safety wings travel insurance

SafetyWing Review: Medical & Travel Insurance for Long-Term Travelers

If you’re a digital nomad fortunate enough to be working in the ‘Gig Economy’, then it’s likely that you have the opportunity to blend your working endeavors alongside frequent travel. If this sounds like you, and you find yourself moving from country-to-country, then it’s crucial that you plan for the unexpected.

By this, we mean arranging a comprehensive travel medical insurance plan that will protect you in the event that you require medical assistance. Failure to do so could result in significantly high medical bills – something that, depending on the severity of the issue, you might not be able to cover.

With that being said, the likes of SafetyWing tailor its travel medical insurance package to those that live the nomad lifestyle . With a headline pricing structure of $68/4 weeks for travels within the US, and $37/4 weeks for everywhere else, we sought to explore whether or not SafetyWing is a notable option for your travel medical insurance needs.

As such, if you’re thinking about using SafetyWing, be sure to read our comprehensive review. Within it, we cover everything from fees, what you are covered for, who is suitable, and more.

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Coronavirus Update:

Table of Contents

As of August 1st, Nomad Insurance covers Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)! Coverage works the same as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date, and does not fall under any other policy exclusion or limitation.

Testing for COVID-19 will only be covered if deemed medically necessary by a physician. The antibody test is not covered, as it is not medically necessary.

What is SafetyWing?

In its most basic form, SafetyWing is a travel medical insurance provider that is suited for those living the digital nomad lifestyle. With the provider recognizing that freelancers based in locations other than their home country will often fail to obtain the required medical insurance, SafetyWing targets its coverage specifically to this niche area.

Take note, you don’t need to be a freelance worker per-say to consider obtaining cover from SafetyWing, as the provider is still suitable if you’re simply living abroad.

Nevertheless, on top of offering medical insurance, SafetyWing also covers a number of other travel-related events. This covers unfortunate events such as long travel delays, lost luggage, evacuation requirements linked to political unrest or terrorism, and more.

As we will discuss in more detail further down, SafetyWing has grown in popularity since its inception in 2017 due to its super-competitive pricing structure. When you first head over to the provider’s website, you’ll instantly be presented with its proprietary offer of $37/4 weeks, or $68/weeks if your travel plans includes the US.

Ultimately, the overarching selling point from the team at SafetyWing is to provide its customers with travel medical insurance that is reliable, flexible, and perhaps most importantly – affordable.

So now that you have an overview of what SafetyWing is, in the next section of our review we are going to explore what the provider covers in more detail.

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What Does SafetyWing Cover?

SafetyWing offers ‘Travel Medical Insurance’ , meaning that it provides both medical cover and travel cover. In order to understand how the two differ, we have broken down the most pertinent points below.

Medical Cover

In a nutshell, SafetyWing will cover you in the event that you fall sick, or are involved in an accident, when you are outside of your home nation. This will include the costs related to hospital visits, such as nursing services and the room/bed itself, as well as intensive care.

Moreover, SafetyWing will also cover the costs if you are charged for utilizing an ambulance in your respective location, albeit, the provider does state that this needs to be “Usual, reasonable and customary charges when covered illness or injury results in hospitalization.”

If you require care from a chiropractic specialist or a physician, SafetyWing will cover you up to the first $50 per day. Furthermore, if you are required to seek emergency dental care, your SafetyWing plan should cover you up to the first $1,000.

In terms of notable exclusions, you won’t be covered if you engage in high-risk sporting activities. This would include the likes of freestyle skiing, advanced hiking, or street lugeing. It is also important to note that you won’t be covered on any pre-existing injuries or conditions, which is industry standard anyway. Finally, cancer treatment will not be covered by SafetyWing.

Travel Cover

On top of covering sickness and injury-related expenses, SafetyWing also offers comprehensive coverage on a range of travel-related costs. First and foremost, if you experience a travel delay that exceeds 12-hours – and you require an unplanned overnight stay, then your SafetyWing insurance will cover you up to $100 per day. Take note, this can only be claimed for a maximum of two days, which is reasonable.

If you are unable to leave your current location due to a natural disaster and thus – require a new place to stay, then you can claim up to $100 per – for a maximum of 5 days. On the other hand, you will be accustomed to higher limits if you are required to leave your current location due to a political evacuation, which amounts to a lifetime limit of $10,000.

When it comes to lost luggage that was checked-in with your respective airline, the SafetyWing plan offers up to $3,000 per certificate period. This amounts to a maximum of $500 per lost item, with consumers restricted to a lifetime limit of $6,000. However, the lifetime limit is per person meaning that if you are covered on a family or group basis, the lifetime limit extends to $250,000.

In terms of the fundamentals, you will not be able to claim electronic items, which includes cameras, laptops, and phones. This is somewhat frustrating, as it is likely that these items, in particular, will yield the greatest loss of value.

If you are ever in the need to claim for personal liability, then the maximum limits will depend on the specific circumstances. For example, while related-third-person property claims are capped at $2,500 – third-person property and third-party injury claims will yield a maximum limit of $25,000. Moreover, when it comes to accidental death or a loss of two limbs, SafetyWing covers up to $50,000. A loss of one limb comes with a limit of $25,000.

How Much Does SafetyWing Cost? Is it Worth the Money?

Although we have already presented the SafetyWing headline offer that is displayed across its homepage, it is important to note that the specific cost can vary depending on your age group.

As such, let’s breakdown the fundamentals in more detail. To clarify, the below prices are based on 4 weeks, which amounts to 28 full days of cover.

All Travel is Outside of the US

• Aged between 10-39: $36.96/4 weeks
• Aged between 40-49: $59.92/4 weeks
• Aged between 50-59: $94.08/4 weeks
• Aged between 60-69: $127.68/4 weeks

 Travel includes the US

• Aged between 10-39: $67.76/4 weeks
• Aged between 40-49: $111.44/4 weeks
• Aged between 50-59: $183.68/4 weeks
• Aged between 60-69: $250.60/4 weeks

As you will see from the above figures, there is quite a premium if you are planning to travel to the US. The overarching reason for this is that medical care in the US is typically much higher than the rest of the world.

Nevertheless, the good news is that irrespective of where you are traveling, those aged 10 years old or below will be covered at no extra cost. This will only be the case if the respective child is traveling with an adult, or with a group.

Take note, you can only benefit from the $0 under-10 offer up to a maximum of two children. As such, if you require cover for three or more children under the age of 10, each subsequent child will revert to the regular price for 10-39 year old’s. Finally – it is important to note that children aged under 15 days will not be covered by SafetyWing.

In terms of the plan itself, SafetyWing will automatically renew the 28-day coverage until you cancel it. This is actually beneficial if you are based abroad or you are traveling overseas for a long period of time.

This auto-renewal option takes away the risk of forgetting to extend or renew your policy and accidentally finding yourself without coverage, which can be an issue with other travel insurances

Specific Travel Dates

If you don’t want to take out the 28-day recurring plan with SafetyWing, the provider also offers a tailor-made package that covers specific travel dates. For example, if you were looking to travel to South East Asia for 13 days, there would be no point in taking out the full 28-day plan.

If you do opt for this route, then you can take a plan out from just 5 days, up to a maximum of 364 days.

Does SafetyWing Have any Country Restrictions?

First and foremost, if you get sick or injured in your home country, it is important to clarify that you will only be able to claim on your SafetyWing coverage plan if the accident happened ‘incidentally’.

For example, if you were to pick up a serious injury while traveling and then came home with the specific purpose of receiving treatment domestically, you would not be able to claim your costs back from SafetyWing.

On the contrary, if you were traveling home to visit, and you became sick or encountered an accident, then this might be covered. However, you will only be covered in your home country for 30 days every 90 days of insurance cover – or 15 days for every 90 days of insurance cover if your home country is the US.

Nevertheless, you can travel with SafetyWing insurance anywhere in the world apart from Cuba, Iran, and North Korea. We should also note that kidnapping-related cover cannot be claimed if the incident started in Afghanistan, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, or Venezuela.

How Does the Medical Claim Process Work?

The claim process at SafetyWing works largely the same way as any other insurance provider. With that being said, here’s a quick breakdown of the key points that you need to be aware of.

Step 1: Is it an Emergency?

Firstly, if your sickness or injury is of a serious nature, you should proceed to call the emergency services as per the country you are based in.

If it is not a serious injury and thus – you are able to walk into your nearest medical center or hospital, then you should log into your SafetyWing account and use the “Find a Hospital” option.

The provider has a global network of hospitals, doctors, and even medical specialists (such as physicians) within its database. As such, simply enter your exact location and the SafetyWing system will point you in the direction of the nearest center.

If for some reason the system is unable to locate a suitable hospital or doctor, you should proceed to use the nearest center that you can find. Failing that, you can contact SafetyWing directly via their telephone hotline.

Step 2: Show Your SafetyWing Card

When you arrive at the hospital or medical center, you should present your SafetyWing card at the earliest possible opportunity. While it is unlikely that the medical provider will have heard of SafetyWing, it will at the very least indicate that you have the required medical travel insurance in place to pay for your treatment.

This is a further reminder that you should always carry your SafetyWing card with you. Always prepare for the unexpected!

Step 3: Ask the Medical Provider About Payment

In some cases you can inquire whether or not the medical provider is able to take up payment with SafetyWing directly. This will depend on a range of factors, such as the respective country, whether you are at a hospital or medical center, and the type of treatment you have undergone.

In an ideal world, the provider will take the claim up directly with SafetyWing, meaning that you won’t be required to pay for it out of your own pocket. You can find doctors with direct payment in their database when you look for “direct bill”, only then it is possible. Alternatively, if you are required to pay for the bill yourself before leaving, you will have no option but to do this.

Step 4: Submitting the Claim to SafetyWing

If you have paid for the treatment yourself, you will then need to file a claim directly with SafetyWing. You can send an email directly to the claim team at [email protected], which needs to outline details of the treatment, alongside screenshots of the itemized bill, as well as any payment receipts.

Ease of Use

Customer support.

• Excellent Pricing
• Unlimited Travel
• Home Country Coverage
• Subscription Model
• No Trip Cancellation Coverage

Kane holds a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Finance, a Master's Degree in Financial Investigation and he is currently engaged in a Doctorate - researching financial crime in the virtual economy. With a keen passion for research, he currently writes for a variety of publications within the Financial and Cryptocurrency industries. [email protected]

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Home » Budget Travel » Is SafetyWing The Best Travel Insurance For Long Term Travellers? Updated For 2024

Is SafetyWing The Best Travel Insurance For Long Term Travellers? Updated For 2024

 “The  worst can happen and does happen…so you had better make sure you’re Insured”  – Fargo Season 1.

Usually, whenever I buy something I like to get my money’s worth and use it as much as possible. Take for example those Levi jeans that I wore everyday for a year until the knees wore out. Or take my trusty MacBook Pro which I use to beat out at least 10,000 words a day.

Travel Insurance on the other hand, is one of those rare things in life whereby you pay for it, and yet you hope that you never ever need to use it. But whenever you hit the road and head out on an adventure, it’s very important to get travel insurance. Whether you’re headed to Prague for a boozy weekend, or to Southeast Asia to spend 6 months finding yourself, disaster could be waiting for you at any point.

So here we run down what SafetyWing insurance offers and how they stack up against the competition. So with that, here’s our SafetyWing insurance review!

Do SafetyWing Cover COVID?

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•  Who isn’t SafetyWing Travel Insurance Suitable For? 

How Much Does SafetyWing Travel Insurance Cost?

Other travel insurance providers, when should you buy travel insurance, staying safe on your adventure, frequently asked questions about safetywing travel insurance, final thoughts on safetywing travel insurance.

When COVID-19 first rocked the world in 2020, most travel insurers were quick to invoke their cancellation clauses and pull all cover relating to either illness, cancellation or disruption caused by the pesky pandemic.

These days, most insurance providers are offering some form of COVID coverage included within their policies, but some are more useful than others. Whilst many now cover hospitalisation caused by COVID infections, fewer are offering any kind of cover for disruption or cancellation such as being refused boarding on a flight for displaying symptoms, or having to cancel your trip because of a positive test.

Whilst the pandemic has largely subsided , COVID is still able to severely disrupt travel plans. Therefore do consider paying close attention to the finer details of any insurers COVID-19 cover.

SafetyWing can offer COVID-19 coverage in their policies and may be able to cover you for illness, evacuation cancellation and interruption.

These days there are countless travel insurance providers out there and choosing between them can be overwhelming. Furthermore, some of these providers have better reputations than others and there are some very unfortunate instances of insurers not paying out on claims. Finally, deciphering between policies and reading their fine print can be exhausting. But we’re here to help.

In this SafetyWing Review, we’ll take a good, detailed look at SafetyWing and its travel insurance policy. We’ll run through the various types of cover they offer, look at what is and is not included in their policy, and we’ll assess their value for money. We’ll also have a quick look at some of their best competitors (including World Nomads insurance).

Need help deciding between Safety Wing or Hey Mondo ? Check out our helpful guide.

Do you really even need travel insurance ? It’s a fair question. After all, the vast majority of trips end happily and safely without incident.

We at the Broke Backpacker have probably spent a combined total of maybe 10 years on the road and have easily visited over 100 countries. During all of that travel, we’ve clocked up a fair few mishaps ranging from inflected legs that almost needed amputating, to the inevitable bike crashes, all the way to gun-point robberies. These incidents were all traumatic enough themselves leaving physical or mental scars. 

But mercifully, we were all insured at the time meaning that were spared the further trauma of paying out $10,000 medical bills and emergency medical evacuation or having to find $700 for a new iPhone.

Basically, nobody ever thinks it will happen to them and yet, it has to happen to somebody. Besides that, the law of averages tells us that if you travel enough, something somewhere will eventually go wrong.

Furthermore, some countries do actually require you to obtain insurance before even letting your enter. 

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

In order for you to decide whether you really do need travel insurance, let’s look at some of the things it can help with, and where you would be without travel insurance coverage.

Lost Luggage 

The aviation industry watchdog estimates that 5.73 items of luggage are lost for every 1000 passengers. This is not a bad statistic but it means that if you take 10 flights, there is a 5% chance of your luggage being lost forever. Also, note that some airlines and airports (the black hole of Charles De Gaulle anybody?) are a lot worse than others for this.

Lost luggage can easily mean your trip is ruined as you’re forced to walk around Ibiza for a week sweating your ass off in the same inappropriate jeans and jumper combo you left home in. Replacing everything you own though, can mean you then have to find $1000 to replenish your wardrobe, refill your toiletry shelf and get a new travel camera . Any good travel insurance policy, therefore, covers lost luggage, usually up to at least $1000.

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Medical Expenses 

Medical expenses can be seriously expensive. For example a friend of mine was once hospitalised whilst volunteering in Costa Rica and ran up bills in excess of $10,000. He recently spent 1 night in a Thai hospital, was billed $1,000 and his passport was used as a ransom. Personally, I don’t have $10,000 to pay Costa Rican Doctors but I do have maybe $50 to get myself some comprehensive health insurance.

Coming from the UK where we (just about) have the NHS, the cost of medical care in some parts of the world is quite a revelation. If you are reading this in the US you already know all about health extortion but do remember that your domestic health insurance will not cover your medical expenses outside of the US.

Accidents happen without warning and ill health can strike at any time, anywhere. In fact, if you have experienced driving or hygiene standards in India, then you’ll probably agree that you’re actually at a much higher risk of coming to harm on the road than you are at home!

Travel Disruption

Travel disruption and trip interruption comes in all shapes and sizes but let’s take a classic, topical example. Every year a few airlines and travel agents go bust leaving passengers stranded. Booking flights home at short notice is expensive, but not getting home ASAP can mean getting fired from your job. Having to stay an extra few nights in a hotel can also put undue strain on an already tired travel budget.

Having travel insurance can therefore mean the difference between desperately raiding your overdraft to pay a hotel, or your travel insurance company covering a few extra nights at your destination free of charge! Trip interruption is upsetting enough without it costing a fortune!

Robbery 

In many parts of the world, tourists are a target for thieves. I’ve had my phone stolen by knife-wielding bandits in Colombia and know people whose hotels have been raided leaving them without gold jewellery and laptops.

Getting jacked is scary, but having to find $700 for a new iPhone is seriously fucking depressing. Thankfully, many travel insurance companies cover it.

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Who Are SafetyWing?

If you have never heard of SafetyWing, it’s probably because they are still a new company. Launched in 2018, founded by Norwegians and based in the US, SafetyWing is one of the newest travel insurance providers in the space.

In case you are nervous about entrusting your wellbeing to a baby company, don’t be. SafetyWing’s Insurance partner is Tokio Marine, one of the biggest and most established insurance companies in Japan, and the Insurance is underwritten by Lloyds. Furthermore, Insurers are required to go through a shed load of vetting and have erm, insurance, in place before they are even allowed to trade.

SafetyWing identifies as long-term travellers and digital nomads describing their mission as “insurance for nomads by nomads”. In practice, this means that they focus on long term travellers and digital nomads who are not served by other providers and can often fall between the cracks of healthcare systems.

SafetyWing is pretty unique in that they offer a kind of hybrid between travel insurance and health insurance. Their package is nowhere near as comprehensive as standard travel insurance as they have ripped out some of the features which are less likely to apply to digital nomads and long term travellers. This is reflected in the pricing which makes them one of the most reasonable and competitive travel insurance companies.

Whereas most travel insurance companies offer multiple different plans, SafetyWing insurance keeps things straightforward and offers one simple plan.

One Simple SafetyWing Plan

The headline is that SafetyWing plan may be able to cover you up to a maximum value of $250,000 per cover period with direct billing. The excess is $250 meaning that you must pay the first $250 of any claim yourself. For example, if you end up in hospital for stitches and the bill comes to $197, then unfortunately the entire bill comes out of your pocket and you cannot claim. That is however pretty standard across insurance cover.

In case you are in a hurry, the key points are set out below.

• Medical emergencies may be covered up to $250,000. This also includes emergency dental treatment up to $1,000 which is perfect if you fancy a bit of 2am gutter boxing!
• Medical Evacuation may be covered up to $100,000. Note that emergency medical evacuation means been transferred to a hospital in your home country and does not mean been rescued from a mountain after breaking your leg whilst trekking.
• Emergency evacuation  in case of civil unrest or something may be covered up to $10,000.00. So, if London erupts into riotous, murderous, anarchy following Brexit, you can get yourself a flight either all the home, or simply to safety in Paris!
• In the event of a  natural disaster , cover may be $100 per day for 5 days for accommodation costs.
• Whilst trip cancellation is  not  included, trip  interruption  up to $5,000.00 is included. This means that if you are forced to cut your trip short, you may receive up to $5,000 to help you get home.
• Lost Luggage  may be covered up to $3,000. However, note that the maximum value per item is $500. Therefore, if you plan on checking-in that diamond necklace, you may wish to obtain different cover.

Please remember that international travel insurance coverage changes from time to time. It is important for you to read the policy yourself and make sure you understand it. If you are uncertain of anything, it is a good idea to speak with the provider for clarification especially when it comes to things like trip interruption and specific medical coverage.

Remote Health

SafetyWing quite recently launched a second policy; Remote Health. Remote Health was initially designed to cover remote working teams and was a pioneering form of workplace health insurance for the age of the Digital Nomad.

However, SafetyWing has now evolved the concept and it is available for individuals. Remote Health differs from the standard policy in a number of ways offering a more robust cover. Crucially, it may be able to cover pandemics like the COVID-19 outbreak of 2020 and for this reason, appeals to a growing number of travellers. Not all insurance will cover Covid 19 so this is a great addition.

Remote Health is more expensive than the standard policy but may still be a good investment for those seeking stronger cover.

Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expenses

Got food poisoning in Delhi? Got hit by a moped in Bangkok? Or maybe you just slipped in the shower and broke your wrist at a hostel in Madrid ? These things can, and do happen and will all require emergency medical treatment. Being sick, infirm and unable to jerk yourself off is bad enough as it is, so the last thing you want is a hefty medical bill which you have to pay out of your own pocket.

Emergency accident, sickness and medical coverage is quite likely the most important aspect of any travel insurance plan – I certainly know it is for me. If you get ill, get hurt, or otherwise need medical attention, you may have medical coverage up to $250,000 and direct billing is available too.

If you need emergency dental care, you may be covered up to $1000.

Besides the above medical coverage, SafetyWing also offers a few additional benefits:

• Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Condition – If you have a pre-existing condition which suddenly, flares up, then you may be able to claim up to $250,000 of the maximum limit or $25,000 for medical emergency evacuation. If you do have a pre-existing conditions, please speak to the insurer about it to make sure you are covered.
• Outpatient Physical Therapy –  You may be able to claim up to  $50 per day if you ever need to see a physio or a chiropractor during your trip. This is very useful for when the dreaded, Digital Nomad bad-back strikes!

Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation

Medical Evacuation is when you need to be sent to your home country, or another country for further or continued medical treatment, and are too sick to travel home normally as a regular passenger. For example – when you are still stuck in a hospital bed with tubes coming stuck in you.

Repatriation means the cost of sending your dead body home. This is often overlooked by many travellers but it really is very important. The cost of flying bodies home is very expensive and I would hate for my family to ever be landed with this cost at such an awful time for them.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment

This applies in the very, very unlikely event that you have an accident and lose an arm or a foot. Or if you tragically arrive at your departing destination and then die.

This coverage is for the loss of life or limb as a result of an accidental injury occurring during the trip. The loss must occur within 365 days after the date of the accident causing the loss. Basically what this means is if you have an accident and are dying, if you die your family may be covered.

The same goes if you have something happen that results in your arm eventually being removed as a result of the accident. 

We appreciate that this is pretty heavy going, grim stuff. But please persevere, these cover policies exist for a reason – the reason being that it is has happened to somebody before.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

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Kidnapping is very rare but does happen so thankfully, SafetyWing’s Crisis Response coverage protects against this. If this happens, you may receive recompense for either your ransom or loss of personal belongings that occur during the kidnapping.

Note that crisis response does not apply in some “dangerous countries”. Examples are Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nigeria, Somalia and Venezuela. Personally, I think it’s a bit harsh putting Pakistan on that list but there you go.

Incidentally, quite a few reputable travel insurance providers do not cover kidnapping at all.

Lost or Stolen Passport

Did you know that lost or stolen passport claims are amongst the most common ones made by travellers?! If your passport is lost or stolen, you may be able to claim up to $100 for a new one which I think, should cover it pretty much anywhere in the world.

Of course, in order to minimise the risk of this happening you should keep your passport securely locked in your hotel room or hostel locker. Even in countries that require foreigners to carry passports with them, a photo copy usually suffices.

When in transit, keep it near to you at all times and do not absent-mindedly put it down anywhere. 

Personal Liability

Personal Liability indemnifies you in the event that your actions cause injury, harm or financial loss to another party. This includes vehicle accidents where you were found to be to blame.

Coverage also includes legal fees which can be harrowingly expensive.

Home Country Coverage

Somewhat unusually, SafetyWing even offers a level of coverage in your home country. This is because SafetyWing understands that long term travellers and Digital Nomads will go home once in a while, but that “the trip” is still not over. It’s great for popping home for Christmas or to attend your annoying cousin’s wedding.

The cover period is 30 days per every 90 day period (15 days in the US) .

We are not aware of any other travel insurance provider that offers anything like this.

To get the full measure of any travel insurance, it is important to look at what is not covered as well as what is covered.

In the case of SafetyWing, there are some very notable exclusions that you should carefully take into account before deciding whether it is the right cover for you.

Trip Cancellation

In case you get ill and have to cancel your trip, you cannot recover the costs of it.  From what I can deduce, the rationale behind this is that for long term travellers and Digital Nomads, life is the trip! Therefore, you may be unlikely to ever even really need this.

Electronics

Expensive electronic equipment is not covered by the SafetyWing plan at all. At first, this may seem odd in a policy aimed at Digital Nomads . However, most Digital Nomads have separate, comprehensive gadget covers anyway. Most travel insurers who do cover gadgets only cover them up to $500 which is about one third the price of a MacBook. 

I for one have a gadget cover that covers loss, theft, accidental damage and malfunction. After all, my livelihood depends on this little piece of overpriced silicon valley crap powering up each morning.

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Theft or Loss

If you are robbed in Colombia, or you stupidly leave your Ombraz Armless sunglasses on an Indian bus, you are not covered. This is kind of unusual for travel insurance as both of these things do happen to travellers.

However, is this really such an issue? For example, in the case of your lost sunglasses, many insurers would try and wriggle out of paying that one anyway. Even if they did, you would have to pay the excess which could be anywhere between $50 – $250 (ie, more than the glasses are worth).

As for getting robbed, cash is generally not insured and any items are still subject to the excess. Therefore, the only thing you could realistically claim for is a stolen smartphone – see above re electronics.

Adrenaline Activities

SafetyWing does not certain adrenaline sports such as Quad Biking and Parachuting which is fair enough. However, somewhat surprisingly, football/soccer is not covered if you are playing as part of a regular team. Therefore, if you are a Digital Nomad thinking of joining the local 5 a side team in Budapest, think again! Trekking and mountaineering are covered up to an altitude of 4500 metres.

Sanctioned Countries

SafetyWing does not extend any coverage at all to Cuba, North Korea and Iran. This is presumably because the US’ draconian financial sanctions prevent them from doing so. Note that if you do wish to visit Iran, you will need travel insurance to enter so should find an alternate provider.

The kidnap or crisis coverage is not available in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nigeria, Somalia or Venezuela.

So what makes SafetyWing unique amongst other travel insurance providers, and who is there cover the perfect cover for?

SafetyWing understands that there is a lot more to travel than a 2-week trip. They appreciate that many of us set off with a one-way ticket, no itinerary, and have no idea when we will be coming back.

Therefore SafetyWing may be suitable for;

• Long Term Travellers – SafetyWing are pretty unique in that they offer open-ended travel insurance. You can bum around the world for years, and stay covered as long as you keep up your premiums.
• One Way Travellers –  As I said, your trip doesn’t need to have a set end date in order for the cover to be valid!
• Digital Nomads –  When you’re a digital nomad, you move from one destination to another working and hustling as you go. You can hustle around the world for years at a time with this policy. If you’re living as a digital nomad long term, there’s a pretty good chance that at some point you’re gonna need to see a Doctor about something.
• Travellers With Kids  – This is another cool feature. The policy covers one young child  per adult , up to 2 per family, age between 14 days and 10 years old. So, if both you and your partner take the cover, it’s 2 children for free as long as they are not over 10 years old! If your child is over the age of 10, you may wish to enquire about separate or additional cover for them.

  Who isn’t SafetyWing Travel Insurance Suitable For?  

SafetyWing specialises in travel insurance for long term backpackers and Digital Nomads. This is a sizeable and growing niche. However, this kind of cover isn’t necessarily right for everybody out there. SafetyWing is perhaps not the best travel insurance out therefor;

• Conventional Holidaymakers – If you are going on a classic, 2 weeks in the sun type holiday, then there will be plenty of travel insurance providers more suited to your needs, who can probably cover you cheaper than SafetyWing. 
• Travellers Who Need Comprehensive Cover –  Note that SafetyWing is a specialised cover but is not comprehensive. For example, trip cancellation cover is  not  included.
• Adrenaline Junkies  – SafetyWing does not cover extreme sports such as white water rafting, running with the bulls or been fired from cannons. If you require this kind of cover, then perhaps consider another provider. 

SafetyWing Travel Insurance can cost as little as $42 for 28 days. Compared to some private medical insurance policies, which can cost hundreds of dollars, this is great value. They also offer affordable monthly payment options.

SafetyWing’s monthly premium does vary depending on a number of factors, including the age of the applicant. A higher premium also applies if you intend to go backpacking in the USA (because of the expensive American healthcare system).

Not sure whether SafetyWing Travel Insurance is for you? Perhaps you feel you need a more comprehensive level of cover? Or maybe you are interested in SafetyWing but want to know what else is out there before you make a purchase?  

There are loads of other travel insurance providers out there to choose from. In fact, there are possibly too many! In this section, we will take a quick look at some other leading, specialised travel insurance providers who we have also used and had positive experiences with.

World Nomads

World Nomads are by far, one of our favourite travel insurance providers. Like SafetyWing, they also offer backpacker insurance.

The cover levels for medical emergencies and evacuations are broadly speaking, very similar to SafetyWing. However, World Nomads do offer 2 separate plans depending on how much coverage you want and what exactly you intend to do. World Nomads do also include trip cancellation, electronic gadgets, rental car excess, and theft cover in the policies.

Word Nomads can cover over 100 countries. They can also cover a wide range of adventure sports which SafetyWing do not. However, they do not offer Home Country cover and do not offer open-ended cover.  

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

World Nomads’ cover appears a bit wider than SafetyWing but is also substantially more expensive. It is perhaps better suited to adventure travellers and more typical backpackers and less suited to Nomads.

For more information about World Nomads – check out our comprehensive World Nomads Review or just visit the site by hitting the button below.

Provided you’re still reading, I guess you have concluded that you do want travel insurance. Good decision. The next question is probably, when should you buy travel insurance?

Ideally, you should buy travel insurance before you start your trip and some providers may even insist on this. Note that if you do ever do make a claim on your travel insurance, they will probably ask for evidence of when your trip started in the form of an airline booking or flight ticket.

