I try to save every bit of cash I can when I travel—even on things like travel insurance (well, at least I used to).
Unless it’s required for a visa or bundled with a credit card deal, I usually skip it. After all, I’ve been traveling for 12 years without ever getting sick or injured.
But when I started my 6-month backpacking trip across the U.S., I knew I needed to get one. One broken bone there can cost $2,500! 😬 So I looked for something basic, affordable, and reliable.
That’s how I found SafetyWing. Their prices were way lower than other companies, and they covered exactly what I needed.
In this SafetyWing travel insurance review, I’ll share how it went—what I loved and didn’t, and whether I’d use them again.
Let’s get into it.
Disclosure: Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase them, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services that I truly believe in and think will add value to your experience. Your support helps keep this blog running, and I truly appreciate it!
Who is SafetyWing?
SafetyWing is a Norwegian travel insurance company offering flexible, affordable coverage tailored to travelers, expats, and digital nomads.
It’s run by nomads and expats who exactly understand what travelers need.
They became popular in 2018 with their flagship product, Nomad Insurance, which covers medical emergencies, travel mishaps (lost baggage, trip delays, and natural disasters), and even COVID-19.
SafetyWing Coverage (What’s Included and What’s Not)
SafetyWing offers global health insurance for remote workers, digital nomads, and travelers who are always on the move.
You’ll be covered in over 180 countries, so you only need to purchase one insurance plan—even if you visit multiple countries in a month. Coverage for the U.S. is available as an optional add-on.
Think of it like your health insurance in your home country, but because the world is your home, you’re covered worldwide.
Their plans are super flexible—no home country restrictions, and you can sign up even if you’re already abroad. The two main options are Nomad Essential and Nomad Complete.
Nomad Essential
Nomad Essential is the updated version of Nomad Insurance. It’s the standard travel insurance plan that you would typically purchase for unexpected medical and travel issues while abroad.
It’s more affordable than most travel insurance plans but also a bit less comprehensive. Personally, I prefer it because I don’t have to pay for extras I don’t need—like coverage for adventure sports or electronics theft.
Need those? You can simply add them on. That way, you’re only paying for what you actually need.
SafetyWing’s Essential Plan costs just $56.28 for 4 weeks (for travelers aged 10–39). That’s one of the lowest prices I’ve seen for reliable travel insurance—and yes, it’s super competitive.
Although this plan was designed with digital nomads in mind, you don’t have to be one to sign up. You can buy coverage for as little as 5 days.
Five days of coverage (outside the U.S.) costs just $10.05. That’s like, two cups of coffee! Perfect for short trips abroad. You can get started by selecting “Pay in full for specific dates” on their site.
They also cover travel in Schengen countries and provide a Schengen certificate—super helpful for visa applications.
This starter plan is ideal for short-term travelers, solo adventurers, nomads, or remote workers who just need standard health coverage.
✅ What’s Covered with SafetyWing Nomad Essential
- $250,000 Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
- $1,000 Emergency dental
- $100,000 Evacuation to a better equipped hospital (lifetime max)
- $500/item Lost checked luggage (US$3,000 max per policy)
- $250,000 Injuries from leisure sports & activities (list of activities)
- $250,000 Motor accidents
- $5,000 Trip interruption in case of family death (for ticket home)
- $100/day Travel delay (for 2 days)
- $10,000 Evacuation from local unrest (lifetime max)
- $20,000 Transport arrangements in the event of your death
- $10,000 Local burial
❌ What’s Not Covered with SafetyWing Nomad Essential
- Pre-existing conditions
- High-risk or professional sports activity
- Cancer
- Maternity
- Flights, accommodations, or excursions that were canceled before you left
- Certain lost/stolen belongings
Nomad Complete
Nomad Complete is SafetyWing’s full health insurance plan designed for digital nomads, remote workers, and long-term travelers.
Launched in 2023, it offers all the benefits of the standard plan, plus regular healthcare coverage like routine checkups and preventive care.
Think of it as the kind of health insurance you’d normally get in your home country, but with global coverage across 180+ countries.
It even includes wellness therapies, mental health support, and cancer treatment. And the best part? There are no coverage restrictions in your home country.
On top of that, adventure sports coverage is already included—perfect for adrenaline junkies like me!
Nomad Complete starts at $150.50 for 4 weeks (for travelers aged 18–39). Still a pretty great deal when you consider what’s included—especially compared to traditional insurers.
I used to pay $50 per month for health insurance back in the Philippines—and that only gave me $20,000 in coverage. With Nomad Complete, you’re covered up to $1,500,000. Wild, right?
Nomad Complete has a 12-month commitment, and you can pay monthly or pay the annual fee and save 10%!
It does require a 12-month commitment, but you can choose to pay monthly or go for the annual payment and save 10%.
Just like the Essential plan, Nomad Complete also meets visa requirements, including for the Schengen area. You’ll get a certificate for that too.
