SafetyWing Travel Insurance Review: Is It the Best for You?
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).
Quick Price Reference ages 10-39:
• Nomad Insurance Essential (for a trip): Pricing starts at US $56.28 for 4 weeks.
• Nomad Insurance Complete (longer term abroad): Pricing starts at US $150.50 for 4 weeks. [Plan comparison]
I’ll also discuss this basic travel insurance company’s limitations, so you can be sure you’re making the most informed choice possible. They’ve had some changes to their plans, too
I remember when I first started travelling – back when I was invincible. I’m glad I’m past those days 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 and Nomad 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.
It was created by the same kinds of people that they aim to serve, so they know what you need. These two plans cater to a wide range of needs, from short-term travellers to digital nomads who need comprehensive health coverage while living abroad.
Update Plan Info
SafetyWing has restructured its insurance plans, unifying their previous plans as Nomad Insurance. The former Nomad Insurance is now Nomad Insurance Essential.
Nomad Health has been rebranded as Nomad Insurance Complete. Here’s a quick summary of the updated plans:
Nomad Insurance Essential (formerly Nomad Insurance):
- Coverage: Provides essential travel medical coverage, including emergencies.
- Add-Ons: Optional coverage for electronics theft and adventure sports.
- Policy Limit: Overall limit of US$250,000.
Nomad Insurance Complete (formerly Nomad Health):
- Coverage: Offers comprehensive health coverage, encompassing routine checkups, outpatient visits, maternity care, and cancer treatment.
- Travel Protections: Includes new benefits such as trip cancellation and burglary coverage.
- Policy Limit: Overall limit of US$1,500,000.
Plan Comparison
| Feature | Nomad Insurance Essential | Nomad Insurance Complete |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage Type | Essential travel medical insurance | Comprehensive health and travel insurance |
| Medical Emergencies | Yes | Yes |
| Routine Checkups | No | Yes |
| Outpatient Visits | No | Yes |
| Maternity Care | No | Yes (after a 10-month waiting period) |
| Cancer Treatment | No | Yes |
| Adventure Sports Add-On | Optional | Optional |
| Electronics Theft Add-On | Optional | Not yet, but it’s coming |
| Trip Cancellation | Yes, in case of family death | Yes |
| Burglary Protection | No | Yes |
| Lost Checked Bags | Yes | Yes |
| Home Country Coverage | 30 days (15 days in the US) after 90 days abroad | No |
| Policy Limit | US $250,000 | US $1,500,000 |
| Subscription Model | Yes, renew term for up to 364 days | Yes; starts with a 12 month commitment |
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 Nomad Insurance Essential (ages 10-39), which works out to about $2.01 a day.
Pricing increases with age, with the top tier (60-69) costing $196.84 for 4 weeks.
Nomad Insurance Complete starts at US $150.50 for 4 weeks (ages 10-39). There are different pricing tiers based on age and coverage level, with detailed options available on SafetyWing’s website.
✔️Nomad Essential Insurance
Nomad Insurance Essential is a great choice for you if flexibility and affordability are important. You also want essential coverage for unexpected situations. It’s best for:
- Budget Travellers: Those looking for basic travel medical insurance without the added cost of comprehensive health benefits.
- Digital Nomads: Perfect if you’re working remotely while travelling. It offers coverage across multiple countries.
- Adventurers: Ideal for travellers engaging in adventure sports, thanks to the optional add-on for activities like scuba diving and skydiving.
- Long-Term Travellers: Suited for individuals on extended trips, such as gap years or sabbaticals, who need reliable emergency coverage.
The subscription model is another plus. It allows you to purchase coverage for as little as 5 days and extend it every 4 weeks for up to a year.
This flexibility is perfect is you have unpredictable travel plans, as the policy auto-renews unless cancelled. This means you don’t remember each time you need to renew. You get uninterrupted coverage no matter where you go.
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 Essential will provide:
Medical benefits:
- Emergency Medical Treatment: Coverage for unforeseen medical emergencies, including hospital stays, surgeries, and prescription medications.
- Emergency Medical Evacuation: If adequate medical facilities aren’t available locally, the plan covers transportation to the nearest suitable hospital.
- Emergency Dental Treatment: Coverage for acute dental conditions requiring immediate attention.
