Digital Nomad Visa Insurance, Country by Country
Nomad visa programs share a general idea — proof of remote income plus health coverage — but the exact insurance requirement varies enough between countries that a policy accepted in one place gets rejected in another. Here's what to check for four of the most popular programs.
Portugal (D8 Visa)
Requires proof of health insurance valid in Portugal for the duration of your stay, or in some cases enrollment in the Portuguese public system after residency is granted. For the initial visa application, a private international policy with coverage in Portugal specifically named is generally accepted.
Spain (Digital Nomad Visa)
Requires a private health insurance policy with a Spanish-authorized insurer (or one operating in Spain) providing coverage equivalent to Spain's public system, with no co-payments or waiting periods. This is stricter than most — a generic international travel policy often does not qualify; confirm your insurer is authorized to operate in Spain before applying.
Estonia (Digital Nomad Visa)
Requires health insurance valid for the entire visa period covering at least the Estonian territory, with a minimum coverage amount reviewed periodically by immigration authorities — always confirm the current figure directly with the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board before applying.
Costa Rica (Rentista / Digital Nomad visa categories)
Requires proof of medical insurance covering the applicant for the full stay, which can typically be either a private international policy or Costa Rica's public CAJA system depending on the exact category applied for.
The one mistake that applies everywhere
Regardless of country, request a formal insurance certificate — not a payment confirmation or app screenshot — showing your name, the coverage amount, the validity dates, and the specific country or region covered. Immigration officers process hundreds of these; documents that don't match their checklist format cause delays even when the underlying coverage is fine.
Immigration requirements change frequently. Always confirm current insurance minimums directly with the relevant embassy, consulate or immigration authority before applying.