If you’re reading this page, I guess you’re like me and love travelling. While travelling is such a rewarding and eye-opening experience, we all know that unexpected situations can happen anytime. From health emergencies and accidents to travel disruptions. You never know what might happen. That’s where travel insurance comes in! And if you’re a frequent traveller or digital nomad, SafetyWing Travel Insurance might be exactly what you need.
I know! Travel insurance isn’t a very exciting topic but it’s something that can help ease your mind and save you from a sticky situation. So bear with me while I dive into 5 reasons why SafetyWing is the best travel medical insurance, why it’s particularly great for long-term travellers, and how it compares to traditional travel insurance. Maybe you’ll learn something or at least find a product that’s perfect for you.
Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links, If you click one of them I will earn a small commission, it won’t cost you anything extra.
If you’re already interested in signing up for SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance without me saying anything else, feel free to use my affiliate link here: Sign Up Now
If you want to know more, keep reading!
What is SafetyWing?
If you’ve read any of my other blog posts, like this one about driving a scooter in Thailand, you may have seen their banners in my articles. But who are SafetyWing and what do they do?
In the simplest of terms, SafetyWing is a travel and medical insurance provider. Built with digital nomads and long-term travellers in mind.
SafetyWing’s aim is to build a global social safety net tailored to the needs of online freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote companies. They originally started with travel and medical insurance (Nomad Insurance Essentials) and have added comprehensive health insurance (Nomad Insurance Complete). They plan on continuing to add products until they have a complete social safety net — fully functioning across borders.
SafetyWing went through Y Combinator (a technology startup accelerator and venture capital firm), has raised venture-funding and now is serving more than 200,000 happy clients while growing more than 20% monthly since launch February 2018.
What makes SafetyWing stand out?
SafetyWing isn’t just another travel insurance company. Built for nomads, by nomads, it combines affordability with the flexibility needed for a global lifestyle. Many traditional travel insurance plans don’t cover travellers beyond a few months or only provide emergency health coverage, which may not be enough if you’re constantly on the move.
SafetyWing’s travel medical insurance covers more than just accidents. You’re also covered for unexpected illnesses, travel delays, and lost checked luggage (but make sure you check terms and conditions). Plus, it’s available as a subscription, which means you’re automatically renewed each month – perfect for those unsure about the length of their travels. All the reasons above make it arguably the best travel medical insurance for nomads.
Sounds good? Sign Up for Nomad insurance with SafetyWing
What kind of travel insurance do SafetyWing offer?
SafetyWing offer 2 products:
1. Nomad insurance Essentials
Nomad Insurance Essentials is what I would describe as the basic package and the one I consider the best travel medical insurance for digital nomads and frequent travellers. It covers people from all over the world, while outside their home country. You can sign up here.
It’s comprised of two kinds of insurance:
- Travel — includes coverage for: travel delay, lost checked luggage, emergency response & natural disasters, personal liability;
- Travel medical — access a qualified global network of hospitals and doctors for unexpected medical problems and accidents. Includes coverage for: doctors, hospital stays, ambulances, emergency dental and emergency medical evacuation.
2. Nomad Insurance Complete
Nomad Insurance Complete features all the benefits of the Essential Plan plus additional coverage for:
Routine medical care anywhere in the world, Wellness therapies, mental health support and cancer treatment, Burglary, canceled accommodation, delayed luggage.
And has no coverage restrictions at home.
Sign up for Nomad Insurance Complete.
A full fledged health insurance that covers your medical needs worldwide. Nomad Insurance Complete is ideal for long-term digital nomads or people thinking of settling down abroad. It provides broader medical coverage worldwide and more peace of mind while you’re travelling.
Ok, now when you know more about SafetyWing, who they are and what they offer, let’s get to the main part on this blog post.
Why SafetyWing is the best travel insurance for digital nomads?
I promised you 5 reasons, there are 5 reasons. Nomad Insurance, SafetyWing’s travel medical insurance offers:
1. Global Health Coverage
Whether you’re exploring the beautiful beaches of Thailand, working remotely from a café in Hamburg, or backpacking through South America, SafetyWing offers worldwide coverage. It’s ideal for those who frequently hop between countries without needing to update their policy every time. And if you’re returning to your home country for a brief visit, SafetyWing has short-term coverage in your home country too. Most travel insurances don’t offer that.
2. Affordability
Travel insurance costs can add up quickly, especially if you’re frequently purchasing new policies. SafetyWing offers one of the most budget-friendly options on the market. Essential Plans start as low as $56 every four weeks for people aged 18 to 39 (the prices do increase with age), which is a significant saving compared to many other insurance providers. Additionally, one child under 10 years old is covered for free when traveling with an insured parent, making it a family-friendly option as well.
3. Comprehensive Medical Coverage
SafetyWing’s medical coverage includes doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency room care. This is especially helpful if you’re traveling through countries where medical costs are high. They even cover COVID-19 testing (excluding antibody testing) and treatment, an essential feature in today’s travel climate.
4. Flexibility with a Subscription Model
SafetyWing operates on a subscription basis, which automatically renews every 28 days. There’s no need to worry about purchasing new plans for each trip or calculating how long you’ll be away. If your travel plans change, you can cancel anytime without incurring extra costs. For digital nomads, this subscription model allows you to travel without set time limits, giving you freedom and flexibility.
5. Trip Interruption and Lost Luggage Protection
There’s more to travel than just health, and SafetyWing recognizes that. They offer coverage for lost checked luggage and trip interruption, flight delays and cancellations, helping offset unexpected costs. This can be a game-changer, especially for those who rely on tight schedules or need to be back home quickly due to family emergencies.
Convinced yet? Sign up below!
What do you have to watch out for?