As a rule of thumb, I usually book my travel insurance the same day I book my flight. The only exception is if I have long term or annual cover in place at the time.

We hope you never have to claim on your travel insurance and wish you many long, happy, safe adventures. And in order to help you stay safe, we do have some top tips for you.

Firstly to make things far more difficult for potential thieves to take your money, pick yourself up a backpacker security belt to keep your cash safe & hidden on the road. Also, check out our Backpacker Safety 101 post for tips and tricks to stay safe whilst on your backpacking adventure.

For hiding bigger wads of cash, check out this post on ingenious ways to hide your money when travelling.  

I strongly recommend travelling with a headlamp whilst backpacking anywhere in the world (every backpacker should have a good headtorch!) to prevent you from falling down a well on a dark night. In case you don’t have a head torch, check out this post for a breakdown of the best value headlamps to take backpacking.

These are some of the most commonly asked questions about SafetyWing that we received from you guys. 

Do SafetyWing Insure Electronic Devices? 

No. SafetyWing does not cover electronic devices. This is because most Digital Nomads usually have dedicated gadget insurance. If you have expensive electronic devices, I recommend getting decent cover for them.

What Countries Are Covered by SafetyWing?

SafetyWing can cover over 100 countries. They are not able to cover trips to North Korea, Iran or Cuba at all. The kidnap and crisis cover is not available in Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Nigeria, Pakistan & Venezuela or any other country from where they are prohibited due to the US’ Financial Sanctions.

Is SafetyWing the Best Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads?

It is not possible to say which provider or cover is best. However, SafetyWing’s mission is to provide cover for nomads, by nomads. They certainly do provide dedicated, strong cover for Digital Nomads at a great price.

Is SafetyWing the Cheapest Travel Insurance on the Market? 

SafetyWing is definitely amongst the cheapest travel insurance providers we have come across.

Whether you are planning to spend a month in Oz or to live in Southeast Asia as a freelancer, it really is a good idea to get yourself some insurance. Life is unpredictable and you never know when illness, accident or bad luck can strike. When it does, there is no worse feeling than being stuck with hefty expenses that could have easily been avoided.

I hope your future backpacking adventures fulfil all over your travel dreams and then some. Hopefully, the day will never ever come when you actually need to claim on your insurance.

But, if that dark day does arrive, SafetyWing travel insurance will help you out and you’ll be glad you made the investment.

A word on Travel Insurance. Please note that Insurance terms and conditions do vary and may change from time to time. The information provided here is for guidance purposes only. We recommend you check with your policy provider to ensure that you are fully covered before beginning your trip. Please read your policy terms and conditions very carefully.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Aiden Freeborn

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Home » Digital Nomads » SafetyWing Travel Insurance Review 2024: Best Insurance for Digital Nomads

SafetyWing Travel Insurance Review 2024: Best Insurance for Digital Nomads

Safetywing review – travel insurance for long-term travellers, best travel insurance for digital nomads & remote workers.

I’ve recently come across a travel insurance product that I’m extremely excited about!

SafetyWing is the first medical travel insurance created specifically by nomads, for nomads . SafetyWing insurance company provides coverage (and peace of mind!) for people from all over the world while they are outside their home country.

And although their travel insurance is aimed at remote workers and digital nomads, it can be used by anyone who is traveling for extended periods of time.

Their plans are comprehensive, easy to understand, and they provide a variety of coverage options – there’s a travel insurance plan that will work for almost everybody!

And yes, they cover COVID-19 related occurrences (which can be difficult to find in other insurance policies).

You’ll find below my detailed SafetyWing travel insurance review, updated for 2022, that focuses on their different travel insurance offerings (Nomad + Remote Health Benefits) , the pros and cons of each, what exactly is covered, and how much they cost.

Quick Links – SAFETY WING TRAVEL INSURANCE:

• WHY IS SAFETYWING THE BEST TRAVEL INSURANCE OPTIONS FOR LONG-TERM TRAVELERS? (QUICK SUMMARY)
• WHAT IS INCLUDED IN SAFETYWING TRAVEL INSURANCE COVERAGE?
• WHERE CAN I TRAVEL WITH SAFETYWING NOMAD INSURANCE?
• WHAT IS COVERED WITH SAFETYWING NOMAD INSURANCE?
• WHAT ARE THE EXEMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS?
• IS COVID-19 COVERED?
• WHEN DOES COVERAGE BEGIN?
• CAN I CHOOSE MY OWN HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS?
• HOW DO I FILE AN INSURANCE CLAIM?
• WHERE CAN I TRAVEL WITH SAFETYWING REMOTE HEALTH INSURANCE?
• WHAT IS COVERED WITH SAFETYWING REMOTE HEALTH INSURANCE?
• IS TRAVEL INSURANCE REALLY NECESSARY?
• IS IT DIFFICULT TO SIGN UP FOR TRAVEL INSURANCE?
• CAN I CANCEL MY INSURANCE POLICY WHEN I WANT TO?
• ARE MY ELECTRONIC DEVICES COVERED?
• IS SAFETYWING NOMAD INSURANCE THE CHEAPEST TRAVEL INSURANCE ON THE MARKET?
• IS SAFETYWING NOMAD INSURANCE THE BEST TRAVEL INSURANCE OPTION FOR DIGITAL NOMADS?
• DO I NEED TO HAVE A POLICE REPORT IF MY ITEMS WERE LOST OR STOLEN?
• DOES SAFETYWING COVER MY SPORT OR ACTIVITY?
• FINAL THOUGHTS ON SAFETYWING TRAVEL INSURANCE
• CHECK PRICES FOR SAFETYWING TRAVEL INSURANCE HERE

Why is SafetyWing the Best Travel Insurance Options for Long-Term Travelers?

(quick summary).

In my opinion, these are the reasons SafetyWing is the best long-term traveler insurance option:

• No Limit on Duration of Travel – Yup, it’s true! Unlike other travel policies that will only cover you for two or three months maximum, SafetyWing has no limit on the duration of your travel that they will cover! After one full year, you will need to renew your travel insurance policy, but that’s it.
• SafetyWing Insurance Includes COVID-19 Coverage – As long as COVID-19 was not contracted before your coverage began, you’re covered for COVID-19 and quarantine-related expenses. More information on that is below! (This is rare with other travel health insurance companies).
• You Can Travel With a One-Way Ticket – If you travel without a return ticket like we often do, then this could be a good option for you. Unlike most other insurance companies, SafetyWing will cover you even if you don’t have a planned return ticket.
• Provides Some Coverage in Your Home Country – SafetyWing will provide limited coverage when you return to your home country, which is rare in travel insurance providers, as long as the visit is incidental. After being abroad for 90 days, you’ll retain your SafetyWing medical coverage for 30 days in your home country in a 90-day period (15 if your home country is the USA) if you decide to return to your home country and something happens while you are there. (Note that you cannot be traveling to your home country for the purpose of obtaining treatment for an illness or injury that happened while abroad)
• Worldwide Coverage is Included – If you’re planning on traveling around and planning as you go, this is perfect for you as SafetyWing provides worldwide coverage almost everywhere!
• Monthly Insurance Payments – You can pay your insurance premiums monthly with SafetyWing! Many of their competitors require upfront payment for the entire length of your trip, so this is a huge bonus for many.
• Purchase Your Insurance Policy While Traveling – If you’re already at your destination, you can purchase SafetyWing travel insurance, no problem. This is really rare with other travel insurance providers who require you to purchase your travel insurance before departing your home country! When we arrived in Mexico, my Canada insurance covered us for two months, then we switched to SafetyWing after that expired with no issues whatsoever.
• Coverage is Instant – Such a huge bonus! Some policies by travel insurance companies begin immediately after purchase, but some require longer to kick in.
• Direct Billing – Yep! Saves so much time.
• Your Adventure Activities Are Included – SafetyWing will cover you for activities that other insurance providers will not, such as riding a motorcycle or scooter, horseback riding, snowboarding or skiing, scuba diving, and bungee jumping. (However, extreme sports are not covered; learn more about exclusions here ).
• SafetyWing Insurance is Affordable – SafetyWing is able to keep their costs low by focusing on just the essentials needed by long-term travelers, such as emergency medical coverage, instead of trip cancellation and other costs that they’re not likely to need with their lifestyles. SafetyWing’s insurance options come at an affordable price – just $42/USD for four weeks of coverage. Compared to World Nomads, which costs about $120 for a standard plan and $210 for an upgraded plan, this is a steal of a deal.
• Simple and Clear Pricing – SafetyWing’s pricing structure is easy to understand, with no complicated quotes required or choosing between various “tiers” of coverage. This is definitely not true of the majority of travel insurance plans!
• No hidden costs – pricing is simply based on your age, and whether you include travel to the USA or not
• FREE Coverage for Your Kids – Coverage for up to two children under 10 years of age per family (one per each adult) is included for free.
• Travel Insurance Designed by Nomads, for Nomads – SafetyWing understands the needs of long-term travelers, remote workers, and digital nomads, and they’re consistently adapting their products to meet those needs.

What is included in SafetyWing Travel Insurance Coverage?

First things first, here is a high-level summary of what is covered by SafetyWing Travel Insurance:

Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expenses

Emergency accident and sickness coverage is usually the most important coverage of any travel insurance plan. If you become hurt, or sick, or require medical attention, your costs may be covered for these reasons up to $250,000. Some examples would be if you slip in the shower in your accomodation (just happened to a good friend of mine!), get food poisoning while traveling, find yourself in a car accident, etc. The last thing you want is a hefty medical bill. It’s incredibly important to make sure you’re covered for emergency accident and sickness expenses, as proper medical care can be very expensive around the world!

Coverage in Your Home Country

This is pretty rare with travel insurance companies, but SafetyWing even provides you with limited coverage while in your home country! SafetyWing was created by nomads for nomads and understands that these types of travelers will visit their home country once in a while, but that their travel is still not over. (I’m not aware of any other travel insurance providers who offer anything like this). (Note that home country coverage is incidental only. You cannot be traveling to your home country for the purpose of obtaining treatment for an illness or injury that happened while abroad. Coverage is only for a 30-day period in your home country in a 90-day period, or 15 days if your home country is the USA).

Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation

If it’s required for you to be sent home to your home country (or another country) for further or continued medical treatment, and are too sick to travel home normally as a regular passenger, SafetyWing will still cover you. This may be morbid (and often overlooked), but they also cover the repatriation of your dead body back home, which can be very expensive for your family.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment

If you are in an accident and lose a limb, or if you tragically arrive at your destination and then die, then SafetyWing will cover you. The loss must occur within 365 days after the accident date that caused the loss.

SafetyWing’s Crisis Response Coverage protects against the rare chance of kidnapping while traveling. You may receive recompense for either your ransom amount or for loss of personal belongings that occur during a kidnapping.

Please note that crisis response does not apply in some countries, such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Somalia.

This type of coverage appears to be rare/overlooked with other travel insurance providers as well.

Stolen or Lost Passport

This is one of the most common claims made by travelers! If your passport ends up lost or stolen, SafetyWing will cover you up to $100 to replace it.

Personal Liability

Personal Liability Insurance indemnifies you in the rare event that your own actions cause an injury or financial loss to someone else. This could include a vehicle accident that you were found to be the cause of. Coverage also includes your legal fees, which can often be sky-high!

What are the different types of SafetyWing travel insurance?

Option 1 – safetywing nomad insurance – travel medical:.

Affordable travel medical insurance coverage for people from all over the world while outside their home country. 

Who is Nomad Insurance for? This is a good option for people who are looking for a more simple, cost-effective medical health insurance policy while traveling for extended periods of time out of their home country. It’s the best long term for digital nomads, remote workers, long-term travel insurance for travelers, and anyone else planning to be out of their home country for a month or longer.

If you’re looking for a more inclusive insurance plan that covers extras such as dental care, vision care, health screenings, immunizations etc. then SafetyWing’s Remote Health Benefits Plan might be better suited for you!

Cost: Approx $42/USD per month on their subscription model ($77/USD per month if includes travel to USA)  for ages 18-39 years old. See prices for other age groups here

Deductible: $250 deductible

Maximum Limit: $250 000 max limit

Where can I travel with SafetyWing Nomad Insurance?

You will be covered for travel anywhere in the world outside of your home country, except for the following: Cuba*, Iran, Syria, and North Korea.

* U.S. citizens with permission from the U.S. government may travel to Cuba.

What is covered with SafetyWing Nomad Insurance?

You’ll be covered for unexpected illness or injury, and medical emergencies, including expenses for hospital, doctor, and prescription drugs. If you become ill or injured, you’ll be covered for eligible medical expenses. It also provides emergency travel-related benefits, such as: emergency medical evacuation, bedside visits, travel delays, and lost checked baggage. During a natural disaster, Safety Wing covers a place for you to stay up to $100 a day for 5 days

For a complete list of exclusions and limitations please see this link: Description of Coverage .

What are the exemptions and limitations?

Exclusions for SafetyWing Nomad Insurance include:

• Cancer treatment
• Routine check-ups
• Pre-existing conditions (Limited coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions, but not chronic or congenital conditions)

Is COVID-19 covered?

Yes! SafetyWing’s Nomad travel insurance coverage works the same for COVID-19 related illnesses as any other illness, as long as you do not contract COVID-19 before your coverage start date, and that it does not fall under any other policy exclusion or limitation.

Testing for COVID-19 will only be covered if the test is deemed necessary by a physician. Antibody tests are not covered.

Quarantine is covered outside of your home country for up to $50/day for a maximum of 10 days, as long as you have been covered by Nomad Insurance for a minimum of 28 days and that your quarantine has been mandated by a physician or governmental authority, due to testing positive or you are symptomatic and waiting for test results.

When does coverage begin?

Your coverage begins immediately! As soon as your application is sent in and payment is made, if you’re submitting from outside your home country.

Can I choose my own health care providers?

Yes, as long as the incident happens outside of the USA.

Anywhere else in the world that is covered, you may select the hospital, physician, or other medical care service providers of your choice.

How do I file an insurance claim?

You file a claim simply by filling out a WorldTrips claims form and uploading it with photos or screenshots of receipts to the online portal. You can read about the entire SafetyWing claims process here .

Check SafetyWing NOMAD Insurance Prices Here:

Option 2 – safetywing remote health benefits:.

Fully-equipped global health insurance benefits for remote workers and digital nomads who spend plenty of time abroad. Also includes full coverage in your home country!

Who is Remote Health for? This is an excellent full health insurance benefit plan for remote workers and digital nomads who spend plenty of time abroad.

If you’re looking for a more simple, medical-only insurance plan, then SafetyWing’s Nomad Medical Insurance plan might be better suited for you!

Cost: Approx $206/USD * per month for ages 18-39 years old. The exact price will depend on factors such as your age, your company size (if a company plan), and what add-ons you choose. See prices for other age groups here

*Note: Taxes, location and other factors could affect price. 

Deductible: $0 deductible

Maximum Limit: $1,500,000 USD annual maximum

Where can I travel with SafetyWing Remote Health Insurance?

Coverage is for all countries!*

*excluding USA, Hong Kong, and Singapore, where you’ll receive limited coverage for trips up to 30 days

What is covered with SafetyWing Remote Health Insurance?

So much is included with the Remote Health plan, such as dental coverage ($1000 USD), vision coverage ($500 US), health screenings and vaccines ($500 US), hospital treatment and accommodation, inpatient surgery, ICU, cancer tests and treatment, reconstructive surgery, renal failure and dialysis, inpatient prescription medication, emergency ground ambulance, organ transplants, surgeries both day and outpatient, rehab, palliative care, and more. For extreme sports, everything is covered without limitations (unless the sport is performed in a professional capacity).

Most of this is covered at 100% as well. (Full details of coverage here.)

For a complete list of exclusions and limitations please see this link: Remote Workers Policy Document.

• Active duty, war & disturbances
• Administrative & non-medical fees
• Aesthetic treatments
• Expenses covered by third parties
• Maternity or newborn complications
• Professional sports
• Routine exams

For a complete list of exclusions and limitations please see this link: Remote Workers Policy Document

The below is taken directly from page 24 of the Remote Health’s Policy as of January 2022. COVID-19 vaccines are also not included. For a current, updated list of exclusions, please see: Remote Workers Policy Document

Your coverage begins immediately, but some products may have a waiting period (such as a 9-month waiting period for Dental, and a 36-month waiting period for HIV-AIDS treatment).

Yes, you can seek treatment at any registered hospital in the world. Direct billing is also possible.

For hospitalizations and pre-planned treatment, payment for services can be pre-arranged directly with the hospital. For smaller unplanned treatments where you are not hospitalized, there is an online claims process. Reimbursement typically is within 15 days. Claims must be submitted within 180 days from the date of treatment for them to be eligible for coverage.

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Frequently Asked Questions – Safety Wing Travel Insurance

Here are the answers to some questions that are frequently asked by digital nomads and remote workers about travel insurance options:

Is travel insurance really necessary?

100%, completely, absolutely, yes. Unless you’re covered by some other provider (such as your credit card or employer), purchasing travel insurance is something I highly, highly recommend and cannot stress enough.

Is it difficult to sign up for SafetyWing Travel Insurance?

Absolutely not! It’s actually incredibly easy. First, you’ll create an account on SafetyWing’s website and choose an email address and password, or use your Facebook account to log in. After that, you’ll enter some details about yourself, such as your home country, your date of birth, and your mailing address.

When you’re ready to activate your insurance policy, you’ll simply choose your start date and specify whether you’ll be traveling to the United States or not. Here, you can also decide to add family members or friends to your travel insurance policy,

You can make your payment via credit card. You will be charged every 4 weeks as part of SafetyWing’s subscription model unless you decide to specify a specific start and end date for traveling and pay for it all upfront.

Can I cancel my insurance policy when I want to?

Yes, it’s also very simple to cancel your travel insurance policy at any time with SafetyWing. It just takes one single click, and you will still remain insured until the last day that you’ve paid for.

Are my electronic devices covered?

SafetyWing does not cover electronic devices. Most remote workers will have dedicated electronic devices insurance to cover their computers, cameras, hard drives, etc. If you have expensive electronic devices, I highly recommend finding comprehensive insurance coverage for them. My devices are insured as business items with my TD Bank insurance, but you will want to do lots of research and find the provider that works best for you and your situaiton.

Is SafetyWing Nomad insurance the cheapest travel Insurance on the market?

From my research so far, SafetyWing’s Nomad plan is indeed by far one of the most affordable long-term travel insurance options on the market today.

Is SafetyWing Insurance the best travel insurance option for digital nomads?

It’s impossible to say which travel insurance provider is the “best” overall, as it comes down to your own individual needs and situation. However, SafetyWing was created by nomads for nomads, so they definitely know what is important for long-term travelers when it comes to their travel insurance needs. Their customer service team is responsive, their plans are comprehensive and easy to understand, and the price point is wonderful.

Do I need to have a police report if my items were lost or stolen?

Yes, like most travel insurance providers, Safety Wing requires you to file an official police report in the instance of lost or stolen items.

Does SafetyWing Travel Insurance cover my sport or activity?

Travel insurance by SafetyWing does cover a wide range of sports and activities. They do not cover organized athletics or sports or activities performed professionally. They do cover for classes that you sign yourself up for at the gym, lessons with a personal trainer, and sporting activities performed with friends who get together regularly, as long as it is not “organized athletics”.

If you’re a professional athlete or instructor, you’re unfortunately not covered while performing your sport. You’ll be able to find other types of insurance to cover you in these instances.

• Biking – includes touring and organized tours
• Bungee jumping
• Bushwalking up to 4,500 meters
• Camel riding/trekking
• Camping under 4,500 meters
• Canyon swing
• Capoeira dancing
• Clay pigeon shooting
• Cycling under 4,500 meters
• Deep-sea fishing
• Dirt boarding
• Dog sledding (not racing or competing)
• Fell running / walking
• Flying as a passenger
• Football (Soccer)
• Glacier walking up to 4,500 meters
• Gymnastics (only as exercise or for fun; not competitive or organized)
• Hiking up to 4,500 meters
• Horse riding
• Hot air ballooning as a passenger
• Hunting (excluding big game)
• Ice skating (indoor or outdoor)
• Ice climbing up to 4,500 meters
• Jet boating
• Land surfing
• Moped biking except as excluded below
• Motorbiking except as excluded below
• Mountain biking up to 4,500 meters
• Orienteering
• Outdoor endurance except as excluded below
• Paintballing
• Rap jumping
• Rifle range shooting
• Rollerblading
• Roller skating
• Rowing / sculling
• Safari tours
• Sandboarding
• Scuba diving (sub Aqua Pursuits involving underwater breathing apparatus) as long as you are PADI/NAUI/SSI certified, or if you are not certified you are covered for up to 10 meters when accompanied by a certified instructor.
• Sea canoeing
• Sea kayaking
• Skateboarding
• Skiing (only covered for recreational skiing. No cover provided while skiing away from prepared and marked in-bound territories (off piste) and/or against the advice of the local ski school or local authoritative body)
• Sleigh rides
• Snorkelling except as excluded below
• Snow rafting
• Snowboarding (only covered for recreational snowboarding skiing. No cover provided while skiing away from prepared and marked in-bound territories (off piste) and/or against the advice of the local ski school or local authoritative body)
• Soccer (Football)
• Speed boating
• Stand up paddle surfing
• Stilt walking
• Surfing except as excluded below
• Table tennis
• Ten pin bowling
• Trail bike riding
• Trekking up to 4,500 meters
• Tubing on snow
• Ultimate frisbee
• Via ferrata up to 4,500 meters
• Wake skating
• Wakeboarding
• Water skiing
• Weightlifting, cardio and classes at the gym (note that training for or attending a powerlifting competition is excluded.)
• Windsurfing
• Yachting (coastal waters only)
• Yachting (outside coastal waters)
• Yoga (in class or alone)

• All-Terrain Vehicles
• American Football
• Aussie Rules Football
• Aviation (except when traveling solely as a passenger in a commercial aircraft)
• Base Jumping
• Big Game Hunting
• Cave Diving
• Cliff Jumping
• Heli-Skiing
• Heli-gliding
• Hot Air Ballooning as a Pilot
• Kite-Surfing
• Martial Arts
• Motorized Dirt Bikes
• Mountaineering at elevations of 4,500 meters or higher
• Outdoor Endurance Events
• Parachuting
• Parasailing
• Powerlifting (lifting at max weight with the intention of attending a competition)
• Quad Biking
• Racing by any Animal, Motorized Vehicle, or BMX, and Speed Trials and Speedway
• Running with the Bulls
• Skiing off piste (outside prepared and marked in-bound territories) and/or against or against the advice of the local ski school or local authoritative body
• Snowboarding off piste (outside prepared and marked in-bound territories)and/or against or against the advice of the local ski school or local authoritative body
• Sky Surfing
• Snow Mobile
• Sub Aqua Pursuits involving underwater breathing apparatus (unless accompanied by a certified instructor at depths less than 10m, or PADI/NAUI/SSI certified)
• Whitewater Rafting

Final Thoughts on SafetyWing Travel Insurance

Life is truly unpredictable. You’ll never know when you end up sick, have an accident, or bad luck simply strikes. When the worst does happen, it’s a terrible feeling to realize you’re not covered and unprepared to pay for the costs required to seek treatment or help – especially costs that could easily have been avoided with the quick, easy and affordable purchase of travel insurance (such as Nomad Insurance or Remote Benefits by SafetyWing).

Purchasing peace of mind with travel insurance is so very important, whether you’re moving to a new country, working remotely as a freelancer, moving around the world as a digital nomad, or simply spending an extended amount of time abroad.

I hope your future travels are fulfilling, and I hope you’ll never see the day when you actually need to make a claim using your travel insurance!

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Disclaimer: This blog post may include affiliate links. At absolutely no extra cost to you, I may receive a small commission for any purchase made through these links. Any commissions received are very much appreciated, as they help me to be able to continue posting travel blog content free of charge to my lovely readers. Of course, all recommendations are unbiased, and I will always only recommend products and services that I truly believe in. Thank you for your support!

Do you have questions for me about safetywing travel insurance, travel insurance in general, or have feedback on this blog post please feel free to shoot me a comment below; i would love to hear from you.

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SafetyWing Travel Insurance Review: The Best Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads?

Travel insurance is always worth the money, but SafetyWing has a unique offering. In this SafetyWing review, let’s take a look at whether or not this could be the travel insurance coverage for you.

No matter where you plan to go in the world, it’s important to always travel with travel insurance. But when it comes to finding the right policy, it might be challenging to choose between the different travel insurance companies out there. That’s why this SafetyWing travel insurance review will help you to figure out if SafetyWing is the right company for you.

As a newcomer in the travel insurance industry, SafetyWing provides medical and travel insurance for many types of travelers. Whether you’re looking for coverage overseas or back in your home country, SafetyWing might be the best option for your trip.

And if you feel that another travel insurance company would be better suited for you, then we’ll help you decide which one! To compare travel insurance plans, just fill out the form below with the details from your upcoming trip.

Is Travel Insurance Worth it?

When it comes to planning a trip, you might be wondering, “ is travel insurance worth it? ”

Maybe you’ve never gotten sick or had something valuable stolen on vacation, like your passport or smartphone. Or perhaps it’s hard to justify the extra cost of travel insurance on top of already expensive flights and hotels.

Sure, most trips go off without a hitch. But if something does go wrong, you could be stuck paying for thousands of dollars in medical bills or even return flights to get you back home.

The truth is, just because something hasn’t happened in the past doesn’t mean it can’t happen in the future. Accidents can happen anywhere, even for the most experienced of travelers.

And unless you are willing to pay the money to dig yourself out of these accidents, travel insurance is really worth it.

As a rule of thumb, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. So before you step on the plane, make sure you’re protected with a good travel insurance policy!

When to Purchase Travel Insurance

We recommend purchasing travel insurance as soon as you finalize your travel plans. But, generally speaking, you can buy a travel insurance policy anywhere from a few days to a few months before your trip starts.

Some travel insurance policies include trip cancellation coverage, which protects your losses if you can no longer go on your trip. To take advantage of this benefit, you should purchase a plan right after you make your first payment for your flight or hotel. That way, you’ll be fully covered if anything arises before your trip starts.

And if you forget to purchase travel insurance before you leave, then there are a few companies that let you take out a policy once you’re already on the road. SafetyWing , for example, lets you purchase a policy while you’re already traveling.

Who Is SafetyWing?

Before we dive into the specifics in this SafetyWing travel insurance review, let’s take a closer look at this up-and-coming company.

Founded in 2019, Norwegian travelers and entrepreneurs started SafetyWing in the Y Combinator accelerator program. As digital nomads themselves, SafetyWing’s co-founders wanted to create a policy that met the needs of like-minded travelers.

SafetyWing’s primary goal is to provide affordable travel and medical coverage for freelancers, digital nomads and long-term travelers, no matter where they are in the world.

And although SafetyWing is a relatively new company, it still has a reliable reputation. Tokio Marine, one of the largest insurance companies in Japan, backs and handles all claims.

Who Is SafetyWing Travel Insurance for?

SafetyWing is an affordable option for travelers who need emergency services abroad. As part of this SafetyWing travel insurance review, we’ll cover the types of travelers that would benefit most from this policy.

• Budget Long-Term Travelers: Unlike other insurance providers, SafetyWing allows you to travel for as long as you want. You can move around for one or two years and still have complete protection no matter where you go.
• Travelers with an Open Plan: You don’t need to specify the duration of your trip upfront, which makes it ideal for travelers who don’t know how long they’ll be on the road. And besides a few high-risk areas, your one SafetyWing policy covers you in over 180 countries.
• Travelers with Young Children: Your SafetyWing plan includes coverage for one child between the ages of 14 days and 10 years at no additional cost. If your policy includes two adults, then coverage for two children is included.

Who Isn’t SafetyWing Travel Insurance for?

Although there are many benefits to a SafetyWing travel insurance plan, it might not fit the needs for every type of traveler. And as part of this SafetyWing travel insurance review, we believe it’s essential to mention the people who might not benefit from the insurance.

• Travelers Wanting Full Trip Coverage: While SafetyWing includes trip delay, trip interruption and lost checked baggage coverage, it’s missing a few essential travel benefits. This is most noticeably trip cancellation coverage. If you can no longer go on your trip due to an illness or death in the family, you won’t be reimbursed for your flight or accommodation. For expensive vacations or longer trips, this can be a significant disadvantage.
• Travelers with Expensive Electronics: Expensive equipment like laptops, cameras and smartphones are not insured under the SafetyWing policy. If you want to make sure your equipment is protected on your trip, consider a supplemental coverage plan with InsureMyEquipment .
• Adventure Travelers: SafetyWing does not offer coverage for adventure sports like rafting or base-jumping. If you want full protection for these extreme adventures, opt for World Nomads , which includes coverage for over 300 sports and activities.

SafetyWing Travel Insurance Review: SafetyWing Plans

Currently, SafetyWing offers one simple plan for travelers.

This plan comes with a $250,000 maximum limit, meaning SafetyWing will pay a maximum of $250,000 for your coverage period.

There is also a $250 deductible. Essentially, this means that you need to pay $250 out of pocket before your SafetyWing policy takes over. However, this deductible only applies to certain benefits, like medical expenses. All other benefits are not subject to the deductible and must be paid for in full up to the maximum amount.

