Do I need Insurance before arriving in Antigua with the Digital Nomad Visa?

You bought your ticket, packed your laptop, and are ready to head to Antigua and Barbuda. Your excitement levels are at an all-time high!

Before you start fantasizing about beachside work sessions with a piña colada in hand, let’s talk about the not-so-glamorous side of adulting: insurance. Navigating the insurance maze might be the ticket to ensuring your Caribbean adventure does not turn into a nightmare. So, do you really need insurance before landing on those sandy shores?

Let’s delve into the Digital Nomad Visa, a gem introduced in 2021. This Visa is a boon for location-independent professionals, offering the opportunity to live and work in paradise for up to two years without the hassle of constantly renewing tourist visas. Yes, you heard that right, no more border-hopping every few months. It is a game-changer for those seeking a work-life balance in a tropical paradise.

Besides the obvious allure of sun, sea, and sand, the Digital Nomad visa has various perks that make Antigua and Barbuda a prime destination for remote work. Stable internet connection, rich culture, low cost of living compared to other Caribbean hotspots, and zero income tax—the list goes on!

While the Digital Nomad visa in Antigua and Barbuda may seem like a dream come true, it is crucial to address the significant requirement: insurance. Health insurance is a mandatory prerequisite for all applicants. To apply for this Visa, you must have Medical and Travel Insurance that covers the 2 years of your stay and meets the Antigua Nomad Digital Residence Programme requirements. 

This requirement isn’t just a bureaucratic hoop to jump through—it’s a safety net designed to protect both you and the local community. After all, even in paradise, accidents happen, and unexpected medical expenses can quickly turn your island adventure into a nightmare.

Now, you must be asking yourself, “But I already have health insurance in my home country; does it work in Antigua and Barbuda?” The Short answer is no. The benefits you may have with your country’s health insurance do not apply in Antigua and Barbuda, so you really have to purchase a separate Medical and Travel Insurance.

In addition to health insurance, applicants must meet a few other requirements:

1. You’ll need to provide proof of employment with a company registered outside of Antigua and Barbuda or evidence of self-employment or ownership of a business located outside the country. This ensures that you are a bona fide remote worker and not just another beach bum looking for an extended vacation.
2. You must demonstrate a minimum monthly income of at least 135,043.51 XCD. This requirement ensures that you can support yourself financially during your stay.
3. You must pass a background check and provide a police certificate from your country of origin.

Applying for the Digital Nomad visa in Antigua and Barbuda might seem like a daunting and complicated process. But fear not, for you don’t have to navigate it alone. Companies like Citizens International specialize in assisting digital nomads and remote workers through every step of the application process, from sorting out health insurance to ensuring that all your paperwork is in order. They are your guiding light, making the process smoother and less intimidating. 

So, if you are ready to swap your office for a beachside paradise, don’t let the paperwork scare you off. With a little help from the experts, you will live the digital nomad dream in Antigua and Barbuda in no time.