Now, wouldn’t be myself, if I didn’t mention some negatives about the Nomad Insurance. Yes, it’s one of the best out there, but there are also some limitations to their coverage. Remember, you get what you pay for – it’s cheaper because some things you have to purchase as add-ons.
Some of the limitations to consider include:
- limited coverage for high-risk sports or activities, you can buy an “adventure sports” add-on but you are still not covered for professional, organized or rewarded sports, or for expeditions. So you know, maybe don’t go climbing this Everest;
- routine medical check-ups are not included on the Essential Plan, neither are cancer treatment or pre-existing medical conditions (but if you sign up for the Complete Plan, Cancer and routine check-ups are included);
- limited dental coverage, which may not meet some travellers’ needs. I’ll be honest, there are lot of countries where it’s been cheaper just to pay for dental procedures out of pocket;
- increased premiums for travellers over 39, making it pricier for older users. The prices increase every 10 year bracket and there is no coverage past 69 years;
- trip cancellation insurance is only available on the Complete Plan, which may be a drawback for some, but as Nomad Insurance Essential is mostly aimed at people already travelling, that’s one of exceptions you have to allow to keep the price lower than their competitors;
- coverage for the US costs significantly more. This isn’t so surprising when you take into account the cost of medical care in the US, but that’s something to consider.
For more information on pricing and the specific details of their coverage, you can check out the full scope of SafetyWing’s plans, chat with their 24/7 customer service and sign up with my link here.
How SafetyWing compares to traditional travel insurance?
Most traditional travel insurance companies require a specific trip length and may have complex policies that are tricky to adjust mid-trip. SafetyWing Nomad Insurance Essential, on the other hand, works as a rolling monthly subscription that you can pause and restart at any time.
This type of plan is especially convenient for people who prefer open-ended travel. Plus, SafetyWing’s global support network means that if you need assistance while abroad, they offer 24/7 customer support, ensuring you always have someone to contact when you need to.
What are the additional perks of choosing SafetyWing?
Coverage for Children
As mentioned, up to two children under age 10 are covered for free per family (one with each adult). This can be a huge financial relief for families looking to travel more sustainably without cutting back on essential coverage.
Community Focused
SafetyWing was created by nomads for nomads. This means the company understands the unique needs and challenges of living a global lifestyle and continually works on developing products that support this way of life.
Home Country Cover
Also mentioned above. For every 90 days, you can use your medical coverage for 30 days in your home country if something happens while there. If you take the Complete Plan you get full coverage. (You can’t start in your home country, 15 days if your home country is the US).
How to sign up for SafetyWing
Getting started with SafetyWing is easy. You simply go to their website, select your plan, and fill in a few details. The application process is straightforward, taking only a few minutes, and then you’re good to go. Your policy will be sent directly to your email, and you can continue or start travelling with peace of mind.
Ready to sign up? Here’s my affiliate link to get started: Get Nomad Insurance from SafetyWing
How to deal with insurance companies
Ok…it might seem like I’m praising SafetyWing, mainly because I’m trying to convince you to buy their insurance using my affiliate link. 🙂 Plus they are good! But again, I wouldn’t be myself if I didn’t write…what I’m about to write.
You’re probably in the stage of your life where you had to deal with insurance companies for one reason or another. And you have probably realized that insurance companies are not your friends! Or if they are, they are more like two-faced friends, that will stab you in the back when you most need them. So if an accident does occur and you need to claim money back, feel free to follow this “guideline” on how to deal with insurance companies:
- be clear and concise – when filling anything out, give facts and use simple wording as much as possible. They don’t need opinions or anecdotes, and any extra things you write have the potential for them to refuse paying you on a technicality;
- only answer the asked questions – don’t tell stories and don’t go into too many details. Answer only the questions they ask, in the least amount of words possible. If they have additional questions, they will ask you – no worries;
- keep all your receipts and invoices – any time you get a diagnosis or treatment. Every time you pay for something, get the most detailed documentation possible. Invoices should always be itemised, with the corresponding cost for each treatment;
- if you’re unsure, ask questions first before making any definitive statements on your claim.
Dealing with insurance companies is a bit like being on trial. You have to prove your “innocence” – your right to get the money back for expenses incurred, by being thorough, having all the necessary documents and imagining you’re fighting the toughest prosecutor. And the worst part is that they can find you “guilty” – not eligible for getting your money back, at any time and for very superficial reasons.
Is SafetyWing right for you?
If you’re a digital nomads or a frequent traveller, SafetyWing will be a refreshing alternative to traditional travel insurance. Its affordable, subscription-based model, combined with extensive coverage, makes it a great choice for anyone looking to travel safely and affordably.
By choosing SafetyWing, you’re not just getting travel insurance; you’re joining a community of like-minded travellers who value freedom, flexibility, and peace of mind while exploring the world. If you’re ready to simplify your travel insurance and focus more on your adventures, check out SafetyWing Nomad insurance through my link.
Just remember to read all the terms and conditions and ask them any questions you have. Safe travels!
Just a small note – As an affiliate, I receive a fee when you sign up for SafetyWing travel insurance using my links. I do not represent SafetyWing. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Hi, it’s Aga, the author of this blog. If you found this blog post interesting, entertaining or useful, please think of buying me a virtual coffee to support the site’s running costs. But if you know me, I might actually spend it on coffee. Thanks!
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Because of its flexibility, cost, and extensive coverage, SafetyWing is the greatest travel insurance for digital nomads. Even for remote professionals who are always on the go, it provides medical, trip, and luggage protection globally. Nomads can concentrate on their business and adventures knowing they’re protected wherever they go because to SafetyWing’s easy management and lack of nation limits. Ideal for digital nomads who want to travel with peace of mind.
Couldn’t agree more 🙂