Is SafetyWing The Best Possible Travel Health insurance available?

When it comes to travel, one of the most overlooked yet essential aspects is travel insurance. I never travel without one, even though I hope I never use it and at the end of the trip, I feel like I have thrown money away. But if that is the price to pay for traveling with peace of mind, I think it’s worth it. Leaving for my so-longed-for trip and knowing that whatever happens, I will be covered adds an extra layer of happiness and lightness to it.

In fact, whether you’re a digital nomad, a long-term traveler, or just someone who enjoys regular vacations, having health travel insurance can save you thousands of dollars in medical expenses and unexpected mishaps. We don’t usually consider that even in relatively inexpensive countries, the cost of great healthcare may be higher than we think, especially if we go to private health institutions. And even if we are careful, anything can happens.

I have been using many different insurance companies, and SafetyWing is one of them. I still use it, depending on what kind of trip I am doing. It’s not perfect for every occasion. In this post, I will share all you need to know about SafetyWing, what it covers, and how it compares to my other favorite travel insurance companies, Dive Assure and Insurance Travel Master.

What is SafetyWing?

Founded in 2018, SafetyWing is a fully remote Norwegian start-up with a mission to provide affordable, comprehensive travel insurance for digital nomads, freelancers, and long-term travelers. Their goal is to create a country-independent social safety net, offering products that are simple, affordable, and tailored to the needs of travelers.

SafetyWing offers two primary insurance products:

1. Nomad Insurance – This is their basic travel health insurance plan, ideal for digital nomads and budget travelers.
2. Nomad Health – A more comprehensive plan that includes regular healthcare coverage, such as preventive care and wellness benefits, designed for long-term travelers and expats.

This article will focus on SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance, which covers essential health and travel-related emergencies.

Key Features of SafetyWing Travel Health Insurance

SafetyWing Travel Health insurance Coverage:

SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance plan covers a wide range of medical and travel-related mishaps, including:

• Emergency medical treatment: Up to $250,000 USD in coverage for medical emergencies.
• Emergency dental care: Up to $1,000 USD for unexpected dental issues.
• Medical evacuation: Up to $100,000 USD for emergency evacuation.
• Repatriation of remains: Up to $20,000 USD.
• Trip interruption: Up to $5,000 USD.
• Lost checked luggage: Up to $3,000 USD.
• Travel delays: Up to $100 per day after a 12-hour delay (maximum of 2 days).
• Political evacuation: Up to $10,000 USD.

Key Benefits:

• Home country coverage: SafetyWing offers up to 30 days of coverage in your home country for every 90 days abroad (15 days for U.S. residents).
• Global reach: Coverage in over 180 countries.
• No upfront payment is required: Direct billing at hospitals is in their network.
• 24/7 customer support: Around-the-clock assistance, ideal for frequent travelers.

What’s Not Covered:

• Trip cancellation: Unlike some other insurance plans, SafetyWing does not cover trip cancellations.
• Pre-existing conditions: This is not covered unless you experience an acute onset while traveling.
• Adventure sports: Extreme sports are not covered unless you purchase an additional adventure sports add-on (available only for non-U.S. residents).
• Expensive electronics: SafetyWing’s basic plan may not offer sufficient coverage if you carry high-end equipment, such as cameras or laptops, but you can choose an add-on coverage that increases the premium.

Pros and Cons of SafetyWing Insurance

Pros:

• Affordable: SafetyWing is one of the most budget-friendly options available, starting at $36.96 per month for travelers aged 18-39 (excluding the U.S.).
• Recurring billing: With SafetyWing, you pay every 4 weeks, making it convenient for long-term travelers who don’t want to commit to an extended policy.
• COVID-19 coverage: Includes medical coverage and quarantine costs related to COVID-19, provided you’ve had the plan for at least 28 days.
• Family-friendly: One child under 10 is included for free per adult, making it a good option for traveling families.
• No need for a fixed end date: The policy renews automatically, so you don’t need to worry about your coverage expiring while you’re traveling.

