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Article

5 min read

Digital Nomad Visas Offering the Best Healthcare Access

Immigration

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Author

Jemima Owen-Jones

Published

November 01, 2024

Last Update

November 01, 2024

Table of Contents

1. Spain’s digital nomad visa (aka remote visa)

2. United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) remote visa / virtual working permit

3. Japan’s digital nomad visa

4. Canada’s digital nomad visa (visitor visa)

Access digital nomad visas with superior healthcare benefits through Deel

Key takeaways
  1. Many foreign healthcare systems don’t easily support noncitizens. Digital nomads often face high costs and language barriers when seeking quality healthcare services.
  2. However, some countries prioritize accessible healthcare for digital nomads. They offer options like universal coverage and statutory health systems that ensure care without unnecessary complexities.
  3. Deel Immigration assists with visa processing. We help you meet residency requirements to improve your chances in countries with accessible healthcare.

Whether dealing with an unexpected illness or managing regular checkups, digital nomads need healthcare that’s both accessible and affordable.

Unfortunately, not every country’s healthcare system supports noncitizens easily. As a result, digital nomads often experience high out-of-pocket costs or language barriers that can turn minor health concerns into stressful situations.

With Deel Immigration’s support, you can find digital nomad visas that provide easy and affordable access to high-quality healthcare. We also assist you throughout the visa process, ensuring a smooth and successful transition to your new destination.

Here are a few examples of countries that offer digital nomads visas with quality healthcare access.

1. Spain’s digital nomad visa (aka remote visa)

Validity: One year for consulate applications, three years for in-country applications, renewable

Dependent visa available: Yes

Cost:

  • Government fees: EUR 200 per person (approx. USD 216)
  • Documentation fees: USD 250 + expenses + government fees per process

Spain’s healthcare system earns global recognition for its modern facilities, skilled professionals, and efficient health service delivery. With universal coverage and numerous English-speaking providers, digital nomads can easily access it by registering in the social security system.

Funded through taxes, most services are free or affordable, including specialist procedures. Alternatively, you can choose private health insurance for quicker access to services and a wider selection of specialists and facilities.

Spain’s digital nomad visa requirements:

  • Be a remote employee for a foreign company for at least one year or a self-employed remote worker with 80% of clients outside Spain
  • Hold a relevant university degree or have at least three years of work experience
  • Demonstrate income from the last three months
  • Earn a minimum monthly income of EUR 2,400 (approx. USD 2,595), increasing to EUR 3,300 (approx. USD 3,565) if accompanied by one dependent, with an additional EUR 300 (approx. USD 325) for each extra dependent
  • Provide a criminal record certificate
  • Freelancers must show proof of continuous activity for the past year, projected income for the next year, and commit to registering with Spain’s Freelancer’s Register (RETA)
  • Obtain health insurance coverage

See also: Moving to Spain: A Guide for Expats and Digital Nomads

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Whether you want to live in Spain for 6 months or relocate permanently to the US, we manage everything—from your application to consulate appointments—so you can focus on your project, not the paperwork.

2. United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) remote visa / virtual working permit

Validity: One year and can be renewed

Dependent visa available: No

Application fee:

  • Government fees: AED 2,500 – 3,000 (approx. USD 681 - 817)
  • Documentation fees: USD 250 + expenses + government fees per process

The UAE is also a great option for digital nomads and has fast visa processing times as well. It features modern hospitals and clinics equipped with:

  • High-tech equipment
  • Advanced medical technologies
  • Internationally trained healthcare professionals
  • Short wait times

This quality is available in both the private and public healthcare sectors, catering to its large expatriate population. However, you must provide proof of a valid health insurance plan covering the UAE for at least one year.

UAE’s digital nomad visa requirements:

  • Full-time remote work with a company outside the UAE, proven by an employment confirmation letter
  • Minimum monthly salary of USD 3,500 per month supported by a recent payslip
  • Three months of bank statements
  • Health insurance that includes UAE coverage

3. Japan’s digital nomad visa

Validity: Six months, non-renewable

Dependent visa available: Yes

Cost:

  • Government fees: USD 45
  • Documentation fees: USD 250 + expenses + government fees per process

Japan’s healthcare ranks among the best globally, as evidenced by its high life expectancy and other health indicators.

It provides affordable, universal coverage for both citizens and resident noncitizens, requiring only a small out-of-pocket payment while insurance covers the rest. This is especially beneficial for digital nomads with families, ensuring access to necessary medical care without significant costs.

Registration in Japan’s statutory health insurance system (SHIS) is mandatory, along with private medical insurance of at least JPY 10 million (approx. USD 66,902).

Japan’s digital nomad visa requirements:

  • A foreign remote employee or freelancer from a visa-exempt country with a tax agreement with Japan
  • Private health insurance for you and any dependents
  • Proof of employment or client work
  • Proof of income exceeding USD 68,000 per year

4. Canada’s digital nomad visa (visitor visa)

Validity: Six months, two renewals

Dependent visa available: No

Cost:

  • Government fees: Visa application fee of CAD 100 (approx. USD 73)
  • Biometrics fee: CAD 85 (approx. USD 62)
  • Documentation fees: USD 250 + expenses + government fees per process

Canada is one of the easiest countries for digital nomads to relocate to and offers excellent healthcare, particularly in terms of affordability.

The country’s publicly funded healthcare system, Medicare, provides universal coverage to residents. It allows access to essential medical services without direct costs. Coverage varies by province, and you’ll need resident status and a provincial health card to qualify.

It’s advisable for temporary residents to obtain private health insurance as they wait for Medicare.

Canada’s digital nomad visa requirements:

  • Remote employment with a non-Canadian employer
  • Sufficient income to support your stay
  • Insurance with health coverage
  • Proof of accommodation in Canada

Access digital nomad visas with superior healthcare benefits through Deel

You can live and work abroad without the fear of sacrificing your healthcare. Let Deel help you relocate to countries that offer digital nomad visas with healthcare that matches or exceeds the standards in your home country.

Deel Immigration now supports digital nomad visas in 9+ countries. Whether you dream of working from bustling Tokyo or the sunny coasts of Spain, Deel Immigration can make it a reality.

We support digital nomad visas in Portugal, Spain, Greece, Canada, Japan, Argentina, Colombia, Italy and the UAE. Additionally, we offer options for permanent residency, including the R Visa in Colombia, EB-1A and EB-2 NIW in the US.

Use Deel Immigration to save hours on research, overcome language barriers, and minimize the risk of application rejection. We handle every step of the visa process—from preparing your application to organizing consulate appointments—so you can focus on your projects, not the paperwork.

  • Get your visa faster with in-house expertise: Our in-house immigration team is available 24/7 to assist you at every step.
  • Ensure approval with all the documentation you need: With in-house local knowledge and all required documents centralized on one platform, we ensure your application goes to plan.
  • Eliminate ambiguity with real-time updates: Track your visa progress with live updates and notes from your dedicated case manager.

Get a visa for whatever destination is calling you next.

Get started now.

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About the author

Jemima is a nomadic writer, journalist, and digital marketer with a decade of experience crafting compelling B2B content for a global audience. She is a strong advocate for equal opportunities and is dedicated to shaping the future of work. At Deel, she specializes in thought-leadership content covering global mobility, cross-border compliance, and workplace culture topics.

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