SafetyWing Insurance for Long term Travelers and Nomads – an honest review

Before digging into the SafetyWing review, I would like to clarify that I am only offering an objective and thorough analysis of  SafetyWing travel insurance and not my personal experience. I haven’t had the chance to try it myself yet.

I have been in my home countries for a long time (between Italy and Mexico). I will soon travel again, and I will definitely consider it, especially for the affordable price and the partial coverage that I will have if I have to fly back to my country. Read more to learn the reasons why I would choose SafetyWing.

I have done a lot of research, and here I will talk about what is included and not, the costs and the claiming process, and other useful information.

I am far from trying to convince you to purchase SafetyWing health and travel insurance because I wouldn’t know if this is the best option for you. You are the only one who knows.

However, since choosing the right insurance can be daunting, I hope that this post will help you understand the most important features so that you can compare it with other companies and make it easy to pick what’s best for you.

Also, I always recommend comparing different travel insurance policies and then choosing what is best for you.

Read on to know more.

Do I need travel insurance?

The brief answer is, yes you do!

The reason is simple and not.

Think of it as a gamble, both you and the travel insurance that you will choose are gambling on your health and your lucky star.

They want you to stay in good health, which is a good thing, but that’s also how they make money.

You, of course, want your travel to go smoothly with no health issues, injuries, or lost bags, but that will also make you think that you have thrown away your money if you purchased any travel insurance.

But in case something goes wrong you will be annoyed and disappointed but happy that you have purchased it and will consider it worth the money.

So…

Tricky one, right?

At the end of the day, we all know that although we have everything planned carefully we feel fit and healthy, and we believe we have everything under control, we are still in the hands of fate. Many things can go wrong and the only difference we can make is how we react to it.

I see it as purchasing travel insurance gives me peace of mind because I know that if anything accidentally happens, I don’t have to worry about the financial and medical aspects because I would be covered. And that peace of mind is a basic aspect of my travels.

Not to mention that if I had to find myself in a difficult situation and I didn’t have the money that would save my life, I would be a burden on my family, and that’s the last thing I want.

The most difficult part is choosing the correct travel insurance.

How SafetyWing works

As a partner with the giant insurance company Tokio Marine, SafetyWing is a relatively new travel+medical insurance company that provides medical and travel-related coverage.

It’s a dynamic company created by nomads and for nomads with the intent to make our lives on the road easier.

SafetyWing Nomad Insurance now has two plans: one for long-term travelers that must be purchased for the entire year and the essential plan that can be purchased on a monthly basis for up to one year (renewable) or for a specific date range.

Please also don’t let the word Nomad mislead you. In fact, the insurance can also be purchased for shorter trips starting from 5 days instead of on a monthly basis.

SafetyWing has introduced two new Nomad Insurance plans designed for travelers. The Essential plan covers emergency medical needs with optional add-ons, while the Complete plan offers comprehensive healthcare, including routine care and mental health support. These plans provide flexible coverage for those living or traveling abroad.

Pricing and Plan Options

Selecting the right plan depends on your travel habits, budget, and coverage needs. SafetyWing provides two choices: Nomad Insurance (Essential) and Nomad Insurance Complete. Below, you’ll find a side-by-side comparison of these plans to help you determine which one best suits you.

At the end of this article, I’ve also included my personal insights.

IMPORTANT NOTE: I have tried to be as detailed as possible in this review, but before choosing your policy you should read the informative pages thoroughly to make an informed decision.

Coverage Breakdown: Essential vs. Complete

Cost Comparison

Complete Plan: Starts at $150.50 per month for travelers aged 18-39.

Essential Plan: Starts at $56.28 per 4 weeks for travelers aged 18-39.

What’s Included in the Essential Plan?

The Nomad Insurance Essential plan is a more budget-friendly option, providing coverage for unforeseen medical emergencies while traveling. The policy offers a maximum coverage of $250,000 and includes the following:

Key Features

• Medical Emergencies & Hospitalization: Covers necessary medical treatments, hospital stays, diagnostic tests, and emergency dental work (up to $1,000).
• Emergency Medical Evacuation: Up to $100,000 for transportation to the nearest medical facility.
• Trip Interruption: Up to $5,000 for returning home in case of a family emergency.
• Travel Delay: Reimburses $100 per day (maximum of 2 days) for unplanned overnight stays due to delays exceeding 12 hours.
• Lost Checked Luggage: Covers up to $500 per item, with a maximum limit of $3,000 per certificate period.
• Natural Disaster Relief: Provides up to $100 per day (maximum of 5 days) for accommodations if displaced.
• Political Evacuation: Up to $10,000 for evacuation in case of civil unrest.
• Personal Liability Coverage: Lifetime maximum of $25,000 for third-party injury or property damage.
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D): Benefits up to $25,000 depending on the severity of the injury.

Optional Add-Ons

• Adventure Sports Coverage: Expands protection to activities like skydiving, scuba diving, and white-water rafting.
• Electronics Theft Coverage: Offers reimbursement for stolen devices.
• U.S. Travel Coverage: Available for non-U.S. residents visiting the United States.

