When Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang pulled up at the Confederation of African Football award ceremony in 2017 wearing a fancy T-shirt and baseball cap, everyone wondered what could have happened. Standing next to Sadio Mane and Riyad Mahrez, who were nominated for the same category, made the casual dressing even more awkward. The background story, however, was that the Gabonese football star’s luggage was lost in transit from Germany.

Remote work has enabled individuals to live, work, and explore different countries for months or even years at a stretch. But while you’re enjoying the flexibility, one thing you can’t afford to ignore is travel insurance. Getting stranded in an airport lobby because your luggage is missing or your flight is cancelled can be a nightmare. Travel insurance helps compensate for missing luggage, medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and some other unforeseen challenges when you travel.

This article explores how to identify and secure travel insurance for long-term remote work.

Also read: Getting health insurance and saving in foreign currencies

Understanding travel insurance

Travel insurance is a type of insurance policy that protects travelers against unexpected costs and losses that may occur before, during, or after a trip. It typically covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, or personal liability. This protects a traveler from financial burdens and provides a safety net for unexpected situations.  The duration of coverage typically ranges from 90 to 180 days, depending on the policy.

What to consider when choosing travel insurance

Before selecting a travel insurance option, consider the following key factors to find the one that best suits your long-term remote work needs.

1. Flexible duration

Long-term policies should allow for extensions. Look for options that cover trips over 90 days and offer automatic renewals. Some others offer coverage purchases when you’re already abroad. If you are a frequent traveller, annual multi-trip plans can be useful. However, some might require you to spend less than 90 consecutive days abroad.

2. Coverage

Make sure you know what your travel insurance covers and how much protection it offers. Here are some key things to check:

• Medical and emergency evacuation: Includes medical emergencies and other critical situations that require immediate attention and response. In the event of a serious illness or political instability, ensure the plan includes coverage for evacuation to your home country or another safe destination.
• Trip protection: Covers flight cancellations, interruptions, delays, and lost baggage.
• Gadgets: Protection for work tools, such as laptops and cameras.
• Activities: Coverage for adventures such as surfing and hiking.
• Exclusions: For example, most insurance policies exempt pre-existing medical conditions, war, self-harm, or high-risk activities from their coverage. Also, look out for the clause on pandemics.

3. Geographical coverage

Opt for global insurance policies. Some include US coverage, which can be significantly more expensive. If you won’t be visiting the US, you can exclude those options.

4. Cost

Prices depend on your age, where you’re going, and how much coverage you want. Pick a plan that fits your needs and the risks you might face, so you get the best value.

5. Eligibility and claims process

Check that you’re eligible for coverage, no matter your nationality or where you are. Look for providers with 24/7 support and an easy claims process, especially if they offer an app for nomads.

6. Additional perks

Some plans offer extra perks like mental health support, pet coverage, or concierge services. You might also find benefits like baggage tracking or telehealth.

Also read: How to manage international payments while living abroad

How to find lasting travel insurance for long-term remote work

Follow these steps to find lasting travel insurance.

• Assess your travel style: Are you staying in one country for months or moving every few weeks? This affects the type of coverage you need.
• Compare providers: Review multiple options before making a decision. Check the customer reviews and satisfaction. Prioritise benefits that align with your lifestyle, such as gadget protection or healthcare.
• Check exclusions carefully: Many policies exclude pre-existing conditions, extreme sports, or pandemics. Know what isn’t covered before committing.
• Start with a monthly plan: If unsure, begin with a flexible monthly policy. Once you’re confident in a provider, you can switch to an annual plan for better value.
• Keep documents handy: Store digital copies of your policy, claim instructions, and emergency contact numbers.

Recommended insurance options for remote workers

Here are some excellent travel insurance providers to consider.

• SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
• World Nomads
• IMG Global Medical Insurance
• Allianz Worldwide Care
• Genki

Travelling with Grey

To find the right travel insurance for long-term remote work, think about flexibility, cost, and coverage. Along with protecting your health and belongings, you’ll also need a good way to manage payments while abroad. Grey makes international payments easier with multicurrency accounts, low fees, and good exchange rates. Grey’s virtual USD debit card gives you more options for online purchases, including paying for travel insurance.

Sign up with Grey to make your travels smoother.

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