Travel Insurance for Freelancers: What You Need to Know

There are a lot of really fun things about planning a long trip overseas. What you're going to do, learning a new culture, and having the opportunity to travel to new places.

Being a freelancer can give you a lot more freedom when it comes to traveling, especially with the rise of remote work.

Whether you're a digital nomad, have clients in another country, or are simply wanting to travel, there is one really important thing that you need to think about: and that's long stay travel insurance.

Finding the right travel insurance is a must when heading overseas.

But what kind of coverage do freelancers really need? And how do you choose the best plan when you'll be away for 90 days or more? We will answer all of that and more.

Why freelancers need travel insurance

Unlike employees on-staff, freelancers typically don't have any employer-sponsored medical coverage. When traveling long term, this means that you will be fully responsible for handling whatever comes your way - which includes medical emergencies and other unforeseen events.

There are a few reasons why comprehensive travel insurance is a must for this kind of traveler.

Medical emergencies

If an emergency happens abroad (like a broken foot or bad food poisoning), getting the treatment you need isn't only expensive, it may also be complicated.

Navigating medical systems in a foreign country (especially if you don't speak the local language) can be overwhelming.

Not only does long stay travel insurance for freelancers cover emergency medical expenses, but it also helps you find the necessary treatment.

If you need hospitalization, emergency surgery, or even medical evacuation or repatriation, your travel insurance will be there to help you.

Your health insurance likely won't cover you

Most national or private health insurance plans have limited or even zero coverage abroad. Even if your plan provides some international benefits, it may not include emergency evacuation or repatriation.

Getting travel insurance will ensure that you're covered for emergencies that occur abroad.

Visa and entry requirements

If you are planning to work overseas, you will likely need to apply for a visa, even if you are a freelancer.

Many countries require you to have proof of travel insurance during the visa application process, so in some cases, getting it is mandatory.

Make sure that you look up the work rights and visa requirements in your destination(s) to ensure that you are working and living legally.

What to look for in freelancer travel insurance

Not all travel insurance policies are created equal, and the one that works best for you is the one that meets all of your needs (whether they are needs set by you and/or visa application requirements).

When finding a policy, there are a few things you should keep an eye out for.

Emergency medical

If you are applying for a visa, there might be a minimum requirement for medical expense coverage. Some European visas require a €30,000 minimum, but amounts vary depending on what country you're traveling to and which visa you need.

Even if you do not have a visa requirement to meet, it's important to pay attention to the coverage that a travel insurance policy offers, including what treatment it covers during said emergency.

A good policy will cover:

• Emergency medical expenses
• Emergency surgery
• Emergency hospitalization
• Emergency evacuation
• Repatriation (including in the very unfortunate event of death)

Validity

Arguably the most important part of your travel insurance is when and where it covers you.

When comparing policies, you should always make sure that the one you are looking at can cover you for your entire stay overseas and every place you plan to go.

Different travel insurance policies have different maximum durations and cover you in specific places. Depending on your plans, you may need a specific plan.

Insurte offers policies through Mutuaide that can cover you for 365 days, worldwide. (Just keep an eye out for per-trip maximums and location exclusions).

Important considerations

Travel insurance is not the same thing as health insurance

Travel insurance covers emergency medical events, but it doesn't cover routine care, preventative care, or regular treatments. It also generally doesn't cover pre-existing conditions.

When you're heading abroad for a longer period of time, these are serious things to think about. If you need coverage for everyday care, a long term illness, or something routine, you will likely need to look into a private health insurance option.

Liability and gear

Depending on the type of work you do, you may want or even need insurance that protects your work. Travel insurance policies can have some liability and gear coverage, but it's typically personal liability (not professional).

If you need insurance to protect your work while abroad, you may want to look into taking out a supplementary business insurance policy, which is different from travel insurance altogether.

Tips for choosing the right travel insurance for freelancers

• Compare and contrast policies carefully. Free tools like Insurte's online travel comparison tool can help you easily switch between policies to find the best one for you and your needs.
• Pay attention to visa requirements: Some countries require insurance that meets minimum coverage limits or has specific guarantees. Your travel insurance policy needs to meet all of the criteria or your visa application may be rejected.
• Always read the terms and conditions. While it can be lengthy reading, understanding the terms and conditions before you purchase a policy is essential as there may be exclusions you aren't aware of by quickly glancing at a policy.
• Choose a provider or site that is easy to use and intuitive.
• Make sure you understand the claim process ahead of time. Oftentimes, claim processes are specific and if you don't follow them step-by-step, your claim could be denied.

Should freelancers get travel insurance?

Yes, it is highly recommended. Whether you're freelancing from Malta, Poland, Spain, or somewhere else, travel insurance ensures that unexpected emergencies won’t derail your journey - or your finances, for that matter.

The best policy depends on your destination(s), how long you'll be traveling for, visa requirements, and what you want to be covered for.

So, take your time, compare your options, and choose a plan that offers peace of mind. When you're exploring the world, the last thing you need is an expensive surprise.

FAQs: Long stay travel insurance for freelancers