Safety Wing Travel Insurance Coverage

With SafetyWing, you’re protected against emergency medical treatments up to $100,000, even now during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Emergency Dental Care is also included in your policy. So if you chip your tooth or need to see a dentist urgently, you’ll be covered for an additional $1,000 in dental care.

If your injury requires you to be transported to a hospital, SafetyWing provides $100,000 in medical evacuation. Similarly, you’ll receive $10,000 for evacuation if you need to return home or to the next safest country due to political unrest. And if a natural disaster strikes, the company will reimburse you for $100 toward your accommodation costs per day for five days.

When it comes to trip protection, SafetyWing also offers a few notable benefits. While trip cancellation coverage is not included, SafetyWing does include coverage for trip interruption. So, if you need to return home from your trip early, you’ll be reimbursed up to $5,000 for your one-way air or ground transportation.

And if your trip is delayed, you’ll be reimbursed $100 a day, for a maximum of two days for accommodation or meals. You can also claim up to $3,000 (with a limit of $500 per item) if the airline loses or damages your checked luggage.

As of August 1, 2020, when you sign up for a SafetyWing plan, COVID-19 coverage is automatically included. Otherwise, if you have any active policy, you can choose to upgrade your plan for just a few dollars extra (for four weeks at a time). SafetyWing’s coverage for COVID-19 works the same as it does for other illnesses, as long as the virus wasn’t contracted before your start date. Testing for the virus is only covered if it’s deemed medically necessary by a physician.

Other Benefits to SafetyWing Travel Insurance

Besides the above coverage, SafetyWing also offers a few additional benefits:

• Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Condition: If you experience a sudden outbreak of your pre-existing condition (excludes chronic and congenital conditions), then you can expense up to $250,000 of the maximum limit and $25,000 for medical emergency evacuation.
• Outpatient Physical Therapy: You will receive a maximum of $50 per day if you need to see a physical therapist or chiropractor during your trip.
• Emergency Reunion: If you get injured, emergency reunion coverage will cover up to $50,000 for 15 days for a family member to visit you in the hospital.
• Return of Minor Children: If you are traveling with children and get injured, you will receive up to $5,000 to send them back home.
• Pet Return: You will be reimbursed up to $1,000 if you are traveling with your pet and need to send them back home following something like an injury.
• Border Entry Protection: If you are traveling to the US on a B-2 visa and get denied at the border, you will be reimbursed $500 for return travel arrangements.

SafetyWing Travel Insurance Cost

There are several factors that contribute to the cost of your travel insurance policy, including your age and the length of your travel plans. In addition, you can add coverage in the United States for an extra fee.

In fact, home country coverage is one of the biggest advantages with a SafetyWing travel insurance policy. And for US citizens, this can be an excellent benefit for just a few extra dollars a week.

It’s important to note that, while in your home country, you are only covered for 15 days within a 90 day period. If you live outside the US, then that increases to 30 days.

This is one of the lowest prices for travel insurance we’ve seen, even with coverage in the US.

It’s also good to know that SafetyWing operates on a flexible subscription model. You pay every four weeks, which means you can cancel your plan at any time. This is an excellent option for travelers who don’t necessarily know how long they plan to be overseas.

Plans will automatically renew every four weeks, and you can even sign up once you’re already on your trip.

What’s Included in SafetyWing Travel Insurance?

In this SafetyWing travel insurance review, we’ll explain what benefits are offered with their travel insurance plan. For more information, you should review the official SafetyWing Description of Coverage .

Emergency Medical

If you get sick or injured on your trip, travel insurance will reimburse the cost of any necessary medical expenses or hospital bills. That includes everything from doctor visits and surgeries to ambulance rides and prescriptions.

Testing for the COVID-19 virus is only covered if it’s deemed medically necessary by a physician.

SafetyWing’s emergency medical benefit also includes dental coverage. So if you need to see a dentist because you chipped your tooth or lost your cavity filling, those dental bills will also be covered.

Emergency Medical Evacuation

If you get sick, Emergency Medical Evacuation will cover the costs to transport you safely to a hospital. So if you break your arm in a desert safari or on the top of a mountain, you can be airlifted or driven to the nearest facility under coverage.

In most cases, this only covers transportation to the nearest medical facility. But if the facility is unable to treat your condition, you’ll be sent to the closest qualified hospital.

SafetyWing also provides coverage for non-medical evacuation. If the country you’re visiting experiences political unrest, SafetyWing covers the costs to get you back home or to the nearest safe country.

Repatriation of Remains

Although death is the worst-case scenario on any trip, it’s good to know that you are still protected with SafetyWings travel insurance. In the rare case that you die on your trip, repatriation of remains covers the cost of returning your body to your home country.

Crisis Response

Crisis Response coverage protects you in the rare instance that you get kidnapped on your trip. If this happens, you’ll receive compensation for ransom requests or loss of personal belongings that occur during the kidnapping.

Keep in mind that crisis response coverage does not protect you when traveling in dangerous areas. Some countries, for example, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nigeria, Somalia and Venezuela are not covered.

Accidental Death & Dismemberment

If you get into a major accident on your trip, you’ll be covered for the loss of your limbs, eyes and in the rarest of instances, death.

SafetyWing also includes common carrier accidental death and dismemberment coverage. So if you get injured during your flight or cruise, you can receive reimbursement for your loss.

Personal Liability

Personal liability coverage protects you in case you cause injury or harm to another person, like if you hit someone with your car. This also applies to the other person’s personal belongings or property.

Coverage for this benefit is for both associated costs, as well as legal fees.

Trip Interruption

While you’re traveling, you might encounter a situation that requires you to leave your trip early. With trip interruption coverage, you’ll receive compensation for any unused and non-refundable expenses, such as flights or hotel stays.

It’s important to remember that you only have coverage for a set of defined reasons, as outlined by SafetyWing. Covered reasons include, for example, personal sickness and injury, or death of a family member.

Travel Delay

During your trip, you may encounter a problem that prohibits you from continuing your journey. Maybe your airline cancels your flight back home, or perhaps you lost your passport on the train.

But with travel delay coverage, you’ll receive reimbursement for accommodation and meals until you can continue your trip. Keep in mind that coverage only kicks in if your trip has a delay for over 12 hours and requires an overnight stay.

Lost Checked Luggage

If your airline misplaces or loses your checked luggage, then you’ll be able to claim money for your lost personal items.

However, there are two stipulations with this benefit. For one, you only have coverage if you check-in your luggage, which means that carry-on baggage is not included in this policy.

And, you can only claim up to $500 for each item in your bag. So if you’re traveling with a designer suitcase worth $750, you’ll only get $500 back.

Lost or Stolen Passport

When traveling abroad, you should always keep your passport locked in the hotel safe or safely stored in your backpack the whole time. But if your passport or travel visa goes missing, SafetyWing is there to help you get it back.

You can claim up to $100 for a new passport, which is a great benefit that we don’t see in other travel insurance policies.

Home Country Coverage

Unlike most travel insurance companies, SafetyWing offers supplemental coverage in your home country. If you live in the US, you have protection for 15 days (for every 90 days) that you are back home. And if you live outside the US, you have coverage for up to 30 days.

So if you go back home for the holidays, or simply to visit family and friends, you’re still protected under your SafetyWing policy! However, US citizens might still be required to pay a co-payment when visiting the emergency room or urgent care center.

But to us, this is one of the biggest perks of purchasing a plan with SafetyWing.

What’s Not Covered by SafetyWing Medical Travel Insurance?

Although traveling with SafetyWing has many benefits, there are a few things that the plan does not cover. For this SafetyWint travel insurance review, we will cover the limitations with their plan.

Trip Cancellation

One benefit that is noticeably missing from a SafetyWing policy is coverage for trip cancellation. So if you come down with the flu and can no longer go on your trip, you won’t be reimbursed for any non-refundable flights or hotel stays.

This can be a big issue for anyone who has spent a lot of money on their trip, or for those who have booked their trip far in advance. Without trip cancellation coverage, you’ll have to pay for the entirety of your trip, even if you can’t go.

Several other travel insurance companies provide trip cancellation coverage. For example, World Nomads and Allianz Global Assistance offer trip cancellation coverage to reimburse the costs of your unused trip.

Lost or Stolen Property

Although SafetyWing includes coverage for your checked bag, it’s doesn’t include protection for your other belongings. So if someone steals your wallet on the train or you leave your sunglasses in the hotel, you won’t be able to claim those costs with SafetyWing.

Most other insurance companies, like World Nomads , Travelex , and Allianz Global include coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged property. Even if you don’t plan on traveling with expensive equipment, it still might be important to have a policy that covers your irreplaceable belongings.

Expensive Electronics

Speaking of expensive belongings, coverage for your laptop, iPhone and other electronics is not a part of the SafetyWing travel insurance policy.

So if you’re traveling with electronics, you’ll be better offer purchasing a plan with a higher personal item maximum. We recommend InsureMyEquipment as a supplemental plan for electronic coverage.

Travel to Certain Countries

SafetyWing covers travel to most countries around the world, except for Cuba, Iran and North Korea. And if you get kidnapped in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nigeria, Somalia or Venezuela, you won’t have Crisis Response coverage.

If you plan to travel to a high-risk country, you should consider purchasing a policy with First Allied travel insurance. They offer protection for travelers visiting conflict and war zones in the Middle East, South America and Africa.

Pre-Existing Conditions and Preventative Care

While SafetyWing provides coverage for sicknesses and injuries, it does not cover you for any pre-existing conditions like chronic or congenital issues. And like most insurance policies, SafetyWing does not offer coverage for preventative care, such as a routine check-up with your doctor.

SafetyWing’s look-back period for pre-existing conditions is two years, which is longer than most other company policies. That means you cannot claim an insurance expense if you received your diagnosis in the last two years.

But with Allianz Global Assistance or Travelex , you may qualify for a waiver that covers pre-existing conditions during your trip.

Extreme Sports

SafetyWing has limited coverage for extreme sports and activities. So if you plan on paragliding, rafting, or even playing a game of soccer on your trip, you won’t be covered in case you get injured.

But if you plan to do anything adventurous, we recommend purchasing a policy with World Nomads . They cover over 300 extreme sports and activities, including surfing, bungee-jumping and mountain biking.

Pros and Cons of SafetyWing

• Cost: SafetyWing is by far, the most affordable travel insurance plan on the market today. At only $37/4 weeks, you’ll have a hard time finding something cheaper.
• Home Country Coverage: If you plan to return home to visit family and friends, you’ll still be covered under a SafetyWing travel insurance policy. You’ll have to pay an extra cost, but this is one of the biggest benefits that we haven’t seen before.
• Unlimited Travel: With SafetyWing travel insurance, you pay each month on a subscription model basis. There’s no cap on the duration of your trip. On top of that, your policy will automatically renew each month until you decide to cancel.
• COVID-19 Coverage: SafetyWing includes COVID-19 coverage.
• No Trip Cancellation Coverage: If you can’t go on your trip due to sickness or death of a family member, you’ll want trip cancellation protection to reimburse those unused expenses. Without trip cancellation coverage, you will have to pay for your flight and accommodation out of pocket.
• No Personal Belongings Coverage:  Petty theft can be a major issue, no matter where you are in the world. If you lose or damage something, you can’t file a claim for reimbursement with SafetyWing.
• Lack of Flexibility: SafetyWing only has one plan to choose from, without the option to customize it. There are other insurance companies, like Allianz Global or Travelex , that offer multiple plans for different types of travelers.

SafetyWing vs. Allianz vs. Travelex vs. World Nomads

Choosing the right travel insurance provider doesn’t have to be a difficult task. While there are dozens of companies in the industry, each one offers different plans and benefits for different types of travelers. And in this SafetyWing travel insurance review, we will compare SafetyWing’s policies with three other providers:

Allianz Global Assistance

World nomads.

As a subsection of Allianz SE, Allianz Global Assistance provides travel insurance for short and long-term travelers. The biggest difference between Allianz and SafetyWing is the number of policy options. Depending on your travel needs, Allianz offers nine different plans, ranging from budget one-trip plans to comprehensive multi-trip plans.

Cost is another differentiating factor. SafetyWing’s policy is $37 for four weeks, no matter where you go, or how many countries you plan to visit. But a one-month trip with the OneTrip Basic Plan, Allianz’s cheapest policy, will cost you at least $125.

On top of that, the OneTrip Basic only provides up to $10,000 in emergency medical coverage and $50,000 for emergency evacuations. SafetyWing, on the other hand, comes with $100,000 coverage for both medical and emergency evacuation. For the price, SafetyWing is a better deal if you’re looking for a comprehensive emergency medical policy.

But if you’re looking for extensive trip coverage, Allianz is the better option. SafetyWing does not include trip cancellation or lost and stolen property coverage (besides checked luggage) with their plan.

If you are looking for a flexible policy with plenty of add-ons and benefits, then Travelex is an excellent option. They offer upgrades for pre-existing conditions, rental car protection, and cancel-for-any-reason coverage.

With Travelex , you can also add coverage for adventure sports, which is missing from SafetyWing and Allianz Global Assistance policies.

The price for the most basic Travelex plan is just a few dollars more than a plan with SafetyWing. However, SafetyWing comes with a higher maximum for medical emergency and trip interruption coverage. On the other hand, Travelex offers lost and stolen baggage protection, along with trip cancellation coverage.

You can read our full Travelex insurance review for more info.

Created for backpackers and travelers, World Nomads is one of the biggest names in the travel insurance industry. It is a bit more customizable in comparison to SafetyWing by offering two plans instead of one.

Both plans with World Nomads come with $100,000 in emergency medical coverage, which is identical to the plan with SafetyWing. And, World Nomad’s most basic plan also comes with $300,000 in emergency evacuation and $2,500 in trip cancellation.

One of the most significant benefits with a World Nomads travel insurance policy is the coverage for adventure sports. World Nomads covers over 300 different activities, including dog sledding, hot air ballooning and even cage fighting!

But if the cost is a factor in your decision, then SafetyWing is the more affordable option. The cheapest one-month plan with World Nomads is almost three times more expensive than a plan with SafetyWing.

For a full breakdown, check out our comparison of SafetyWing vs. World Nomads .

How to File an Insurance Claim with SafetyWing

As part of this SafetyWing travel insurance review, we’ll explain how to file a claim if you encounter any incidents on your trip. Once you submit your request, you’ll receive compensation for any medical bills or expenses incurred on your trip.

But most importantly, don’t forget that you only have 60 days from the incident to file a claim with SafetyWing. And if the claims department needs additional documentation or information, you’ll need extra time to re-file. So, the sooner you file, the better!

Document the Incident or Accident

The first step, which is arguably the most critical step, is to collect any receipts and documents related to the incident. This is crucial information to have when filing a claim with your insurance company.

For instance, if you were in the hospital, you’ll need to save your medical reports and hospital bills. And if you lost your check-in luggage, you’ll need a detailed report from the airlines.

Remember, it’s your responsibility to collect this information from the right authorities. You’ll need as much information as possible to prove that you deserve reimbursement from SafetyWing.

Fill out the Claimant’s Statement

Once you have all your documents, you will need to complete the SafetyWing Claimant’s Statement . You will need to fill out your personal information as well as specific details about the incident. Complete this form electronically or by hand.

Submit Your Claim

Your last step is to submit the claimant’s statement and supporting documents to SafetyWing for reimbursement. You can send your claim by email to [email protected] . Or, you can print it out and mail it to the following address:

After SafetyWing receives your documents, they will send you a confirmation email where you can track the progress of the claim. Generally speaking, the processing time takes an average of eight weeks.

Final Thoughts on SafetyWing Travel Insurance

As you now know, there are plenty of benefits with a SafetyWing travel insurance policy. We hope this SafetyWing travel insurance review helps you decide if SafetyWing is the best option for your trip.

Although SafetyWing provides decent coverage in a variety of areas, they plan on launching more features down the line. That includes adding different deductible and payout options, as well as coverage upgrades for electronics and adventure sports.

Because of these new features, we’re excited to see what the future has in store for SafetyWing .

So, if you’re looking for comprehensive medical coverage, for one of the lowest prices on the market, SafetyWing might be the best company for you.

SafetyWing FAQs

Is safety wing legitimate.

Yes, SafetyWing is a legitimate company for travel insurance.

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is a protection policy that covers you in a variety of unexpected situations that might occur while traveling.

Is travel insurance necessary?

With travel insurance, you’ll be ready to tackle every type of travel mishap that comes your way. And just for this peace of mind alone, travel insurance is really worth it!

What should travel insurance cover?

Comprehensive travel insurance should cover trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost or stolen property, medical emergencies, and emergency evacuation

Does SafetyWing cover stolen items?

Yes, depending on the policy you pick, SafetyWing has coverage for stolen items.

Jeremy Scott Foster

Nice review on Safetywing, good stuff. I have researched them too and consider them a great insurer overall, though far from perfect still. We’re collecting and have collected a ton of user reviews for them and most are positive.

Thanks, Karen! I’m still searching for that perfect insurer, but SafetyWing definitely does a decent job and, IMO, ranks as one of the best currently on the market. I have high hopes for some new products that are launching soon.

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SafetyWing Insurance Review: Ideal For Nomads

SafetyWing is a $37 monthly travel & medical insurance plan with impressive emergency medical and dental coverage, $3,000 of lost luggage coverage and a $250,000 maximum limit.

In other words, it offers the best value of any travel and medical insurance plan on the planet.

Sign up for SafetyWing today.

What Is SafetyWing Insurance?

The brainchild of three Norwegians living in Silicon Valley, SafetyWing is 2018’s answer to travel and medical insurance. In SafetyWing’s words, they’re building the “global safety net for online freelancers and entrepreneurs.” It’s the future of travel and medical insurance for frequent travelers and digital nomads alike.

SafetyWing covers unexpected illnesses and injuries sustained abroad, including expenses for hospitals, doctors and prescription drugs. It also covers emergency travel-related benefits such as emergency medical evacuation, emergency dental treatment, travel delay/interruption and lost luggage. It even offers coverage in your home country, perfect for the frequent traveler who still likes to visit home once in a while. Americans have 15 days of home country coverage for every 90 days of their policy, while everyone else gets 30 days of home country coverage for every 90 days of their policy.

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SafetyWing’s policy excludes the same things as just about every other travel medical insurance policy: cancer treatment, pre-existing conditions (though it does include the acute onset of those pre-existing conditions) and routine check-ups.

SIGN UP FOR SAFETYWING

How much does safetywing cost.

Just like all insurance policies, the price of SafetyWing depends on your age. And as you can see, if you plan to spend any time in the USA, the price approximately doubles.

Since SafetyWing is billed monthly, these prices are constant whether your policy lasts for one month or an entire year.

How Is SafetyWing So Cheap?

Just like N26, which is using seriously smart technology to shake up the world of banking, SafetyWing employs modern thinking to shake up insurance.

Their $37/month plan is made possible in three major ways:

• No middlemen : SafetyWing cuts out the middlemen by eliminating agents and selling insurance directly to the consumer.
• A single policy : While most insurance companies offer dozens of different overlapping policies, SafetyWing only sells one policy, which allows them to streamline their back-end processes and offer that policy at a much lower cost.
• A focus on fairness : If even one customer bills their cancer treatments to SafetyWing at $10,000 a pop, that means every other customer has to pay for them through higher fees. SafetyWing avoids this cost asymmetry by excluding high-cost, highly specific items like cancer treatment from its policy entirely, while still providing coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions. The healthy don’t need to overpay for the sick any longer.

What Does SafetyWing Cover?

There are the highlights of SafetyWing’s policy :

*SafetyWing’s policy has a maximum limit of $250,000, which means they won’t pay out more than $250,000 in any single coverage period. The items with no limit listed above are also subject to this $250,000 maximum limit.

SafetyWing Vs. World Nomads Vs. N26

Most digital nomads and frequent travelers are familiar with World Nomads’ insurance plans.

And if you’re really savvy, you know that N26 offers some pretty impressive insurance on their N26 Black and N26 Metal cards, too.

So here are the highlights of how N26 and World Nomads stack up against SafetyWing, using a healthy 30-year-old from New York as our example. The green boxes indicate which policy offers the best coverage for that particular item:

*The SafetyWing and World Nomads prices are actually for a period of 28 days, though I’ll assume they’re monthly prices here for simplicity’s sake. **If a deductible amount is not listed, that means there is no deductible for that item.

You probably notice an interesting trend in the above table: either SafetyWing or N26 is the best in every single item category.

As a result, I want to introduce a new option:

The SafetyWing & N26 Combo

SafetyWing and N26 both have really impressive insurance offerings.

Yet each of them leave you with a few gaps.

That’s why I recommend getting both a SafetyWing insurance policy and an N26 Black or Metal card to ensure you’re more than covered in every scenario.

To show you what I mean, I’ve combined the two columns of the above chart to show you what a SafetyWing + N26 insurance plan looks like:

Are you starting to see why I’m so excited about this combination?

Scenario Planning

If you’re still not convinced on why combining SafetyWing and N26 is the best option for digital nomads and frequent travelers, let’s run through a few scenarios to see how each of these companies would respond. In each scenario, assume you’re a healthy 30-year-old traveler from New York.

Scenario 1: Emergency Dental Treatment

You’re hit by a car while crossing the street and need to see a dentist immediately.

Winner: SafetyWing Runner-Up: N26

Scenario 2: Getting Mugged

You touch down in a new country, grab $600 from the ATM and head downtown.

It’s late, and your taxi drops you off a few streets from your hotel, but you don’t mind—it gives you a quick chance to explore the neighborhood.

But before you know it, four men appear out of nowhere and knock you to the ground. You resist, but there are simply too many of them. Within a few seconds, they take off with your iPhone, wallet and MacBook.

Winner: N26 Runner-Up: World Nomads

Scenario 3: Lost Baggage

Your airline loses your checked baggage, which had your MacBook, iPad, DSLR camera, drone, and other valuable items inside. After several weeks of keeping you in limbo, the airline finally admits that your bag is irretrievably lost.

Scenario 4: Personal Liability Insurance

The mailman slips on the icy sidewalk in front of your house, breaks his arm and decides to sue you. While backing your car out of the driveway, you bump into and kill the neighbor’s 100-year-old tree. You accidentally cause some damage to the lobby of the hotel where you’re staying in Paris. Let’s assume any of these three scenarios run up a bill of $10,000.

Personal Liability Insurance – A Major SafetyWing Bonus

Personal liability insurance is what protects you when you make a mistake, or simply when something goes wrong in an area you’re responsible for like your home.

And as you can see in Scenario 4, having personal liability coverage can make a big, big difference.

Personal liability insurance doesn’t normally come with travel or travel medical insurance packages, so the fact that SafetyWing has included it is a huge bonus.

The Weaknesses of SafetyWing

I dug deep into the policies of SafetyWing, World Nomads, N26 and other more traditional insurance providers, and there was only one real drawback I could find with SafetyWing: their weak travel delay insurance offering.

Everything else—from their emergency medical coverage to trip interruption insurance to an extremely generous lost baggage policy—was actually really impressive.

But here’s the thing: when you combine SafetyWing with N26, the weak travel delay insurance disappears.

Why? Because N26’s travel delay coverage is really, really good.

Up to €5,000 ($5,700) for a canceled or interrupted trip, and up to €400 ($450) if your travels are delayed by more than 4 hours.

Aside from that, there are only two other smaller things: lost/stolen items and the adventure sports they’ve chosen to exclude.

To ensure I had all of the details 100% correct, I spoke with SafetyWing’s core team in writing this review, and they told me that in Q1 of 2019, they’ll be launching a new, more advanced insurance offering that covers things like theft and the rest of the adventure sports they currently exclude.

This new plan will cost a bit more than their current $37/month plan, but it will also have a maximum coverage limit of $1 million (compared to $250,000 currently), an extra bit of peace of mind for the concerned traveler.

These are just further reasons to combine SafetyWing with your N26 card. As you saw in Scenario 2 above, the N26 policy took the best care of its users after they were mugged.

The Ideal SafetyWing User

If you meet these three criteria, SafetyWing is built specifically for you:

• Non-USA : You can definitely still be American as long as most of your travels in a given year take place outside of the United States.
• Non-Gear Junkies : You don’t travel with lots of expensive equipment. By expensive equipment, I don’t mean a MacBook, an iPhone and some Bose noise-cancelling headphones—these are exactly the type of people SafetyWing is built for. I’m talking about top-of-the-line photography equipment, professional-grade drones and other electronics worth $5,000 or more per piece.
• Non-Thrill Seekers : Again, I’m not talking about things like surfing and rock climbing here—those are all covered by SafetyWing. I’m talking about serious thrill seekers, people that are heli-skiing, base jumping and piloting their own hot air balloons. See page 19 of SafetyWing’s policy for a full list of sports and activities they don’t cover (if you don’t consider yourself a true thrill seeker, you probably don’t need to read the list).

How To Find A Medical Provider While Abroad (A.K.A. What To Do In An Emergency)

SafetyWing has made finding an insured provider as easy as typing in your location on their website.

Just log in to SafetyWing.com, select “Find Hospital or Doctor” from the main menu and search their worldwide network of qualified doctors, hospitals and specialists for the nearest one to you. ( Note: You do need to log in to see their list of providers, though you can see the list before buying a plan.)

When you arrive, show the doctor or nurse your SafetyWing ID (it’s a digital card in your online profile). Sometimes, though not always, they’ll send your bill directly to SafetyWing and its insurance providers.

Once you submit your Claimant’s Statement to explain what happened, you’re all set.

Since I’m in Bangkok as I write this (yes, I’m a digital nomad myself), I did a quick search on SafetyWing.com to see what providers are available in Bangkok. There are fourteen providers in total, including Bumrungrad International, which is regularly named one of the top ten hospitals in the world on both service quality and technology.

Then I searched for Toronto, my hometown, to see what’s available there. As expected, all of the major hospitals—Mount Sinai, Princess Margaret, St. Joseph’s, Toronto General, and even Sick Kids—are all there. The award-winning Bochner Eye Institute, recognized as one of Canada’s top eye care facilities, is also on the list.

How To Sign Up For SafetyWing

• Go to the SafetyWing website here and click Sign me up in the top-right. You don’t need any promo/coupon code or invitation code to get the $37/month plan – everyone has access to that.
• Click Register , and then sign up using your email address or Facebook account. Enter the basic personal information (name, country of residence) and you’re all set! You’ve successfully signed up for SafetyWing.

SafetyWing FAQs

How to cancel safetywing insurance.

Canceling your SafetyWing subscription is as easy as canceling your Spotify subscription: simply login to their website and click Cancel . If you cancel your subscription partway through the month, it will remain active until the end of the month that you’ve already paid for.

How Do You File An Emergency Claim With SafetyWing?

Dial the phone number for your local representative as shown in this list here (I recommend saving this file and keeping it in an easy-to-find place while you’re traveling).

If you can’t reach your local representative, call their global office at +1-317-262-2132.

When asked for your account code, dial 911411# . The agent that picks up will instruct you on how to proceed.

If you need to file a medical claim, you can either do it online by emailing this form to [email protected] or by mailing the original bill and payment receipts to this address:

Tokio Marine HCC – MIS Group P.O. Box 2005 Farmington Hills, MI, USA 48333-2005

All claims must be filed within 60 days of when the insurance period ends.

Where Can You Travel With SafetyWing Insurance?

SafetyWing is valid in every country worldwide except for North Korea and Iran.

Do I Qualify For SafetyWing?

Yes! The only real qualification for joining SafetyWing is that you spend most of your time outside of your home country. That means SafetyWing is appropriate for people in any of these situations, and more:

• Digital nomads and frequent travelers who spend 10 months or more outside of their home country annually
• Expats living abroad
• Foreign workers living and working in another country

Why Should You Trust SafetyWing? Is SafetyWing A Scam?

Don’t just take my word for it.

SafetyWing took part in the Winter 2018 cohort of Y Combinator , the Silicon Valley-based startup accelerator that’s known to be the best in the world. That means they’re joining the likes of Airbnb, Dropbox and Reddit as Y Combinator graduate companies.

On top of the Y Combinator blessing, SafetyWing has also raised about $500,000 from investors like NordicVest Angels, the Norwegian Investment Authority and other individual investors. Their founders do hail from Norway, after all.

On the insurance side, SafetyWing has hired senior insurance experts with 30+ years of industry experience to set up their plans. They’ve partnered with the worldwide insurance giant Tokio Marine for all of their plans, which are underwritten by Lloyd’s. One of their founders (Hans Kjellby) is also a lawyer, which doesn’t hurt in this industry.

What Should Americans Know About SafetyWing?

Since the United States’ healthcare system is much more expensive than anywhere else in the world, there are two key things Americans need to know about using SafetyWing:

• SafetyWing Is Not More Expensive For Americans : Unlike many insurance providers—World Nomads being a perfect example—SafetyWing charges Americans exactly what they charge everyone else: $37/month.
• Americans Receive Less Home Country Coverage : Americans only receive 15 days of home country coverage for every 90 days of their policy, which is half of what citizens of every other country receive. This isn’t an issue if you’re like many nomads and only spend a few weeks at home each year.
• SafetyWing Is Not Eligible For The Affordable Care Act : It’s worth noting that SafetyWing does not qualify for available coverage under the Affordable Care Act, so if that’s your primary reason for signing up, you’ll have to look elsewhere. However, for anyone living and working in the United States but not holding a United States passport (ie. foreign workers from Mexico, Canada or anywhere else), SafetyWing might just be the most affordable healthcare option out there.

