Traveling the world and living a location independent lifestyle is becoming increasingly popular. However, one major concern for digital nomads and frequent travelers is securing comprehensive and affordable travel insurance.
SafetyWing is an insurance provider catering specifically to the needs of global nomads and remote workers. In this detailed SafetyWing review, we’ll provide an in-depth look at their insurance plans to help you determine if they’re the right fit for your travels.
An Introduction to SafetyWing Travel Insurance
Founded in 2017, SafetyWing provides international health insurance for people living and working abroad remotely. Their plans are designed for digital nomads, expats, and global citizens who need flexible and reliable insurance.
Some key features that make SafetyWing unique include:
- Affordable Pricing – SafetyWing offers some of the most competitive rates in the industry.
- Global Coverage – Their plans provide coverage in over 150 countries worldwide.
- Flexible Plans – You can choose monthly or yearly terms, and cancel anytime.
- Simple Sign-Up – Get set up quickly online without paperwork.
- Specialized for Nomads – Their plans are built for the digital nomad lifestyle.
SafetyWing’s travel medical insurance can provide protection from unexpected illnesses, injuries, or accidents when you’re on the road.
Their two main plans are SafetyWing Nomad Insurance and SafetyWing Nomad Health Insurance. Let’s take a closer look at what each option provides.
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance Overview
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is their basic coverage option focused on short-term travel medical insurance.
Some of the key details include:
- Cover duration – Get coverage for a single trip up to 30 days in length.
- Medical expenses – Up to $250,000 covered for illnesses or injuries.
- COVID-19 coverage – You’re covered for COVID-related medical treatment.
- Emergency evacuation – Up to $100,000 for transport to adequate medical facilities.
This plan also includes a few other benefits like $5,000 for trip cancellation fees and $1,000 for lost luggage.
The cost of SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is $45.08 per month (for ages 10 – 39). For frequent travelers taking multiple short trips per year, this can be a cost-effective choice over single-trip policies.
SafetyWing Nomad Health Insurance Overview
For long-term travelers and digital nomads, SafetyWing also offers Nomad Health Insurance. This plan provides more extensive medical coverage for living and working abroad.
Here are some of the key coverage details:
- Cover duration – Get coverage for travels lasting up to 12 months.
- Medical expenses – Up to $250,000 per illness or injury.
- COVID-19 coverage – Full coverage for COVID-19 treatment and isolation housing costs.
- Emergency evacuation – Up to $500,000 to transport you to quality medical care.
- Deductible – Options for $100, $250, or $500 deductible.
- Dental & Vision – Additional dental and vision rider available.
The monthly cost for an individual is $51 and up depending on your deductible and coverage needs.
Having insurance for pre-existing conditions or high risk adventures? SafetyWing offers those add-ons too for an additional fee.
What SafetyWing Insurance Plans Do Not Cover
While SafetyWing provides extensive coverage, every travel insurance policy has some limitations. It’s important to understand exclusions when choosing a provider.
Some of the major things not covered by SafetyWing include:
- Routine preventive care like vaccines
- Treatment of pre-existing medical conditions
- Injuries related to professional sports
- Extreme high-risk activities like BASE jumping
- Travel to excluded countries with sanctions
- Errors or omissions in booking arrangements
- War and terrorism related incidents
Be sure to read through the fine print carefully before purchasing your plan. SafetyWing may be able to accommodate certain exclusions for an additional fee.
Costs and Pricing Options for SafetyWing Insurance
One of the major advantages of SafetyWing is the affordable pricing, especially for digital nomads and long-term travelers.
Here’s an overview of the pricing options for individuals up to the age of 39:
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
| Age Range | Cost |
|---|---|
| 10 – 39 | $45.08/month |
| 40 – 49 | $73.92/month |
| 50 – 59 | $115.92/month |
| 60 – 69 | $157.36/month |
As you can see, SafetyWing provides very reasonable rates, especially considering the breadth of coverage provided. The prices above are for worldwide coverage excluding the USA.
