Insurance & Services: The Boring Stuff That Lets Me Travel Smart

May 7

Let’s be real: when you’re planning your life abroad, insurance is the last thing you want to think about.

But after a surprise trip to an ER in Spain and a lost laptop in Peru, I learned the hard way that the boring stuff matters.

Whether you're a full-time nomad or just working remotely for a few months, here’s what I use to stay covered, protected, and sane — without drowning in paperwork or hidden fees.

1. Health Insurance for Nomads

SafetyWing

Built for remote workers & travelers
Covers medical emergencies, COVID-19, and some travel-related issues
You can start your policy after leaving your home country
→ Check SafetyWing

Insured Nomads

More premium, customizable coverage
Offers mental health benefits, evacuation coverage, and optional add-ons
Great for long-term travelers and families
→ Explore Insured Nomads

2. Device Protection & Backups

Backblaze

Automatic cloud backup for your laptop
If your device is lost or stolen, they’ll mail you a new hard drive
Light, fast, and runs in the background
→ Try Backblaze

AppleCare+ or Manufacturer Plans

Worth it if you're working from a laptop full-time
Combine with travel insurance for full protection

3. Virtual Mailbox + Legal Residency

Traveling Mailbox

Gives you a U.S. address and scans your mail
Forward physical mail to anywhere in the world
→ Sign up for Traveling Mailbox

Domicile Services (e.g., Texas, Florida)

For U.S. citizens, states like Texas offer nomad-friendly options for legal residency
Minimal tax burden, no state income tax, and easy DMV setups

4. Other Services I Rely On

Wise – hold multiple currencies, pay freelancers, get local bank details → Join Wise
NordVPN – encrypt your connection on public Wi-Fi → Try NordVPN
Airalo – global eSIMs to stay online anywhere → Get Airalo credit

Final Word

I used to think handling insurance and logistics made me “less free.” But honestly? It gives me peace of mind — and that’s the real freedom.

Set it up once, automate what you can, and then forget about it until you actually need it. Just don’t wait until you're stuck with a $3,000 hospital bill to care.

Nomadlair .