I woke up with a suspicious rash in Medellin. I didn’t want to navigate a Spanish-speaking clinic for something minor. I opened my insurance app, clicked “Telehealth,” and was video-chatting with an English-speaking dermatologist in 15 minutes. He emailed a prescription to the pharmacy downstairs. Cost: $0.
Key Takeaways
- The Rise of “Air Doctor”: Many 2026 nomad insurers (Genki, SafetyWing, Faye) partner with telehealth networks like Air Doctor or Teladoc Global.
- No Deductible (Usually): Insurers want you to use telehealth because it costs them $50 instead of $500 for an ER visit. They often waive the deductible for video calls.
- Prescription Power: The doctor can issue a valid local prescription in many countries (EU, UK, USA), but cross-border prescribing is tricky. In Colombia, the “email script” worked. In Japan, it might not.
- Mental Health: Telehealth is the primary way nomads access therapy covered by insurance.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Jurisdiction.”
A US doctor on a video call cannot legally prescribe meds to you in France. You need a platform that connects you to a local (or regional) doctor who has prescribing authority in your current location.
- The Win: Apps like Air Doctor match you by location.
The Investigation: I Called Them
- Genki (Dr. Walter): They use “Air Doctor.” I tested it. You enter your location. It shows doctors nearby for in-person OR video. The insurer pays Air Doctor directly. No cash changes hands.
- SafetyWing: Uses a specific telemedicine partner (changes by region). It works for “Advice,” but getting a script filled depends on the local pharmacy’s strictness.
- Local Pharmacies: In Latin America and SE Asia, pharmacists often accept a digital note or WhatsApp script. In Germany or USA, they need a formal e-script code.
Comparison Table: Telehealth Capabilities
| Feature | Standard Travel Insurance | Genki / Premium Nomad Plans |
| Video Consult | YES (Assistance line) | YES (App based) |
| Prescription Authority | Low (Advice only) | High (Local doctors) |
| Direct Billing | NO (Reimburse) | YES (Usually) |
| Deductible Waived? | NO | YES (Often) |
[IMAGE: Screenshot of a ‘Video Call in Progress’ with a doctor, overlaying a map of Medellin]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Download the Partner App: Don’t wait until you are sick. Download “Air Doctor” or whatever your insurer uses now. Set up the profile.
- Check “Prescription” status: Before the call starts, ask: “Can you prescribe medication in [Country]?” If not, hang up and find a local clinic.
- Use for Triage: Not sure if you need the ER? Use telehealth. If they say “Go to ER,” you have a medical referral, which helps your insurance claim later.
- Wi-Fi Quality: Do not try this on 3G. You need solid Wi-Fi for the video to verify the rash/symptom.
FAQ
Can they prescribe antibiotics?
Yes, if indicated.
Can they prescribe Xanax/Valium?
No. Controlled substances require an in-person visit almost everywhere.
Is it 24/7?
Yes, usually. But getting a specialist (Dermatologist) might require a scheduled appointment during business hours.