How to Insure Your Health When Running a Digital Business Abroad
- Marie Foerste
- Aug 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 7
From German Health Systems to Global Nomad Coverage – Here's What Works for Me
Today, I would like to switch to a topic which may not be directly about online courses but important for all those that want to open a digital business abroad and would like to know how to best ensure their health. When you come from Germany like me, you’re used to a very structured approach to health insurance. No matter if you’re employed or self-employed, paying into the health insurance system is not optional—it’s a legal obligation. Either you’re covered by public insurance (where your contributions are automatically deducted from your salary), or you choose a private provider if you're a freelancer or business owner.
So, we Germans tend to value security, and for me, being properly insured is part of feeling grounded and safe, especially while navigating new countries, unfamiliar healthcare systems, and unexpected situations.
And believe me, those situations do happen. I’ve had my fair share of travel mishaps—hospital visits in foreign countries (like in Peru or US), illnesses during long-haul trips, and confusing medical systems I could barely understand. Being without coverage (or with the wrong kind of coverage) isn’t just risky—it’s stressful and expensive.
Hence, when I decided to take my business on the road and work remotely while traveling, finding proper health insurance wasn’t just a formality—it was a big deal for me.
Why Typical Travel Insurance Isn’t Enough
When we Germans travel outside of Europe, many of us take out standard travel insurance. It usually covers emergency medical needs for shorter trips, and it’s definitely a must. But once you start living and working abroad for longer periods—like I do now in Mexico—it’s a different game.
You’re no longer a tourist. You're a resident, an expat, an entrepreneur, a digital nomad. And you need insurance that fits that lifestyle.
What I Recommend Now: Genki
After trying several options over the years (some better than others), I finally found a solution that I actually trust: Genki. If you’re running a digital business while living or traveling abroad, this is by far the most flexible and thoughtful insurance provider I’ve come across.
Here’s why I recommend them:
✅ Designed for Digital Nomads and Expats
Genki isn’t a traditional insurance provider trying to squeeze digital nomads into rigid models. They’re actually building a community for people like us—offering coverage that fits the way we live and work.
✅ Insured by Squarelife – in collaboration with Allianz Partners
It's always reassuring to know there's a solid company behind your policy. With Genki, the actual insurance coverage is provided by Squarelife Insurance AG, a regulated insurer based in Liechtenstein. In addition, Genki collaborates with Allianz Partners, one of the most renowned global providers of assistance and underwriting services. This combination gives me a strong sense of security and reliability.
✅ Flexible Packages
They currently offer several options to suit different needs:
Genki Explorer – Ideal for travelers and nomads who are constantly on the move. It covers acute treatments, emergencies, and doesn’t require you to maintain a permanent residence in Germany.
Genki Resident – Perfect if, like me, you’re now living in one place for longer (such as Mexico) and need more comprehensive care like chronic treatment or regular doctor’s visits.
✅ Coverage You Can Trust
Depending on the plan, Genki covers:
Outpatient and inpatient treatments
Emergency dental care
Prescribed medication
Repatriation (if you need to return to your home country for treatment)
Pregnancy and mental health services (on long-term plans)
They’re also super transparent about their pricing and conditions, which isn’t always the case with international providers.
✅ Monthly Cancellation
At Genki can cancel monthly—ideal if your lifestyle shifts or if you return to your home country and reactivate your German health insurance.
Living in Mexico? Here’s Why This Matters
Now that I’ve settled in Mexico as a foreign resident, I’m no longer just "traveling." I’m living, working, and integrating into a new culture—and that comes with different responsibilities. One of them is managing my own healthcare.
And again, having the right insurance isn’t just about compliance or emergencies—it’s about knowing that if something happens, I’ll be taken care of without draining my savings or dealing with bureaucratic chaos. Genki gives that freedom and peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a digital entrepreneur, freelancer, or remote worker from Germany (or anywhere, really) looking to live abroad, don’t skimp on your insurance. I’ve learned through experience that health issues can and do happen—and you want to be ready.
For anyone looking for a smart, flexible, and community-driven solution, Genki is absolutely worth checking out.
Take care out there—and take care of yourself, too.
Yours, Marie
