These days, tons of folks are jumping on the digital nomad bandwagon, living and working from all corners of the world. But with this adventurous lifestyle comes the crucial need for travel and medical insurance that’s up to the task. That’s where SafetyWing steps in. They’re all about offering top-notch travel medical insurance designed just for digital nomads and long-term travelers. In this review, we’re going to dig into what makes SafetyWing shine bright, covering everything from its coverage options to customer service and affordability. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!

I used to work as a PICU nurse, which basically means I’ve seen my fair share of medical situations. And let me tell you, knowing exactly what medical procedures are covered and how much they cost is super important. It’s all about being prepared for anything that might come our way (heaven forbid).

Now, let’s talk about traveling and getting sick. Ugh, it’s the worst, right? Especially for me, since I’m like a human thermometer—I can’t handle the cold! No Elsa powers here, just lots of shivering (anything 21°C and below? Yeah, count me out). But hey, it happens to the best of us.

And hey, speaking of nature lovers and adventure seekers like myself, it’s pretty comforting to know that SafetyWing has got (some) of my activities covered, right? Whether I’m hiking through rugged trails, trying out some wild water sports, or just exploring the great outdoors, it’s nice to have that extra layer of protection in case things get a little wild out there.

That’s why having a reliable safety net is key. Knowing we’re covered gives us the peace of mind to explore the world without worrying about what might happen if we catch a bug or take a tumble. So here’s to feeling safe and confident on our adventures!

Do You Need Travel Insurance?

Do you need travel insurance? Absolutely! Here’s why you shouldn’t even think about leaving home without it:

First off, imagine you’re on that dream vacation, hiking the stunning trails of Machu Picchu, and then—bam!—you twist your ankle. Suddenly, you’re facing medical bills in a foreign country where your regular health insurance doesn’t apply. Travel insurance swoops in like a superhero, covering those unexpected medical costs so you can focus on getting back on your feet (literally).

Secondly, what if your meticulously planned trip gets canceled last minute because of a family emergency or sudden illness? Without travel insurance, you’re left waving goodbye to all those non-refundable deposits and bookings. With it, you get reimbursed, so you can reschedule your adventure without financial loss.

And let’s talk about lost luggage. You arrive in Tokyo, but your bags decide to vacation in Paris. Travel insurance ensures you’re not stuck wearing the same outfit for days, covering the cost of essential items until your luggage catches up with you.

Travel delays are another pesky issue. Whether it’s a snowstorm grounding flights or unexpected strikes, those extra nights in hotels and unplanned meals add up. Travel insurance covers these costs, turning a stressful situation into a more manageable inconvenience.

Lastly, travel insurance provides that ultimate peace of mind. It’s your safety net for all those unpredictable moments, allowing you to fully enjoy your trip without constantly worrying about the “what ifs.”

So, do you need travel insurance? Definitely. It’s the smart, savvy way to travel, ensuring your journey is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Trust me, future-you will thank you!

Who is SafetyWing?

It was started back in 2018 by a group of Norwegian entrepreneurs. Their mission? To make insurance super affordable and easy to snag for folks who live and work on the go. SafetyWing’s all about catering to the modern-day nomad lifestyle, offering a bunch of insurance goodies to keep you covered while you’re out there living your best life. So if you’re all about that remote work hustle, SafetyWing’s got your back!

SafetyWing offers two main products tailored for travelers: Nomad Health and Nomad Insurance.

Nomad Health focuses specifically on providing comprehensive travel medical insurance for digital nomads, remote workers, and long-term travelers. It offers coverage for medical expenses incurred while traveling, including treatment for unexpected illnesses or injuries, prescription drugs, emergency medical transportation, dental and vision emergencies, and more. Nomad Health is designed to meet the unique healthcare needs of individuals who spend extended periods abroad, providing peace of mind and security wherever they go.

On the other hand, Nomad Insurance is a broader insurance product that includes both travel medical insurance and travel insurance benefits. In addition to covering medical expenses, Nomad Insurance also provides benefits such as trip interruption, lost luggage, emergency evacuation, and personal liability coverage. It offers a more comprehensive package for travelers who want coverage for both medical and non-medical emergencies while abroad.

While both Nomad Health and Nomad Insurance cater to the needs of travelers, Nomad Health focuses specifically on medical coverage, while Nomad Insurance provides a wider range of benefits including medical and non-medical coverage.

How Does SafetyWing Work?

SafetyWing works on a subscription-based model, which means travelers can buy insurance coverage on a month-to-month basis. This setup is ideal for digital nomads and long-term travelers who don’t have a fixed return date. You can even start your coverage while you’re already abroad, and the policy automatically renews every 28 days until you choose to cancel. This way, you enjoy continuous coverage without the headache of reapplying each month. It’s hassle-free and convenient for your travel lifestyle.

What is SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance?

Since I’m more of a traveler myself, I’m really keen on diving into Nomad Insurance.

SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance is a comprehensive travel medical insurance designed specifically for digital nomads, long-term travelers, and remote workers. It offers flexible, affordable coverage that adapts to the unique needs of people who travel frequently or live abroad for extended periods.

