Looking for comprehensive global insurance coverage without the usual hassle? In this review, we’ll delve into SafetyWing Insurance, an innovative service tailor-made for expats, digital nomads, and remote workers. Offering flexible, affordable insurance solutions across 180+ countries, SafetyWing caters to the evolving needs of the globally mobile, blending health and travel insurance for a borderless lifestyle.
What is Safetywing Insurance?
Launched in 2017, SafetyWing has quickly grown to be one of the leading providers of insurance services for digital nomads and remote workers. Its main aim is to simplify health insurance for individuals who live and work across different countries with equally flexible services.
SafetyWing offers a comprehensive range of coverages, including medical emergencies, evacuation, and more, across 180+ countries.
What sets SafetyWing apart is its two main policy offerings: Nomad Insurance and Nomad Health. Nomad Insurance caters to the travel insurance needs of digital nomads, covering a variety of contingencies. It offers a maximum coverage of up to US$250,000 per policy year.
Nomad Health, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive health insurance plan for remote workers and expats. It offers near-worldwide coverage, the flexibility to visit any doctor, and covers you both at home and abroad. You get up to $1.5 million in coverage annually, which extends to most kind of medical needs and emergencies.
SafetyWing also leverages a flexible subscription model with monthly payments and the freedom to buy or cancel policies at any time. It even provides options for non-individuals, such as friends, families, or groups, to buy coverage together.
Why SafetyWing?
SafetyWing Insurance is tailored for those living the unconventional life of digital nomadism, remote work, and entrepreneurship abroad. Here’s a breakdown of its main products:
Nomad Insurance - Digital Nomads
SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance offers travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip delays, and lost luggage. As a digital nomad, it gives you the ability to roam freely with peace of mind, knowing you're protected against the unexpected.
Pricing starts at just $56.28 for 4 weeks (10-39 years of age), with add-on costs if your plans include travel to the US, adventure sports, or expensive electronics coverage. Also, when you buy an adult policy, you can add two children of up to age 10 for free.
The max coverage for 1 year is $250,000 and the highest age group allowed is 60-69.
The main attractions of this plan are:
- You can sign up before or during your trip
- One policy covers global travel
- You can visit any doctor or medical provider
- For every 3 months abroad, you’re covered for visits back home for up to 30 days (15 days for US residents).
Nomad Health - Expats, Remote Workers, and Entrepreneurs
The Nomad Health Insurance is designed for expats and remote workers who need comprehensive health insurance that follows them from one country to another. It also covers a wide range of medical needs worldwide, so you don’t have to worry about not having comprehensive coverage.
Pricing starts at $125/month with a yearly contract. You can either pay quarterly or buy 1 year upfront for a 10% discount. Other than that, it has many of the same medical features and benefits as its Digital Nomads insurance but with a higher coverage cap. Not to mention additional payouts for COVID, maternity, and outpatient-related claims:
With high $1.5 million annual limit, it can compete with conventional medical insurance providers. This cap applies to most types of care, including:
- Hospital treatment and accommodation
- Inpatient surgery
- Perscription medication
- Nurse care
- Reconstructive surgery
- Organ transplants
- Passive war and terrorism
- Evacuation and repatriation, and more
A limit number of treatments have lower caps, such as outpatient surgery ($500,000) and psychiatric visits ($5,000), but it’s still high enough to cover your needs in most cases.
Remote Health - Remote Businesses
This is a streamlined health insurance solution for companies that hire remote workers. Starting at $85/member/month, it allows companies to buy and manage coverage for a border-spanning workforce with the same flexibility as its digital nomad plans.
Perks and Benefits
As a SafetyWing member, you’ll also enjoy discounts and perks via its partner network. To support the lifestyle of its clientele, these benefits are primarily discounts at co-living and co-working. There are over 70 facilities spanning 30+ countries with options for both teams and individuals.
SafetyWing Pros and Cons
Equally important as the benefits, it’s important to understand SafetyWing’s possible disadvantages so that you don’t get caught unawares:
Pros of SafetyWing Insurance
- Competitive rates for remote workers and digital nomads.