What Are The Major Differences Between SafetyWing And World Nomads?

• SafetyWing Is 1/3 The Cost : SafetyWing costs one-third of World Nomads. Normally with a price difference like this, you’d expect to see some serious deficiencies in SafetyWing’s coverage, but there actually aren’t. I’ve already explained what I believe is SafetyWing’s one major deficiency, but all things considered, it offers an even better policy for a third of the cost of World Nomads.
• SafetyWing Gives You More Flexibility : SafetyWing uses a monthly subscription model (ie. you pay per month and can cancel whenever you want, just like Spotify) while World Nomads, and just about every other insurance provider out there, requires you to take out a policy of predetermined length. Insurance companies love fixed policies, since they a) receive a large chunk of money from their customers upfront, and b) are generally nonrefundable if your 6-month trip ends after 3 months. SafetyWing throws all this out the window and opts for the simplicity and fairness of a monthly subscription.

4 thoughts on “SafetyWing Insurance Review: Ideal For Nomads”

I find this insurance poor compared to some of the Annual Multi Trip Insurance on the market. I use one that costs me 53 GBP per annum, and guarantees up to 2.5 M GBP medical cost… Yours is 5 times more expensive ?

Hi Cyril, what’s the name of the insurance plan you’re using? Can you link us to it? Thanks.

Nice review on Safetywing, good stuff. I have researched them too and consider them a great insurer overall, though far from perfect still. We’re collecting and have collected a ton of user reviews for them and most are positive.

It’s not clear to me how is Safetywing any better than N26 metal which seems to cover the same things and is much cheaper. Could you please clarify?

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SafetyWing: A Review of an Upstart Travel Insurance Company

Budget travelers love saving money — myself included. But one of the expenses that we shouldn’t be cheap with is travel insurance .

After over 15 years of traveling the world, I still never leave home without it.

Because I’ve seen firsthand how useful it can be — and how much money it can save.

I’ve lost baggage, had my camera broken, and even needed emergency medical help over the years.

Travel insurance has been there for me each time. Not only has it saved me money but it’s provided me with peace of mind as I explore.

I’ve written extensively over the years about why you need insurance , how to pick the right company , and listed my preferred providers .

Today, I want to talk about my favorite travel insurance company: SafetyWing .

Table of Contents

Who is SafetyWing?

What does safetywing cover, what’s not covered, nomad health: coverage for digital nomads and long-term travelers, making a claim, a note about covid, pros and cons of safetywing, who is safetywing good — and not good for.

In 2018, a new insurance company emerged: SafetyWing . It is a fully remote Norwegian start-up based in California that focuses on coverage for budget travelers and digital nomads (though you don’t have to be either to get coverage). It is run by nomads and expats who know exactly what such travelers need.

SafetyWing offers basic insurance plans (called “Nomad Insurance”) for a fraction of what other companies charge, although they are also less comprehensive. To me, they are the best overall travel insurance company out there.

Their standard Nomad Insurance coverage costs just $56.28 USD for 4 weeks (for travelers aged 10-39). That’s one of the lowest prices out there for reliable travel insurance. Up until 2024, they also charged a $250 USD deductible when you make a claim. This deductible is no longer charged, which makes SafetyWing even more affordable.

Their coverage extends all the way to age 69, however, travelers aged 60-69 should expect to pay upwards of $196 USD per month for coverage.

And while their base price jumps to $104.44 USD for coverage if you include travel to the US (again for travelers aged 10-39), that’s still cheaper than a lot of the competition.

But is the coverage actually good? What about the customer service?

Today I want to review Safety Wing and talk about when it is — and isn’t — worth using so you can better prepare for your next trip and ensure you have the coverage you need.  

SafetyWing’s standard Nomad Insurance plan is the “Nomad” plan. It’s just $45.08 USD for four weeks of travel (outside the US). That works out to just $1.50 USD per day.

For travelers under age 64, that plan includes the following:

• $250,000 USD in emergency medical coverage
• $1,000 USD for emergency dental care
• $100,000 USD for medical evacuation ($25,000 USD if the cause of medical evacuation is acute onset of pre-existing condition)
• $10,000 USD for an evacuation due to political upheaval
• $5,000 USD for a trip interruption
• Up to $200 USD for a travel delay
• $12,500–25,000 USD for death or dismemberment
• $20,000 USD for repatriation of remains

Be sure to check the description of coverage for any conditions that apply.

SafetyWing covers the basics. Its $100,000 USD for medical evacuation is on the low end, but unless you’re heading out into the remote wilderness, that should be fine. (If you want higher coverage, get MedJet .)

Moreover, its travel-delay payout is pretty low, but airlines and most travel credit cards provide travel delay assistance too so you might not even need the coverage offered by SafetyWing. Additionally, it doesn’t really cover expensive electronics, which sucks if you have a pricey camera or video gear.

As with most standard travel insurance plans, this one doesn’t include pre-existing conditions or certain adventure sports, so it’s not a good policy if you’re going to do a lot of adventure activities on the road.

You can read their description of coverage here.  

Nomad Insurance is primarily geared towards covering medical emergencies and basic travel mishaps (like delays and lost luggage). Here are some things that aren’t covered:

• Alcohol- or drug-related incidents.
• Extreme sports & adventure activities (including boxing, ruby, parachuting, parasailing, whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, and more)
• Pre-existing conditions or general check-ups
• Trip cancellation
• Lost or stolen cash

In 2023, SafetyWing launched Nomad Health . It’s insurance for digital nomads, remote workers, and long-term travelers. This new plan offers a mix of the standard emergency coverage that we’ve been discussing above along with “regular” health care coverage, such as routine visits and preventive care.

Nomad health also offers coverage in 175 countries, includes wellness benefits, mental health care, and the ability for individuals choose their own doctor while traveling.

It’s like the kind of health insurance you’d find in your home country, ensuring that you’re looked after no matter what happens while you’re abroad.

Nomad Health has three tiers: Standard, Premium, and Premium Plus, with the premium tiers offering a few extra perks. You can learn more and compare the plans here .

If you’re just heading out for a couple weeks or a couple months, SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance is the option for you. It’s perfect for emergencies, is super affordable, and is designed for budget travelers.

However, if you’re going to be working abroad or traveling for months (or years), then their new Nomad Health plan is the better option. It offers much more coverage while still being affordable (prices start at just $125 USD per month). In fact, it’s the plan I wish I had when I started traveling!  

SafetyWing makes it easy to file a claim through their online portal. You just upload all the required documents, screenshots, and photos, and wait to hear back. While claims can take up to 45 business days, most are handled in less than a week (as of writing, the average wait time is four days).

If you read the reviews online, most people who had a negative experience either didn’t know about the deductible (SafetyWing has since removed their deductible as of 2024) or hated the length of time it took to get paid. But that’s pretty normal for people to complain about.

On the plus side, as of 2024, SafetyWing’s average time to handle a claim is down to just four days. That’s way faster than most companies!  

SafetyWing does include coverage for COVID-19. As long as the virus was not contracted before your plan starts, then it will be covered (as long as it is medically necessary).

SafetyWing also covers quarantine costs (outside your home country) for up to $50 USD/day for 10 days (provided that you’ve had your plan for at least 28 days).  

Here’s a look that he pros and cons of SafetyWing at a glance to help you decide if it’s the best insurance provider for you and your trip:

SafetyWing is designed as mainly medical coverage. Since SafetyWing is designed for the budget-conscious digital nomad, it doesn’t cover some areas that might be more of a priority for a shorter-term traveler. Here’s a quick chart to help you decide if SafetyWing is right for you:

Travel insurance is something I never leave home without. I know it’s a boring topic to read about and research, but it can literally save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in bills! I never, ever leave home without it. You shouldn’t either.

So, the next time, you’re on the road, consider SafetyWing . To me, they are the best travel insurance company out there for budget travelers.

You can use the booking widget below to get a quote (it’s free):

For a comparison with other travel insurance companies, check out this post that lists my five favorite travel insurance companies , along with their pros and cons.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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SafetyWing Review: Great Travel and Nomad Insurance for ~$1 A Day

I live for adventure and travel.  Along the way I hope for the best, and plenty of luck, but let’s be honest – accidents happen.  The best I can do is be prepared so that when something finally does go wrong, handling it is as quick and easy as possible.  Maintaining travel insurance, with emergency medical coverage, evacuation coverage, and perks for my trips is the first line of defense against travel mishaps, and something I adamantly recommend.  Now, thanks to SafetyWing travel insurance coverage for only ~$1 per day, any traveler can wander with a great safety net, regardless of how tight their budget is.

In this SafetyWing travel insurance review, you’ll discover why every traveler should stay covered while they wander and why SafetyWing is an excellent option I recommend…and use myself to stay safe while adventuring hard. Cheap, reliable, and convenient

Note: This article may contain affiliate links

SafetyWing Travel Insurance Review

• Claims Process
• Customer Support
• Global Availability

SafetyWing is an excellent, budget insurance options for travelers that, only ~$1 per day, offers emergency medical , trip insurances, and the coverages we need to adventure well without breaking the bank.  A convenient, recurring subscription model, easy signup, and straight forward claims process makes this a great, affordable travel insurance option for backpackers, budget travelers, and digital nomads wandering the world.

Rating Breakdown:

• Price: 5/5 – Cheaper than most other travel insurance options
• Coverage: 5/5 – Adequate coverage limits for emergency medical, evacuation, baggage, adventures and more
• Claims Process: 3/5 – Easily done via email and processing filled out and scanned forms
• Customer Support: 3/5 – Available 24/7 via email or phone with processing being constantly improved (reputation over the long term is still being assessed)
• Global Availability: 5/5 – Covered issues can be treated at any hospital, with in-network hospitals available for direct payment

User Review

Safetywing travel insurance review: 4.4/5.

SafetyWing is an excellent, budget insurance options for travelers that, only ~$1 per day, offers emergency medical , trip insurances, and the coverages we need to adventure well without breaking the bank.  A convenient, recurring subscription model with low monthly payments (~$40), easy signup, and straight forward claims process makes this a great, affordable travel insurance option for backpackers, budget travelers, and digital nomads wandering the world.

CONTENTS OF THIS SAFETYWING REVIEW

Quick safetywing insurance review.

• What is SafetyWing: Travel Insurance for ~$1 Per Day
• Why You Need Travel Insurance (From A Backpacker Who Always Avoided It…)
• What SafetyWing Covers…and What It Doesn’t
• Pros & Cons of SafetyWing
• Price for SafetyWing Travel Insurance
• Who Is SafetyWing Best For: Nomads, Backpackers, and Budget Travelers
• The Quick Bottom Line of this SafetyWing Review

Full Safetywing Review

• How to Signup for SafetyWing
• How to Use SafetyWing (Treatment & Claims)
• The Fine Print
• SafetyWing Reviews from Other Travelers: What Others Are Saying
• SafetyWing vs. World Nomads: Which Is Better for You?
• Other Great Travel Insurance Companies
• SafetyWing FAQ

Traveling adventurously (like everyone should) is inherently risky as it gets better.  Whether you’re trekking through the Himalayas, diving through the Philippines, or eating street food in Bangkok, travel insurance is a must to make sure you’re covered during accidents without breaking the bank and disrupting your travels. 

Unfortunately, most travel insurance is pricey, and some travelers skip the coverage when they really should get it – ultimately putting their adventure, budget, and life at risk.  Until now.  SafetyWing is a new travel insurance option that offers emergency medical coverage and a host of other benefits for just $1 a day. In this SafetyWing insurance review, I’ll explain why SafetyWing may (or may not) be great for you, and share some tips for getting the most from your coverage

In my years of traveling, I’ve seen all kinds of accidents, from trekkers getting helicoptered out of the Himilayas due to altitude sickness to a friend having rabies ridden bat fly right into his mouth, and countless stomach bugs requiring antibiotics and antiparasitics. Even worse (and more adventurous), more than 90% of my travelers friends that have been to Southeast Asia have crashed a motorbike. 

As travelers and backpackers, regardless of how bulletproof we think we are, there is always the possibility of an accident or medical emergency that costs much more than we anticipated. 

This doesn’t mean we should adventure less (we should always go further!) , this just means we should be prepared.

In this SafetyWing review, I’ll share why this budget-friendly travel insurance coverage might be the perfect emergency tool for travelers on tight budgets – protecting you from the inevitable without burning your hard-earned cash, and leaving more spare change for those beachside coconuts to come.

WHAT IS SAFETYWING:  TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR NOMADS FOR ~$1 PER DAY

Safetywing is a new, popular option among travel insurance companies for emergency health insurance and travel insurance while wandering abroad. 

The coverage is much cheaper than other options, at ~$1 per day, and works based on a subscription model, renewing your travel medical insurance every 30 days until you cancel.

In my experience, the signup process is quick, easy, and simple, all handled online via the SafetyWing website.

SAFETYWING TIPS UP FRONT

• Keep your SafetyWing ID card on you to present at the hospital for insurance verification – bearing your policy number and SafetyWing claims contact info
• Use the “In-Network” hospitals when possible (found in the menu logged in, in the upper right) to allow for direct payment – but know you can go to any hospital
• Beware of what is not covered, like pre existing conditions, or any injuries sustained while intoxicated, reckless, or engaging in an activity without proper protection (think lifeguards and helmets)

WHY YOU NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE: FOR THOSE UNEXPECTED MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

For the first year of traveling, I wandered pretty hard without international health insurance, nomad insurance, or comprehensive health insurance of any kind.  Considering my adventures, that was a big risk.  I motorbiked through Vietnam and Laos , trekked solo to Everest Base Camp , snorkeled with hammerhead sharks in the Galapagos Islands and ate things I couldn’t pronounce everywhere I went. 

Delilah (my motorbike) and I crossing a large river in north Vietnam on one of the best adventures of my life, with travel insurance as my safety net.

My original plan, instead of purchasing coverage from a traveler focused emergency health insurance company, was to save the $100 to $200 per month I would have spent on sufficient coverage and set that aside to spend in the event of an accident. Though this tactic might hold reasonable for a small dog bite or scrape from surfing or a small motorbike spill, generally costing between $50 and a few hundred dollars, I soon learned that the accidents we should aim to cover can not only break the bank, but also put us in debt.

From experience, I observed a friendcrash a motorbike and immediately require $5000 worth of care in the first 24 hours – and that was in Indonesia, a low cost health location. Another friend suffered a liver infection that required a Life flight back to Europe, and the flight alone cost ~$25,000. Even closer to home, I observed a hiker on the Everest Base Camp trek getting an emergency airlift to lower elevation due to altitude sickness and brain swelling, and I later learned the price for that flight on the cheap side is $3,000, with $5,000 to $10,000 being much more possible and likely.

In my 4 years of travel I’ve observed countless close calls of my own – surfing and bouncing off reefs, barely dropping motorcycles down mountains, and near misses with infections and food poisoning. More convincing though is the high number of travelers I’ve seen with much worse situations, from being bitten by rabies ridden dogs, to getting toes and fingers amputated after accidents, to taking very intense spills motorbiking, hiking, and surfing, for which a hospital visit would drain the travel budget very quickly. That is why emergency health insurance is a must for travelers.

Luckily nothing ever went wrong medically for me – but more than 90% of traveler friends have all crashed a motorbike during their Asia travels.  One of my friends had to be helicoptered off the Everest Base Camp Trek due to altitude sickness, while another picked up a staph infection on the trek that she was treating for months after the trek.  Another friend spent $1000 getting tested to find out which type of parasite she picked up in Bali.

All of these incidents were unexpected and would have been very costly if they hadn’t been covered by one of the good travel insurance companies – which is exactly why you should have some form of emergency medical coverage when adventuring outside of your home country.

THE 4 MAIN REASONS YOU NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE WHENEVER YOU WANDER INTERNATIONALLY

• Your home country health insurance may not cover you while abroad
• Mishaps abroad can cost much more than expected
• Situations requiring life flights, evacuations, and cash payments can equate to life or death  situations – having good travel insurance ensures the “life” outcome as much as possible
• Other perks: Delayed flight coverage, delayed and lost bags coverage

YOUR HOME COUNTRY HEALTH INSURANCE MAY NOT COVER YOU WHILE ABROAD

Confirm with your home country’s health insurance provider, but some locations outside of your home country won’t be covered.  This can be double the case if higher-risk activities, like surfing or canyoning, aren’t covered but you still want to travel adventurously. 

Even more difficult, certain coverages like life flights and evacuation might not be covered.  A friend last year died in Bali after a freediving accident wherein he didn’t have the medical coverage to be transported to a country with a more developed healthcare system.  If he’d had that insurance, covering emergency medical evacuation, he might be alive today.

If you do have insurance back in your home country confirm that it covers jaunts abroad and to the degree that you need it too, including the adventure sports you have planned and life flights/emergency evacuation.  If your primary health insurance in your home country doesn’t explicitly cover your destination and activities, I highly recommend that you buy insurance with a legitimate travel insurance company that includes life flights and emergency evacuations with worldwide coverage for your upcoming adventures

MISHAPS ABROAD CAN COST MUCH MORE THAN EXPECTED

How much do you think a case of the upset stomach could cost you?  If you’re most people, just a few dollars for a bottle of Pepto Bismol and a Netflix subscription for an easy night in.  Right?

Not so much.

Try $1000 and counting.

A friend just a week ago came down with a case of “Bali Belly” that ran on for a week, requiring two visits to the emergency room and an expensive string of drugs to treat an infection.  All of this came out of the blue and with a tab (so far) of over $1000, and that’s on Bali where medical care is a fraction of US and western costs.

Go back one more month and a friend ended up in a late-night motorbike crash in Southeast Asia that left him unconscious, waking up later in the hospital with a couple of “brain bleeds”.  After 2 days in the hospital, a $2000 tab, and no travel insurance he had to check himself out with no way to pay additional bills.  One week later, friends got word that he conditioned worsened he suffered a stroke because he wasn’t able to stay in the hospital, safely monitored by professionals.

Ultimately, mishaps during travel can happen to anyone (and eventually do) and they usually cost much more than we’d expect – eating through

SITUATIONS REQUIRING LIFE FLIGHTS, EVACUATIONS, AND CASH PAYMENTS CAN EQUATE TO LIFE OR DEATH SITUATIONS – HAVING GOOD TRAVEL INSURANCE ENSURES THE “LIFE” OUTCOME AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE

Whether you’re traveling somewhere that political unrest or violence might be a possibility or you need an emergency flight out of the country for life-saving medical treatment, evacuation is an essential and worthwhile part of any travel insurance policy.

OTHER TRAVEL INSURANCE PERKS: DELAYED FLIGHT COVERAGE, DELAYED AND LOST BAGS COVERAGE

Though I haven’t been broken or bruised to the point of needing medical attention during travel, I’ve had a lot of bad experiences with airlines. 

Flying from Nepal to India to Ecuador and the Galapagos islands, my bags were lost for two weeks.  A combination of having a good travel-ready and travel hacking friendly credit card and having the right travel insurance made buying the gear I needed to get me through my travels and getting reimbursed later much easier than it otherwise would have been

More recently, some of my surf gear randomly “came up missing” after flights to a country where that surf gear sold for 3x to 4x the price.

Any good travel insurance has coverage for your bags – lost, delayed, or stolen in transit – and this benefit can be quite the lifesaver and headache reliever.

Click here to see a full list of SafetyWing benefits

TRAVEL INSURANCE COVERAGES YOU SHOULD BE SURE TO HAVE

The most likely and costliest mishaps during travel are likely to fall into a few areas (some of which I’ve already mentioned).  To ensure you’re getting enough of the right coverage for your trip, ensure your travel insurance policy has the following:

• Emergency medical coverage
• Medical emergency evacuation and life flights
• Evacuation due to civil or political unrest (if you feel its needed)
• Covers your choice of adventure sports
• Lasts for the entire duration of your travels (some are limited to 40 or 60 days)
• Covers motorbike crashes, dog/animal bites
• Applies in all of the countries & destinations on your itinerary (some exclude North Korea, Iran, and Cuba)

WHAT’S COVERED UNDER SAFETYWING TRAVEL INSURANCE

Straight from SafetyWing, “This means that if you get ill or injured, we [SafetyWing] will cover eligible medical expenses.”

SafetyWing Insurance covers both medical and travel mishaps, both are destined to happen at some point during anyone’s travels

• Unexpected illness or injury, including eligible expenses for hospital, doctor or prescription drugs
• Emergency travel-related benefits such as emergency medical evacuation
• Travel delay and lost checked luggage 
• Covers you everywhere in the world except Iran, North Korea, and Cuba
• Covers you at home for 30 days of every 90 (15 days of every 90 if you’re from the US)
• Covers most of the adventure sports you’ll want to take on

(Find more in Safetywing’s description of coverages in this SafetyWing Policy PDF )

WHAT ADVENTURE SPORTS DOES SAFETYWING COVER?

• Surfing: Yes
• SCUBA Diving: Yes (As long as you are PADI certified)
• Freediving and Snorkeling: Yes (check fine print at SafetyWing for exclusions)
• Trekking, Camping, and Mountaineering (Up to 4500 Meters): Yes
• Trekking, Camping, and Mountaineering (Above 4500 Meters): No
• Motorbiking (On Road): Yes (with proper safety equipment
• Dirtbiking: No
• Bungee Jumping: Yes
• Mountain Biking: Yes
• Canyoning: Yes
• Rock Climbing and Ice Climbing: Yes
• Running with Bulls: No (It was worth a shot to ask…)

Click here for a full list of covered sports

Note that SafetyWing will not cover you during train courses, like the PADI Open Water Diver course (for SCUBA), the SSI Level 1 Course (for Freediving), or rock climbing/mountaineering courses.  However, for these, your instructor and school of choice should provide insurance that covers you during all training at their school.  Email your school prior to the course to confirm that they do have the necessary insurance – and if they don’t opt for another school.

Also note that if done for competition or organized sport, these activities are not covered by SafetyWing – so keep that in mind.  For more details on SafetyWing coverage, and confirmation that your adventure sport of choice is covered, I recommend contacting SafetyWing directly via chat , via email at [email protected] , or by phone at +1-(800) 605-2282.

Fine Print Notes on Adventure Sports Coverage Straight from SafetyWing:

“You are not covered if the activity is organized athletics involving regular or scheduled practice and/or games, or the activity is performed in a professional capacity or for any wage, reward, or profit.

You must ensure the activity is adequately supervised and that appropriate safety equipment (such as protective headwear, life jackets, etc.) are worn at all times .”

HIGHLIGHT OF SAFETYWING COVERAGES

(Some coverages may be subject to deductibles, all coverages subject to coverage limits)

• Overall Maximum Limit: $250,000
• Hospital Room and Board
• Intensive Care Unit: Up to maximum limit ($250,000)
• Emergency Room Services (subject to $100 deductible)
• Outpatient Physical Therapy: Up to $50 per day
• Emergency Dental: Up to $1000 (no deductible)
• Political Evacuation: $10,000
• Terrorism: $50,000 lifetime benefit
• Emergency Medical Evacuation: $100,000 lifetime maximum
• Trip Interruption: $5,000 (no deductible)
• Lost Luggage: $3,000
• Lost or Stolen Passport/Visa: $100
• Natural Disaster Coverage: $100 per day for 5 days
• Personal Liability: $25,000

Coverage applies everywhere except North Korea, Iran, and Cuba

Click here for a full PDF list of SafetyWing Policy Coverages or

Click here for a quick SafetyWing Travel Insurance Quote

OTHER GREAT BENEFITS OF SAFETYWING

• 24/7 support
• “In-Network” hospital finder, to find hospitals where payment is handled directly with SafetyWing
• Ability to go to any hospital
• Family coverage

BENEFITS OF SAFETYWING OVER OTHER TRAVEL INSURANCE OPTIONS

SafetyWing offers two very solid benefits over any other travel insurance I’ve tried, making it perfect for budget travelers and long term nomads:

• Great Price: Cheaper than most at ~$1
• Convenient Subscription model: Renews every month until canceled, skipping the process of searching and signing up for coverage every few months

GREAT PRICE: CHEAPER THAN MOST TRAVEL INSURANCE AT ~$1

World Nomads is a pretty great travel insurance provider, highly recommended by the travelers I know that have used them.  However, World Nomads runs ~$100 per month on average.  For the budget traveler, living off of $50 per day, that $100 per month can be a huge hit (literally costing two days per travel each month)

For roughly $1 per day (or ~$35 per month) we travelers can maintain all of the essential coverages (emergency medical, evacuation, baggage coverage during travel).

CONVENIENT SUBSCRIPTION MODEL: RENEWS EVERY MONTH UNTIL CANCELLED

Signing up for SafetyWing works on a convenient subscription basis.  Though you can signup for a week or two, I find the auto-billed subscription to be the most convenient way to handle my travel insurance needs.  I simply let  SafetyWing travel insurance automatically renew each month with my card on file that I’m traveling, and place it on pause during the very brief periods I’m in the US.

Before I’d have to renew every few months for World Nomads, comparing quotes for 30, 60, and 90 day periods, and deciding between the standard vs. explorer option, and also dealing with the break-in coverage.  With SafetyWing, I never have to worry about that lapse, those decisions, or the hassle of sitting down and signing up again.  I just start my subscription when needed, pause it when I don’t, and restart it when I’m ready to wander again.

Click here to check SafetyWing Rates for Your Upcoming Trip

WHAT’S NOT COVERED UNDER SAFETYWING TRAVEL INSURANCE

• Routine Checkups
• Preexisting Conditions
• Organized athletics and professional sports, regular or scheduled practices, and games (read more here -)
• Find out more in Safetywing’s coverage description PDF
• Theft of electronics and valuables

Click here for More Details of What SafetyWIng Doesn’t Cover

PRICE OF SAFETYWING

SafteyWing covered can be provided for a set period of days or weeks, but can also be requested on a monthly basis for a set rate, billed monthly on a recurring basis until canceled.

MONTHLY COVERAGE

• 10-39 Years Old: $37/mo.     | Including US coverage $68/mo.
• 40-49 Years Old: $60 /mo.    | Including US coverage $112/mo.
• 50-59 Years Old: $94/mo.     | Including US coverage $184/mo.
• 60-69 Years old: $128/mo.    | Including US coverage $250 mo.
• Children (Under 9): $0

DAILY COVERAGE

• 10-39 Years Old: $1.25/day | Including US coverage $2.25/day
• 40-49 Years Old: $2 /day       | Including US coverage $3.75/day
• 50-59 Years Old: $3.15/day | Including US coverage $6.15/day
• 60-69 Years old: $4.25/day   | Including US coverage $8.35/ day

Click here to check SafetyWing Rates for Your Specific Trip

WHO IS SAFETYWING TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR?

Nomads, backpackers, and budget travelers.

If you’re traveling outside of your home country for more than 30 days and you’re budget conscious, SafetyWing is likely right for you.

If your Trip is Longer than 30 Days…

Many credit cards, like Revolut** or Chase Sapphire offer travel insurance benefits that provide all of the coverages we need, however, they usually top out if your trip is longer than 30 days.  SafetyWing is good indefinitely

If You’re Not an “Expat”, Staying in One Place and in need of routine care

SafetyWing is great for travelers wandering, but if you’re an ex-pat living outside of your home country for over a year, consider “ex-pat insurance”.  Expat insurance, like with IMG Global, covers emergencies and mishaps, but also provides routine medical coverage, for things like annual physicals, checkups, routine dental, and more.  Just because we’re wandering doesn’t mean we can ignore the routine stuff, so if you’re abroad long term and need more than “emergency medical”, look into expat insurance

If You’re Adventuring Well but not too hard

SafetyWing offers some great coverage that will likely cover you 99% of the time, but there are some adventurous occasions wherein you might need a more robust policy, if you’re adventuring hard.  For instance, high altitude trekking (above 4500 meters), like what you’d do for the Everest Base Camp hike (at 5,380 meters) or Kilimanjaro (at 5,895), would not be covered under SafetyWing.

If you’re adventuring especially hard, I’d instead recommend World Nomad’s Explorer plan for those periods.  This is exactly what I did for my Everest Base Camp Trek to ensure I had coverage for a helicopter out in the event that altitude sickness hit.

If your adventures won’t be too heavy, then SafetyWing will provide sufficient coverage for your travels

If you’re budget conscious

Let’s be honest, most backpackers and digital nomads are trying to save as much money as they can, because more money saved equals more time on the road, doing what we love.  Travel insurance is an odd expense in that we need it, but we feel like we never use it.

With SafetyWing being nearly 1/3 the cost of other big travel insurance providers while delivering the same coverage in the areas that matter, we balance being responsible with being budget-conscious.

HOW TO SIGNUP FOR SAFETYWING

• Head over to SafetyWing
• Click the “signup” button
• Follow the prompts to register, selecting (or unselecting) US coverage

That’s it.  You’ll be covered within minutes

If you’re traveling for a few months, I highly recommend leaving the autopay on so that you’re automatically re-upped each month.  I’ve had a couple of times (with World Nomads ) when my coverage lapse while I was away from wifi or too busy to get to a coffee shop and in places where I genuinely needed coverage.  Signing up for the autopay and subscription feature helps you stay covered throughout your whole trip.