With Nomad Insurance, you get a wide range of benefits, including:

Health Coverage: This includes medically necessary treatments for unexpected illnesses or injuries, prescription drugs, emergency medical transportation, medical evacuation, repatriation, and even coverage for physical therapy and chiropractic care. There’s also coverage for emergency dental treatment, eye exams, and complications of pregnancy.

Travel Coverage: It takes care of unexpected travel mishaps like lost checked luggage, stolen passports, unplanned overnight stays, trip interruptions due to unforeseen events, and even evacuation from areas experiencing civil unrest or natural disasters. It also covers emergency treatment of pre-existing conditions and COVID-19-related expenses, including quarantine costs.

Liability and Death Benefits: Nomad Insurance provides financial protection against liability claims and offers a payout to your beneficiary in the unfortunate event of accidental death. It also covers costs related to burial or repatriation of remains if you pass away while traveling.

SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance is perfect for those who need flexible, ongoing coverage that can be easily managed online and renewed monthly, ensuring you stay protected no matter where your adventures take you.

Does SafetyWing Cover Covid-19?

Yes, Covid-19 is still a thing. In fact, in the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) is keeping an eye on the Covid-19 situation. According to reports from PhilStar, they’ve noticed a bit of a spike, with 877 new infections cropping up from May 7 to 13. That’s averaging about 125 cases every single day.

To answer the question: Yes, SafetyWing does cover Covid-19. This is a significant feature, especially in today’s travel landscape. If you contract Covid-19 while you’re traveling, SafetyWing’s travel medical insurance will cover the costs related to treatment and hospitalization, just like any other illness. This includes doctor visits, medications, and any necessary medical procedures associated with the virus.

It’s important to note that coverage is applicable as long as you did not contract Covid-19 before your policy start date. Having this coverage can provide great peace of mind, allowing you to focus on enjoying your travels while knowing you’re protected against potential Covid-19-related medical expenses. So, whether you’re exploring new destinations or working remotely from abroad, SafetyWing has you covered in case you need medical care due to Covid-19.

What’s Covered

SafetyWing offers a comprehensive range of coverage, including:

• Emergency Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, and prescription medications due to accidents or illnesses.
• Emergency Medical Evacuation: Costs associated with emergency medical evacuations and repatriation.
• Trip Interruption: Coverage for expenses if your trip is interrupted due to covered reasons such as a family emergency.
• Lost Checked Luggage: Reimbursement for lost, stolen, or damaged checked luggage.
• Pet Return: If you’re traveling solo with your furbaby and end up in the hospital, SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance covers a one-way ticket to safely send your pet back to your home country, ensuring your pet gets home when you can’t be there.

Nomad Insurance – Travel Insurance Highlights

• Global Coverage: SafetyWing covers you in almost every country worldwide, ensuring you’re protected no matter where you go.
• Flexibility: Policies can be purchased while you’re already traveling and can be renewed monthly.
• Affordable: Competitive pricing with options tailored for both solo travelers and families.
• Automatic Renewal: Continuous coverage with automatic monthly renewals.
• Ease of Use: Simple online sign-up process and user-friendly interface.

Nomad Insurance – Medical Insurance Highlights

• Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Includes hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, and prescription medications.
• Emergency Medical Evacuation: Ensures you can be transported to the nearest medical facility or repatriated to your home country if necessary.
• Covid-19 Coverage: Includes treatment and hospitalization costs related to Covid-19.
• Dental Coverage: Emergency dental treatment due to accidents is included.

What’s Not Covered

While SafetyWing offers extensive coverage, certain exclusions and limitations exist. Here are items that are not be covered:

Pre-Existing Conditions: Conditions that existed before the start of the coverage are not covered like previous injuries or surgeries (e.g. a back injury or knee surgery).

Elective Procedures: Non-essential/emergency or elective medical procedures are not covered such as elective dental procedures like teeth whitening or veneers.

Medical Tourism: Travel for the sole purpose of seeking medical treatment might not be covered like going from Australia to South Korea for plastic surgery procedures like double eyelid surgery or rhinoplasty.

Adventure Sports: Activities like Martial arts, Motorbiking, Parachuting, Skydiving, and other extreme sports may not be covered.

High-Risk Activities: Injuries sustained during high-risk activities like extreme sports may not be covered such as skiing or snowboarding off-piste or in backcountry areas.

Unlawful Acts: Injuries resulting from illegal or unlawful activities are not covered like driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI/DWI).

Intentional Self-Injury: Injuries or illnesses resulting from intentional self-harm are typically excluded from coverage.

Routine Check-Ups: Preventive care and routine check-ups are not included.

High-Risk Countries: Travel to countries with active war zones or severe travel advisories may not be covered.

Personal Liability: Covers damages you may be legally responsible for while traveling.