Cons:

• No trip cancellation coverage: If you need coverage for trip cancellations, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
• Limited adventure sports coverage: If you’re into adrenaline-pumping activities, you’ll need to add the adventure sports package.
• Limited electronics coverage: Travelers carrying expensive gear may find SafetyWing’s basic plan insufficient.
• Maximum age of 69: Coverage is not available for travelers over 69.

Who is SafetyWing Good For?

SafetyWing is ideal for digital nomads, remote workers, and budget-conscious travelers who are looking for affordable, straightforward health and travel insurance. Its flexibility and affordability make it a great option for long-term travelers who don’t need extensive coverage for expensive gear or extreme sports.

If you’re primarily looking for medical coverage while traveling, SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance is a solid choice. However, travelers with more complex needs, such as trip cancellation or comprehensive adventure sports coverage, may need to consider alternative options.

SafetyWing Costs

SafetyWing is known for its affordability, particularly for younger travelers. Here’s a quick breakdown of the monthly costs:

• Ages 18-39: $36.96 per month (excluding U.S.)
• Ages 40-49: $59.92 per month
• Ages 50-59: $94.08 per month
• Ages 60-69: $127.68 per month

Note: If you’re traveling to the U.S., the prices increase due to higher healthcare costs in the country.

The recurring billing system is particularly useful for digital nomads and long-term travelers who may not know when they’ll return home.

Making a Claim with SafetyWing

Filing a claim with SafetyWing is straightforward and can be done entirely online. You simply:

1. Collect and upload all necessary documents, including medical reports and receipts, via SafetyWing’s online portal.
2. Claims are typically processed within four days, making it faster than many competitors.
3. If your claim is approved, payments are made via direct deposit.

It’s important to keep all receipts and documentation in case of an emergency, and SafetyWing’s user-friendly system ensures that your claims process is as painless as possible.

SafetyWing Alternatives Compared

Dive Assure

Dive Assure is specifically designed for scuba divers and water sports enthusiasts. It offers comprehensive dive accident coverage and medical insurance. However, they have the non-diving option and become full travel insurance that includes evacuation and trip cancellation. I use this insurance when I book a particularly expensive liveaboard trip, so if I have to cancel for any valid reason, I know I can get a refund.

Pros:

• Tailored for diving activities with no depth limits for recreational divers.
• Coverage for hyperbaric chamber treatments, equipment damage, and dive-related trip interruptions.
• Trip Cancellation covered

Cons:

It is more expensive for travelers who aren’t focused on diving.

Limited coverage for general travel-related incidents not connected to diving.

Whom is Dive Assure best for?

Scuba divers and underwater sports enthusiasts who need specialized coverage and expensive trips.

Travel Insurance Master

Travel Insurance Master is an aggregator that allows travelers to compare and purchase travel insurance from multiple providers.

Pros:

Ability to compare different plans based on specific needs.

Cons:

It is more complex to navigate for travelers who prefer a one-stop solution.

Best For:

Travelers who need highly customizable and comprehensive insurance for short trips, with specific needs.

Which Option Should You Choose?

• SafetyWing is ideal for digital nomads and long-term travelers looking for affordable, flexible health coverage with essential travel protections. It is also great for those who don’t need comprehensive gear or trip cancellation coverage.
• Dive Assure is best for scuba divers and water sports enthusiasts who need specialized protection against dive accidents and water-related mishaps and expensive trips.
• Travel Insurance Master: Perfect for short-term travelers who want to compare policies and get the most comprehensive travel coverage, for specific needs.

Travel Insurance Comparison Table

Conclusion: Is SafetyWing the Best Travel Insurance?

SafetyWing is undoubtedly one of the best affordable travel health insurance options available, especially for digital nomads and budget travelers. Its flexibility, low cost, and straightforward billing make it a top choice for those who need basic medical coverage while traveling the world. However, for travelers looking for more comprehensive protection, including trip cancellation or coverage for expensive gear, alternatives like Dive Assure and Travel Insurance Master may be better suited.

In conclusion, SafetyWing is the best travel insurance for budget-conscious nomads but may not be the best fit for those with more complex travel insurance needs. Always consider your unique travel situation before making a decision!