HOW TO FILE A CLAIM WITH SAFETYWINGS

The claims process and tips to keep things smooth.

• Step 1: Determine If its an emergency.  If it is an emergency : Make sure you have your ID card on hand and go to the nearest, legally operating hospital
• Step 2: If it is not an emergency: Attempt to find an “In-Network” hospital – when logged into your account, click on the menu in the top left and click “My Profile >> Find a Hospital” to find an in-network hospital with direct payment
• Step 3: Prepare your insurance ID card: ID card has the policy number and phone number so that the hospital can contact SafetyWing directly to check that insurance is valid and arrange for direct payment at “in-network” hospitals
• Step 4: Ask the provider about payment: If direct billing is possible (between insurer and provider) opt for that
• Step 5: Collect Itemized Receipts: Keep copies of itemized receipts for all expenses, and snap pictures as backups (with your smartphone) as soon as you receive them – you’ll need them for the claims process later
• Step 6: Start Claims process: Email screenshots of original, itemized receipts and a filled out claimant statement ( https://safetywing.com/static/media/hccmis_claimants_statement_safety_wing.c2f4318d.pdf ) to [email protected] and contact via phone to start the claims process

Note that there are no Coverage restrictions, the hospital network suggested simply makes it so that you don’t have to pay upfront for treatment, but you are covered for treatment at any hospital

HOW TO CONTACT SAFETYWING SUPPORT BY PHONE OR EMAIL FOR QUESTIONS

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Outside the USA: +1 317-262-2132
• Phone Inside the USA: (800) 605-2282        
• Worlwide Phone Numbers List: Available in this PDF

Notes: The in-site chat is meant for asking technical questions and providing information before purchasing a policy and is not intended for emergencies or handling claims

Click here for More Details on the SafetyWing Claims Process

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SAFETYWING FINE PRINT

For coverage to be active and cover the insured individual, sports activities must be adequately supervised and appropriate safety gear is used at all times. 

Keep in mind that you’re covered in your home country for a maximum of 15 days of every 90, but consult your policy to confirm the exact number of days based on your home country

SAFETYWING REVIEWS FROM OTHER TRAVELERS

What others are saying about safetywing.

Though SafetyWing’s coverage and pricepoint is perfect for most travelers, and the coverages are great, not all of the SafetyWing reviews (at this point) are 100% positive…yet, simply because the customer service and claims relations process and SafetyWing’s communications (website copy mostly) are still having the bugs worked out. 

Despite some negative SafetyWing reviews, I still believe SafetyWing is a great, budget friendly travel tool  – as long as you remember to keep your itemized receipts and contact SafetyWing claims and support through the correct channels.

SafetyWing is a new travel insurance company (which is why their approach and view is more aligned with modern, budget travelers) and their customer services and claims processes are adapting in a positive way as they grow.  If being a new company concerns you, I highly recommend this SafetyWing thread on Reddit in which the founder discusses how he took action to adapt the company’s claims processes to make it more intuitive for travelers as well as this other SafetyWing thread on Reddit .

Also, the handful of SafetyWing reviews that haven’t been positive revolved around the claims process and support being confusing and travelers not knowing who to contact, when, and with what information and receipts – this is actually good for us. 

As long as you understand the claims process, remember to keep receipts, and keep the right emails and phone numbers handy (to contact at SafetyWing) the insurance becomes a lot easier to use.

To make for the best experience possible using SaeftyWing, follow these steps and keep these tips in mind (which are exactly what I do):

• Keep your SafetyWing insurance card with you , bearing the your policy number and SafetyWing contact info to verify coverage
• Use the “find a hospital” feature, when logged into SafetyWing, to find an in-network hospital that does direct billing

To find an In-Network hospital or file a claim with SafetyWing, just sign in and go to your dashboard to find everything you need.

• … but understand that you are still covered at any hospital and should go to the nearest hospital if you’re having an emergency, you may just have to pay out-of-pocket and claim later
• Maintain itemized receipts for all treatment taking pictures immediately and forwarding to [email protected] with policy number ASAP
• Do not use the chat feature in SafetyWing for filing claims or for support in emergency situations – this chat feature is only for technical questions and info before you purchase your policy.
• For support during claims and finding hospitals keep the email address [email protected] handy or call +1 317-262-2132 outside the USA or (800) 605-2282 inside the USA

SAFETYWING VS. WORLD NOMADS

The major differences between SafetyWing and World Nomads

• Safety Wing is cheaper at ~$37/mo vs ~$100 per month for World Nomads
• World Nomads provides more robust coverage for adventures, like trekking above 4500 meters (Himilayas, Kilimanjaro, and Aconcagua)

Bottom Line: For “routine travels” SafetyWing suffices.  When I adventure hard and outside of SafetWing’s coverage I get World Nomads insurance for the period, then restart SafetyWing to save money.  If money is no issue, get World Nomads.  If money is an issue, balance SafetyWing with World Nomads for adventurous periods

SafetyWing is a great traveler emergency medical insurance option that is cheap. Relative to the bigger, more well-known option, SafetyWing vs. World Nomads delivers emergency medical for much cheaper (~$40 per month vs. roughly ~$100 per month for World Nomads).

Keep in mind that World Nomads offers many benefits beyond emergency medical, concierge, trip planning services, and a full list of other benefits ( click here to see the full list of World Nomads benefits ), in addition to a trusted brand name (whereas SafetyWing is fairly new and still collecting reviews about its coverages and claims processes, but I’ve had a great experience with them so far).

If you’re just interested in emergency medical coverage and concerned with saving your hard-earned dollars (or Euros), consider SafetyWing over World Nomads to save ~$70 a month.

OTHER GREAT TRAVEL INSURANCE ALTERNATIVES

There are plenty of travel insurance options out there that suit different travelers (short term travelers, long term backpackers, ex-pats), offer different coverages (trip insurance, personal property), and have different perks (concierge, trip planning).  Be sure to only get the insurance that offers the coverage you need, and don’t waste any money on coverage you don’t need.

I recommend getting quotes and reviewing coverages for all of these insurance options that fit your travel needs:

• World Nomad (if you have more to spend)
• Revolut Travel Insurance (for Trips less than 60 days)
• Lemonade: Personal Property Insurance for shorter trips
• Clements International Effects Insurance: Insuring belongings for long term travels
• Allianz Global Assistance

Click here to read our Ultimate Guide to Travel Insurance with recommendations and tips for choosing the right insurance option for you

BOTTOM LINE ON SAFETYWINGS INSURANCE FOR TRAVEL

For travelers looking for a cheap, easy to manage emergency medical coverage option for their travels, SafetyWing hits the spot.  Remember to keep your insurance card (with policy number and SafetyWing contact info) handy for emergencies just in case.  SafetyWing is my coverage of choice at the moment and will be for a while to come.  I highly recommend it.

For personal belongings or expat coverage (including routine medical) check out other options (IMG Global, Remote Health by SafetyWing)

More Good Info on Insurance for Travelers

• An Ultimate Guide to Laptop Travel Insurance , Emergency Medical Insurance, and Travel Insurance Coverage
• World Nomads Standard vs Explorer: An Ultimate Guide to The Best Travel Insurance for Your Adventure

SAFETYWING FAQ

• How do you know you can trust SafetyWing?
• What is covered with SafetyWing Travel Insurance?
• What is not covered with SafetyWing Travel insurance?
• Is there a deductible with SafetyWing Travel Insurance?
• Are Adventure sports covered with SafetyWing?
• What adventure sports are not covered with SafetyWing?
• Can I buy a SafetyWing policy after I’ve started my trip?
• How do I know what hospital to go to?
• Are motorbike and scooter accidents covered with SafetyWing?
• Can Children be covered with SafetyWing?
• How do I make a claim with SafetyWing?
• How do I signup for SafetyWing?
• Is SafetyWing the right insurance for me?
• What is the difference between SafetyWing and World Nomads?

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU CAN TRUST SAFETYWING?

Though SafetyWing is new it has some very legitimate backing as a Silicon Valley startup that was developed out of the Y-Combinator incubator that produced AirBnB and several other travel revolutionizing tech startups.

In addition to its success, travel, and customer-focused management and investment team, SafetyWing is partnered with global insurance giant Tokio Marine and underwritten by underwriters at Lloyds for reliable insurance coverage

The short answer is you can definitely trust SafetyWing.

( Return to SafetyWing FAQ )

WHAT IS COVERED WITH SAFETYWING TRAVEL INSURANCE?

The short answer straight from SafetyWing, “This means that if you get ill or injured, we [SafetyWing] will cover eligible medical expenses.”

I trust SafetyWing because their coverage extends to all of the adventures I regularly take on (except trekking above 4500 meters) while also covering emergency medical, medical evacuation, and political evacuation.

For a more thorough answer read our “ What does SafetyWing cover? ” section.

WHAT IS NOT COVERED WITH SAFETYWING TRAVEL INSURANCE?

SafetyWing doesn’t cover unsupervised adventure sports, activities without proper safety equipment, and accidents (such as motorbiking) while intoxicated. Those are the major highlights that catch my eye, but be sure to read SafetyWing’s terms and conditions to understand fully what isn’t covered.

IS THERE A DEDUCTIBLE WITH SAFETYWING TRAVEL INSURANCE?

Yes.  The deductible is $250 up to a maximum $250,000 limit.

ARE ADVENTURE SPORTS COVERED WITH SAFETYWING?

Adventure sports coverage depends on which sport you’ll be participating in but likely is, as long as it is properly supervised, the right safety equipment is used, and it is not for a professional league, organized league, or competition (please read SafetyWing’s terms and conditions to understand the fine print before purchase)

All of the Adventure 8 activites are covered, with the exception of trekking and camping above 4500 meters (so the Everest Base Camp trek and Kilimanjaro wouldn’t be covered – for those I recommend World Nomad’s Explorer Travel Insurance plan )

WHAT ADVENTURE SPORTS ARE COVERED UNDER SAFETYWING

• Biking – includes touring and organized tours
• Bungee jumping
• Bushwalking up to 4,500 meters
• Camel riding/trekking
• Camping under 4,500 meters
• Canyon swing
• Capoeira dancing
• Clay pigeon shooting
• Cycling under 4,500 meters
• Deep-sea fishing
• Dirt boarding
• Dog sledding (not racing or competing)
• Fell running/walking
• Flying as a passenger
• Football (Soccer)
• Glacier walking up to 4,500 meters
• Gymnastics (only as exercise or for fun; not competitive or organized)
• Hiking up to 4,500 meters
• Horse riding
• Hot air ballooning as a passenger
• Hunting (excluding big game)
• Ice skating (indoor or outdoor)
• Ice climbing up to 4,500 meters
• Jet boating
• Land surfing
• Moped biking except as excluded below
• Motorbiking except as excluded below
• Mountain biking up to 4,500 meters
• Orienteering
• Outdoor endurance except as excluded below
• Paintballing
• Rap jumping
• Rifle range shooting
• Rollerblading
• Roller skating
• Rowing / sculling
• Safari tours
• Sandboarding
• Sand skiing
• Scuba diving (sub-Aqua Pursuits involving underwater breathing apparatus) as long as you are PADI/NAUI certified, or if you are not certified you are covered for up to 10 meters when accompanied by a certified instructor.
• Sea canoeing
• Sea kayaking
• Skateboarding
• Skiing (only covered for recreational skiing. No cover provided while skiing away from prepared and marked in-bound territories (off-piste) and/or against the advice of the local ski school or local authoritative body)
• Sleigh rides
• Snorkeling except as excluded below
• Snow rafting
• Snowboarding (only covered for recreational snowboarding skiing. No cover provided while skiing away from prepared and marked in-bound territories (off-piste) and/or against the advice of the local ski school or local authoritative body)
• Soccer (Football)
• Speed boating
• Stand up paddle surfing
• Stilt walking
• Surfing except as excluded below
• Table tennis
• Ten-pin bowling
• Trail bike riding
• Trekking up to 4,500 meters
• Tubing on snow
• Ultimate frisbee
• Via Ferrata up to 4,500 meters
• Wakeskating
• Wakeboarding
• Water skiing
• Weightlifting, cardio and classes at the gym (note that training for or attending a powerlifting competition is excluded.)
• Windsurfing
• Yachting (coastal waters only)
• Yachting (outside coastal waters)
• Yoga (in class or alone)

*You are not covered if the activity is organized athletics involving regular or scheduled practice and/or games, or the activity is performed in a professional capacity or for any wage, reward, or profit.

You must ensure the activity is adequately supervised and that appropriate safety equipment (such as protective headwear, life jackets etc.) are worn at all times.

Click here to get your SafetyWing Quote

(Information copied from SafetyWing Website: Source: SafetyWing FAQ, 20200218 )

WHAT ADVENTURE SPORTS ARE NOT COVERED WITH SAFETYWING :

• All-Terrain Vehicles
• American Football
• Aussie Rules Football
• Aviation (except when traveling solely as a passenger in a commercial aircraft)
• Base Jumping
• Big Game Hunting
• Cave Diving
• Heli-Skiing
• Heli-gliding
• Hot Air Ballooning as a Pilot
• Kite-Surfing
• Martial Arts
• Motorized Dirt Bikes
• Mountaineering at elevations of 4,500 meters or higher
• Outdoor Endurance Events
• Parachuting
• Parasailing
• Powerlifting (lifting at max weight with the intention of attending a competition)
• Quad Biking
• Racing by any Animal, Motorized Vehicle, or BMX, and Speed Trials and Speedway
• Running with the Bulls
• Skiing off piste (outside prepared and marked in-bound territories) and/or against or against the advice of the local ski school or local authoritative body
• Snowboarding off piste (outside prepared and marked in-bound territories)and/or against or against the advice of the local ski school or local authoritative body
• Sky Surfing
• Snow Mobile
• Sub Aqua Pursuits involving underwater breathing apparatus (unless accompanied by a certified instructor at depths less than 10m, or PADI/NAUI certified)
• Whitewater Rafting

CAN I BUY A SAFETYWING POLICY AFTER I’VE STARTED MY TRIP?

Yes, you can purchase and start SafetyWing covered after your trip has started and whether or not you’re in your home country

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT HOSPITAL TO GO TO?

You are covered to go to any hospital that is operating legally, so if you are having an emergency go to the nearest hospital.  To find an “in-network” hospital that handles payment directly with SafetyWing, click to follow these instructions and find the “find a hospital” tool in your dashboard, or click here to see SafetyWing contact info and contact SafetyWing directly

ARE MOTORBIKE AND SCOOTER ACCIDENTS COVERED WITH SAFETYWING?

Yes, as long as you are wearing a helmet, aren’t intoxicated, and are behaving responsibly

CAN CHILDREN BE COVERED?

Yes.  As part of an adult’s qualifying plan, children between the ages of 0-9 are covered free , and children ages 10 to 18 can purchase a policy at normal rates

HOW DO I MAKE A CLAIM WITH SAFETYWING?

Step 1: Collect Itemized Receipts: Keep copies of itemized receipts for all expenses, and snap pictures as backups (with your smartphone) as soon as you receive them – you’ll need them for the claims process later

Step 2: Start Claims process: Email screenshots of original, itemized receipts and a filled out claimant statement ( https://safetywing.com/static/media/hccmis_claimants_statement_safety_wing.c2f4318d.pdf ) to [email protected] and contact via phone to start claims process

Click here for full details on the claims process

HOW DO I SIGNUP FOR SAFETYWING?

Head over to SafetyWing , start a quote and follow the prompts to create a login, enter your personal data, and start coverage and billing.

Click here to jump to full details on signing up for SafetyWing

IS SAFETYWING THE RIGHT INSURANCE FOR ME?

If you are between the ages of 18 and 49, traveling for more than 30 days, and don’t plan on trekking above 4500 meters, SafetyWing is likely right for your emergency medical coverage needs. ( Click here to start your quote )

If you are an expat looking for medical that covers routine issues, like exams, dental, vision, and more, you likely need expat insurance such as IMG Global instead.  Read our full Guide to Travel and Expat Insurance to learn more or read our writeup on IMG Global as the best insurance for expats .

If you are trying to insure valuables and electronics, SafetyWing is not the policy for you, as it focuses on emergency medical care.  Instead, we recommend personal property insurance such as Lemonade for travels of less than 30 days and Clements Effects Insurance for travels longer than 30 days.

For all others in search of emergency medical coverage for travel, Safety Wing is likely a very good option for you

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SAFETYWING AND WORLD NOMADS

• SafetyWing is nearly 1/3 the price of World Nomads ($37 vs. $100 per month)
• SafetyWing offers flexibility with its “subscription renewal” style policy
• World Nomads Covers more adventure sports – such as trekking above 4500 meters
• World Nomads offers a few more coverages such as dental, stolen baggage coverage ( Click here to see all World Nomads coverages )

If you are adventuring hard, I recommend World Nomads for those stints.

If you are on a tight budget but don’t plan on climbing any mountains, opt for SafetyWing .

OTHER GREAT TRAVEL & INSURANCE RELATED CONTENT

• The Ultimate Travel Insurance Guide: The Best Options for Medical, Emergency, Laptop Coverage, and More
• Do You Need Travel Insurance?  Maybe yes…maybe no…
• Revolut Travel Insurance: A Convenient Travel Insurance Option for Quick Trips Abroad**

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carlos is a nomad, slow traveler, and writer dedicated to helping others live abroad and travel better by using his 7+ years of experience living abroad and background as a management consultant and financial advisor to help other nomad and expats plot better paths for an international lifestyle. Click here to learn more about Carlos's story.

SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance: Is It a Good Travel Insurance?

As I was enjoying a plate of khao soi in Koh Lanta with a group of digital nomads I had just met, one of them shared a story from the night before. A friend of theirs had gotten severe food poisoning, and with no hospital equipped for all emergency procedures on the island and no travel insurance to lean on, his only option was the small local clinic (fingers crossed for the best).

Listening to this, I couldn't help but eye my khao soi with a mix of suspicion and defiance. My next thought? Well, if it turns out to be a disaster, thank goodness I didn’t skip on travel insurance .

Yes, I’m the “better be safe than sorry” type of digital nomad, but it’s in these unpredictable situations that I like to remind the risk-takers that having a safety net is not just smart—it’s essential.

So today, we’ll be reviewing one of the most popular travel insurance options among digital nomads , SafetyWing . We picked this company because it offers insurance packages tailor-made to the needs of remote workers and digital nomads.

From what’s included to what isn’t, from their claims processes to comparing it to other travel insurance companies, let’s go ahead and dive into what SafetyWing's travel insurance offers (so you won’t have to keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best).

Who is SafetyWing?

Safetywing is not just another name in the vast sea of nomad travel insurance providers . They stand out because they were born from a real need: the desire to untangle the complexities of travel insurance for us digital nomads. And yes, they deliver.

At its core, SafetyWing gets the pulse of the nomadic lifestyle . They focus on the essentials that matter to us—the unexpected illness in a foreign land, the lost luggage in transit, the sudden need to return home—they've crafted their policies to ensure we're covered, no matter where our laptops are.

You can pick from two main policies: Nomad Insurance and Nomad Health (and if you’re a remote startup, they even have a policy called Remote Health that covers global health insurance for remote companies).

Nomad Insurance is more than just travel insurance —it's a lifeline for when things go sideways. Think of it as your safety net for medical emergencies, unexpected detours, and even those frustrating moments when your luggage decides to take a different plane than you.

Then there’s Nomad Health , which is their signature global health insurance (175+ countries covered!) tailored to those digital nomads who need more comprehensive and long-term coverage .

In this review, we’ll be focusing specifically on their Nomad Insurance , which is among the most popular travel policy for digital nomads out there. 

How Does SafetyWing Travel Insurance Work?

How SafetyWing's travel insurance works is a testament to their deep understanding of the nature of the digital nomad lifestyle . They operate on a subscription model that bills you every 28 days , which means you can start, pause, or stop your coverage based on your current plans , whether you're mid-journey or planning the next trip from a beachside café.

But wait for it: most digital nomad insurance providers only allow you to purchase policies before your trip begins, but not SafetyWing . You're not locked out if your trip has already begun. Did you forget to get insurance before leaving, or suddenly decided to extend your trip? SafetyWing allows you to activate coverage while you're already abroad (something that could've been handy for that poor guy in Koh Lanta).

What Does SafetyWing Cover?

Remember that friend from Koh Lanta who was poisoned by food? Well, with SafetyWing on their side, that nasty surprise wouldn't mean choosing between a questionable local clinic or a budget-busting flight home. Coverage for unexpected medical emergencies means peace of mind (and, hopefully, a happier tummy!).

SafetyWings has really thought of this kind of emergency and just about everything that could go wrong during your extended travels. These are just a few of the many things that are covered by their Nomad Insurance :

• Emergency medical treatment and hospital stays
• Ambulance and emergency transportation
• Emergency transportation to a better equipped hospital (medical evacuation)
• Emergency dental treatment
• Prescription drugs
• An unexpected event in your home country for which you to need to go home (trip interruption)
• Political Evacuation
• Trip interruption due to death of a family member
• Accidental death and dismemberment
• If you die Arrangement for your body (burial or repatriation of remains)
• Cash payout to your beneficiary (accidental death)
• Accommodation in a different place if a natural disaster causes evacuation
• Stolen passport or travel visa
• Lost checked luggage
• Unplanned overnight stay
• $0 deductible option

What's Not Covered in SafetyWing's Travel Insurance?

If you get SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance, you have to understand that you're not purchasing primary health insurance but a travel insurance plan for unexpected medical emergencies and travel-related costs . That means that not everything will be covered by this policy. Below is what you won't find in when purchasing their travel insurance plan:

• Pre-existing conditions
• Routine check-ups and preventive care
• Cancer treatment
• Injuries from high-risk adventure sports (unless you purchased the adventure sport add-on)
• Travel to Iran, North Korea, and Cuba
• Any treatment that is not medically necessary
• Mental health disorders
• Limited coverage of stolen or lost personal items (only if you purchased the electronics theft add-on)

SafetyWing Travel Insurance Pricing

Now, let's talk about money, shall we? SafetyWing's pricing isn't one-size-fits-all. Their rates vary based on the policy you pick, how old you are , and if your travels include coverage in the United States .

If you want to beef up your coverage, SafetyWing offers a few extra options (for digital nomads living outside the US). You can choose to add protection for trips to the US, cover for injuries related to adventure sports , and even insure against electronics theft.

SafetyWing also balanced the $0 deductible awesomeness with a slight tweak in their pricing . Here's the updated breakdown to help you budget:

Nomad Insurance Pricing Excluding the US :

• Age 10-39 : $56.28 per 4 weeks
• Age 40-49 : $92.40 per 4 weeks
• Age 50-59 : $145.04 per 4 weeks
• Age 60-69 : $196.84 per 4 weeks

Nomad Insurance Pricing Including the US:

• Age 10-39 : $104.44 per 4 weeks
• Age 40-49 : $171.92 per 4 weeks
• Age 50-59 : $282.80 per 4 weeks
• Age 60-69 : $386.12 per 4 weeks

What Makes SafetyWing Stand Out From The Other Travel Insurance Plans?

From what we've seen, SafetyWing really stands out from other nomad travel insurance providers , and we’d even go as far as to say it's one of the best digital nomad insurance out there . Here’s why we’re big fans:

• Flexibility to buy insurance anywhere: If you've ever kicked off your travels only to realize you forgot to get insurance (it happens to the best of us), or maybe you just weren’t ready to head home yet and decided to extend your stay, don't sweat it. SafetyWing gets it. They let you sign up or extend your coverage from anywhere in the world, even if your trip has already begun.
• Pay-as-you-go subscription: With SafetyWing, you’re not tied down. Their 28-day billing cycle gives you the freedom to adapt your insurance to your life, not the other way around. It’s perfect for open-ended trips or for when your travel plans are as flexible as a morning yoga session.
• Travel without a return ticket: For those of us with wanderlust in our souls and no set end date in mind, SafetyWing is a dream come true. They don’t need a return date or ticket to start your coverage.
• Coverage in your home country (US residents only): For US residents who need to pop back to the US, SafetyWing covers incidental visits home. For every 90 days, you're covered for up to 30 days in your home country for unforeseen eligible medical conditions.
• Motorbike or scooter coverage: Zooming around on a motorbike or scooter? SafetyWing’s coverage of accidents on two wheels is a rare find and a major plus for adventurers.
• What you see is what you get pricing: No need to decode complicated rate charts. SafetyWing keeps it clear with straightforward pricing based on your age and whether your travels include the US.

What are SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance Disadvantages and Limitations?

Of course, it's not all sunshine and rainbows (and we wouldn't expect it to be, either). While SafetyWing really brings it home with its insurance tailored for digital nomads, like anything, it's got its quirks and limits. Here’s the real talk on what it doesn't do:

• Lack of coverage for pre-existing conditions: If you’ve got ongoing health battles or chronic conditions, SafetyWing’s going to step back on this one. They won’t cover treatments tied to those long-term health issues.
• Routine health checks off the list: For those of us living the nomad life long-term, staying on top of health through regular check-ups or preventive care is key. But with SafetyWing, you’ll need to cover these costs on your own since they're not part of the deal.
• Lack of coverage for some adventure sports: For those adrenaline junkies, just a heads up—even if you purchase the adventure sports add-on, SafetyWing draws a line on covering injuries from certain thrill-seeking activities. While most of the adventure sports are covered with the add-on, it's best to double check if yours is included before you purchase it.
• Limited coverage for stolen or lost personal items: If you're traveling with gadgets or gear that cost a pretty penny (who isn't?), absolutely purchase the electronics theft add-on. If you don't and your stuff gets stolen, it won't be covered. But still, even if you purchase the add-on, keep a close eye on your tech because, in case of theft, SafetyWing will only be covering up to $1000 per stolen item with a yearly limit of $3000 per policy.
• Lack of coverage in certain countries: If you're dreaming of adventures in Iran, North Korea, or Cuba, you'll need to look beyond SafetyWing for coverage—these destinations are off their coverage map.
• Deductible: Every time you claim, there’s a $250 deductible. That means for anything under $250, the bill’s on you. And even for bigger claims, you're covering the first $250.

What Nomads Think of SafetyWing Travel Insurance?

For something as important as travel insurance, we didn’t just want to rely on our own impressions for this review. So, we took a deep dive into what others are saying about SafetyWing on Trustpilot and ProductHunt . Here’s the scoop from the wider digital nomad community:

SafetyWing Travel Insurance Reviews on Trustpilot

Over on Trustpilot , SafetyWing's scoring a solid "Great" with a 3.9 out of 5 , and that's from a batch of 966 reviews (at the time of writing). A lot of users are giving thumbs up for the excellent customer service , highlighting how supportive and quick-to-respond the team is. They say signing up's a breeze, and the pricing is easy on the wallet.

But it's not all smooth sailing. Some travelers have hit a bit of turbulence when it comes to making claims , pointing out that things can move at a snail's pace, and getting reimbursed feels like a bit of a maze. There's also a bit of chatter about how the company's communication could be improved , especially in wanting more check-ins from the company just to feel in the loop about where their claims stand.

SafetyWing Travel Insurance Reviews on ProductHunt

On ProductHunt , SafetyWing's getting similar feedback to what's on Trustpilot. With a 3.5 out of 5 from 224 reviews (at the time of writing), lots of users appreciate the ease of use and affordability . They're fans of the flexible subscription model and how simple it is to start coverage. Some users even found the claims process straightforward.

But, just like on Trustpilot, it's not all perfect. There are users on ProductHunt sharing frustrations with slow claim responses and challenges in getting compensated . Issues with policy renewal have also come up, notably that ongoing treatments get labeled as "pre-existing conditions" in a new policy period.

SafetyWing Travel Insurance: Pros and Cons

Drawing from our experience as digital nomads and pooling insights from other travelers, we’ve put together a candid look at the ups and downs of SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance for you to make a more informed decision yourself:

SafetyWing Nomad Insurance Pros and cons:

How does safetywing compare to other travel insurance providers.

And if you were wondering what's out there and how SafetyWing compares to the other digital nomad insurance providers, we also got you covered. Here's an overview of what we know:

How to Make a Claim With SafetyWing Travel Insurance

If you'll ever need to file a claim, the good news is that the claims process with SafetyWing has improved a lot .

In the last year or so, they made major improvements to make it more user-friendly , and they've also streamlined their claim process for quicker resolution .

Here's how you can now file a claim with SafetyWing:

Step 1: Start your claim

Begin by filling out the claim form available on SafetyWing's website . If you prefer, you can also download the form and submit it via email or traditional mail.

Step 2: Gather your documentation

Collect all original itemized bills, receipts, and proof of payment for the expenses you're claiming. These documents are crucial in demonstrating the validity of your claim. If you're making a medical claim, don’t forget to include a medical statement from the treating physician or facility, as this provides a comprehensive overview of the services rendered. A mere receipt may not do the trick , as the claims team may need detailed information that only a medical statement can provide.

Step 3: Include essential information

Ensure your claim form includes your policy number and accurate contact details . This information is vital for SafetyWing to process your claim efficiently and to get in touch with you for any further information or clarifications needed.

Step 4: Get your submission on time

It's important to submit your claim within 60 days from the date of service . Prompt submission is key to a smooth claims process, allowing SafetyWing to address your needs as quickly as possible.

