I booked a month-long trip to Dubai to vlog. I brought $15k in gear. While there, I got appendicitis (emergency surgery) and my laptop bag was stolen from a cafe. My US health insurance said “Out of Network – No Coverage.” My renters insurance said “We don’t cover business property abroad.”
Key Takeaways
- Domestic Health Insurance Fails Abroad: Most US plans (Aetna, BlueCross) cover nothing outside the US, or only “Life threatening” emergencies with massive deductibles.
- Territorial Limits: Business insurance (GL and Property) is often limited to “USA, Canada, and Puerto Rico.”
- Digital Nomad Insurance: You need a specific “Travel Medical” policy that includes business equipment coverage.
- Visa Requirements: Dubai (and others) often require proof of health insurance to enter or get a Digital Nomad visa.
The “Why” (The Trap): “Worldwide” vs. “Territory”
Check your Inland Marine (Gear) policy. Does it say “Worldwide Coverage”? Or “Domestic”?
Check your Health policy.
You are in a coverage gap.
Workation Trap: Standard “Travel Insurance” (for tourists) excludes “Professional Equipment” and “Business Activities.” If you are working, you are not a tourist.
[IMAGE: Map showing “Coverage Zone” (USA) vs “No Coverage Zone” (Rest of World)]
The Investigation: I Called Them
I looked for “Creator Travel Insurance.”
1. SafetyWing (Nomad Insurance)
- The Verdict: Designed for this. Covers medical ($250k) and travel delay.
- The Gap: Limited gear coverage (usually
1kâ1kâ3k per item). Not enough for a full RED rig.
2. World Nomads
- The Verdict: Good for “Adventure” vlogging (skydiving covered).
- The Gap: High premiums for high gear limits.
3. Athos / TCP (Gear Policy)
- The Verdict: You can add a “Worldwide Coverage” endorsement to your main equipment policy. This is the best way to insure the $15k gear.
Comparison Table
| Risk | SafetyWing / Genki | US Health Plan | Equipment Floater (Worldwide) |
| Surgery in Dubai | Covered | Denied | No |
| Stolen Laptop | Limited ($3k) | Denied | Covered ($15k) |
| Liable for drone crash | No | No | Check Policy |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Buy Nomad Medical: SafetyWing or Genki ($40/mo). Do not rely on US healthcare.
- Endorse Your Gear: Call your equipment insurer and pay the extra $50 for “Worldwide Coverage.”
- Check Visa Rules: Print the insurance certificate. You might need it at customs.
- VPN: Cyber security is insurance. Use a VPN to protect data on hotel Wi-Fi.
FAQ
Can I write off the trip?
If the “primary purpose” is business (vlogging), yes. Keep a log.
Does this cover me if I get arrested?
Some policies have “Legal Assistance” referral, but they won’t pay your bail.
What if war breaks out?
“War and Civil Unrest” is a standard exclusion. You need high-risk “Zone” insurance for that.