- Nomad Insurance operates in 180+ countries, Nomad Health operates in 175+ countries.
- Nomad Insurance covers short home trips, Nomad Health offers complete coverage home and abroad
- Nomad Insurance has free coverage included for dependents (spouse and children).
- Nomad insurance allows you to start or modify coverage while already traveling abroad. No limit on duration of travel.
- Nomad Insurance & Nomad Health both cover a range of medical emergencies and treatments, including hospital fees, intensive care, homecare, and more.
- Offers additional savings on related services and products.
Cons of SafetyWing Insurance
- Pre-existing conditions not covered under policies.
- Nomad Insurance focuses more on medical than comprehensive travel incidents, such as lost or stolen property.
- Nomad Insurance has a $250 deductible applies to all claims (but Nomad Health does not have this).
- Nomad Insurance excludes most adventure sports and high-risk activities.
- Nomad Insurance doesn’t include routine checkups, while the payout cap for Nomad Health is low.
- Nomad Insurance claims processing is 45 days, with some users reporting delays in reimbursement.
Detailed breakdown
Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of the most important considerations when it comes to SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance and Health:
Benefits
Pricing
Here’s the breakdown for Nomad Insurance:
Here’s a breakdown for Nomad Health:
User Experience
Customer Support
Comparison to Other Digital Insurance Providers
One thing that stands out about SafetyWing is its modern and user-oriented approach. Its user-friendly platform with a focus on accessibility and online access is a unique selling point for frequent remote workers and digital nomads.
Cigna International Health Insurance
Cigna International Health Insurance offers comprehensive coverage with annual limits ranging from $1 million to unlimited, depending on the plan chosen (Silver, Gold, Platinum). Their plans are customizable, allowing expats to tailor coverage to their needs, including optional modules for dental, vision, outpatient care, and more.
Cigna stands out for its extensive global network and flexibility in coverage areas, including options for worldwide coverage with or without the U.S. One notable aspect is its competitive pricing for U.S. coverage, making it a viable option for expats who need U.S. health coverage.
However, one notable drawback compared to SafetyWing are the potentially high deductibles depending on your claim size:
GeoBlue Xplorer
GeoBlue Xplorer is designed for U.S. citizens living abroad or non-residents moving to the U.S. It offers extensive health insurance with full U.S. coverage through the Blue Cross Blue Shield network. It stands out for its unlimited medical maximum annual/lifetime limit and includes a wide range of benefits like maternity and dental for additional costs.
However, GeoBlue is more of a conventional insurance provider. It doesn’t cater to digital nomads to the same degree as SafetyWing in terms of flexibility or affordability. Its online platform is also less user-friendly and not as functional.
Recommendations
SafetyWing stands out for its flexibility, affordability, and comprehensive global coverage tailored to digital nomads, remote workers, and expats. With its flexible subscription model, expansive coverage, and additional benefits for families and groups, it's an ideal choice for those living a nomadic lifestyle.
Considering the accessibility and ease of use of its online platform and responsive customer support, SafetyWing also makes managing your policy, including filing claims, quick and easy.
I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a low-cost, simple, adaptable cross-border insurance policy. Whether you’re a digital nomad working as you go or a globe trotter, the experience blows traditional insurance providers out of the water.
It may not be the best choice for large families or if you want the highest degree of coverage for medical care or expensive goods. And, its deductible is high for small claims. However, it does a solid job of covering a broad spectrum of needs without the usual hassle.
FAQs
Can I purchase SafetyWing insurance after starting my trip?
Yes, SafetyWing allows you to buy or adjust your insurance coverage even if you've already started your travels.
Does SafetyWing cover COVID-19 related medical expenses?
SafetyWing treats COVID-19 like any other illness, covering testing and treatment if deemed medically necessary.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by SafetyWing?
SafetyWing does not cover pre-existing conditions under its insurance policies.
.jpg)