Exclusions

• Pre-existing conditions: Not covered.
• Cancer treatment & maternity care: Not included.
• Home country coverage: Limited to 30 days after 90 days abroad (or 15 days if your home country is the U.S.).

The Essential plan is ideal for short-term travelers looking for affordable protection against medical emergencies and standard travel-related incidents. If you need more extensive health insurance, including preventative care, consider the Complete Plan instead.

Which Plan Fits Your Needs?

• Essential Plan: Best for short-term travelers or those who only need emergency medical coverage abroad. If you already have health insurance in your home country and just need travel protection, this is a budget-friendlychoice.
• Complete Plan: Designed for long-term travelers, digital nomads, and remote workers who need comprehensive health insurance, including routine care, mental health support, maternity coverage, and extensive travel protection.

Limitations & Exclusions

While SafetyWing offers extensive coverage, some common exclusions apply:

• Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
• High-risk or professional sports activities are excluded.
• Cancer treatment is not included in the Essential plan.
• Lost or stolen personal belongings require an add-on for coverage.
• Trip cancellations before departure are not covered.

Always review the details carefully and consider add-ons where necessary.

Claims & Customer Support

Filing a claim with SafetyWing is simple but requires proper documentation (receipts, medical reports, etc.). Their customer support team assists travelers in navigating the claims process, which can be particularly useful when dealing with international healthcare systems.

One of the biggest improvements in the new policy is the removal of deductibles—meaning once a claim is approved, you’ll be reimbursed in full. That’s a definite plus!

What’s Included in the Complete Plan?

The Nomad Insurance Complete plan offers full-scale coverage for digital nomads and remote workers, integrating both travel and health insurance benefits. It consists of two parts:

1. Nomad Travel – Covers various travel-related incidents, underwritten by SafetyWing Insurance I.I.
2. Nomad Health – Provides international health coverage, underwritten by VUMI Group, I.I.

Eligibility & Coverage Area

• Available for travelers aged 18 to 65.
• Not available to residents of Belarus, Canada, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ireland, Palau, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and the USA (if residing there for more than six months per year).
• Global Coverage (with a few exceptions):
  • No coverage in your primary country of residence.
  • Travel to the U.S., Hong Kong, or Singapore requires an optional add-on.
  • Excludes regions under international sanctions.

Travel Benefits

• Transportation Delays: Reimbursement for meals and accommodation if travel is delayed.
• Delayed Luggage: Compensation for essential items if baggage is delayed.
• Lost Checked Luggage: Coverage for lost checked baggage.
• Trip Cancellations & Interruptions: Refund for non-refundable expenses if travel is canceled or cut short.
• Evacuation Due to Local Unrest: Assistance in case of political instability.
• Theft & Robbery Protection: Covers stolen personal items such as wallets and passports.

Health Benefits

• Emergency Medical & Hospitalization: Covers unexpected medical emergencies.
• Routine Check-ups & Preventative Care: Includes regular health assessments.
• Mental Health Support: Access to psychological and psychiatric care.
• Maternity Care: Coverage after a 10-month waiting period.
• Cancer Treatment: Coverage for screenings and treatment.

Key Considerations

• Pre-existing conditions: Not covered.
• Adventure sports: Included in the plan.
• Home country coverage: Limited, as this plan is designed primarily for international travel.

For a full list of benefits and exclusions, review the official policy document.

How to make a claim

Making a claim is very easy, once you log into your account dashboard you will see a screen like this one in the picture below.

On the top left, you have a menu. Click on “Make a claim” and it will take you to a page with all the instructions on how to make your claim. (see the red screen below)

In order to make sure you have everything you need to claim your refund, remember the following steps:

• make sure you keep all the receipts from doctor visits, medicines, and hospitals.
• Print or save the requested form beforehand so you know what information you need to request.
• Remember to file a claim within 60 days of the mishap
• Safetywing has a very attentive customer service that responds to any of your questions. If in doubt on how to fill a claim or anything else (not for a medical emergency) use the chat on their site. (green circle on the bottom-right)

How long does it take to receive a refund?

It may take up to 10 business days to receive your refund but you can follow the process from the dashboard.

Reviews

I always check out reviews before any significant purchase. Here you can read through the 972 reviews from Trustpilot.

The majority of the feedback is very good, with real examples; others are negative but with a sensitive and reasonable reply from the SafetyWing management.

You should definitely check it out yourself and make your own conclusion.

My thoughts on SafetyWing

If your main priority is emergency medical coverage and trip interruptions, the SafetyWing Essential Plan is a cost-effective choice. However, the Complete Plan offers greater protection and peace of mind if you require comprehensive coverage, including routine medical care, mental health support, and trip cancellations for various reasons. Consider your travel habits and healthcare needs to determine the best fit for your trip.

That said, senior travelers may find these plans less suitable than before. If you’re over 50, it’s worth exploring alternative options to compare pricing and coverage before making a decision.