How to File a Claim on SafetyWing

Filing a claim with SafetyWing is straightforward and can be done online. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Submit the Claims Form and Documents

Gather Your Documents: Start by collecting all necessary documents related to your claim. This may include:

• Medical reports and bills
• Receipts for expenses incurred
• Proof of travel and identification

Fill Out the Claims Form: Download the claims form from SafetyWing’s website. Fill it out with accurate details about the incident, your personal information, and the expenses you’re claiming.

Submit Your Claim: Submit the completed claims form along with all supporting documents. You can do this through SafetyWing’s online claims portal, by email, or by mail. Make sure all documents are legible and well-organized to avoid any delays.

2. Receive the Confirmation

Confirmation Email: After submitting your claim, you will receive a confirmation email from SafetyWing acknowledging receipt of your claim. This email will include a reference number for your claim.

Keep Track of Your Claim: Use the reference number to track the progress of your claim. It’s a good idea to save this number and any correspondence for your records.

3. Follow the Process

Communication: SafetyWing’s claims team may reach out for additional information or clarification. Respond promptly to any requests to ensure a smooth process. Regularly check your email for updates and additional instructions.

Review Period: The claims team will review your submitted documents and assess your claim. This process may take some time, depending on the complexity of your claim and the completeness of your documentation.

4. Get Reimbursed

Approval Notification: Once your claim is reviewed and approved, you will receive a notification detailing the approved amount. This notification will also explain the reimbursement process.

Reimbursement: Reimbursement will be processed and sent to you via the payment method you specified in your claims form. This could be a direct deposit to your bank account or another method you selected.

Follow-Up: If there are any issues or delays with your reimbursement, contact SafetyWing’s customer service team using your claim reference number for a quick resolution.

SafetyWing Customer Service

SafetyWing prides itself on providing excellent customer service. Their team is available 24/7 to assist with any questions or issues you may have. Whether you need help with your policy, filing a claim, or understanding your coverage, SafetyWing’s customer support team is ready to help. You can contact them via email, phone, or through their online chat service.

I’ve been chatting it up with their Customer Service Reps while I’ve been working on this article (and even after). Just making sure I’ve got all the right info and not just making stuff up. They’ve been a big help!

How Affordable Is Safetywing In Comparison To Other Travel Insurance Providers?

SafetyWing is known for its affordability, making it a popular choice among digital nomads and long-term travelers. Their pricing is competitive, especially considering the comprehensive coverage they offer. Here’s a brief comparison with other travel insurance providers:

• World Nomads: While World Nomads offers robust coverage, their plans tend to be more expensive than SafetyWing, especially for long-term travelers.
• IMG: International Medical Group offers a variety of plans, but their pricing is generally higher and can be complex to navigate.

SafetyWing’s transparent pricing and monthly subscription model make it an affordable and flexible option, particularly for those who travel for extended periods.

What Sets SafetyWing Apart From Other Travel Insurance Companies?

Several factors set SafetyWing apart from other travel insurance providers:

1. Designed for Digital Nomads: Policies are tailored specifically for digital nomads and long-term travelers, addressing their unique needs.
2. Monthly Subscription Model: Unlike traditional travel insurance, it offers a flexible monthly subscription that can be started and stopped as needed.
3. Global Coverage: Provides coverage in almost every country, with few exceptions.
4. Ease of Use: The online sign-up process is straightforward, and the user interface is intuitive.
5. Community Focused: It is building a global community of digital nomads, providing not just insurance but also resources and support for remote workers.

FAQs on SafetyWing Insurance

1. Is SafetyWing suitable for short-term travelers?

Absolutely! While SafetyWing is designed with long-term travelers and digital nomads in mind, it is also a great option for short-term travelers. It has a minimum coverage of 5 days, making it a flexible and convenient choice for anyone planning a shorter trip. The policy can be tailored to fit the length of your travel, ensuring you have the necessary coverage without committing to a long-term plan.

2. Does SafetyWing cover pre-existing conditions?

SafetyWing does not cover pre-existing conditions, which are defined as any medical condition that existed before the start of your coverage. This includes any condition for which you have received treatment or shown symptoms in the 24 months prior to your coverage start date. However, if a new illness or injury occurs after your policy begins, SafetyWing will cover it according to the terms of your plan.

3. Can I extend coverage while traveling?

Yes, you can extend your SafetyWing coverage while traveling thought they can also only extend for a minimum of 5 days. One of the key benefits of SafetyWing is its flexibility. The policy renews automatically every 28 days, so you don’t have to worry about manually extending your coverage. If you decide to keep traveling longer than initially planned, you can continue your coverage seamlessly without any gaps. If you need to cancel, you can do so at any time without penalties.

Final Thoughts

SafetyWing is a standout travel medical insurance provider that caters to the unique needs of digital nomads and long-term travelers. With its comprehensive coverage, affordable pricing, and flexible subscription model, it offers a reliable and convenient option for those who live and work remotely. Whether you’re exploring new countries, working from exotic locations, or simply seeking the freedom to travel without the worry of medical emergencies, SafetyWing has you covered. Its commitment to excellent customer service and ease of use makes it a top choice for modern travelers.