This plan is ideal for nomads, remote workers, and long-term travelers who want the same kind of extensive care you’d get back home—but without being tied to one place.
✅ What’s Covered with SafetyWing Nomad Complete
- $1,500,000 Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
- $1,000 Emergency dental
- $100,000 Evacuation to a better equipped hospital (lifetime max)
- $500/item Lost checked luggage (US$3,000 max per policy)
- $250,000 Injuries from leisure sports & activities (list of activities)
- $1,500,000 Motor accidents
- $5,000 Trip interruption in case of family death (for ticket home)
- $60 for 3 hours Travel delay
- $100/day Travel delay (for 3 days)
- $10,000 Evacuation from local unrest (lifetime max)
- $100,000 Transport arrangements in the event of your death
- $5,000 Doctor & specialist visits (like dermatologist or gynaecologist)
- $350 Routine check-ups for preventative care
- $5,000 outpatient; $60/visit Wellness therapies (chiropractics, dieticians, & acupuncture)
- $5,000 outpatient Visits with a psychologist or psychiatrist (10 visits per year)
- $1,500,000 Cancer tests & treatments (including chemotherapy, radiation, medications)
- $2,500 Maternity care (Routine care during pregnancy, labor, and 30 days after birth)
- $300/trip; $600/year Trip cancellation (Due to factors beyond your control before you left)
- $5,000 Stolen belongings (Passport, wallet, or burglary while you were out)
Note: I’ve bolded the differences and upgrades in Nomad Complete compared to Nomad Essential.
❌ What’s Not Covered with SafetyWing Nomad Essential
- Pre-existing conditions
- Aesthetic or cosmetic treatments
- Orthodontic treatment
- Obesity or weight control treatments
- Over-the-counter medications
- Birth control
- Professional sports
- Gym or fitness memberships
My Experience with SafetyWing Travel Insurance
If there’s one thing I really pay attention to when choosing travel insurance, it’s customer service.
Insurance is very technical and can get confusing, fast. When something goes wrong on the road, you don’t want to be stuck reading fine print or getting ghosted by a bot. You want to talk to an actual human, now.
That’s one of the things I absolutely love about SafetyWing. I’ve chatted with their support team a few times, and every time I’ve gotten through to a real person in under a minute. No automated loops.
They’ve always been quick and clear. They provide answers with links and screenshots every time.
Signing Up
Signing up is also very easy. It took me less than five minutes, and everything was super straightforward. As soon as I signed up, I got a confirmation email with my proof of insurance and a Schengen visa certificate.
Where I’ve Used It
I first got SafetyWing when I traveled around the U.S. in July 2024. Since then, I’ve used it through Europe and Southeast Asia.
I mostly use the Nomad Essential plan. I renew it every month whenever I’m traveling, and I cancel it when I’m home since I have local insurance in the Philippines.
One time, I forgot to cancel, and two days after it auto-renewed, I reached out to their support. They immediately canceled the plan and refunded me! Like what I said, I love their customer service.
Did I File a Claim?
Luckily, no—I haven’t had to file a claim (and fingers crossed I never will!).
But this is the most important thing to check when choosing travel insurance, so of course, I looked into it. Filing a claim with SafetyWing is super easy. It’s all done online through their portal, and just like signing up, it only takes about 5 minutes.
Even though their official wait time is up to 45 business days, most people are getting responses in just four days. That’s crazy fast compared to traditional insurance companies.
As of 2024, they also removed the $250 deductible! That used to be one of the main complaints (having to pay the first $250 out of pocket before the insurance kicked in). Now? You can file a claim right away.
Is SafetyWing Insurance Right for You?
SafetyWing is a great fit for digital nomads, slow travelers, or tourists on short trips looking for basic, budget-friendly travel insurance.
It’s best for travelers who want reliable medical coverage around the world, without overpaying for extras they don’t need.
I’d especially recommend it if:
- You travel full-time or for months at a time
- You are traveling to different countries (so you don’t have to get one insurance for each)
- You don’t have local health insurance that covers you internationally
- You want something simple, affordable, and that covers the essentials (like emergencies and COVID-19)
Who might want to skip it?
If you’re going on a trip with expensive electronics, adventure activities, and tight flight schedules, SafetyWing might not be the best fit.
It doesn’t include trip cancellation or gadget coverage by default, and you’ll need to be mindful of that.
That said, you can add coverage for adventure sports, and electronics theft coverage is coming soon as an add-on!
Final Verdict: Would I Use SafetyWing Again?
Absolutely! I’ve tried a few travel insurance companies over the years, and honestly? SafetyWing has been my best find yet—hands down.
The price is unbeatable, it’s super easy to sign up and manage, and their customer service is so good. Once I switched to them, I never looked back. They’ve been my go-to travel insurance ever since.
Wanna get a quote? You can use the booking widget below to get a quote (it’s free!)
