali. Then the accident happened, and every single weakness in our setup became obvious.
There was no backup.
No safety net.
Just two injured travelers trying to figure out what to do next.
That moment was the catalyst for everything we teach now.
What to Look for in Nomad Travel Insurance
1. Long-Term Flexibility
Nomads need month-to-month or yearly plans that can be renewed abroad. Traditional 30-day holiday policies are not designed for this lifestyle.
2. Clear Worldwide Coverage
Check the list of covered countries. Many plans exclude regions or limit coverage in certain destinations.
3. Medical and Emergency Evacuation
This is the heart of long-term travel insurance. Hospital stays, doctor visits, prescriptions, and emergency evacuation should all be included.
4. Gear Protection for Remote Workers
Laptops, phones, drones, cameras, and hard drives are essential equipment for digital nomads. Not all plans cover them, so compare carefully.
5. Trip Interruption and Unexpected Changes
Visas get delayed, flights get cancelled, and plans change. Good insurance helps you recover nonrefundable expenses.
6. Reliable Support and Simple Claims
Look for 24-hour support and a straightforward claims process. When something goes wrong, you need clarity and speed.
Our Turning Point: Bali
We did not start as the people who prioritized insurance. If anything, we were the opposite. We believed we could handle anything with caution, research, and good judgment.
Bali was the wake-up call we never expected.
The accident. The shock. The immediate need for medical care. The realization that we had no safety net. The fear of what could have happened.
In that moment, every assumption we had made collapsed.
We promised ourselves that if we continued this lifestyle, we would do it with proper backup. We also promised to help other travelers avoid standing where we stood that day.
That promise became the foundation of our Travel Insurance page.
Practical Steps to Choose the Right Policy
1. Assess Your Travel Style
Write down your planned destinations, length of stay, health needs, and the value of your gear.
2. Compare Only Plans Built for Nomads
Holiday insurance is not enough for long-term travelers. Choose plans built for continuous travel.
3. Read the Exclusions
This is where most surprises hide. Look for limits related to motorbike accidents, adventure sports, or pre-existing conditions.
4. Review the Claims Process
You should know exactly how to submit a claim before you ever need to use it.
5. Buy Before You Leave Home
Many policies will not activate after departure. Start your coverage early to avoid gaps.
Staying Safe While Traveling Full-Time
Insurance is one part of staying safe. We also recommend:
• Keeping digital and printed copies of your policy
• Learning where local hospitals and clinics are
• Registering with your embassy during long stays
• Using apps that provide safety alerts
Small habits help reduce stress when you move from country to country.
Final Thoughts
Travel insurance is not just a financial product. It is peace of mind. It is the difference between an inconvenience and a crisis.
It is what allows you to travel freely without gambling with your future.
We learned the hard way from our time in Bali that long-term travel without insurance is not sustainable.
If you are starting your nomad journey or refining your current setup, take your time, compare options, and choose coverage that fits your life. Your future self will thank you.
Travel well, stay protected, and keep exploring!
Frequently Asked Questions
Travel insurance for nomads can feel overwhelming, especially when you live on the move. These questions explain what long-term travelers need to know.
Do nomads really need travel insurance if they stay healthy?
Yes. Emergencies happen without warning. Our experience in Bali showed how quickly a simple day can turn into a medical situation. Insurance is not just for illness. It protects you from unexpected hospital bills, evacuation costs, lost bookings, and sudden disruptions.
What type of insurance works best for full-time travelers?
Nomads need flexible coverage that can be renewed monthly or yearly. Plans designed for long-term travel usually include worldwide medical cover, evacuation, trip protection, and optional gear insurance for remote workers.
What counts as emergency medical evacuation?
Evacuation means being transported to a facility that can provide proper care when local options are limited. It is often the most expensive part of a medical emergency, which is why strong coverage for evacuation is essential for travelers in remote or unfamiliar areas.
Does travel insurance cover remote work equipment?
Some providers cover electronics if you declare them. Others require separate gear protection. Laptops, cameras, drones, and phones are essential tools for digital nomads, so check coverage limits and exclusions carefully.
Are adventure activities covered?
It depends on the plan. Some policies include hiking, diving, surfing, and motorbiking, while others exclude them or charge extra. Always read exclusions before booking activities, especially in destinations like Bali, where scooters are widely used.
How long should my travel insurance last?
We recommend coverage for your entire travel period, especially if you plan to stay abroad for months or years. Many nomads choose month-to-month plans with automatic renewal.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Before you leave your home country. Many policies will not activate after departure. Buying early prevents dangerous gaps in coverage.
What should I look for in the claims process?
Look for simple online submission, clear documentation requirements, and 24-hour support. When emergencies happen, slow or confusing claims processes add unnecessary stress.
Can I change my insurance provider while traveling?
Often, yes. Many nomads switch plans as their needs change. Just ensure there is no gap between policies so you stay protected at all times.
Why did Closer Lives create a Travel Insurance page?
We built it after our experience in Bali made us realize how unprepared we were. We wanted to create a clear, honest resource that helps nomads compare options without overwhelm or confusion. Our goal is to help other travelers avoid the risks we took in our early years.
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