Step 5: Get confirmation and follow-up

After submitting your claim, you'll receive a confirmation email, acknowledging that your claim is being processed. For any queries or to check the status of your claim, SafetyWing makes it easy with options to contact their claims team via chat , phone ( +1 415 802 0299 ), or email ( [email protected] ).

How To Check Your SafetyWing Claim Progress

After you've dotted the i's and crossed the t's on your DocuSign submission, which is a part of getting your claim filed with SafetyWing, a bit of patience is in order.

The steps from submission to conclusion for your claim can take from 30 to 45 business days .

Now, about keeping tabs on your claim's status — you won't get updates in your inbox. Instead, you'll need to log into the Member Portal .

Once you're there, the following button will guide you to the "Claims and Appeals" tab:

It's here, at the very bottom of the page, where you can catch the latest on your claim's status.

If you're seeing " No claims started " or " Open ", it means the claim is still being processed , so you will have to wait up to 30-45 days before getting any updates.

So, What's Our Verdict on SafetyWing Travel Insurance?

There's no denying it, SafetyWing brings something special to the table for us digital nomads . It’s not without its quirks, but its standout features do make it an attractive pick, especially for anyone chasing a budget-friendly and no-fuss insurance option .

That said, the variety of feedback out there really underlines the need to get cozy with the policy specifics and manage your expectations when it comes to filing claims.

Like with anything important, it's smart to browse around and weigh your options when it comes to travel insurance . Go ahead and compare different travel insurance plans to find the one that meshes just right with what you need. We've rounded up some of the top picks for you to check out in the article below:

SafetyWing Travel Insurance: FAQs

Can i purchase safetywing insurance while already abroad.

Yes, SafetyWing allows you to start a policy while you are already abroad.

Does SafetyWing cover COVID-19?

Yes, SafetyWing covers COVID-19 like any other illness, provided it wasn't contracted before your policy start date.

Does SafetyWing cover pre-existing conditions?

No, SafetyWing does not cover pre-existing conditions.

How does SafetyWing handle claims?

SafetyWing has a "make a claim" section under your profile that guides you through the process. The claims form can be filled out digitally and uploaded with receipts and necessary documents.

What is the average time to get reimbursed?

Based on user reviews, the reimbursement time can vary. Some users have reported getting reimbursed in a reasonable timeframe, while others have mentioned delays and the need to follow up on their claims.

What is the deductible for SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance?

SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance has a $250 deductible. This means you'll need to pay the first $250 of your covered expenses before the insurance starts to pay.

Ready To Get Coverage for Your Next Travel Adventure?

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Safety Wing Insurances

Quote for the best International Health Insurance and ensure your global coverage by hiring the ideal plan for you online.

With an innovative approach and the goal of eliminating geographical borders as a barrier to international mobility and equal opportunities, Safety Wing offers coverage for digital nomads and remote corporate teams.

These coverages include medical insurance for accidents or illnesses while you are outside your home country, as well as travel insurance for travel-related mishaps like flight delays or lost luggage.

Why choose Safety Wing's International Medical Insurance

With their global travel medical insurance, Safety Wing covers digital nomads from around the world while they are outside their home country, including coverage for COVID-19.

Additionally, it's possible to enroll even while abroad, outside your country of residence or nationality.

Their solution for corporate plans includes global coverage for healthcare and health needs that both employees and contractors require in their countries of nationality and abroad, all under a single insurance policy regardless of where they live. Moreover, it allows for adjusting the list of insured individuals as new workers are added or removed from the company.

International corporative insurance for companies and digital nomads

Hiring health insurance for corporative staff is one of the most important decisions for any business with personnel working abroad. One of the main concerns of many employees is not only the quality of the medical attention available, but how to access treatment quickly when necessary.  Safety Wing provides an insurance solution to all foreign workers giving them the safety and backup to perform their roles and collaborate, no matter where they are.

The same prime for your whole team

You can keep your whole team under the same prime, no matter the residency or place each member is located.

Commitment and professionalism

Safety Wing commits to deliver all insurance services, help and advisory the insured might need in order to keep an optimum health condition.

SafetyWing Nomad Insurance Review 2024 (with Covid Coverage)

As we returned to travel during the pandemic, Jedd and I felt that trip insurance and travel medical insurance were more important than ever for our trips.

We first learned about SafetyWing at a digital nomad conference. With further research, specifically considering all the uncertainties around Covid-19 and travel restriction changes, we decided to use SafetyWing for our trips.

In this post, I’ll share the pros and cons of SafetyWing and other important things to know about their Nomad Insurance.

What is SafetyWing Nomad Insurance?

SafetyWing is travel medical insurance. It was designed for digital nomads, remote workers, and long-term travelers.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Advantage of SafetyWing over other travel insurance include: – Better prices for long term travel – You can purchase a policy even after you’ve started traveling – Covid-19 coverage is included – You can pay a monthly subscription and cancel at any time

Unlike many insurance plans, SafetyWing will insure you even if your trip doesn’t have an end date or you’re traveling on a one-way ticket. Coverage is worldwide so you don’t need to know where you’re going next!

There’s even some coverage in your home country, if you’re abroad for at least 90 days and then return home for a short time (15 days in the US).

Pricing is based solely on your age and whether or not you need to be covered while in the United States. One child under 10 per parent (total of two children) can be included in the plan for free.

Get a quote from SafetyWing here:

About SafetyWing’s Coronavirus Coverage

According to their website:

[Covid] Coverage works the same as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date, and does not fall under any other policy exclusion or limitation. Testing for COVID-19 will only be covered if deemed medically necessary by a physician. The antibody test is not covered, as it is not medically necessary. As of April 15th 2021, Nomad Insurance also covers quarantine outside your home country of $50/day for up to 10 days (with the limitation of being once within a 364-day period). The coverage requires that:    – You are covered by Nomad Insurance for a minimum of 28 days.    – Your quarantine is mandated by a physician or governmental authority, because you have either tested positive for COVID-19 OR you are symptomatic and waiting for your test results.

When we were preparing for a trip in January 2022 during the Omicron outbreak, I wrote to SafetyWing to find out: “Does SafetyWing have any coverage that applies if a trip has to get rescheduled because a PCR Covid test result (required to enter the country) does not get processed in the 72 hours before the departure flight?”

The answer is no. While there is Trip Delay and Trip Interruption coverage, a delayed test result would not qualify for this benefit.

I also asked: “Would there be coverage if a government suddenly changes restrictions and someone is no longer able to fly?”

This answer is also no. To cover potential trip cancelation costs, then, you can either: 1) book flights that are refundable/changeable, or 2) purchase a separate trip cancellation insurance at the time of booking, or 3) book with a travel credit card that includes trip cancelation coverage

What is covered by SafetyWing:

• Hospital: Room and nursing services
• Intensive care: Up to the overall maximum limit
• Ambulance: Usual, reasonable and customary charges when covered illness or injury results in hospitalization
• Urgent charges: $50 co-payment, not subject to deductible.
• Physical therapy and chiropractic care: Up to $50 per day. Must be ordered in advance by a physician.
• Emergency dental: Up to $1,000. Not subject to deductible.
• All Other Eligible Medical Expenses: Up to the overall maximum limit.
• Trip interruption: Up to $5,000. No deductible
• Travel delay: Up to $100 a day after a 12-hour delay period requiring an unplanned overnight stay. Subject to a maximum of 2 days. No deductible
• Lost checked luggage*: Up to $3,000 per certificate period; $500 per item. Up to $6,000 lifetime limit. No deductible.
• Natural disaster — a new place to stay: Up to $100 a day for 5 days. No deductible
• Political evacuation: Up to $10,000 lifetime maximum. Not subject to deductible
• Emergency medical evacuation: Up to $100,000 lifetime maximum. Not subject to deductible or overall maximum limit.
• Personal liability: Third person injury ($25,000), Third person property ($25,000), Related third person property ($2,500), Lifetime maximum of $25,000. Not subject to deductible or overall maximum limit.
• Accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D): Loss of limb ($12,500), Loss of 2 limbs ($25,000), Death ($25,000), Lifetime maximum ($25,000) 
• Bedside visit : Up to $1500 to cover transport for one relative to visit you if you are in hospital intensive care with a life threatening injury or illness.
• Emergency reunion : Up to $50,000 (maximum 15 days) for transport, lodging and meals for one relative to visit you after an emergency medical evacuation.

View SafetyWing prices for your trip here >

Save money, work smarter, travel deeper with our free Resource Guide for Digital Nomads .

What to know about SafetyWing

Here are a few key things to know about SafetyWing to help you decide if this is the right travel insurance for you.

1. SafetyWing focuses on medical emergency coverage. This helps keep costs low, but it does mean that traditional cancelation coverage is not included .

2. Iran, North Korea, and Cuba are not included in the coverage. Citizens from these countries are not able to use SafetyWing, and travelers going to these countries will not receive insurance benefits (with the exception of U.S. citizens visiting Cuba with permission from the U.S. government).

3. Many sports and adventure activities are covered like bungee jumping, horseback riding, surfing, skiing, snowboarding, and cycling. Even motorbike and scooter accidents are covered as long as racing and intoxication are not involved.

However, some extreme sports are not covered – check the website for exclusions .

4. There is a $250 deductible . This is what you will pay when you make your first claim in a given year.

After the deductible is paid, SafetyWing will reimburse up to US $250,000 of covered expenses (or up to $100,000 for those age 65 years and above).

5. Emergency medical coverage does not include routine or preventive care, cancer treatment, or pre-existing conditions (acute onset of pre-existing conditions can be covered to an extent).

For more comprehensive health insurance abroad, see SafetyWing’s Remote Health plan .

7. Lost checked luggage is covered but stolen baggage or stolen electronics are not.

8. SafetyWing does not cover travelers age 70 and over .

9. Claims are submitted online and administered by Tokio Marine, one of the largest insurance companies in the world. Most reports of the claims process are really good. You can see reviews by people who have made claims on  Trust Pilot .

Purchase a SafetyWing policy >

Is safetywing insurance for travelers worth it.

We think so. SafetyWing is flexible, affordable, and offers the coverage that most digital nomads and long term travelers need.

While we haven’t needed to make a claim yet, we have purchased SafetyWing Nomad Insurance policies for two long-term international trips during Covid.

We plan to continue insuring our international travels through SafetyWing in 2024. We also make sure to book travel with a Chase Sapphire credit card which includes trip cancellation coverage, since this is not include in SafetyWing plans.

Learn more and get a quote for your trip from SafetyWing >

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SafetyWing Travel Insurance Review: Is It the Best for You?

By Deb Hendricks | Published March 27, 2024

Are you looking for the best travel insurance for your trip, but want to stay within a budget?

Then I’m glad you’re here. SafetyWing is the travel insurance company I use , whether I’m travelling around Africa or elsewhere. And there are a lot of reasons for that. I’m going to share all of those reasons below (spoiler: price is one of them ).

I’ll also discuss this basic travel insurance company’s limitations, so you can be sure you’re making the most informed choice possible.

I remember when I first started travelling – back when I was invincible. Do you remember those days? I hope you’re past them, because they’re a little scary to think back on. Often it never even occurred to me to buy travel insurance before a trip.

Now it’s the first thing on my planning list. But I wish I’d known about SafetyWing years ago. Let’s talk about why.

SafetyWing Travel Insurance

SafetyWing has been around since 2018 and is headquartered in California. Their coverage is aimed at digital nomads, remote workers, and really, anyone on an adventure. Especially the budget-conscience.

In fact, it was created by the same kinds of people that they aim to serve, so they know what you need. It’s great for gap year travel insurance and long-stay travel insurance. Also for when you just don’t know exactly where you’ll be or how long you’ll be gone.

Types of coverage: Nomad Insurance and Nomad Health

SafetyWing offers two types of coverage: Nomad Insurance and Nomad Health . Here are the main differences:

There is actually a third option for remote company teams , but I won’t be covering that here.

SafetyWing isn’t the cheapest travel insurance, but it’s very affordable . Pricing starts at US $56.28 for 4 weeks for those aged 10-39. This works out to only $2.01 a day .

It does get more expensive as you get older, though: The top age tier is 60-69, which costs $196.84 for 4 weeks, or $7.03 a day . Still worth it in my opinion.

Nomad Insurance

SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is travel-focused and can cover you for up to a year, and even can be renewed from there. It’ll give you coverage for medical emergencies, trip interruptions, and luggage issues outside your home country. It will cover you even if you’re constantly on the move.

It’s like a subscription in that you can buy for, say, the 5-day minimum. But at the end of that, it can be “renewed” if you decide to extend your trip.

You can keep renewing Nomad Insurance every 4 weeks for up to 364 days . You can decide then if you want to continue coverage. You can set up auto-renew, so you don’t even have to think about it.

And if you’re abroad for 90 days before returning? The policy will cover you for 30 days back in your home country should you need it (15 days in the US).

In a nutshell, here’s what Nomad Insurance Coverage will provide:

Nomad Insurance : Medical

Pet return : An unexpected (to me) area of coverage is the pet return. If you’re travelling with a pet, and an emergency lands you in the hospital, Nomad Insurance will pay for a one-way ticket to your home country for your pet.

Here’s what it doesn’t cover :

US Coverage : That’s right, Nomad Insurance does not cover travel in the US, whether you are from the US or not. For American travel, you will have to buy a separate add-on specifically for that country.

More details on what is and isn’t covered can be found in SafetyWing’s policy , which is remarkably easy to read. And in the Description of Coverage , which is quite detailed, and a bit more of a slog to get through.

Deductible : SafetyWing used to require a US $250 deductible for all claims. But now, in 2024, the deductible applies only to plans purchased by US members .

The deductible no longer applies to new plans purchased by members whose home country is not the US .

* Currently these are only available for non-US residents

• Adventure Sports : such as kitesurfing, sky diving, and scuba diving. For those aged 10-39, it’s an extra US $10 every 4 weeks.
• Theft Coverage for Electronics : there are a few conditions, eg. you must report the theft within 24 hours and be able to prove the existence of the electronics (such as a receipt). Find others on their policy page . This is also an extra US $10 every 4 weeks.
• Include Coverage in the US : you can not be a US citizen or resident to get this coverage. If you’re 10-39, this is an extra US $48.16 every 4 weeks.

Nomad Health

Nomad Health, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive health insurance , similar to what you may be used to at home. It covers not just emergencies but also routine and preventative medical care.

This makes it great if you’re looking for a wider health coverage option if you’re living and working internationally. With people travelling long-term and more digital nomads than ever before, Nomad Health is an invaluable option.

It covers wellness checkups, maternity costs (after a 10-month waiting period), routine cancer screenings, etc.

Below is a simple example of the pricing and coverage available with Nomad Health. For the 18-39 year old age group, there are 3 plan options, Standard , Premium , and Premium Plus :

Check Nomad Health pricing for different age groups here .

SafetyWing COVID travel medical insurance

COVID coverage works the same as any other illness. You will be covered for the appropriate tests and treatment, as long as it wasn’t already an existing condition.

If you’ve purchased at least 28 days of coverage, you’ll get US $50 a day for 10 days of quarantine. Remember to get proof of required quarantine.

Is SafetyWing travel insurance for you?

SafetyWing is the best travel insurance for:

• Digital Nomads and Remote Workers : If you live and work while moving around to different locations around the world. SafetyWing is a flexible insurance that will cover you ( almost ) wherever you are, and if you don’t have a fixed base.
• Long-Term Travelers : People taking extended trips, like backpacking across continents or taking a sabbatical, can benefit from SafetyWing’s continuous coverage.
• Freelancers and Entrepreneurs : Those who run their businesses remotely and travel frequently will find SafetyWing’s global health insurance provisions particularly beneficial.
• Families living abroad : SafetyWing offers policies that can cover families , making it a good option for those relocating or living temporarily in another country.

SafetyWing insurance is less suitable for:

• Travellers seeking high coverage limits : If you need insurance that covers very high medical costs or includes high-value items, SafetyWing might have limited coverage for your needs.
• People with Pre-existing Conditions : While SafetyWing covers unexpected illness or injury, like many travel insurance providers, it generally doesn’t cover pre-existing medical conditions.
• Short-term vacationers looking for comprehensive trip protection : Do you need extensive trip cancellation, interruption benefits, or high coverage for baggage and personal effects? Then you might find SafetyWing’s offerings less comprehensive when compared to specialized trip insurance policies.
• Adventurous sports enthusiasts : If your primary travel activity includes high-risk sports or activities, you should check if SafetyWing covers these specifically, as some may be excluded or require additional coverage.

SafetyWing is designed for a specific demographic. It focuses on flexibility and worldwide coverage. It’s a great choice for you who want fairly basic insurance, but not a lot of extras.

Should I get travel insurance from SafetyWing to travel in Africa?

Yes, SafetyWing travel insurance is a great option – it’s my own favourite – for travel or nomad life in Africa . If you’re looking for flexibility and coverage tailored to a digital nomad or long-term travelling lifestyle, I highly recommend it.

Here are a few reasons why:

Global Coverage : SafetyWing offers coverage in most African countries , so it’s suitable for both travel and extended stays. This includes while on safari tour , exploring cities, or digital-nomading.

Medical and Emergency Services : The quality and accessibility of healthcare across Africa is pretty variable. Insurance that covers medical emergencies, evacuation, transfer to a facility with a higher level of care, and repatriation can be a lifesaver.

Affordability and Flexibility : SafetyWing’s subscription-style coverage lets you extend or cancel your coverage as your plans change. This is perfect for nomadic lifestyles that aren’t tied to a fixed schedule or location.

But before you sign up, it’s important to review the policy details to make sure the coverage meets your specific needs. See the Nomad Health policy details here , for digital nomads, and Nomad Insurance information here , for more general travel.

Carefully go over any exclusions and limitations, especially related to any planned activities or specific regions you want to visit.

How to Make a Claim

Timing is Important : You’ve got a 60-day window after your policy ends to submit your claim. If you’re dealing with emergencies like hospital transfers or if you’re hospitalized, let them know right away, at least before you’re discharged.

SafetyWing Contact Info

If it’s urgent or you need them to arrange something (like emergency transport), you can reach them 24/7. Email [email protected] , or if you’re policy number ends in ‘NI-‘: – International (toll-free): +1 844 531 0151 – In the US: +1 415 707 8606

If there is no ‘NI’-: – Call for assistance: 866-635-2163 – or contact the claims department at 800-605-2282 . This is free if you call through Skype.

Claim Submission, in a nutshell:

If paying yourself, submit your claim for reimbursement through the SafetyWing website or by emailing [email protected] . Include all relevant documentation.

If SafetyWing arranges payment for services that require prior notification, follow their instructions for documentation and claim submission.

Documentation :

• Collect and submit all necessary supporting documents for your claim, including medical statements from your treatment providers and receipts. This documentation should clearly show that you’ve met the requirements for the benefit you’re claiming.
• If claiming for medical treatment, a detailed medical statement is important. Just submitting a receipt may delay your claim. Get this statement before you leave the hospital or healthcare centre.

Medical History Review : Be prepared for SafetyWing to review your medical history for medical claims. They may request additional information to determine if the illness or injury is new or pre-existing. This can extend the claims process, especially if a pre-existing condition might be involved.

How long does it take to process a claim?

The official SafetyWing statement is that it will take about 7-15 days for you to receive reimbursements with Nomad Health. Other claims could take 4-6 weeks .

SafetyWing Travel Insurance: FAQs

Does safetywing cover stolen items.

Sometimes . If your luggage goes missing from a flight or cruise, or if you lose your passport, you can get reimbursed for replacement. For electronics though, you’ll need an Add-on for coverage.

Does SafetyWing cover dental?

Yes , Nomad Health Premium and Premium Plus include dental. Nomad Insurance covers emergency dental.

Is travel insurance mandatory for travel in Africa?

Depends . If you’ll be joining an organized tour, you may well be required to provide proof of insurance coverage. Also if you are applying for a Schengen visa you’ll need to have appropriate coverage.

But if you’re travelling independently, you’re under no obligation. I highly recommend that you always travel with insurance. Travel insurance is your personal safeguard, covering unexpected events like a sudden illness in Botswana or lost luggage in Kenya.

These inconveniences could turn into major financial burdens. Don’t make the mistake of thinking it couldn’t happen to you!

Is SafetyWing legit?

Yes . SafetyWing is backed by reputable underwriters and partners within the insurance industry. They also offer customer support and emergency assistance to their policyholders.

SafetyWing has been operating since 2018 and has served thousands of clients. Read reviews on Trustpilot to see what other travellers think.

How is World Nomads vs SafetyWing?

World Nomads provides comprehensive coverage for a wide range of activities and sports. These include some that might not be covered by other insurers, including SafetyWing.

SafetyWing, on the other hand, focuses more on digital nomads and long-term travellers. They offer medical and travel insurance with the flexibility to start and stop the insurance coverage as needed. COVID-19 coverage is standard.

While World Nomads offers customizable policies that can be tailored to the duration and activities of your trip, SafetyWing provides a subscription-like model with automatic renewal, making it perfect if you have an indefinite travel schedule.

How is Heymondo vs SafetyWing?

Heymondo is known for having comprehensive travel insurance options that include strong medical, trip cancellation, and interruption coverage. They focus on providing high coverage limits and tailored options for both short-term trips and longer ones.

SafetyWing specializes in digital nomads and long-term travellers looking for medical and travel insurance that emphasizes flexibility and affordability, including a subscription model for ongoing coverage.

While Heymondo has a user-friendly app for immediate assistance and insurance management. Tech-savvy travellers love it. You’ll love SafetyWing if you’re looking for a kind of global safety net with a focus on health care, including coverage for COVID-19, with a company that accommodates the unpredictability of nomad life.

Is SafetyWing the best travel insurance for over 60-year-olds?

It can be if you lead a nomadic lifestyle or need flexible, international medical coverage. But whether it’s the “best” travel insurance depends on specifics, like your health conditions and travel plans.

Consider that you may need higher coverage limits because of the increased risk of medical issues. Also, think about any pre-existing conditions you may have that won’t be covered.

Is SafetyWing the best travel insurance over 70 years of age? The best travel insurance over 80?

No . SafetyWing coverage ends at age 69. Anyone 70 years old and over is not eligible.

What are the main 5 categories of travel insurance coverage?

These typically include: Trip Cancellation and Interruption : This covers non-refundable expenses if your trip is cancelled or cut short because of things like illness, a death in the family, or unforeseen natural disasters. SafetyWing : Has introduced some coverage for trip interruptions in specific circumstances.

Medical and Health: Coverage for medical expenses incurred due to illnesses or accidents while travelling, including emergency medical evacuation. SafetyWing : This is a core component of SafetyWing coverage. They also cover COVID-19-related medical treatment.

Baggage and Personal Items : Compensates for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage and personal items during your trip. SafetyWing : Covers lost checked luggage, but their focus is less on personal items lost or stolen during travel, and more on health. The coverage limits for personal belongings may be lower compared to specialized travel insurance policies of other carriers.

Flight and Travel Accidents : Provides coverage for accidents that occur while you are travelling, such as flight accidents, which could result in death or dismemberment. SafetyWing : Provides coverage for accidental death and dismemberment while on a common carrier, like an airplane or train.

24/7 Customer Service : Offers round-the-clock access to emergency assistance services, including medical referrals, prescription replacement assistance, emergency cash transfers, and legal or embassy referrals. SafetyWing : Includes access to 24/7 emergency assistance services.

Does travel insurance get more expensive closer to the trip?

No . You can purchase travel insurance up to the last minute, or once you’re abroad, at the same price as in advance.

Does SafetyWing offer suitable travel insurance for Schengen visa users?

Yes , it meets the key Schengen visa requirement of covering medical expenses and repatriation with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros (US $32,484.60). This makes SafetyWing suitable for Schengen visa applications.

But it is important to verify that your specific policy complies with the current visa insurance requirements , as these can change. Also be sure your insurance certificate details the coverage amounts and the geographical area, including the Schengen zone.

I recommend that you contact SafetyWing directly for the most accurate and recent information regarding coverage alignment with Schengen visa requirements before you travel.

✍️ While you’re thinking about 🌍 travel insurance , find out what kind of traveller you are – take the quiz ❗️

Summing It Up: SafetyWing Travel Insurance

SafetyWing really stands out for digital nomads and anyone spending an extended time travelling through Africa. It’s a mix of solid medical coverage, affordability, and flexibility.

You can start and stop your insurance as your travel plans change. This makes it great for anyone looking to soak in everything from the busy cities to the epic landscapes of Africa.

In my opinion, and in my experience, SafetyWing is the best travel insurance for digital nomads, backpackers, and fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants travellers of all kinds.

So, if you’re planning to hop across this Africa while keeping up with your work – or not – SafetyWing should definitely be at the top of your list to keep you covered.

Happy travels!

➦ Planning a Trip to Africa: A Step-By-Step Guide ➦ 9 Best Travel Apps for Africa 2024 ➦ 41 Health & Safety Tips for Travel in Africa

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I had been travelling for years before I first went to Africa. Once I had been on my first safari, I was hooked. Now I go back every chance I get. I've lived in Botswana, explored the wild coast of Namibia, toured Southern Africa and so much more.

There's no place that has more to offer a traveller than this enormous and stunning continent. I write about it here to hopefully inspire you to experience it for yourself, and to make your travels easier. It'll be the trip of your life! Happy travels!

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Long-Term Travel Insurance? A simple step-by-step Guide (with prices and no Lingo)

Safetywing provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. We at Hostelgeeks are an affiliate, and we will receive a fee when you purchase insurance with Safetywing – at NO Extra cost for you. We do not represent Safetywing.

Looking into buying travel nomad insurance? This can be a pretty boring, mundane task. But it’s one that is necessary.

This is a complete guide on things you need to know, things to avoid, prices and stuff to remember. We will walk you through the process, step-by-step, comparing services. (Please read until the end, important!)

We compare several websites: the famous HeyMondo , IMG Global, , Allianz Travel Insurance True Traveller, Safetywing Remote Health and the new-comer SafetyWing .

Key Takeaways

• You may already have a worldwide travel insurance included with your home insurance. Check this first.
• Prices start from $42/ month
• HeyMondo and Safetywing are both great – but different in few aspects. Check this comparison table to see what fits best your personal needs.

Get your SafetyWing Insurance here

Insurance nomads are becoming the new norm. So if you’re planning on wandering (or already are), it’s a good idea to take a look around the internet and search for a travel nomad insurance plan that works for you.

Most digital nomad insurance is complicated, requires too much research, too much sifting through too many options and categories and potentials.

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SafetyWing streamlines the whole process and makes for a headache-free (or at least headache-reduced) search for digital nomad travelers insurance, or travel insurance for travellers looking to get lost and/or found in this big, beautiful world we’re part of.

• What type of insurance is good for you
• 6 things you should know before you buy
• 3 good reasons to get insured by SafetyWing
• How much does it cost ?

What’s included in SafetyWing?

• Things That Could Be Better
• How to make a claim with SafetyWing

Proof of insurance for a visa letter

• Summing It Up

Not To-Do’s

• Comparison Table

True Traveller

Safetywing remote health.

• Covid-19 – which travel insurance covers Coronavirus?

Closing Remarks

Discloser: This is a genuine guide. We’re not trying to talk you into buying insurance, yet we think it is an important topic that you should keep in mind if you’re traveling or planning on it. Please check first if you are already covered by your insurance back home. If you need additional coverage, then this is the perfect guide for you.

We also decided to team up with SafetyWing and HeyMondo Travel Insurance . Meaning, when you purchase your nomad insurance through their links, we will receive a small cut at no extra cost to you. We have read a bunch of SafetyWing and HeyMondo Travel Insurance reviews so we are confident that we can help you in making a decision.

So if you are wondering, what is travel insurance, and do I need it? Let’s dive right into it. There are many things you need to know before you go and get nomad insurance.

What is travel insurance?

And what type of insurance is good for you?

Before I get into SafetyWing , it will be useful to take a look at some different types of travel insurance offers out there. Some travel insurance should really be called “ holiday insurance “.

They normally cover short vacations no more than three months, and some require quoting expenses or showing proof of round-trip airline tickets.

Other plans cover only medical emergencies but not travel related expenses like travel delays or lost baggage.

Yet again, other plans only cover travel related expenses and not medical emergencies. It’s important to be discerning about your options.

Compare prices of SafetyWing vs Hey Mondo

Here’s a list of some options you may see while searching:

• Travel Medical Insurance

Only covers medical emergencies, not travel related expenses.

• Travel Insurance

Only covers travel expenses like trip interruption, long flight delays and lost baggage.

• International Health Insurance

Some companies like IMG Global offer this option for people living/working internationally for over a year. However, they are usually more expensive than SafetyWing or HeyMondo .

Local Insurance

If you’re planning on staying in one place for a while, and end up getting a residency permit, you may have the option (or be required) to purchase health insurance from a provider in the country where you’re staying.

This usually involves the extra effort of applying for residency, and is only worth it if you’re staying in a country for over three months.

Depending on the country, the insurance can be quite cheap.

In Turkey, for example, a foreigner’s health insurance can cost as little as 200 lira (35 bucks) for a WHOLE YEAR.

The cool thing about these companies (and TrueTraveller if you live in the EU and UK) is that you can bundle all these options into one sleek, sexy and affordable plan.

Yes, I used the word ‘sexy’ in an article about insurance, although I don’t advise typing ‘sexy insurance’ into your web browser.

