In a time when remote work is exploding and digital nomadism is growing, many have no permanent address. Some bounce from country to country, staying in Airbnbs or co-living spaces or even campervans. It’s an exhilarating lifestyle, but you might run into a couple issues when it comes to life insurance.
So what do you do if you need life insurance and haven’t settled down yet? Let’s break it down.
Why Is Residency Important for Life Insurance?
Life insurers prefer stability. And they assess risk based not only on lifestyle and health but also—yes—where you live. Insurers can take it as a red flag when you don’t have a permanent home.
Some key concerns include:
Jurisdiction issues: Insurance policies are subject to different regulatory regimes in each country.
Risk assessment: Frequent travel can lead to increased risk of accidents or illness.
Policy Enforcement: If you die in another country, how easy is it for your beneficiaries to collect the payout?
Consequently, many insurers do not underwrite a policy until a fixed residence is established. But does that mean you are out of options? Not necessarily.
The Hardships of Obtaining Life Insurance Without a Permanent Residence
Where Are You a Resident Legally?
Even if you don’t have a permanent home, you probably have a legal residence somewhere. This is typically where you pay tax or have citizenship. Some insurers may ask you to provide proof of this.
Perception of Risk and Frequent Travel
If you’re always on the go, insurers might consider you a higher risk. Traveling to high-risk countries — defined as ones with political unrest, inadequate health care or high crime rates — can also affect your premium or even result in policy exclusions.
Mailing Address Issues
Most insurers won’t issue the number without a physical address for documentation, even if it’s for just a mailing address. Some nomads will use the addresses of family members, P.O. boxes, or virtual mail services to satisfy this requirement.
Policy Terms and Restrictions
Some policies will actually require you to spend a certain number of months in one country per annum. That could be an issue if you’re never in one place long enough.
How To Get Life Insurance As A Digital Nomad & Expat
The good news? Nomadic lifestyle does not mean that you lose your life insurance. It simply requires a touch more work.
Search for Life Insurance Companies Internationally
Some insurers focus on international coverage. Designed for expats, long-term travelers, and digital nomads. Often they give you global coverage wherever you are.
Use a Permanent Address for Documentation
Even if you don’t live there, you might have to provide a permanent address.” Most nomads use their parents’ or a trusted relative’s home address for paperwork.
Look To a Country with Positive Insurance Laws
Other countries have looser insurance policies. You may choose to use your insurance in one place as your official residence if you spend a lot of time there.
Talk About Your Lifestyle Honestly
A false statement about your residency or travel habits can get your claims denied down the road. Be honest with insurers about your lifestyle so you can obtain the correct coverage.
In Practice: How Residency Surveys And Life Insurance Interact
Scenario 1: The Long-Term Backpacker
Jake has been a full-time nomad for three years now, shuffling between Southeast Asia and South America. In applying for life insurance, he gives his parents’ home as his legal address. He selects an international provider that does not require a permanent residence.
Scenario 2: The Remote Worker
Samantha is a freelance designer who splits time between Portugal and Bali. She is tax resident in Portugal, so she is able to obtain a European life insurance policy. She also gives her insurer a heads up about her travel plans, so her coverage stays in effect.
SCENARIO 3: the van life nomad
Tom and Lisa are travelling around Europe in a campervan. They lack a permanent address but use a P.O. box.” They find a UK-based insurer willing to accommodate their nomadic lifestyle and offer a flexible policy.
What to Watch Out For
Maybe not all life insurance policies will work for nomads. Here are some red flags:
Country Restrictions: Some insurers will not cover those living in certain countries.
Time-in-Country Requirements: Certain policies require you to live in one country for at least six months per year.
Claim Problems: If you die overseas, some insurers make it hard for beneficiaries to claim a payout.
Lack of Coverage for High-Risk DestinationsIf you regularly visit war zones or areas prone to natural disaster, you might need extra coverage.
Since you are only looking for another sentence so why not this one
If traditional life insurance isn’t available, try these alternatives:
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D): They cover accidental deaths, issue a body part, but not illness-related deaths.
Travel Insurance with Life Coverage: A few travel insurance products offer benefits in case of death.
Employer-Sponsored Insurance: If you work remotely for a company, it may have a global life insurance policy.
The Bottom Line: Get Covered, Get Prepared
You need life insurance—even nomads need life insurance. Having no fixed address makes things trickier, but not impossible. With the right provider, a good plan, and a little flexibility, you can find coverage that fits your lifestyle.
So, whether you’re working from a beach in Thailand or hiking around Patagonia, ensure your future — and that of your loved ones — is secure.