Why this topic lives on Expat LLC
A US LLC held by a non-resident almost always pairs with living outside your home country: tax residency elsewhere, long stays, no exploitable national health coverage where you actually are. The question "what health insurance while I live abroad" comes up often enough to deserve a dedicated page. We're not insurance brokers: we cover SafetyWing because its positioning (100% online signup, contained pricing, built for nomads) closely matches our audience, and because we're ambassadors in their affiliate program.
What follows is a presentation, not personalised advice. In health insurance, the gap between "paying for nothing" and "discovering an exclusion too late" plays out in contract details. Read the SafetyWing terms before subscribing, and get professional advice if your situation is complex (pre-existing conditions, family, long stays in the US).
Nomad Essential vs Nomad Complete: the real comparison
Nomad Essential
Long-term travel insurance. Medical emergencies, repatriation, a few ancillary guarantees (luggage, delays). No routine or preventive care. Billed per 4-week period, auto-renewing. Fits someone who already has health coverage elsewhere (national scheme, local contract) and wants a safety net while moving.
Nomad Complete
International health insurance. Consultations, hospitalisation, chronic conditions, preventive care, maternity depending on plan. Monthly billing, ticket several times Essential. Fits someone without exploitable local health coverage, who wants a real long-term health contract (not just a travel safety net).
Many nomads subscribe to Nomad Essential thinking they have "health insurance". That's not what Essential covers: it's travel insurance with an emergency health core. If you want to see a doctor for a routine issue, get a check-up, or manage a chronic condition, look at Nomad Complete (or a traditional international health insurance, see next section).
Credible alternatives worth knowing
SafetyWing isn't the only option, and depending on your profile it isn't always the right one. The historical players in the international health insurance market for expats include:
- Cigna Global: premium international health coverage, very large hospital network, often the choice of expats with families or conditions to manage. Pricier, heavier signup.
- Allianz Care (formerly Allianz Worldwide Care): European equivalent of Cigna in this segment, strong historical base with francophone expats.
- IMG Global and Bupa Global: other historical references, worth comparing by geography and profile.
Quick decision grid: if you want an instant contract, no questionnaire, contained ticket, for a nomadic lifestyle, SafetyWing (Complete) ticks boxes those players don't. If you want heavy health coverage, a premium hospital network and long-term follow-up of a family or of conditions, one of the players above is likely better suited, even if the price is several times higher.
What SafetyWing covers well, what it doesn't
What it covers well, per SafetyWing's official terms (check when subscribing, contracts evolve): medical emergencies during travel, medical repatriation, medical evacuation, sudden hospitalisations. On Complete: also general and specialist consultations, annual preventive care, maternity depending on plan.
What it generally doesn't cover, like any insurance of this kind: pre-existing conditions (disclosed or not), some risk activities (undeclared extreme sports), maternity care if you're already pregnant at signup, non-medically-necessary treatments. The US can be included or excluded depending on the option chosen: including it raises the price significantly, because of local care costs.
Get your SafetyWing quote
The price depends on your age, zone (with or without the US), duration and plan. The SafetyWing calculator gives the price in under 2 minutes, no strings attached.
Frequently asked questions
What is SafetyWing exactly?
A health and travel insurance operator built for digital nomads, expats and international entrepreneurs. Founded in 2018, based in San Francisco. Two main plans: Nomad Essential (long-term travel) and Nomad Complete (international health).
Is it fit for a non-resident running a US LLC from abroad?
Yes, within SafetyWing's eligibility rules. The product is precisely designed for that profile. Check safetywing.com before subscribing, notably accepted countries of residence and exclusions.
How much does it cost?
Pricing is personalised by age, zone (with or without the US), duration and plan. Use the calculator on safetywing.com for a quote fitting your profile.
Is a medical exam required at signup?
No. Signup is 100% online, no intrusive medical questionnaire, no exam. In return, pre-existing conditions (disclosed or not) are generally not covered.
What are the credible alternatives?
For full international health coverage, notably Cigna Global, Allianz Care, IMG Global, Bupa Global. Pricier, with broader coverage and heavier administration. Worth comparing by profile.
Can I subscribe from any country?
Most countries of residence are accepted, but some territories remain excluded (international sanctions, compliance lists). Verify during the quote.