6 Things you should know before you buy 

Let’s look for a second at some things to take into consideration while you’re searching for a travel insurance package that fits your needs.

• Am I already covered?
• What is a Deductible?
• Scope of Coverage
• Where are you going?
• How long will you be travelling?
• What will you you Be doing and who are you doing it with?

1. Am I already covered?

Before you start looking for travel insurance, check with your insurance provider in your home country for international travel! SafetyWing covers people from 175 countries.

If you’re from the US, then you’re probably not.  But if you’re from Europe or the UK, you might be covered while traveling around Europe.

It’s definitely worth checking.

Don’t waste time and energy looking for your keys while they’ve been in your pocket the whole time.

On that note, many home insurances only cover a certain amount of time in foreign countries. Best would be to call them up and ask them about your specific case. Let them know how long you plan to travel and where. Ask as well what you need to do in case something happens.

Check out also your private medical insurance plan – if you have it – back home.

Many medical insurances that people have in their country cover some days abroad (might not cover all the countries, or have limits in days or amounts). As each medical plans have different conditions, make sure you check yours – if you have any.

Compare prices of SafetyWing vs HeyMondo

2. What is a Deductible?

Always an important aspect of any insurance, though sometimes mysterious and not understood properly.

A basic description of a deductible (also known as excess) could be useful for your travel insurance search.

Basically, if something bad happens, a deductible is the amount of money you pay up front before the insurance company pays out your claim.

Usually, the higher your deductible, the lower the cost of your monthly premium.

Example? Here you go.

Let’s say you cut your hand and need to go to the hospital for treatment that costs $1,000.

If your deductible is $200, you’ll pay that up front and the insurance will pony up the remaining $800.

If your deductible is $1,000 in this same scenario, then… well, do the math.

Keep in mind: deductibles are basically a risk/reward gamble.

How much am I willing to pay now? vs. How much am I willing to pay if something bad happens?

3. Scope of Coverage

Ask yourself: “ What is covered with a travel insurance and what isn’t? ”

As I’ve already mentioned, there are a few different coverage options that span different amounts of time and cover different terrible potential situations.

So, it’s important to pay attention to details to see what you may need vs. what is covered in the plan.

If you’re looking for a plan that handles more than just emergency situations.

Your best bet is to check out International health insurance plans, which can also be used as primary health insurance, and cover things like routine check-ups and preventative care.

Note: SafetyWing is working on expanding their coverage to include this in the future (more on that later). We are currently looking into that, for getting insurance for the whole team.

4. Where Are You Going?

There are a couple things to take into consideration when it comes to how travel insurance works in different countries.

First of all, the cost of your insurance can vary depending on where you’ll be traveling to.

And while the differences in cost among different companies may be marginal, it’s something worth being aware of during your search.

Good to know:  many companies don’t offer coverage in countries like Cuba, North Korea and Iran, so pay attention to that as well.

Update : Worldnomads does not cover China now (4th of Aug 20). A user of our website was comparing prices, and it would not let him add China. So he went with safety wing.

Per Worldnomad website when trying to enter the country; Sorry, we’re currently unable to provide cover for China.

Another thing to be aware of is the remoteness of your destination.

If you are somewhere out in the bush in Mozambique and something bad happens, you may need medical evacuation by air or ground to the nearest hospital, which can get expensive.

Certain plans have varying degrees of medical coverage, so if you know you’ll be going somewhere really out there, definitely keep this in mind.

5. How Long Will You Be Travelling?

If your answer is ‘indefinitely’, then definitely check out SafetyWing and HeyMondo Travel Insurance.

They offer the most flexible and easily renewable plans for digital nomads and independent, long-term travelers.

In fact, SafetyWing is the perfect nomad insurance for travelling longer than 1 year. By default the insurance won’t even give you an end date. This insurance is built for long-term travellers.

Check the options!

You can create recurring payments, like a subscription. So useful and simple! Just make sure you end your subscription when you are no longer travelling.

Other companies like IMG Global, True Traveller and others offer long-term packages as well.

I’ll talk about those two companies towards the end of the article. After all, this is a complete guide.

6. What Will You Be Doing and Who Are You Doing it With?

Do you plan on doing adventure activities like scuba diving, mountain biking, hiking at elevation, parasailing and the like?

Will you be travelling with expensive electronic equipment?

Do you have kids or a spouse?

These things may affect the cost of your insurance premium.

Make sure you check all these items. Also, in case you decide later to do something else, for instance diving. You can call and ask if this is covered as well. Most of the times, the regular activities are covered.

Why buy travel insurance from SafetyWing?

Is SafetyWing a great digital nomad insurance? Well, they have a lot of pros.

Here are 3 main ones:

• Backed by the insurance giant Tokio Marine.
• Hassle-free application process.
• Super affordable pricing.

SafetyWing is a newcomer to the insurance world.

Launched in 2017, the SafetyWing founders are from Norway but the company wasn’t started in Norway; they are nomads and created the start-up directly in San Francisco. This is where they’re now based as expats.

Their aim is to provide good, affordable healthcare specifically for digital nomads and long-term travelers.

Since it is backed by the insurance giant Tokio Marine, there is no dealing with multiple insurance companies depending on your nationality/location.

This makes for a very streamlined, easy-to-use website and application process.

Furthermore, this eliminates a lot of the headache of comparing plans and worrying about whether or not you’ll be covered here or there.

That is one of the most attractive aspects SafetyWing. It’s like the iOS of travel insurance.

Good to know: They’re also working on expanding into primary care health insurance.

Which would be an awesome addition to the digital nomad insurance world, and give world travelers an excellent option for both emergency medical care and primary/preventative care.

Meaning you could go get a check-up and be covered.

How much is travel insurance – the costs?

The other most attractive aspect of SafetyWing is the price. It’s super affordable compared to just about any other travel insurance.

Take as an example a 32 year-old male:

With SafetyWing it costs $42 for four full weeks of coverage . At first glance, it is by far the cheapest long term travel insurance.

Compare that to HeyMondo or as well HeyMondo, which would cost me $120 for their standard plan and $210 for their explorer plan.

Why do I want to emphasize the first glance? Remember there is also a yearly $250 deductible. Depending on your medical needs, SafetyWing can be more expensive than HeyMondo .

Let’s have a look at one simple insurance travel services example with different hospital bills:

• You need to go to the hospital in Bali and the hospital bill is $10

SafetyWing : $42 monthly plan + $10 hospital bill  (due to the $250 deductible).

WorldNomads : $120 standard plan.

No insurance : 10$.

• You need to go to the hospital in Bali and this time the hospital bill is $300

SafetyWing : $42 monthly plan + $250 hospital bill  (due to the $250 deductible).

No Insurance : $300.

Well, you can see with this simple example that insurance is about how much you are willing to pay for your peace of mind status. You will never know in advance if you will use the insurance or not and how much the hospital bill will be. Of course, you can do some research to check the hospital prices. If you are traveling to many countries or non stop, this research can take lot of time and you won’t be 100% certain of the information you find in the online world as it changes continuously.

This example is obviously very very simplified. Just imagine you have a serious issue and the costs climbs to $10.000. In this case, it is not even a question anymore if it travel insurance is worth it. This really depends on your destination, preexisting conditions and your own wallet.

Detailed breakdown of SafetyWing pricing:

If you want to include travel to the United States, and you’re not a US citizen, prices nearly double from the $42.

Even still, the price of coverage if you want to include travel to the United States is still significantly cheaper than most other companies.

Let’s look at some of what SafetyWing has to offer:

• easy and understandable website.
• $250,000 maximum limit.
• flexibility.
• covered everywhere outside your home country except for Cuba, Iran and North Korea.
• autopay – your insurance will be charged automatically every month.
• you can get insurance for a travel companion or child.
• if you’re already abroad, you can still buy insurance at no extra cost.
• emergency dental care.
• unlimited renewals.
• emergency medical evacuation up to $100,000.
• trip Interruption up to $5,000 (I’ll get into the specifics of this one later in Not To-Do’s)
• direct billing to hospitals listed on their network.
• covered in your home country (read details below!)

Home Country : With SafetyWing you are covered in your home country for 30 days within every 90-day period (or for 15 days within every 90 days if you’re from the US).

Direct billing : As for direct billing, this means that you won’t have to pay out of pocket for medical treatment and then get reimbursed later. (Note: remember the $250 deductible).

This network does have some limitations, however.  (I’ll explain in the next section)

A wide range of adventure sports activities are covered. Some popular ones include:

• Camping under 4,500 meters
• Horseback riding
• Bungee jumping
• Football (soccer)
• Hot air ballooning as a passenger
• Moped biking (if you have an international license and this is valid in the country you are riding)
• Safari tours
• SCUBA diving (if either you are PADI/NAUI certified, or with a certified instructor no more than 10 meters below the surface)
• Windsurfing/ Wakeboarding

For an exhaustive list, see their website SafetyWing .

Good to know: Some of the less expensive problems that arise feature no deductible .

For example, if you lose your passport, you’re covered up to $100 with no deductible, or if your checked baggage is lost, you’re covered up to $6,000 lifetime with no deductible.

This may be not so great if you’re carrying expensive camera equipment.

Things That Could Be Better – the Cons

I’m splitting hairs here, because on the whole SafetyWing seems nearly too good to be true, with a combination of affordability, ease of use, and necessary coverage.

But let’s look at some potential problems that you might encounter with a plan from SafetyWing.

• limited coverage options
• location restrictions
• lost baggage
• out of network Hospitals
• doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions (no insurance will cover them)
• some extreme sports and activities aren’t covered

While many sports and activities are covered under SafetyWing, some of them aren’t. These include:

• Whitewater rafting
• Hiking at elevations of 4,500 meters or higher
• Parachuting
• Paragliding
• Kitesurfing
• Parasailing
• Tractors (whatever that means)

And last but not nearly least: Running with the bulls in Spain.

Please, please, please, don’t tell me that the thought, ‘Hey, maybe Running with the bulls in Spain is covered in my travel insurance plan’ has ever run through your mind.

Although it’s come up enough to make it onto the list of sports activities excluded in SafetyWing’s coverage.

How do you make a claim?

If something bad happens to you while traveling, it’s really important that you save all the documents, physicians reports hospital statements and any other medical bills that you accrue during the process.

Without these, you may have trouble making a valid claim, and this is true for pretty much any insurance company covering pretty much anything.

That said, like a lot of other companies, you can file your claim with Safety Wing either online or through the post.

Be sure to include the following:

• A completed and signed Claimant’s Statement and Authorization form , which you can find on their website and fill out digitally.
• Original itemized bills from physicians, hospitals and other medical providers.
• All original receipts for any expenses that you’ve already paid for.

If you have any questions in filling out the form visit the guidelines at www.hccmis.com/claims

More and more countries seem to be requiring proof of insurance these days.

If you’re from a country that requires a visa to travel to another country, you may need proof you have an insurance in order to enter.

Note: check if you need a visa to any country here

For example, if you’re applying for a Schengen visa to any EU country, you must provide proof of travel insurance with at least $50,000 in medical emergency benefits (which most travel insurance plans cover).

It’s important you check this out before traveling as well, just so you’re aware.

SafetyWing offers easy access to your proof of insurance letter by logging in with your policy ID on Tokio Marine’s Client Zone . You will be able to download the visa letter in a PDF format in just seconds.

I’m sure this option is available through any travel insurance policy you go with, but I’m in a SafetyWing state-of-mind in this case. “Just sign in your area and get it, save a PDF, send it to whom it may concern…”.

Read : review of iVisa.com – the gateway to organize your visa around the world

Good To Know: We also have a guide on How to Travel on a Budget? Simple Tips for Saving Money on Your Next Trip.

Is SafetyWing Nomad Insurance legit?

Yes, SafetyWing is a legitimate travel insurance company which we have had firsthand experience with.

Is SafetyWing good travel insurance?

It’s an excellent choice for digital nomads and anyone else that enjoys bouncing around the world on a long-term travel adventure. The affordable monthly payment options and flexibility make SafetyWing an easy choice. 

Does SafetyWing cover trip cancellation?

Put simply: no. Instead, SafetyWing offer what’s called trip interruption up to $5,000.

Who are the best travel insurance companies?

Alongside recommending SafetyWing for nomads, we also think HeyMondo is worth considering. This obviously depends on what kind of travel insurance you are after. Here’s our full review of HeyMondo to help you make the best decision for you.

Summing SafetyWings Up

All things considered: SafetyWing is a really a game-changer when it comes to travel nomad insurance.

It is affordable, covers most everything other travel insurance plans cover, and is simple and easy to use and understand.

There’s no dealing with different insurance companies within your coverage — something that, as an American myself, is a huge weight off of shoulders heavy with years of experience with private healthcare marketplaces and fluctuating premiums/deductibles/stipulations within coverage.

On the other hand, its simplicity doesn’t allow for much wiggle-room if you have specific needs, time restraints, or preferences, which some other plans may allow for by providing multiple coverage options.

Question for you : Have you ever made a claim with Safetwing or HeyMondo?

We would love to hear from you!  Please leave a comment below and share your experience in details – both bad and good! this way you help more and more travellers!

Here’s a list of things you think you may be covered for, but actually aren’t.

These are based on a careful reading of the fine print in SafetyWing’s Description of Coverage, but they would probably apply to most other travel insurance plans.

Read: How to Deal with Bed Bugs While Traveling (…and a few Hostel Myths Debunked)

Always best to check the fine print

• Don’t purchase your plan and then immediately go get medical treatment.

Any company will look at this as though you’re trying to scam them, which you probably are if you’re trying to do it.

We specifically asked this question: Can you buy insurance and go instantly to the doctor? NO! They even consider this a real scam. That being said, obviously there is cases you buy a policy and something happens 2 days later. The doctor will have the final say in this in the report he/she files.

• Don’t think that just because you missed a connecting flight due to a delay, you’ll be covered by travel delay insurance.

The delay must be at least 12 hours . If this does happen though, SafetyWing will cover you for up to $100 a day to cover hotel costs.

• Don’t get drunk and crash your motorbike into a muddy ditch, badly cracking both rear view mirrors and both of your legs.

You won’t be covered if your BAC (blood alcohol content) is above the legal limit of the country you’re in.

• Don’t go back to your home country and get a physical or any voluntary testing/procedures thinking that you’ll be covered.

You won’t be.

The only way you’re covered when you go home (and you’re only covered up to 30 days out of a 90 day policy) is if it’s an ‘incidental emergency’, meaning accidental, unplanned, whoops, damn-I-should’ve…splat!

• Don’t get any vaccinations thinking you’ll be covered.

You won’t be covered.

Depending on where you’re going and what vaccinations you may need, check other insurance plans to see what the possibilities are.

If you have a home insurance plan, check out the vaccination options with them as well.

You can usually find safe, affordable vaccination centers if you look in the right places.  Preferably not down any dark alleys.

• Don’t go snorkeling without a life-jacket and then nearly drown and need life support

And then expect to be covered if you’ve signed a waiver with a tour company stating that they’re not responsible for anything that happens if you don’t wear a life jacket (including shark attacks).

• Don’t go get your teeth whitened by a dentist in Thailand, thinking that this will be covered.

It won’t be.

Only emergency dental coverage is provided due to severe, agonizing pain from an acute source.  Like if you smash your mouth into Thailand and need immediate reconstructive surgery.

• Don’t expect to be covered for treatment for an STD

No matter how hard you try!

• Don’t see a billboard ad for hair transplants as you’re driving down some highway and think ‘hmmm, maybe it won’t be that expensive because of my travel insurance?’

It will be.  You won’t be covered, in more ways than one.

• Don’t go to a dermatologist so you can finally get that annoying birthmark that looks like Italy removed from your inner thigh.

That’ll cost you full price, as it is not covered.

Comparison of the travel insurance coverage offered by SafetyWing and an older provider:

Note: prices are based on a 23 year-old US Citizen.

This table shows everything more clearly.

Please note we are trying to keep this list up to date. Always check first with the insurance directly if the information is still valid. Last update April, 2024.

Some Other Travel Insurance Options

So you made it so far, this is excellent! By now you should have a deeper understanding of what nomad insurance you may need, pricing and such.

Let’s share with you 2 more providers. Above all, we want this guide to be complete and show a full picture.

True Traveller seems like an interesting option. Unfortunately, it’s only available to citizens of the EU and UK.

Their website is quite straightforward and user-friendly.

Just put in some information about where you’re from, your age, and the length of your trip, and you’ll be sent to a comprehensive summary of your coverage options.

There are three main plans, from least to most expensive:

• Traveller and
• Traveller Plus

Here are some key highlights

Note: I’m converting into US Dollars from their website, which is in Sterling Pounds.

1. Prices vary based on:

• plan you choose
• your age and
• whether you’ll be traveling to the US or Canada.

Prices are even higher if you buy the insurance when you’re already travelling.

I chose the basic plan, True Value, with no coverage to US or Canada, and choose ‘not traveling’, and 4 weeks would cost me $80.

If I were already traveling, it would cost me $98.

A bit cheaper than World Nomads, but still doesn’t begin to compete with SafetyWing’s $37 $42.

2. Lots of coverage options: As I mentioned above, they offer three types of plans, True Value, Traveller and Traveller Plus.

But, they also offer extra add-ons, like:

• an adventure pack
• extreme pack and
• ultimate pack, which cover increasingly more dangerous bundles of sports and activities.

Two options for a deductible: 

• You can choose between having a $0 deductible
• $160 deductible

When I chose the $0 deductible, the price of my quote rose from $80 to $109.

3. High limit for medical expenses: For the basic plan, True Traveller’s medical expenses limit is over $3,000,000. 

Yes, THREE MILLION Dollars!

A super generous limit that would cover a lot more costs than either HeyMondo or SafetyWing.

IMG Global is another company with multiple travel insurance options.

And by multiple, I mean multiple .

There are at least 11 different coverage options.

• you can choose between short-term and long-term plans
• whether you’ll be covered in the US or not, and
• you can specify if you’ll be making multiple trips.

Here are some highlights:

1. Coverage Plans: They basically offer three main plans, with more specific sub-plans within them.

The three main plans are:

2. Price: IMG can be SUPER CHEAP, if you’re willing to risk your deductible.

With IMG, the prices really vary because you can choose your deductible, from $100 to $25,000.

Again, remember that the deductible is the amount you pay upfront yourself, and then the insurance company ponies up the rest.

I was interested in their long-term insurance offerings, so I chose to check out their year-long “Global Medical Insurance” with US/Canada travel excluded.

Here were my options:

In other words, if I’m willing to risk a $10,000 deductible, I can pay $42/month. While this may seem worth it to you, it’s really almost like not having insurance at all.

Any treatment you receive under $10,000, you’ll be paying out of pocket. Even still, if you’re into having lots of options, head over to their website and have a look.

Safetywing Remote Health is a Health insurance for your remote team. So this section really only applies to you if you run a team and business.

A fully equipped health insurance that works for your entire international team and independent remote workers. No exclusions for pandemics.

The price depends on the size of your team and the destinations. As always, the US coverage is more expensive while Asia is usually cheaper.

The remote health covers for instance:

• Hospitals treatment and accommodation

Cancer treatment

• Reconstructive surgery
• MRI, PET and CT scans
• Parent and child overnight accommodation
• and many more.

Whew! So, if you’re still reading this, then bless your heart. I think you are ready to get travel insurance for nomads.

You’re really into learning about travel insurance and the possible options you have out there.

Remember, it always helps to do your research.

Check out the descriptions of coverage for any company you choose to go with, and be aware that there can be many variables based on you individual situation.

Transparency is key:

We decided to team up with HeyMondo and SafetyWing. Meaning, when purchasing your insurance with them, we will receive a small cut at no extra cost for you .  This will help us to keep this page running for you, so we can bring you more insider tips and tricks to travel on a budget and the most stunning hostels in the world.

Got everything you need about travel insurance worldwide? Read:

• Travel packing list – the only list you need
• HeyMondo Travel insurance review – is it legit?
• what NOT to pack for staying at hostels
• 10 backpacker mistakes to avoid in your next trip
• iVisa , the simple shortcut for your visa around the world
• Sort out onward travel with Onward Ticket
• Our favourite ways to find flights: Skyscanner
• Qatar Airways in review – a great company to fly with?

Your Experience and Feedback

We wrote this article by doing extensive research along with our own personal experience with some of the insurances we’ve used. Now, we would love your experiences and feedback.

We know no company is perfect and there can be situations where we as customers are not happy about the outcome for one reason or another. Therefore, please leave your comment below.

Share your thoughts, opinions and first-hand experiences right here in the comment section.

Travel well, friends.

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I HAVE FILED A CLAIM with SAFETY WING/ WORLD TRIPS/TOKIO MARINE (all the same company) and what they did – they only found unreasonable excuses not to pay me! I got hospitalised in Thailand with Spontaneous Pneumothorax, the doctors told me its regular INSURED EMERGENCY CASE! MAP from Safety Wings tried to BARGAIN the hospital for too long NOT TO PAY THE FULL PRICE OF MY TREATMENT, so I had to pay all bills beforehand by myself because all their bargaining postponed my urgent treatment while I WAS IN A SEVERE PAIN!! The Pakistani guy is their so-called Medical Audit Professional, after my doctor talked to him he said “He is not a doctor, he has no medical knowledge!”

By now I still didn’t get payed! They offer money to my hospital directly (half price) and now rejecting to pay me anything??? Easy target! Just find a stupid excuses, no need to pay!

PLEASE NEVER TRYST THIS COMPANY! THET ARE FRAUDS NOT THE INSURANCE COMPANY!

I took insurance with SafetyWing. It wasn’t cheap at $136 per month due to my age. My flight was postponed repeatedly by the airline for 11 days. I submitted a claim for delayed departure. They didn’t pay, nor did they even email me saying they would not pay. They created a file that you had to log in to see (who knows?). They also took the next months’ payment early b4 I could cancel. Then repeated the trick on July 4th when they knew American banks would be closed + not really a day when anyone checks their bank statements. Whenever I try to contact them I get some online remote worker who has no authority, just wastes your time.

I have been a customer of Safety Wing for almost a year. I recently had a medical emergency and amidst delays, they refused to provide a guarantee of payment for a procedure that was very costly (read that they provide GOP for other illnesses so its very subjective). This was a moment I needed them most and they wiped their hands clean. When buying insurance, please make sure they cover you upfront for costly procedures. That’s where travel insurance counts most.

If you want to know more, you can read my review here: https://www.trustpilot.com/review/safetywing.com

Thanks a lot for sharing your first-hand experience with Safetywing, Fiona!

A very good overview and comparison. My feedback is that IMG’s annual global medical insurance plan is not comparable to the other plans listed. Instead, IMG offers their Patriot Travel medical plan that would be a better fit for this article. The Patriot plan is a monthly travel medical plan but can be renewed and extended for more than a year.

Other plans to consider: > GeoBlue Voyager for US citizens abroad, HCC’s Atlas travel insurance plan. and the Liaison plan from Seven Corners.

Nice review on Safetywing, good stuff. I have researched them too and consider them a great insurer overall, though far from perfect still.

My experience with SafetyWing was the same as with every other company: they simply disappeared as soon as something actually happened while I was abroad, and ended up having to spend more than 1000 euros from my own pocket. Don’t trust them. Don’t keep the slightest hope that they will be there when you need them. They won’t.

As a US resident, residing in CA. I’m looking for a good annual travel insurance plan for my wife and me. We are very active 61 year olds who love to travel. We take about 5 trips per year, both in the US and abroad. I heard Allianz has a good annual plan, but I need other recommendations to cover at least up to $10,000 in interruptions. We do have a credit card (chase sapphire) that covers most of our insurance needs, except for medical. Thank you.

Have to checked with Safetwing? Under 65, finding health insurance and travel insurance should be still relatively easy. Safetywing covers until 69 years old. World Nomads’ age limits on certain products go as high as 70.

Thanks a lot, Matt

The most important difference between World Nomads and Safety Wing, which I don’t believe you mentioned, is that SW does not require a permanent residential address. I am a U.S. citizen but have only a mail-forwarding address in my home country, no actual residence. I am a permanent, full-time traveler. Although I was quite clear about this with WN, they accepted my premiums for three years until I submitted a relatively small claim, about US300, for treatment of bronchitis in Thailand. Then they declined to cover the claim because I did not have a permanent residence! I complained vociferously and eventually settled for the reimbursement of several months of premiums which covered the amount of my claim and a small additional amount. I am now with SW, which states an actual residence is not necessary. However, it is more expensive than WN the older you are. A senior traveler like me pays significantly more per month than the rates you quote for a 32-year old traveler. But in my research, SW was the only travel insurer that did not require a residential address. If anyone knows of another company that does not require it, please respond to these comments.

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EPIC SafetyWing Travel Insurance Review

Introduction.

Welcome to our comprehensive review of SafetyWing Travel Insurance. Whether you are planning a vacation, business trip, or digital nomad adventure, having travel insurance is essential to protect yourself from unexpected expenses and emergencies. SafetyWing is a leading provider of travel insurance that offers comprehensive coverage for travelers worldwide.

In this review, we will examine the key features, coverage options, pricing, claims process, and customer feedback of SafetyWing Travel Insurance. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of whether SafetyWing is the right choice for your travel insurance needs.

With SafetyWing, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are covered for a wide range of situations, including medical emergencies, trip interruptions, lost luggage, and more. Whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, SafetyWing provides you with the necessary protection to navigate unforeseen circumstances and enjoy worry-free travels.

Before we dive into the details, let’s take a look at what sets SafetyWing apart from other travel insurance providers. SafetyWing is specifically designed for digital nomads, remote workers, and long-term travelers, making it a popular choice among the global community of nomads. With a focus on flexibility and affordability, SafetyWing offers travel insurance that caters to the unique needs and lifestyles of modern-day adventurers.

SafetyWing understands that travel plans can change unexpectedly, which is why their policies allow for easy modifications to trip dates and durations. This flexibility ensures that you are covered for the entire duration of your trip, even if your plans change along the way.

In addition, SafetyWing is known for its robust medical coverage, ensuring that you have access to high-quality healthcare wherever you are in the world. It covers medical expenses, hospital stays, emergency medical evacuations, and prescription medications, giving you the peace of mind you need when you are away from home.

Now that we have a general understanding of SafetyWing Travel Insurance, let’s delve deeper into the specific coverage and benefits it offers. Whether you are a digital nomad, a solo traveler, or a family embarking on an adventure, SafetyWing has got you covered.

Overview of SafetyWing Travel Insurance

SafetyWing Travel Insurance is a comprehensive insurance product designed to protect travelers from a wide range of potential risks and expenses. Whether you are exploring a new country, embarking on a business trip, or living the digital nomad lifestyle, SafetyWing offers coverage that caters to your unique needs.

One of the standout features of SafetyWing Travel Insurance is its global coverage. With SafetyWing, you are protected no matter where your travels take you. Whether you’re hiking through the mountains of Nepal or enjoying the beaches of Bali, you can rest assured knowing that SafetyWing has your back.

One of the most important aspects of any travel insurance policy is medical coverage. SafetyWing provides extensive medical coverage, including emergency medical expenses, hospital stays, doctor visits, and emergency medical evacuations. This coverage is crucial, as medical expenses can be extremely costly, especially when traveling abroad.

In addition to medical coverage, SafetyWing also offers coverage for trip interruption and cancellation. If your trip needs to be cut short or canceled due to unforeseen circumstances such as a medical emergency, natural disaster, or political unrest, SafetyWing will reimburse you for the non-refundable expenses you incurred, such as flights, hotels, and tours.

Another key benefit of SafetyWing Travel Insurance is coverage for lost or delayed baggage. If your luggage is lost, damaged, or delayed for an extended period of time, SafetyWing will provide reimbursement for essential items you need while waiting for your bags to be returned.

For digital nomads and remote workers, SafetyWing offers unique benefits tailored to their lifestyle. If you need to return to your home country for a short period of time, SafetyWing offers coverage for return trips, allowing you to take care of personal matters without losing your insurance coverage.

Furthermore, SafetyWing understands that travel plans can change unexpectedly. With their flexible policies, you have the option to modify your coverage dates and durations as needed. This ensures that you are covered for the entire duration of your trip, even if your plans change or you decide to extend your stay.

Overall, SafetyWing Travel Insurance provides comprehensive coverage for travelers of all kinds. Whether you’re a digital nomad, a solo adventurer, or traveling with your family, SafetyWing offers peace of mind and protection against unexpected expenses and emergencies. In the next section, we will explore the different coverage options and benefits offered by SafetyWing in more detail.

