✅ Types of Insurance Remote Employees Should Have
1. Health Insurance (Domestic or Global)
- U.S. Remote Workers: Employer-sponsored ACA-compliant plans
- International Workers: Global health insurance or local plans
| Top Global Providers | Features |
|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Customizable plans for remote workers |
| SafetyWing | Affordable, nomad-friendly health coverage |
| Allianz Worldwide Care | Top-tier global plans with telemedicine |
| GeoBlue (Blue Cross) | U.S.-based expats and digital nomads |
| AXA Global Healthcare | Multi-currency, multilingual support |
💰 Cost: $100–$500/month depending on location, age, benefits
2. Dental & Vision Insurance
Not always included in health plans but vital for:
- Preventive care
- Remote workers traveling or living abroad
Can be purchased as add-ons to main health plans.
3. Mental Health & Wellness Coverage
- Critical for isolation-related stress, anxiety, burnout
- Can include:
- Counseling sessions
- Therapy apps (BetterHelp, Talkspace)
- Mental health days
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
4. Life Insurance
Provides a financial safety net for families in case of death.
| Types | Notes |
|---|---|
| Term Life | 10–30 years, affordable, most common |
| Group Life | Employer-paid basic coverage (1x–2x salary) |
| Whole Life | Lifelong coverage + cash value |
Many employers offer group life insurance, and remote workers can buy individual policies.
5. Disability Insurance
Replaces income if a remote employee can’t work due to injury or illness.
| Type | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Short-Term | Covers 3–6 months (illness, recovery) |
| Long-Term | Covers major illness/disability for years |
Important for remote workers who may not be protected by local labor laws or ineligible for state disability programs.
6. Workers’ Compensation (Remote Edition)
- Traditionally for on-site injuries
- Varies by state/country for remote workers
- Employers must ensure coverage for injuries that occur during work hours at home
📌 Example: If an employee falls down the stairs while heading to their home office during work hours, they may be eligible for workers’ comp.
7. General Liability & Professional Liability
- Covers claims like negligence, client dissatisfaction, or copyright issues
- Especially important for:
- Freelancers
- Contractors
- Remote workers handling client-facing tasks
8. Cyber Liability Insurance
Covers losses from:
- Phishing attacks
- Data breaches
- Ransomware
With remote work increasing cyber risk, both companies and freelancers should consider this.
9. Travel Insurance (for Remote Nomads)
- Useful for remote workers frequently moving between countries
- Includes:
- Medical evacuation
- Trip delays/cancellations
- Emergency treatment
| Top Providers for Nomads |
|---|
| SafetyWing Remote Health |
| World Nomads |
| IMG Global |
| Travelex Insurance Services |
🧑💼 Best Insurance Packages for Employers with Remote Teams
| Provider | Features |
|---|---|
| Remote.com | Offers global health, payroll & compliance in 180+ countries |
| Oyster | Benefits & insurance for distributed teams worldwide |
| Deel | Workers’ comp, health, and compliance tools |
| Boundless | Employment + benefits infrastructure for remote workers |
| JustWorks | U.S.-based HR + group benefits, expanding remote capabilities |
🌍 Global vs Local Coverage: What’s Best?
| Situation | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Working from one country | Local insurance or employer plan |
| Traveling every 1–3 months | Global expat/nomad insurance (like Cigna or SafetyWing) |
| U.S. citizen working for U.S. employer | ACA-compliant or private insurance |
| Freelancer without an employer | Self-purchased global or local insurance plan |
📊 Cost Comparison for Remote Worker Insurance
| Type | Monthly Cost (Estimates) |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance (Global) | $150 – $500 |
| Dental + Vision | $20 – $60 |
| Life Insurance | $10 – $50 (term) |
| Disability Insurance | $30 – $100 |
| Workers’ Comp | Paid by employer (cost varies by state/country) |
| Cyber Liability | $20 – $100 |
| Travel Insurance | $30 – $80 |
💼 Employer Tips for Managing Remote Worker Insurance
- Clarify worker classification (employee vs contractor)
- Offer stipends or reimbursement for private policies
- Use international brokers for compliant global coverage
- Cover mental health & ergonomic needs
- Include onboarding guides that explain benefit access remotely
🌐 Best Insurance for Freelancers & Self-Employed Remote Workers
| Provider | Type |
|---|---|
| SafetyWing | Global health + travel insurance for digital nomads |
| Freelancer’s Union (USA) | Access to group health, disability, and dental plans |
| PolicyGenius | Easy comparison tool for life/disability insurance |
| Next Insurance | Business liability coverage for freelancers |
| World Nomads | Travel insurance for remote creatives and workers |
✅ Summary Table
| Insurance Type | Remote Employee Need |
|---|---|
| Health (Domestic or Global) | ✅ Mandatory for financial protection |
| Dental/Vision | ✅ Enhances quality of care |
| Life Insurance | ✅ Protects family, often employer-paid |
| Disability Insurance | ✅ Income security if injured/sick |
| Workers’ Comp | ✅ Legal protection (may vary by region) |
| Cyber Insurance | ✅ Protects against remote tech threats |
| Travel Insurance | ✅ For roaming nomads or relocators |