- Ambulance Services: Includes ground transportation to medical facilities in emergencies.
- Repatriation of Remains: In the unfortunate event of death, the plan covers the cost of returning remains to the home country or local burial.
▶ Please note that Nomad Insurance Essential does not cover:
- Routine Checkups and Preventative Care: Regular health examinations and preventive treatments are excluded.
- Pre-Existing Conditions: Medical issues existing before the policy’s effective date are not covered.
- Maternity Care: Expenses related to pregnancy and childbirth are excluded.
- Cancer Treatment: Oncological treatments are not covered under this plan.
Travel benefits
- Trip Interruption: Reimbursement for return travel expenses if you need to return home unexpectedly due to events like the death of a family member.
- Travel Delay: Compensation for meals and accommodations if your trip is delayed over 12 hours, up to $100 per day for 2 days.
- Lost Checked Luggage: Reimbursement for lost checked luggage, up to $500 per item and a maximum of $3,000 per policy.
- Natural Disaster Evacuation: Coverage for accommodation if evacuation is necessary due to a natural disaster.
- Political Evacuation: Coverage for evacuation in case of local political unrest.
- Personal Liability: Coverage for certain legal liabilities incurred while travelling.
- 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.
US Coverage: For American travel, you will have to buy a separate add-on specifically for that country. It’s not offered under the general coverage, nor is it available for US residents.
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.
There’s no deductible.
Add-ons:
- 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 Insurance Complete
SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance Complete plan is made for:
- Digital Nomads and Remote Workers: Travellers living and working abroad who require comprehensive health coverage, including routine checkups and preventive care.
- Long-Term Travellers: Those on extended journeys looking for extensive medical protection beyond emergency situations.
- Expats and International Residents: People living outside their home country who need a health insurance plan comparable to what they have at home.
- Families Abroad: Families living overseas, as the plan includes maternity care (after a 10-month waiting period) and other family health services.
This is 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.
* This insurance is available to most individuals aged 18 to 65 worldwide. BUT, it is not offered to residents of Belarus, Canada, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ireland, Palau, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, or the United States and its territories.
The word residents refers to those who live in a country for more than six months of the year. Get more related info on the policy page.
▶ Here’s an overview of what Nomad Insurance Complete provides:
- Inpatient and Outpatient Care: Coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, and outpatient visits, ensuring access to necessary medical treatments.
- Preventive and Routine Care: Includes routine checkups, vaccinations, and preventive screenings to maintain overall health.
- Maternity Care: Provides coverage for prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care after a 10-month waiting period.
- Cancer Treatment: Covers oncology consultations, treatments, and therapies for cancer patients.
- Mental Health Services: Offers support for mental health conditions, including therapy sessions and psychiatric care.
- Rehabilitation Services: Includes physical therapy and rehabilitation programs to aid recovery from injuries or surgeries.
- Emergency Medical Evacuation: Arranges and covers transportation to the nearest suitable medical facility when necessary.
- Repatriation of Mortal Remains: Handles the return of remains to the home country in the event of death.
Check Nomad Health pricing for different age groups here
▶ Please note that there are certain conditions and situations in which your coverage may not apply under this plan, including:
- Claims submitted more than 60 days after the end of your policy.
- Anything that has been covered by reimbursement from another source or by another insurance.
More details can be found on the policy page, but the instances that are not covered are minimal.
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 and don’t have a fixed base.
- Long-Term Travellers: 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:
- Older Travellers: SafetyWing’s services are primarily targeted toward individuals under the age of 65, or 69 for the Essential Plan.
- Residents of Excluded Countries: If you live in certain countries like the USA, Canada, or the UAE, among others, SafetyWing restricts coverage if you live there for more than six months a year.
- High Coverage Seekers: If you need very high limits on medical or travel coverage you might find SafetyWing’s caps insufficient for your needs.
- Travellers Who Need Comprehensive U.S. Coverage: If you’re travelling primarily within the U.S., SafetyWing’s coverage may not be as much as other providers that specialize in U.S. travel insurance.
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 claims@safetywing.com, 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 claims@safetywing.com. 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. Other claims could take 4-6 weeks. I’d bank on somewhere between these 2.
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 Complete includes dental covereage. Nomad Essential 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!
Read more:
➦ 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