Coverage and Benefits

SafetyWing Travel Insurance offers a wide range of coverage options and benefits to ensure you are protected during your travels. Here are some of the key features and benefits you can expect with SafetyWing:

• Medical Coverage: SafetyWing provides extensive medical coverage, including coverage for emergency medical expenses, hospital stays, doctor visits, and emergency medical evacuations. Whether you need to see a doctor for a minor illness or require emergency medical treatment, SafetyWing has you covered.
• Trip Interruption and Cancellation: If your trip needs to be cut short or canceled due to unforeseen circumstances such as a medical emergency, natural disaster, or political unrest, SafetyWing will reimburse you for the non-refundable expenses you incurred, such as flights, hotels, and tours.
• Lost or Delayed Baggage Coverage: In the unfortunate event that your luggage gets lost, damaged, or delayed for an extended period of time, SafetyWing provides coverage and reimbursement for essential items you need while waiting for your bags to be returned.
• Emergency Dental Coverage: Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and they can be quite costly, especially when seeking treatment in a foreign country. SafetyWing offers coverage for emergency dental treatment, allowing you to get the necessary care without worrying about expensive bills.
• Personal Liability Coverage: Accidents can happen, and you may find yourself liable for damages or injuries caused to others during your travels. SafetyWing provides personal liability coverage, protecting you financially in case you are held responsible for such incidents.
• 24/7 Assistance: SafetyWing provides 24/7 assistance and support, ensuring that you have access to help and guidance whenever you need it. Whether you require medical advice, need to file a claim, or have any other concerns, SafetyWing’s dedicated support team is just a phone call away.
• Flexible Coverage Dates and Extensions: SafetyWing understands that travel plans can change unexpectedly. With their flexible policies, you have the option to modify your coverage dates and durations as needed. This allows you to extend your coverage if your plans change or if you decide to extend your trip.

These are just some of the coverage options and benefits that SafetyWing Travel Insurance offers. It’s important to read the policy details and fine print to fully understand what is covered and any limitations or exclusions that may apply. SafetyWing provides transparent and easily accessible policy information to ensure that you have a clear understanding of your coverage.

In the next section, we will explore the pricing and plans offered by SafetyWing, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your needs and budget.

Pricing and Plans

When it comes to travel insurance, SafetyWing offers competitive pricing and flexible plans to suit different travel needs and budgets. Let’s take a closer look at the pricing structure and various plans available:

SafetyWing offers a single comprehensive plan called the “Nomad Insurance.” This plan is designed specifically for digital nomads, remote workers, and long-term travelers. It provides coverage for a wide range of situations and offers robust medical coverage, trip interruption and cancellation coverage, baggage coverage, and other benefits.

The pricing for SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance is straightforward and transparent. Coverage is billed on a monthly basis, which makes it ideal for individuals or families who require coverage for an extended period of time. The monthly cost of the Nomad Insurance is competitive, making it an affordable choice for long-term travelers.

In addition to the monthly billing option, SafetyWing also offers the flexibility to purchase coverage for specific travel periods. This means that if you have a shorter trip or need coverage for a specific period of time, you can customize your policy accordingly.

SafetyWing also offers a unique feature called “Home Country Coverage.” This allows you to return to your home country for a specified period without losing your insurance coverage. This is particularly beneficial for digital nomads and remote workers who may need to visit their home country for personal or work-related reasons while still maintaining their travel insurance benefits.

It’s important to note that the pricing may vary depending on your age, travel destination, and the duration of your trip. SafetyWing provides a user-friendly online quoting system where you can input your details and get an instant price quote based on your specific requirements.

When choosing a plan, it’s essential to carefully review the policy details and coverage limits to ensure that it aligns with your travel needs. SafetyWing’s website provides clear and comprehensive information about their coverage, making it easy for you to make an informed decision.

In terms of value for money, SafetyWing Travel Insurance offers a great balance between affordability and comprehensive coverage. The flexibility of their plans, transparent pricing, and the ability to customize coverage make it a popular choice among digital nomads, remote workers, and long-term travelers.

Now that we have explored the pricing and plans offered by SafetyWing, let’s move on to the claims process and how it works.

Claims Process

SafetyWing aims to make the claims process as smooth and hassle-free as possible for its policyholders. In the event that you need to file a claim, here’s an overview of the claims process with SafetyWing Travel Insurance:

1. Contact SafetyWing: As soon as you encounter a covered event or require medical assistance, it is important to contact SafetyWing’s 24/7 assistance team. They will provide you with the necessary guidance and support and help you understand the next steps in the claims process.

2. Complete the Claims Form: SafetyWing will guide you through the claims process and provide you with the necessary claim forms. You will need to complete these forms accurately and thoroughly, providing all the required information related to the incident or expenses you are claiming.

3. Gather Supporting Documentation: To support your claim, you will need to gather all relevant documentation such as medical reports, receipts, invoices, or any other evidence that validates your claim. It is important to keep copies of all documents for your records.

4. Submit Your Claim: Once you have completed the claims form and gathered all necessary documentation, you can submit your claim to SafetyWing. You can do this either by email, fax, or through their online claims portal, depending on the options available.

5. Claim Evaluation: SafetyWing will carefully review and evaluate your claim, including the supporting documentation provided. They may reach out to you for additional information if needed. It is important to respond promptly to any requests for further documentation or clarifications to expedite the claims process.

6. Claim Settlement: Once your claim has been reviewed and approved, SafetyWing will initiate the claims settlement process. They will reimburse you for the eligible expenses or provide the necessary assistance based on the coverage and benefits outlined in your policy.

It is important to note that the claims process may vary depending on the nature of the claim and the specific circumstances. SafetyWing aims to process claims in a timely manner, but it is always advisable to submit your claim as soon as possible and provide all the necessary documentation to avoid any delays.

If you have any questions or need assistance during the claims process, SafetyWing’s customer support team is available to provide guidance and address your concerns.

Now that we have covered the claims process, let’s move on to the next section, where we will explore customer reviews and feedback on SafetyWing Travel Insurance.

Customer Reviews

When it comes to choosing a travel insurance provider, it is important to consider the experiences and feedback of other travelers. SafetyWing Travel Insurance has garnered positive reviews from many policyholders. Here are some highlights from customer reviews:

• Comprehensive Coverage: Many customers appreciate the comprehensive coverage provided by SafetyWing. The inclusion of medical coverage, trip interruption and cancellation, baggage coverage, and other benefits gives travelers peace of mind knowing that they are protected in various situations.
• Excellent Customer Service: SafetyWing is known for its responsive and helpful customer service team. Customers have mentioned the prompt assistance they received during emergencies, claims process support, and overall positive interactions with the company’s representatives.
• Affordability: SafetyWing’s pricing is often praised by customers, particularly for its affordability compared to other travel insurance providers. The monthly billing option and the ability to customize coverage durations make it convenient for long-term travelers and digital nomads.
• Flexibility: One aspect that stands out in customer reviews is the flexibility offered by SafetyWing. Customers appreciate the ability to modify coverage dates and durations, as well as the option for Home Country Coverage, which allows them to return to their home country without losing insurance benefits.
• Timely Claims Processing: Several customers have mentioned the efficient claims process provided by SafetyWing. The timely review and settlement of claims, as well as the clear communication during the process, have resulted in positive experiences for many policyholders.

While most customer reviews for SafetyWing are positive, it is important to note that individual experiences may vary. It is always advisable to thoroughly read the policy details, including coverage limits and exclusions, to ensure that your specific needs are met.

If you’re considering purchasing SafetyWing Travel Insurance, it can be helpful to read customer reviews on reputable review platforms, travel forums, or social media groups. Hearing about the experiences of other travelers can provide valuable insights.

In the next section, we will outline the pros and cons of SafetyWing Travel Insurance to help you make an informed decision about whether it is the right choice for you.

Pros and Cons

Like any travel insurance provider, SafetyWing Travel Insurance has its own set of pros and cons. Understanding these can help you determine if SafetyWing is the right fit for your travel insurance needs. Here is an overview of the pros and cons of SafetyWing:

• Global Coverage: SafetyWing provides coverage for travelers worldwide, ensuring you are protected no matter where your adventures take you.
• Comprehensive Benefits: The comprehensive benefits offered by SafetyWing, including medical coverage, trip interruption and cancellation, baggage coverage, and more, give travelers peace of mind.
• Affordability: SafetyWing’s pricing is competitive and affordable, making it an attractive choice for long-term travelers, digital nomads, and remote workers.
• Flexible Policies: SafetyWing allows you to modify coverage dates and durations as needed, giving you the flexibility to adapt your policy to your changing travel plans.
• Home Country Coverage: The option for Home Country Coverage allows you to return to your home country for a specified period without losing your insurance benefits.
• Responsive Customer Service: SafetyWing’s customer service team is known for its responsiveness and helpfulness, providing assistance and support during emergencies and the claims process.
• Coverage Limits: Some customers have noted that the coverage limits provided by SafetyWing may not be sufficient for certain high-cost medical treatments or emergencies.
• Pre-Existing Conditions: SafetyWing has limitations on coverage for pre-existing conditions, so it is important to review the policy details if you have any existing medical conditions.
• Claim Documentation: The claims process may require thorough documentation, including medical reports and receipts, which can be time-consuming to gather and submit.
• No Trip Cancellation Coverage: SafetyWing does not offer specific trip cancellation coverage, which may be a drawback for some travelers who prioritize this benefit.
• Limited Add-Ons: SafetyWing’s coverage options and benefits may be limited compared to some other travel insurance providers, particularly in terms of optional add-ons or upgrades.

It’s important to weigh these pros and cons against your specific travel needs and priorities. SafetyWing Travel Insurance provides comprehensive coverage and flexibility at an affordable price, making it a popular choice for many travelers. However, if you have specific requirements or need more specialized coverage, it is advisable to compare options and providers to ensure you choose the best fit for you.

Now let’s conclude our review of SafetyWing Travel Insurance and summarize the key points we have discussed.

SafetyWing Travel Insurance offers comprehensive coverage, affordability, and flexibility, making it a popular choice for travelers, digital nomads, and remote workers worldwide. With its global coverage, robust medical benefits, and additional features such as trip interruption and baggage coverage, SafetyWing provides peace of mind and protection for a wide range of travel scenarios.

The pricing structure of SafetyWing, with its monthly billing option and customizable coverage durations, caters well to the needs of long-term travelers. The affordability of their plans makes it an attractive choice for individuals and families seeking comprehensive travel insurance without breaking the bank.

Customers have applauded SafetyWing for its excellent customer service and responsive support team. The claims process is generally smooth and efficient, ensuring timely resolution and reimbursement for eligible expenses. The flexibility to modify coverage dates and durations, as well as the option for Home Country Coverage, further enhances the appeal of SafetyWing for travelers with evolving itineraries.

While SafetyWing Travel Insurance has received positive reviews, it’s important to consider some limitations. These include coverage limits, restrictions on pre-existing conditions, thorough documentation requirements during the claims process, and the lack of specific trip cancellation coverage. It’s crucial to review the policy details and assess your specific needs to ensure that SafetyWing meets your travel insurance requirements.

Overall, SafetyWing Travel Insurance offers a solid combination of comprehensive coverage, affordability, and flexibility. By protecting yourself with SafetyWing, you can travel confidently, knowing that you have reliable insurance coverage throughout your adventures.

However, it is advisable to compare different travel insurance options, consider your personal circumstances, and read customer reviews to make an informed decision. SafetyWing Travel Insurance is certainly worth considering for its competitive pricing, extensive coverage, and customer satisfaction.

Ensure that every trip you take is safeguarded with the right travel insurance, and enjoy your journeys with peace of mind and the knowledge that you are protected against unforeseen circumstances.

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Reviews 3.9.

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We love Safety Wing

I travel basically year-round and it really feels good to know that I'm covered if/when things go wrong. It was incredibly easy to sign up, to claim and to keep assured from this amazing company.

Date of experience : March 27, 2024

Reply from SafetyWing

Hey TJ, Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We're so glad to hear that signing up and filing a claim is easy. Stay safe and enjoy your travels, SafetyWing

Review change

I am always happy to change my stance based on how organisations respond. I did not have a great experience with an approval, however I have been impressed with the seriousness of how the org responded to my complaint. Mistakes are made, sometimes the response to a mistake makes a bigger impact on long term relationships. I appreciate how you have dealt with this.

Date of experience : March 26, 2024

Hey Andrew, We're so terribly sorry to hear about your experience. Our team has looked into this and determined that the pre-approval email was sent out by mistake. They have been in touch with you to resolve this issue. Our sincerest apologies for the inconvenience and stress this must have caused. Best wishes, SafetyWing

Thanks to their support

Needed extra help to resolve a claim and Ronnie's assistance was super fast, friendly, and decisive. I was able to resolve my problem in just a few days thanks to their support. I'm always impressed by the fast and high-quality service that Safety Wing provides.

Date of experience : March 22, 2024

Hey Paula, Thank you so much for your kind words about our customer support! We're so glad to hear that they were able to help you through the claims process. Safe travels, SafetyWing

Camelia Was Super Helpful and Super Clear!

Camelia was super helpful and super clear. I asked to break down specific answers so I could get clear, and she did so wonderfully. ALL customer service should be so great. Seriously.

Date of experience : March 11, 2024

Hey Sandiferous, We're glad to hear that Camelia was helpful and provided easy to understand answers. We appreciate the kudos to our customer care team -- we think they're wonderful, too! Safe travels, SafetyWing

Highly Recommended

Simple. Reliable. Efficient. Responsive. Been with them for 2 years now. I just love the no fuss experience. I added just my daughter for a new subscription policy. They gifted me $20 voucher

Date of experience : March 05, 2024

Hey Maria, Thank you so much for your feedback. We're glad to hear that we are reliable, efficient and responsive. Enjoy your $20! Safe travels, SafetyWing

Difficult communication

Difficult communication, looks like they don’t read what yoh write or they don’t understands. They declined my claim and didn’t provide any reason. I contacted them to ask why they declined it and they responded „reason is provided in email” but then when you open the email there is no reason, empty box with the reason 😂. They also keep asking me for a medical report for another claim, I respond them sending a picture of the report and then they keep asking the same question, looks like they don’t read or open what I’m writing or they use chat bots. It’s not a good service - too many problems for the price you pay. Poor quality 🫥

Date of experience : April 04, 2024

Coverage verified

The true measure of insurance is what happens when you make a claim. My wife had an injury when she fell while skiing in Japan. Filing the claim was easy. Two months later we received a check for our total medical bills minus the $250 deductible. This was the third time we purchased a Safetywing policy and we will continue to use them for every international trip we take. ------------------------------------------------------ UPDATE: I should have waited a week for the check to clear because it was returned by our bank due to insufficient funds. I will post another update based on what happens next.

Date of experience : January 28, 2024

It's good

It's good, everything was going well.

Date of experience : April 08, 2024

Amazing customer support and very good coverage for digital nomads.

The customer support is simply the best. The claims process is also quite alright. They handle it thru a 3rd party partner - WorldTrips - so the clunkiness is not SafetyWing's issue, but as far as I know since November 2023 already SafetyWing handle everything themselves, and it's much easier and faster to claim and receive a refund. Would definitely recommend. Been using them for almost a year of traveling thru South America, had a couple of situations where I needed medical attention from a doctor and all expenses, for about a $1000 combined, were refunded without an issue.

Date of experience : January 21, 2024

Hey Yo, Sorry to hear about your medical situation and hope you've made a full recovery. It's great to hear that the improvements and changes we've made to Nomad Insurance have made the claims process easier and faster. Thanks for recommending us! Safe travels, SafetyWing

I always have a good experience using…

I always have a good experience using Safety Wing. However, there has been a slight delay with the processing of claim because of their system but it has been sorted. Customer representative are very accommodating and fast, shout out to Ronie for being so helpful all throughout the process! Appreciate the team always!

Date of experience : February 23, 2024

Hey Michaila, Thanks for sharing your feedback with us and sticking through the updates we're making. We will be sure to let our customer care team know what an impact they had on your experience. We appreciate you! Safe travels, SafetyWing

Best travel insurance you should have

Safety Wings / Worldtrips is a great company. I had to have a surgery from an appendicitis and everything was covered. The whole process only took a few months to get the reimbursment but I have to say this is one of the best travel insurance you should have!

Date of experience : February 12, 2024

Hey DT, We're so sorry to hear about your surgery and wish you a speedy recovery! It's great to know that you had peace of mind knowing everything was covered. Thanks for recommending us. Get well soon, SafetyWing

They will never pay out.

It's a scam. I had a very simple accident where I tipped on my motorcycle. After sending all the papers they asked for, they then asked for proof that I was wearing a helmet. It was mandatory to process the claim they said. How do I prove that? Neither the ambulance, nor hospital, or the police did mention my helmet in any of the documents. Of course I was wearing a helmet. It is the law. I even sent them a picture of my damaged helmet. If they can simply ask for non-existing documents to reject a claim, then why do I even pay for insurance?

Date of experience : December 30, 2023

Scammers, you won't be covered for claims

Typical scamming insurance company, waste of money. I went with these as they seemed the best out of a bad bunch. How wrong I was, just as bad if not worse. I'd had an issue abroad where I had to have treatment from a clinic, here I emailed Safety Wing asking about if I will be covered for my treatment from the clinic, to which they said yes I would be and explained how I go about putting a claim in. When it came to it, apparently because my claim was worth under $250 they do not cover it, I had to cover it myself. Something they conveniently left out in the email advising me I will be covered for the payment. What is the point in insurance if small claims under $250 aren't even covered? Safety wing are very good at looking professional and responding promptly up until you put a claim through and the claim actually goes through a third party website with a different customer service that isn't actually safety wing.

Date of experience : October 15, 2023

Hey Mia, The $250 you are referring to is the deductible for Nomad Insurance. Once you have submitted claims that total $250 and they are approved, you will have met your deductible and all future claims covered under the terms of the policy will be paid out. This is common practice in the insurance world, however, we are excited to let you know that we now have a zero deductible policy! This means your claims will be paid out from the get go. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our customer care team. Best wishes, SafetyWing

SafetyWing is a great company

SafetyWing is a great company. I use them every time I travel outside of Canada. I've met many people who work there and they are kind and authentic. Insurance and claims are not easy to navigate and despite not being perfect yet I truly believe they're trying to make the industry better. I would highly recommend SafetyWing to anyone!

Date of experience : November 01, 2023

Hey Sam, Thanks for recommending us and letting us know that we're living up to our expectation to make the insurance industry better. We're always a work in progress and grateful to have you with us on this journey. Safe travels, SafetyWing

fast claim processing

I like that the claim are processed fast! It'd be nice the service could send an confirmation email once the claim was processed. Because the only way I know that the claim is processed is by getting bank notification. However that's not convenient when I have multiple claims in the processing simultaneously.

Date of experience : September 29, 2023

Hey Igor, It's great to hear that your claim was processed quickly! We appreciate you sharing this feedback about receiving a confirmation email once a claim is processed, and agree that would certainly improve our process. Safe travels, SafetyWing

Amazing service from safetywing on an accute iguinial hernia

Amazing service from safetywing, was diagnosed with an acute hernia. Everything was settled within a day, operation next day everything went smooth they even found s second hernia. Finally i found an insurance company who is in it for the customer instead of the money. Highly recommended 5/5 Big shout to the safetywing team on my case, Carl, sara Theodora, kawhlaz Lazar and Ziad and more you are heroes 💞

Date of experience : October 19, 2023

Hey Wesley, Sorry to hear about your medical incident and surgery. We hope you've made a full recovery and are feeling better. Thank you for sharing your positive experience and recommending us! Wishing you a speedy recovery, SafetyWing

Be careful with the SafetyWing…

Be careful with the SafetyWing ambassador program, when your sales are on the rise they cancel your contract without prior notification as the contract says, they keep your recurring sales and customers and do not pay you your commissions. Here are some things to keep in mind: SafetyWing has a history of cancelling ambassador contracts without prior notification. There are several accounts online of ambassadors who have had their contracts cancelled without warning, even when they were meeting or exceeding sales goals. SafetyWing keeps all recurring sales and customers when they cancel an ambassador contract. This means that even if you have worked hard to build up a customer base, you will lose all of that work if your contract is cancelled. SafetyWing does not pay ambassadors their commissions when they cancel their contracts. This means that you will not only lose out on future sales, but you will also not be paid for the sales that you have already made.

Date of experience : February 26, 2024

Hey Renato, We can hear that you are upset and acknowledge that you must feel very disappointed to not longer be part of the ambassador program. At SafetyWing, we have a set of terms and conditions that ambassadors must adhere to in order to continue to promote us and receive an affiliate fee. We do not pay ambassadors commission. In the event that an ambassador does not adhere to the terms and conditions, SafetyWing reserves the right to remove them from the Ambassador program. When this happens, the ambassador is notified ahead of time via email. Best wishes, SafetyWing

The representatives are very…

The representatives are very professional! I sure can guarantee that alk my claims have been completed and processed in less than the expectedtimeor ETA they normally provide. The customer support team is definitely outstanding, they always go above and beyond to resolve any issues or concerns I have👏 👌

Date of experience : December 15, 2023

Hey Ana, We're so glad to hear that our team is professional and goes above and beyond. Thank you for sharing your feedback about our speedy claims process! Safe travels, SafetyWing

I've been using it for more than a year…

I've been using it for more than a year and the claim process is very straightforward while it takes a few days they communicate super well, the benefits are amazing and I can use it all over the world which has been incredibly useful as I travel a lot. Very recommended.

Date of experience : November 13, 2023

Hey Mateo, We're so glad to have you as a long term customer! Thanks for sticking with us, and sharing your experience. It's great to know that the claims process is straight forward and that the benefits are amazing. You can reach out to our customer care team from anywhere in the world via the chat on our website. They're available 24/7 and usually answer in under a minute. Safe travels, SafetyWing

Great support when something goes wrong…

Great support when something goes wrong in the process of signing for the insurance. There is flexibility and you feel you are speaking to real people who wish to help and not just provide you with pre-prepared answers. Very speedy response to questions at any time during the day; clear and precise communication.

Date of experience : June 19, 2023

Hey Eva, Our customer care team is 100% real people and you can reach them 24/7 via the chat on our website. It's great to hear you felt supported and that the communication was clear and precise. Thank you for sharing! Safe travels, Chloe

8 Reasons to Use SafetyWing Travel Insurance

• Post author: Andy Korteling
• Post published: 13/09/2023
• Post last modified: 20/02/2024
• Post comments: 0 Comments

• Opens in a new window

Before Andy and I started our life of travel and living abroad, we had both “been around a bit”. Stop it! I didn’t mean it like that. I mean we had both travelled fairly extensively. Taking every opportunity to get out of England, we both ran off to various corners of the world for a week or two (or longer) at a time in search of sand, sea, sun, and adventure. So, along the way, we picked up our fair share of holiday-related stories.

On reflection, most of the stories are about the bad things that have happened. After all, no one is really interested in hearing that the beach was fantastic, the food great and the weather perfect on your recent week in Spain. They want to know about the lost passport, the pickpocket in the bus station, the terrible dose of the runs you got from the rat on a stick, and the day the hotel flooded.

Sounds dramatic but all of those things have actually happened personally to us at some point or other. And that was just on normal one or two-week holidays from work!

On longer trips, we have been on a boat that sunk, got caught in a typhoon, crashed in a taxi, nearly been wiped out in a tuk-tuk by a truck, almost died in an Airbnb fire, got sick, had flights delayed and cancelled and lost luggage. The most expensive was having to fly home from Mexico due to a family emergency. It’s all part of travelling and accepting there are risks involved, especially if you like to head more off the beaten track like us.

And that is why we have always made sure we are covered by insurance. You hope you never need it but are so thankful for it when you do.

Affiliate Link Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our Affiliate Link Disclosure.

What you'll find in this post

SafetyWing Travel Insurance

We have recently become fans of SafetyWing travel insurance. And it’s not only us. After a few years of being abroad, you get to hear from many other people about their terrible travel tales and how their insurance companies dealt with them. SafetyWing often seems to come out on top when it comes to customer service and cover.

SafetyWing is a good travel insurance for short breaks and annual holidays. It offers great coverage at competitive prices. It is easy to get, just follow this link for the standard “Nomad Insurance Policy” . Not only is SafetyWing great for a normal holiday, or trip away. However, it really comes into its own when you need travel insurance for longer or indefinite trips.

Remote working as a digital nomad or location-independent freelancer presents the problem of finding adequate insurance. Most policies only cover you for a number of weeks per year away from home. They also need to purchase the cover from your own country and to return to your own country for a number of days between trips. That’s not very convenient if you are planning a two-year round-the-world cycling expedition or a six-month workcation in the Philippines. Even less convenient if you decide to spend another two years cycling back the way you came or decide to take another year-long contract in your new job. This is another area where SafetyWing travel insurance surpasses the competition.

What is SafetyWing?

In 2018 three remote workers (Sondre, Sarah and Hans) were staying in their friend’s place in Norway. One of them was working on the Norwegian social safety net system and had the idea of rolling the safety net system out into the remote working world. The eventual aim was to provide remote workers with the same level of security that the Norwegian government offers its citizens.  The first item on the agenda was health care. So, the first product they designed and launched was travel insurance that was suitable for short holidays and longer remote working trips.

The SafetyWing travel insurance proved deeply popular and now covers over 100,000 holidaymakers, travellers, and nomads in over 150 countries throughout the world. The co-founders are remote workers as are the majority of the staff team. This puts them in the unique position of truly understanding the nuances of customers’ situations as they, between them, have likely experienced similar situations. Empathy goes a long way when the person on the end of the phone is having a personal crisis!

SafetyWing Insurance Products

Over the past few years, SafetyWing has been so successful it has released more products aimed at the growing hoard of remote workers. It now offers three different types of cover designed specifically for slightly different groups. These are Nomad Insurance, Nomad Health, and Nomad Remote Health

SafetyWing Nomad Insurance

SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is the original product aimed at seasoned long-term digital nomads, remote workers and holidaymakers and alike. Based on traditional travel insurance it offers a general level of cover at a value-for-money price. It includes:

Medical Coverage for if you are in an accident or become ill and need medical treatment whilst out of your home country.

Travel Coverage for travel delay, lost checked luggage, emergency response, natural disasters, and personal liability.

CHECK OUT SAFETYWING NOMAD INSURANCE HERE

SafetyWing Nomad Health

This is a global health insurance designed specifically for remote workers and nomads. It’s a full-fledged health insurance that covers your medical needs worldwide, including in your country of residence.

This is a new product that is proving very popular with the new generation of remote workers. It offers two levels of cover. The standard is basic medical insurance. The Premium policy also gives you cover for eyesight, dental, vaccinations and maternity treatment.

CHECK OUT SAFETYWING NOMAD HEALTH HERE

SafetyWing Remote Health

So, your solopreneur enterprise has flourished, and you now need cover for your global remote nomadic workers. Look no further than the SafetyWing Remote Health package. It is designed especially so you can offer your team the reassurance and care they truly deserve. It gives them peace of mind and helps you protect your guys no matter on which rocky outcrop they decide to work from.

This is another new product that is bucking the trend and leading the way for remote teams. If you are self-employed, you can even buy it for yourself and your travelling family.

CHECK OUT SAFETYWING REMOTE HEALTH HERE

8 Reasons to Choose SafetyWing Travel Insurance

So, if you are not sold already then let’s dive deeper into the advantages of SafetyWing. Here are 8 reasons to choose SafetyWing travel insurance (even if you’re not a digital nomad or remote worker):

1. The Competitive Price

SafetyWing typically offers more affordable rates, especially for long-term travellers.

2. Flexibility

You can purchase or extend coverage at any time, even after you’ve started travelling.

3. Cover in Multiple Countries

One policy covers you in multiple countries, except for a few exceptions.

4. Coverage of Many Countries

Coverage extends to many countries, with exceptions mainly related to U.S. sanctions.

5. Monthly Payments

You can choose between fixed travel periods or automatic monthly renewal for up to 364 days.

6. Covers Visits Home

You’re covered for short visits to your home country during your travels.

7. Children Covered For Free

Two children under 10 per family can be included at no extra cost.

8. Sports Coverage

It includes coverage for most amateur/non-professional sports and activities.

This is the service that made SafetyWing famous.

GET A SAFETYWING QUOTE HERE

The Downfalls of SafetyWing Nomad Insurance

Nothing is perfect and everything is a compromise. There are of course things that could be improved with the SafetyWing travel insurance cover. So, let’s be honest and upfront and list some of them here. Read them carefully and think if they are a deal breaker for you. Most of these negative points are small and are aimed at reducing the cost of the cover for you.

• Deductible: There’s a $250 deductible for most medical expenses, once per policy period.
• Age Limitations: Coverage is available for individuals aged 15 days to 69 years old.
• No Gear and Electronics Cover: Loss or theft of electronics and gear are not covered.
• No Trip Cancellation Cover: Trip cancellations are not covered.
• Language Limitations: The website and support are available only in English.
• Minimum Coverage Period: A minimum of 5-day coverage is required.
• Purchases in USD Only: Payment can only be made in USD, potentially subjecting foreigners to additional taxes.
• No Promo Codes: As of now, SafetyWing travel insurance doesn’t offer promo or discount codes.

The main concern for Andy and I was the lack of gadget cover. This is not actually so much of an issue for us now as we have found separate cover for all my main devices. This is essential as they are, after all, the tools of our trade.

SafetyWing Travel Insurance Conclusion

SafetyWing travel insurance offers value-for-money, quality cover for both the most seasoned remote working nomad and the avid holidaymaker. Its popularity amongst “pro-travellers” is the biggest testament to its pedigree.

BUY SAFETYWING TRAVEL INSURANCE HERE

As with all insurance be sure to read the small print for SafetyWing travel insurance, ask questions to the provider and make sure the policy covers your exact situation. Make sure it also offers enough flexibility for you to change it should your situation change.

After all, it’s not unheard of for people to go on a week’s holiday and decide to stay a while longer, like a year or ten.

Enjoy this post? Pin it for later!

Andy Korteling

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