Travel insurance behaviors of digital nomads

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to reveal the travel insurance behavior of digital nomads systematically. For this purpose, the habits and preferences of digital nomads for travel and health insurance were investigated based on the problems they experience during their travels.

Design/methodology/approach

Within the scope of multimethod qualitative research, the insurance behaviors of digital nomads were investigated in depth by using both interview and content analysis techniques for social media comments. In the first stage of the study, the interview technique was used to describe the main factors underlying the insurance behaviors of digital nomads. In the second stage, the comments of digital nomads on social media platforms were evaluated by content analysis and themes regarding the insurance behaviors of digital nomads were reached.

Findings

The inadequacies of the current global system and national order determine the travel insurance behavior of digital nomads, who are generally opposed to the existing order and tend to escape from authority and routine. It was found that digital nomads care about the speed at which insurance companies meet their demands, the coverage of insurance policies (medical and travel-related components of insurance) and the cost of insurance behavior.

Research limitations/implications

This study aims to provide a new perspective to the literature by conducting multimethod qualitative research within the scope of the risks experienced by digital nomads and their travel insurance behavior. The study shows that digital nomads cannot escape from national regulations. They have to take out insurance in countries with low cost of living due to problems with the health system and security, and in some countries, it is due to country regulations. In practice, the study provides conclusions and recommendations for current and potential digital nomads, insurance companies and governments regarding the insurance behavior of digital nomads. In particular, the study concludes with recommendations for insurance companies in terms of insurance product development and the use of social policy tools for governments.

Originality/value

This study offers a perspective on the key factors underlying the travel insurance behavior of digital nomads.

Citation

Genceli, D., Yüksek, G. and Uca, S. (2024), "Travel insurance behaviors of digital nomads", Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/WHATT-03-2024-0047