Adding coverage for the United States as well will increase the price slightly. However, you can still lock in annual coverage for under $1000 in most cases.
What Customers Are Saying in SafetyWing Reviews
With innovative insurance tailored for digital nomads, SafetyWing has quickly grown in popularity in the travel community. But does the service actually live up to expectations?
Here’s an overview of what current customers have to say based on credible SafetyWing reviews:
Positive Feedback
- Easy and fast claims – Many reviews praise quick reimbursements within 1-5 business days.
- Helpful customer service – Customers describe the support team as responsive and friendly.
- Good communication – SafetyWing provides status updates on claims and assists with coordinating care.
- Flexible coverage – Reviewers like the ability to customize plans and switch as needed.
- Affordable pricing – Most mention the premiums being lower than competitors.
Constructive Criticism
- Pre-existing condition limitations – Not ideal for those with chronic illnesses or conditions.
- Lack of trip delay coverage – Doesn’t reimburse for travel delays or missed connections.
- No cancellation for any reason – Only covers specific listed cancellation causes.
- Confusing exclusions – Some exclusions aren’t clearly outlined at signup.
The general consensus is that SafetyWing offers fantastic budget-friendly coverage for healthy travelers, with room for improvement around exclusions and limitations.
How SafetyWing Compares to Other Providers
SafetyWing certainly isn’t the only option for travel insurance tailored to digital nomads. How do they stack up against some other top providers?
Compared to World Nomads
- SafetyWing has lower monthly pricing for long-term travelers.
- World Nomads offers better coverage for high risk activities.
- Both provide comprehensive plans but exclusions differ.
Compared to GeoBlue
- GeoBlue has more comprehensive plans for expats and older travelers.
- SafetyWing offers better short-term trip coverage for nomads.
- GeoBlue has higher pricing overall.
Compared to Seven Corners
- Seven Corners has excellent coverage for medical emergencies.
- SafetyWing offers better average pricing and virtual doctor access.
- Seven Corners provides group policies SafetyWing lacks.
While there are certainly other great insurance choices, SafetyWing stands out with its budget-friendly pricing and digital nomad focus.
Is SafetyWing Right for You? Key Considerations
SafetyWing can provide phenomenal travel insurance coverage for the right customers. Before purchasing, ask yourself:
- What is my travel style? SafetyWing works best for younger, budget-conscious nomads going to developed nations.
- What is my medical history? Pre-existing conditions have limitations with SafetyWing.
- What activities will I do? Riskier hobbies aren’t covered (though add-ons help).
- How long will I travel? Their plans accommodate short and long-term travel.
- What locations will I visit? Ensure SafetyWing covers your destination countries.
Here are some recommendations on whether SafetyWing makes sense for different types of travelers:
- Digital nomads – SafetyWing is ideal with remote work focused benefits.
- Frequent travelers – Monthly plans provide savings over single trip policies.
- Senior travelers – Other insurers offer better coverage for older travelers.
- Those with chronic illness – Look for a provider that fully covers pre-existing conditions.
- Adventure travelers – SafetyWing works only for low-risk activities.
Every traveler’s needs are unique, so evaluate SafetyWing against competitors and your own requirements. Their responsive customer service can also help you determine if they are a fit.
Conclusion: An Affordable Companion for Your Journeys
After reviewing the details and customer feedback, SafetyWing offers phenomenal budget-friendly travel medical insurance tailored to location independent lifestyles.
For digital nomads and frequent travelers going to developed nations, SafetyWing should absolutely be on your shortlist to consider. The coverage provides extensive peace of mind in case the unexpected happens far from home.
Just be sure to understand policy limitations, read the fine print, and know that higher risk travelers may benefit from other providers.
At the end of the day, travel insurance is about finding the right fit for your unique needs. We hope this transparent SafetyWing review has provided a comprehensive overview to empower your decision making.
Where will your next journey take you? With SafetyWing as your companion, you can feel confident embracing the unknown knowing affordable global coverage has your back.
