Best Health Insurance for Digital Nomads in South America

It seems that everywhere you look online these days, someone is talking about how great it is to live abroad as a digital nomad or expat working abroad. The popularity of working abroad as a global nomad, especially with greater freedom to live abroad with the right visa and location, has increased exponentially. We have seen many requests for international healthcare from people moving to South America because of its low cost of living, vibrant culture, and amazing climate, which is ideally suited to digital nomads.

Sometimes, future and existing expats forget that living in a foreign country in South America comes with a set of challenges, such as safety, housing, internet, and especially health coverage. For most expats in South America, it makes sense to avoid the local health insurance systems and obtain the best international health insurance policy that they can afford to meet their unique needs. Safeguarding against unexpected medical expenses makes sense, so we have compiled this comprehensive guide to the best health insurance options for digital nomads in South America.

What is the Healthcare Landscape in South America

First, expats and digital nomads also need to research the local healthcare landscape in South America. We have found that the continent is home to a mix of public and private healthcare systems with varying quality and accessibility. Some countries such as Colombia and Chile have very good hospitals and doctors, especially with private hospitals and in the cities, such as Bogota. Others may suffer from a lack of medical staff and poorly run facilities.

Check out the healthcare systems we have listed for various South American cities, such as Santiago and Bogota. The regional health guide for the region is also an excellent resource for future and current expats and global nomads alike.

Why Digital Nomads Should Choose an International Plan over Local South American Policy

Note that some countries in South America may allow you to join their local health system after a period of time, but do you really want to be covered by a local government health program that may have substandard medical care and long waiting lists? It may be possible to sign up for a private health plan as well, but the coverage and service may also be lacking, and local plans won’t cover you if you move to another country, during travel or when you return home to see family or for work. Check our article on why expatriates should buy international health coverage for a local health plan.

How to Understand Global Health Insurance Needs for Digital Nomads

Digital nomads and expatriates have pretty similar requirements, but let’s list their unique requirements for living in South America:

Emergency Health Treatment: Coverage for unexpected accidents or illnesses that erupt suddenly and need urgent care at a hospital or clinic
Hospital-Only Coverage: Most expat health plans require that you get hospital coverage as a starter to most global health policies. This covers treatment inside a hospital only.
Out-Patient Care: Many global nomads and expats want to be able to seek treatment outside a hospital for things such as specialists, doctor visits, X-rays, and MRIs. These expenses can be quite inexpensive in South American countries, so global nomads might want to self-insure them. However, medication expenses for some illnesses can be extremely expensive.
Wellness: Maintaining your health in South America is just as important as when you are back home. Regular checkups and testing can help you maintain your health.
Repatriation: This covers transport back to your home country if you suffer a serious illness or death.
Medical Evacuation: Given that they may be in countries or regions with limited health services in South America, most digital nomads consider evacuation a must. Note that evacuation claims must be coordinated and approved by the insurer, and where you are evacuated is up to the insurer.
Dental and Vision: This benefit might be self-insured by the expat or digital nomad, but some like to have it covered as these expenses can still add up over time.

Remember the above requirements when considering moving to South America or anywhere else globally. Comparing global health plans can be difficult, and it is easy to choose the least expensive plan in the market. However, try to buy the best global health plan that is available via our website or contact us to learn more.

Key Considerations for International Health Coverage in South America

If you are intent on getting global healthcare while living in the South American region, we have put together some key considerations for expats and global nomads alike:

Global Coverage: Most expat health policies give you access to global health services, excluding the United States. A few also limit coverage to your South American destination and your home country only to reduce the premiums paid. Note that many ex-pats and even a few locals in the region like to be able to seek medical care in the USA, where costs for treatment are sky-high.
Insurer Financial Capabilities: Some expats prefer to get a policy from a very well know insurer that we represent such as Cigna International, or a third party administrator plan from a still very capable William Russell or IMG. Make sure you check the financial strength of the insurer along with their capabilities and medical network in your South American destination country, such as Brazil or Argentina.
Modular Cover: Most expat health plans will make hospital care mandatory but allow you to add medical evacuation, dental, vision, wellness and outpatient care for an additional cost. Or you may have a total package available that includes all of the above.
Pre-existing Medical Conditions: Individual health policies for expats generally have some medical underwriting to qualify for their coverage. The insurance companies will ask you some medical questions to see if you qualify and might give you coverage with an exclusion or unfortunately a decline.
Telemedicine: Sometimes, seeing a doctor for a minor condition is not convenient or possible due to location, so many global citizens use the telemedicine services offered by some global medical plans. Teledocs can be very helpful, especially if you have a minor ailment, such as a rash.
Portability: Remember that while you may choose to become an expat in one country, such as Peru, you may change your mind and move to another country in South America or abroad, so make sure you get a global plan that is fully portable.
Renewals: Unless you are just going abroad for a few months or under one year, you should definitely get a health plan that is renewable for as long as you remain an expatriate in South America. Note that for most expat health policies, the plans are not renewable if you spend more than 180 days in your country of citizenship.
Premiums: The price that you are charged will depend on your age, citizenship, health status, and where you are going to reside. Some South American countries may have lower medical treatment costs, which is reflected in your premiums. Note that the deductible and level of coverage also have a significant impact on what you pay, but also remember that the insurers have to deal with high healthcare inflation, which often runs into double digits every year. As you age, your premiums will increase.

Three Key Global Health Providers for Expats and Digital Nomads in South America

There are definitely a lot of global medical plans to choose from when you are going to this amazing region, but with lots of choice comes confusion and a lot of headaches. That is why it makes sense to talk to an expat insurance expert via our contact page or request a custom quote.

We have assembled three excellent health insurance options for digital nomads in South America. You can apply up to 45 days before moving abroad or even if you are living there now.

Cigna Global Healthcare Options Plan

The Cigna global medical policy is a flexible choice if you want to be covered by a large and respected global insurance company with almost unlimited resources. We have worked with Cigna for many years and most of our clients are covered by them on an individual and corporate basis. Their plan is available via our firm at the exact same cost and all your claims and premiums are still direct with Cigna, but you have access to our support and advocacy before and after you apply.

The Cigna plan is modular, and you need to get hospital coverage as a baseline, but you can add out-patient, wellness, vision, and dental coverage. We also recommend their medical evacuation option, especially in South America or if you travel often. Learn why you should get the Cigna plan.

Pros:

Can cover expats and global nomads of any age and for life
Great customer service
Large medical network
Very strong reputation and financial security

Cons:

Premiums may be higher

International Medical Group (IMG)

We have worked with IMG for many years and they are based in the USA. They are a capable expat insurer with a variety of global health plans for nomads and expats. You can also buy their travel medical insurance coverage if you are only going abroad for a year or less and need emergency-only coverage outside your country of citizenship.

Pros:

Great rates
Good network & claims
Very flexible plans for almost any budget

Cons:

A smaller entity
Coverage is not recommended for those needing coverage past age 64
More complex option

GeoBlue

Yes another plan we have been sourcing for American expatriates for a long time. It is a plan only generally offered to American citizen expats with a wide range of coverage options that include in and out-patient care, evacuation and repatriation. You can also include routine and wellness care and access their very large network in the USA and abroad. They are know for their flexibility and are a big player in the market.

Pros:

Excellent customer service
A more American-centric plan that many Americans prefer
Very secure coverage

Cons:

It is not an ideal plan for retired expats and global nomads as there is an age ceiling for cover
Can only cover American expats abroad

Some Final Thoughts

As noted above, you probably already know the importance of buying the best global healthcare when living abroad as an expat or digital nomad, especially in South America. Sure, life in the region is exciting and rewarding, but don’t take chances with your healthcare. Also note that no expat health plan will cover everything or everyone.

Try to read the fine print and talk to one of our expat insurance experts before or after you get a quote online. The advice and support is free. It makes sense to assess your options and consider the many factors outlined in this article. You can choose a health insurance plan that ensures peace of mind while you explore the rich and diverse landscapes of South America. Before you do, make sure you also download our free international health insurance guide!