SafetyWing Review: The Best Digital Nomad Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is a must, especially if you live a life on the road. While it may seem like a large expense that cuts into your budget, imagine the cut into your budget if you have an accident or mishap without coverage. Having travel insurance like the one offered by SafetyWing gives you peace of mind while you’re out exploring the world. And now, with the addition of their Complete plan, SafetyWing offers an even more comprehensive solution for long-term travelers.

What is SafetyWing?

SafetyWing is the answer for nomads in need of coverage. It’s a travel medical insurance company created by nomads, for nomads. The insurance policies availabel through SafetyWing are underwritten by their trusted partner, Tokio Marine HCC. What makes SafetyWing stand out is not only the flexibility and affordability of their plans, but also the fact that you can purchase coverage even if you’re already abroad. This makes it especially attractive for digital nomads, backpackers, and expats.

Originally, SafetyWing offered a single product: the Essential plan. But since then, they’ve launched the Complete plan—designed for full-time nomads and expats who want more than emergency coverage. It includes all the benefits of the Essential plan, plus a broader range of health and travel protection, including coverage in your home country and access to routine care.

How Much Does SafetyWing Cost?

Any insurance plan is indeed an expense, so it’s important to understand how much of an expense it is. SafetyWing’s Essential plan operates on a flexible, recurring basis and is paid every four weeks (28 days). The cost is determined by the subscriber’s age: travelers between the ages of 10 and 39 pay $56.28 every four weeks. Those aged 40 to 49 pay $92.40, travelers between 50 and 59 pay $145.04, and those aged 60 to 69 pay $196.84 per cycle. One child under the age of 10 can be added for free per adult, or two per family, as long as they are over two weeks old.

For those not traveling full-time, SafetyWing also offers short-term coverage. Prices start as low as $10.05 for a five-day trip, making it accessible for holidaymakers as well as nomads. It’s worth noting that travel within the United States increases the cost of the plan. However, U.S. coverage doesn’t need to be included for the full length of your trip and can be added at any point.

The Complete plan, on the other hand, is designed as a long-term solution. It comes with a minimum 12-month contract and can be paid monthly or yearly. Unlike the Essential plan, the Complete plan has no coverage limitations in your home country and includes many more healthcare services. Pricing for the Complete plan varies more significantly based on age, coverage area, and the inclusion of specific countries like the U.S., Hong Kong, or Singapore. While it’s a higher investment, it reflects the broader and more permanent nature of its coverage.

What Does SafetyWing Cover?

As with most travel insurance, SafetyWing covers both medical and travel-related mishaps, but the level of coverage depends on which plan you choose.

The Essential plan is focused on providing emergency medical coverage while you’re abroad. This includes treatment for unexpected illnesses and accidents, medical evacuation, and travel interruptions such as delays, lost luggage, or trip interruptions. Injuries sustained while driving a scooter or motorcycle are also covered, provided alcohol or racing were not involved. While most common sports are covered, high-risk activities like extreme sports require an add-on. Optional add-ons are also available for U.S. coverage and electronics theft.

With the launch of the Complete plan, SafetyWing now also offers much more comprehensive coverage. This includes everything in the Essential plan, plus routine healthcare visits, mental health services, maternity care, and cancer screening and treatment. It also offers additional travel benefits, such as coverage for burglary, trip cancellation, and delayed luggage. The Complete plan even includes coverage for adventure sports by default and extends full coverage in your home country without the 30-day limit imposed by the Essential plan.

What Does SafetyWing NOT Cover?

While there is plenty that both plans cover, there are some exclusions worth noting. For both the Essential and Complete plans, pre-existing conditions are not covered. This includes any illness or condition that was present before the start of your policy.

The Essential plan also does not cover routine checkups, maternity care, mental health services, vision or dental treatments, or extended home country coverage. These limitations are addressed in the Complete plan, but certain elective procedures and cosmetic treatments still remain outside the scope of coverage.

Coverage for electronics such as phones, laptops, and cameras is also not included by default but can be added as an optional benefit.

What Countries Does SafetyWing Cover?

SafetyWing provides worldwide coverage, with the exception of Cuba, Iran, and North Korea. These exclusions are common in international insurance due to sanctions or diplomatic restrictions.

For travelers on the Essential plan, coverage is also available during short visits to your home country—up to 30 days for every 90 days of coverage. This is ideal for those who travel frequently but occasionally return home. However, if you’re planning to stay in your home country for extended periods or want uninterrupted coverage while based there, the Complete plan removes this restriction and provides full coverage no matter where you are.

Comparing SafetyWing Plans: Essential vs. Complete

How Do I File a Claim With SafetyWing?

Ideally you’d never have to make a claim but if you do, know that the claim process is super easy and efficient. Here are the basics:

1. Collect the payment receipts of all of your expenses (doctor’s treatment, pharmacy bill, etc.) and make a copy of them.
2. Log into your SafetyWing dashboard and click “Make a claim.”
3. Fill out a short form and upload your documents, receipts, and medical notes stating the treatment you had and why.
4. You will receive a confirmation email and can track the status of your claim in your online profile.

If you are unsure about any of the steps, send them an email to [email protected] or use their chat.

SafetyWing vs. World Nomads

World Nomads has been around for a while and is quite well known and popular. But SafetyWing has some advantages over World Nomads, with the largest being its cost. At less than half the price of World Nomads, SafetyWing is a much more affordable option. Additionally, SafetyWing has received very high scores on TrustPilot easily outscoring World Nomads.

SafetyWing continues to be one of the most flexible and traveler-friendly insurance options available. Whether you’re a short-term traveler looking for emergency coverage with the Essential plan, or a full-time nomad seeking a more permanent health and travel safety net through the Complete plan, SafetyWing has you covered.

If you’re ready to protect your adventures and explore the world with peace of mind, you can get a quote and sign up below: