As digital nomads, we understand the importance of having reliable travel insurance.
One of the most popular options among nomads is SafetyWing, a company that offers insurance specifically designed for the needs of remote workers and long-term travelers.
We decided to put their services to the test and share our findings with you. In this review, we'll then delve into the details of SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance, covering everything from what's included, what is not, their claims process, and even how it compares to other insurance providers.
Who is SafetyWing?
SafetyWing is a travel insurance provider that caters to the unique needs of digital nomads and long-term travelers.
They offer two main policies: Nomad Insurance and Remote Health.
Nomad Insurance is a travel insurance policy covering medical emergencies, evacuation, trip delays, and lost luggage. Remote Health is a more comprehensive health insurance policy that covers a wide range of medical treatments.
In this review, we will focus on their main and most popular product: their Nomad Insurance plan.
How Does SafetyWing Work?
SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance operates on a subscription model, charging you every 28 days.
This model is ideal for those unsure of their travel duration, as it allows for easy cancellation without penalties.
Unlike other digital nomad insurance providers, SafetyWing allows you to start a policy while already abroad, which is a significant advantage for those who may forget to purchase insurance before their trip or decide to extend their stay. We particularly like this as we often change our plans as digital nomads, so flexibility is key for us.
What Does SafetyWing Cover?
SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance covers a range of situations, including:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospital stays
- Emergency dental treatment
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Trip interruption due to death of a family member
- Accidental death and dismemberment
- Lost checked luggage
What's Not Covered in SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance?
While SafetyWing's coverage is comprehensive, there are some exclusions to be aware of:
- Pre-existing conditions
- Routine check-ups and preventive care
- Cancer treatment
- Injuries from certain adventure sports
- Travel to Iran, North Korea, and Cuba
- Stolen or lost personal items
How to Make a Claim With SafetyWing
SafetyWing's claims process is easy and straightforward. To make a claim for Safetywing's Nomad Insurance, you need to follow these steps:
- Fill out the claim form online or download it and send it by email or mail
- Attach the original itemized bills, receipts and proof of payment for the expenses you are claiming
- Include your policy number and contact information on the claim form.
- Submit your claim within 60 days of the date of service or as soon as reasonably possible.
- You will then receive a confirmation email when your claim is received and processed
- You can check the status of your claim online or contact the claims team by chat, phone (+1 415 802 0299) or email ([email protected])
How To Check Your SafetyWing Claim Progress
Claims can take 30 to 45 business days to process after the DocuSign submission you will have to submit as part of the process.
It's also worth mentioning that your claim's progress is not emailed. You will be able to find information about your claims only in the Member Portal.
Once logged in, you will see the following button:
It will take you to the Claims and Appeals tab, and any claim updates can be found at the bottom of the page.
If it says "No claims started" or "Open", it means the claim is still being processed, so you will have to wait up to 30-45 days before getting any updates.
Does SafetyWing Travel Insurance Cover COVID-19?
SafetyWing covers COVID-19 like any other illness, provided it wasn't contracted before your policy start date. However, they don't cover the costs of COVID-19 tests unless deemed necessary by a physician.
They also offer partial coverage for quarantine costs, provided the quarantine is mandated by a physician or government.
SafetyWing Pricing
SafetyWing's pricing varies based on the policy chosen, the individual's age, and whether the policy includes travel to the United States.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Nomad Insurance Pricing Excluding the US :
- Age 10-39: $45.08 per 4 weeks
- Age 40-49: $89.68 per 4 weeks
- Age 50-59: $128.00 per 4 weeks
- Age 60-69: $183.68 per 4 weeks
Nomad Insurance Pricing Including the US:
- Age 10-39: $87.44 per 4 weeks
- Age 40-49: $173.60 per 4 weeks
- Age 50-59: $249.28 per 4 weeks
- Age 60-69: $356.72 per 4 weeks
What Makes SafetyWing Stand Out From Its Competitors?
Based on our experience, SafetyWing offers several unique features that set it apart from other insurance providers and it's one of the best digital nomad insurance out there. These are some aspects we really like:
- Buying Insurance While Abroad: Unlike many digital nomad insurance providers, SafetyWing allows you to start a policy while already abroad. This is great for those who may forget to purchase insurance before their trip (it happens so many times to us) or decide to extend their stay while on-the-go.
- Subscription Model: SafetyWing operates on a subscription model, charging you every 28 days. This model is ideal for those unsure of their travel duration, as it allows for easy cancellation without penalties.
- No Limit on Travel Duration: SafetyWing doesn't require a return date or ticket to activate your insurance, making it perfect for open-ended trips.
- Coverage in Your Home Country: For U.S. residents, SafetyWing covers incidental visits home. For every 90 days, you're covered for up to 30 days in your home country for unforeseen eligible medical conditions.
- Motorbike or Scooter Coverage: SafetyWing covers accidents involving motorbikes or scooters, a unique feature not offered by many insurance providers.
- Clear Pricing Structure: SafetyWing's pricing structure is transparent and straightforward, with prices varying based on your age and whether you want to include travel to the United States.
What are SafetyWing's Disadvantages and Limitations?
Although SafetyWing offers a unique and flexible insurance solution tailored to digital nomads, it's important to be aware of its limitations, which are the following:
- Lack of Coverage for Pre-existing Conditions: This is one of the most significant limitations of SafetyWing. If you have a chronic illness or a recurring medical issue, the insurance won't in fact cover any treatment related to that condition.
- Lack of Coverage for Routine Check-ups and Preventive Care: If you're a long-term traveler or a digital nomad, you might need regular check-ups or preventive care, especially if you have a chronic condition. Unfortunately, these expenses would have to be paid out of pocket as SafetyWing does not cover routine check-ups and preventive care.
- Lack of Coverage for Certain Adventure Sports: If you're an adventure enthusiast, it's important to note that SafetyWing does not cover injuries from certain adventure sports. This could be a significant drawback if you plan on participating in high-risk activities during your travels.
- Lack of Coverage for Stolen or Lost Personal Items: If you're traveling with expensive gear or personal belongings, this could pose a significant risk. You should be aware that SafetyWing does not cover stolen or lost personal items.
- Lack of Coverage in Certain Countries: SafetyWing does not provide coverage for travel to Iran, North Korea, and Cuba. So, if you plan to visit these countries, you must seek alternative insurance coverage.
- Deductible: SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance has a $250 deductible. This means that if you have a covered expense, you'll need to pay the first $250 yourself before the insurance kicks in. This can be a disadvantage, especially for smaller claims, as you may end up paying the entire cost yourself if it's less than the deductible.
What Nomads Think of SafetyWing?
We don't want to base our review only on our judgment, so we thoroughly reviewed user reviews for Safety Wing both on Trustpilot and ProductHunt. This is what we observed:
SafetyWing Reviews on Trustpilot
On Trustpilot, SafetyWing has a 'Great' overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 810 reviews. Many users have praised the company for its excellent customer service, with several mentioning the helpfulness and responsiveness of the support team. Travelers have also appreciated the ease of signing up for the insurance and the reasonable pricing.
Some users, though, have expressed dissatisfaction with the claims process, citing slow response times and difficulty in getting reimbursed. A few people have also mentioned that the company's communication could be improved, particularly in keeping customers updated about the progress of their claims.
SafetyWing Reviews on ProductHunt
On ProductHunt, instead, SafetyWing has a mixed bag of reviews from users. With an overall rating of 3.4 out of 5 based on 199 reviews, some users praise the convenience and cost-effectiveness of SafetyWing's services. They seem to appreciate the flexibility of the subscription model and the ease of signing up. Other users have also had positive experiences with the claims process, describing it as pretty straightforward.
As per TrustPilot, there are also some negative reviews, with users expressing dissatisfaction with the claim process. Some users have reported that SafetyWing was slow to respond to claims and found reasons not to pay out. There were also complaints about the policy renewal process, with one user noting that any ongoing treatment from the previous policy period is considered a "pre-existing condition" and is not covered under the renewed policy.
SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance: Pros and Cons
Based on our own experience as digital nomads using SafetyWing and the feedback we've gathered from other users, here's a final rundown of the pros and cons of SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance:
How Does SafetyWing Compare To Other Insurance Providers?
| Insurance Provider | Coverage | Subscription Model | Deductible | Coverage for Pre-existing Conditions | Coverage for Adventure Sports |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SafetyWing | Medical emergencies, evacuation, trip delay, lost checked luggage | Yes | $250 | No | Limited |
| WorldNomads | Medical treatment, evacuation, trip cancellation, gear theft | No | Varies | No | Yes |
| Genki | Medical treatment, sports injuries, accidents | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Heymondo | Medical expenses, personal liability, repatriation | No | No | No | Yes |
| Insured Nomads | Medical treatment, trip cancellation | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| PassportCards | Medical emergencies, evacuation, trip delay, lost checked luggage | No | No | No | Yes |
Our Verdict on SafetyWing
SafetyWing offers a unique insurance solution tailored to the needs of digital nomads.
While it has its limitations, its unique features make it a compelling choice for many, especially those looking for an affordable and straightforward digital nomad insurance plan. However, the mixed reviews highlight the importance of understanding the policy details and setting realistic expectations about the claims process.
As always, we recommend comparing different insurance options and choosing the one that best fits your specific needs. You can check out the best ones below:
Andrea Reyes
SafetyWing Insurance FAQs
Can I purchase SafetyWing insurance while already abroad?
Yes, SafetyWing allows you to start a policy while already abroad.
Does SafetyWing cover COVID-19?
Yes, SafetyWing covers COVID-19 like any other illness, provided it wasn't contracted before your policy start date.
Does SafetyWing cover pre-existing conditions?
No, SafetyWing does not cover pre-existing conditions.
How does SafetyWing handle claims?
SafetyWing has a "make a claim" section under your profile that guides you through the process. The claims form can be filled out digitally and uploaded with receipts and necessary documents.
What is the average time to get reimbursed?
Based on user reviews, the reimbursement time can vary. Some users have reported getting reimbursed in a reasonable timeframe, while others have mentioned delays and the need to follow up on their claims.
What is the deductible for SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance?
SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance has a $250 deductible. This means you'll need to pay the first $250 of your covered expenses before the insurance starts to pay.
Ready To Leave For Your Next Awesome Destination?
If you want to receive digital nomad guides like these, sign up for our free newsletter and get upcoming articles straight to your inbox!
You can also follow us on Instagram and join our Facebook Group if you want to get in touch with other members of our growing digital nomad community!
We'll see you there, Freaking Nomads!
Disclosure: Hey, just a heads up that some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means that, if you buy through our links, we may earn a small commission that helps us create helpful content for the community. We only recommend products if we think they will add value, so thanks for supporting us!
