The doctor's appointment I didn't know existed (and never skip anymore)

Before becoming a nomad, I never thought about the unexpected. In my head, travel always meant sunshine, a packed bag, and everything going smoothly. It took leaving the European Union, where I had the advantage of being a Portuguese citizen, for me to understand that travel insurance and health care aren't a detail, they're part of the planning.

The insurance that actually works for someone living on the road

I started looking for travel insurance and comparing prices and coverage, and quickly discovered a detail that changes everything: most policies only work when you leave from and return to the same place. For a nomad, that simply doesn't work. I tried several over these almost 3 years until I found one that made sense for my routine.

Sometimes it feels like money down the drain. Until the day it isn't.

It doesn't matter how long you're staying somewhere: having insurance is essential. And I speak from experience:

• I've fallen while rollerblading
• I've had a terrible allergic reaction that needed a doctor
• I've had an eye allergy
• I've had knee inflammation from overdoing it on hikes

Without insurance, each of these moments would have cost a lot more than money: it would have cost time, stress, and a headache that could have been avoided.

The traveler's checkup

Later I discovered something amazing: the traveler's checkup. It's a medical appointment designed exactly for the prevention needs of the region you're headed to: vaccines, medication to pack, and other destination-specific care. Now I do this before any longer trip.

• I've gotten vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid fever, among others
• Some vaccines need 2 doses or take time to give full immunity
• Ideally you get the checkup about 3 months before the trip, not at the last minute

And what about eating well?

Beyond medical care, my biggest concern has always been keeping a healthy life: exercise habits, crossfit, the gym, and eating in a way that made sense. My personal trainer, even before I became a nomad, insisted I start seeing a nutritionist. At first, that didn't even make sense to me: I already ate well. But going through so many different places changes the game, and the temptation of street food and fast food is huge.

He's the one who recommended the best nutritionist I've ever had, Marina Cocchiarella. I've been with her since I started this journey, and it's amazing how she adapts my plan to each country I'm in, supports me when I run into unfamiliar foods, and even encourages me to try the local cuisine.

I'll leave her Instagram here, because she deserves it: @marinacocchiarella.

If you're about to travel, take the traveler's checkup seriously and choose your insurance well. Right here on the side you'll find what I use, discount code included.