SafetyWing Insurance: Best Digital Nomad Travel Insurance
Having been a digital nomad for more than 3 years, I fully know that when it comes to insurance things can get confusing - especially travel medical insurance. So, let's break it down. Travel insurance, tailor-made for nomads, is like your safety blanket—it covers everything from unexpected travel disruptions to international health emergencies.
My personal choice and a popular option amongst nomads is SafetyWing a company that offers insurance specifically designed for the needs of remote workers and long-term travelers - you are covered anywhere in the world (almost).
I took SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance for a spin, and now I'm here to spill the beans. I'll break down their claims process and throw in a side-by-side with other insurance providers for good measure.
First, Let's Ask 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 article, we will focus on the 'Nomad Insurance'
How Does It Work?
SafetyWing Insurance for nomads keeps it simple – it works on a subscription model, hitting your wallet every 28 days. Why do I love this? Well, it's perfect for those of us with ever-changing plans. The beauty lies in the easy cancellation!
Now, here's the cool part – unlike other digital nomad insurance folks, SafetyWing lets you kick off your policy when you're already sipping coffee in a foreign cafe. This is gold for those who forget to insure before takeoff or decide to stretch their adventures. Flexibility, my friend, is the name of the game for us wandering digital nomads.
What's covered and what's not in SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance?
As much as one would wish, sadly not everything is covered. Let's take a look at what is and what isn't.
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 or life-threatening illness of a family member
Accidental death and dismemberment
Lost checked luggage
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
The Claim Process
Claiming with SafetyWing is as breezy as a beach day. Just follow these steps:
📤 Fill out the claim form online or go old-school and download it—send it over by email or snail mail.
💸 Attach the original itemized bills, receipts, and proof of payment, basically showing us the money.
🕵️♂️ Pop in your policy number and contact info on the claim form – we need to know it's you.
⏳💰 Submit your claim within 60 days or ASAP after your service. Time is money, after all.
📧👍 Wait for the sweet confirmation email, letting you know we got your claim and we're on it.
🎩✨ Need updates? Check online or hit up our claims team via chat, phone (+1 415 802 0299), or email (support@safetywing.com). They're like your personal claim concierge—minus the fancy hat.
Because, let's face it, making claims should be as easy as deciding where to go next on your nomadic journey
How Much Does It All Cost?
SafetyWing's pricing – the juicier details you've been craving. Brace yourself for the breakdown:
Nomad Insurance Pricing (Excluding the US):
Age 10-39: $45.08 for 4 weeks of nomadic bliss.
Age 40-49: $89.68 for a monthly dose of coverage.
Age 50-59: $128.00 to keep the adventures rolling.
Age 60-69: $183.68 for four weeks of carefree roaming.
Nomad Insurance Pricing (Including the US):
Age 10-39: $87.44 for a month of coverage, now with a slice of the American dream.
Age 40-49: $173.60 – because age is just a number, but insurance has its price.
Age 50-59: $249.28 – investing in peace of mind for your globetrotting heart.
Age 60-69: $356.72 – because wanderlust knows no age limits.
So What Makes SafetyWing Different From Its Competitors?
SafetyWing takes the stage with a melody of distinctive features that make it a standout in the digital nomad insurance companies concert. Here's why it hits the high notes for me:
Jetsetter-Friendly Purchase: SafetyWing breaks the norm by allowing you to snag a policy while already soaking up the sun abroad. Perfect for those who, like us, occasionally forget to secure insurance beforehand or decide to extend their adventures on the fly.
Rhythmic Subscription Model: Operating on a 28-day subscription beat, SafetyWing is music to the ears of those uncertain about their travel duration. Easy cancellation without penalties adds a harmonious touch.
Open-Ended Travel Symphony: No return date required! SafetyWing doesn't tie you down with return tickets, making it the preferred tune for open-ended journeys.
Homeward Bound Verse: U.S. residents get a special treat – SafetyWing covers incidental visits home. Every 90 days, you're in tune with up to 30 days of coverage for unforeseen eligible medical conditions.
Two-Wheeler Serenade: A unique crescendo – SafetyWing hits the road with coverage for motorbike or scooter mishaps, a rarity in the insurance symphony.
Crystal-Clear Pricing Score: SafetyWing's pricing structure deserves a standing ovation for its transparency and simplicity. Prices dance to the beat of your age and whether you're adding a touch of the U.S. to your journey.
So What's The Catch? SafetyWings Limitations
What's not on SafetyWing's insurance playlist? Well, every good thing has its quirks, and SafetyWing is no exception. Here's a sneak peek into its limitations:
No Love for Pre-existing Conditions: SafetyWing's charm doesn't extend to covering treatments for pre-existing conditions. So, if you've got a medical history, this might not be your go-to.
Routine Check-ups Get a Pass: Your regular check-ups and preventive care sessions won't make it to SafetyWing's coverage list. Time to keep a separate fund for those health check selfies!
Lost and Found Isn't Their Game: Misplace your gadgets or gear? SafetyWing won't be the hero in this story; it doesn't cover stolen or lost personal items. Keep a close eye on those valuables!
Not a Fan of Some Countries: Planning to explore the mysteries of Iran, North Korea, or Cuba? SafetyWing won't be joining you on that adventure and won't offer coverage. You'll need to find another insurance companion for these destinations. (But psst it does cover you in your home country)
Deductible Drama: Brace yourself for a $250 deductible with SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance. If your claim doesn't make the cut, you're footing the first $250. It's like a cover charge for your insurance party.
Conclusion
SafetyWing steps into the spotlight with a tailored insurance groove for digital nomads. Despite its quirks, the unique offerings make it a hit, especially for those on the hunt for budget-friendly and hassle-free digital nomad insurance. Yet, like any star, it's not immune to mixed reviews, emphasizing the need to dive into policy nuances and keep expectations real when it comes to claims.
As a nomad, I can't stress you need insurance, and getting travel insurance is the right choice.
As your insurance playlist is a personal choice, we suggest tuning into various options and picking the one that harmonizes with your unique needs.
