{"id":6007,"date":"2025-06-02T15:28:41","date_gmt":"2025-06-02T15:28:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/?p=6007"},"modified":"2025-06-02T15:28:41","modified_gmt":"2025-06-02T15:28:41","slug":"safety-wing-review-updated-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/?p=6007","title":{"rendered":"Safety Wing Review (Updated 2025)"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

<\/p>\n

Budget travelers love saving money \u2014 myself included. But one of the expenses that we shouldn\u2019t be cheap with is travel insurance.<\/p>\n

After over 17 years of traveling the world, I still never leave home without it.<\/p>\n

Why?<\/p>\n

Because I\u2019ve seen firsthand how useful it can be \u2014 and how much money it can save.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve lost baggage, had my camera broken, and even needed emergency medical help over the years.<\/p>\n

Travel insurance has been there for me each time. Not only has it saved me money but it\u2019s provided me with peace of mind as I explore.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve written extensively over the years about why you need insurance, how to pick the right company, and listed my preferred providers.<\/p>\n

Today, I want to talk about my favorite<\/strong> travel insurance company: SafetyWing. <\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/p>\n

Who is SafetyWing?<\/span><\/h3>\n

SafetyWing is an insurance company that focuses on affordable coverage for budget travelers and digital nomads (though you don\u2019t have to be either to get coverage). It is run by nomads and expats who know exactly what such travelers need. <\/p>\n

SafetyWing offers basic insurance plans (called \u201cNomad Essential\u201d) for a fraction of what other companies charge, although they are also less comprehensive. To me, they are the best overall travel insurance company out there.<\/p>\n

Their standard Nomad Insurance coverage costs just $56.28 USD for 4 weeks (for travelers aged 10-39). That\u2019s one of the lowest prices out there for reliable travel insurance. They are super competitive when it comes to price.<\/p>\n

\"Screenshot\"Screenshot<\/center><\/p>\n

Their coverage extends all the way to age 69, however, travelers aged 60-69 should expect to pay upwards of $196 USD per month for coverage. Still very reasonable, to be honest.<\/p>\n

But is the coverage actually<\/em> good? What about the customer service?<\/p>\n

Today I want to review Safety Wing and talk about when it is \u2014 and isn\u2019t \u2014 worth using so you can better prepare for your next trip and ensure you have the coverage you need.
\u00a0<\/p>\n

What Does SafetyWing Cover?<\/span><\/h3>\n

SafetyWing\u2019s standard Nomad Insurance plan is the Essential plan. It\u2019s just $56.28 USD for four weeks of travel (outside the US). That works out to just $1.87 USD per day!<\/p>\n

For travelers under age 64, that plan includes the following:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • $250,000 USD in emergency medical coverage<\/li>\n
  • $1,000 USD for emergency dental care<\/li>\n
  • $100,000 USD for medical evacuation ($25,000 USD if the cause of medical evacuation is acute onset of pre-existing condition)<\/li>\n
  • $10,000 USD for an evacuation due to political upheaval<\/li>\n
  • $5,000 USD for a trip interruption<\/li>\n
  • Up to $100 a day after a 12-hour delay period requiring an unplanned overnight stay. Subject to a maximum of 2 days.<\/li>\n
  • $12,500\u201325,000 USD for death or dismemberment<\/li>\n
  • $20,000 USD for repatriation of remains<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Be sure to check the description of coverage for any conditions that apply.<\/p>\n

    \"Screenshot\"Screenshot<\/center>
    \"Screenshot\"Screenshot<\/center><\/p>\n

    Its $100,000 USD for medical evacuation is on the low end, but unless you\u2019re heading out into the remote wilderness, that should be fine. (If you want higher coverage, get MedJet.)<\/p>\n

    Its travel-delay payout is pretty low, but airlines and most travel credit cards provide travel delay assistance too so you might not even need the coverage offered by SafetyWing. Additionally, it doesn\u2019t really cover expensive electronics, which sucks if you have a pricey camera or video gear. <\/p>\n

    As with most standard travel insurance plans, this one doesn\u2019t include pre-existing conditions or certain adventure sports, so it\u2019s not a good policy if you\u2019re going to do a lot of adventure activities on the road.<\/p>\n

    They do offer a couple helpful add-ons that I think a lot of travelers will appreciate, including coverage for adventure activities and electronics theft. That means that if you need the coverage, you can pay extra for it. However, if you don\u2019t need it then you don\u2019t have to pay for it, keeping your costs low. I appreciate that, as someone who always needs electronic coverage but who never needs adventure activity coverage (I\u2019m not a big adrenaline junkie).
    \u00a0<\/p>\n

    What\u2019s Not Covered?<\/span><\/h3>\n

    The Essential plan is primarily geared towards covering medical emergencies and basic travel mishaps (like delays and lost luggage). Here are some things that aren\u2019t<\/em> covered:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Alcohol- or drug-related incidents.<\/li>\n
    • Extreme sports & adventure activities (unless you purchase the adventure sports add-on, which is available for non-US residents)<\/li>\n
    • Pre-existing conditions or general check-ups<\/li>\n
    • Trip cancellation<\/li>\n
    • Lost or stolen cash<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      \u00a0<\/p>\n

      Nomad Complete: Coverage for Digital Nomads and Long-Term Travelers<\/span><\/h3>\n

      In 2023, SafetyWing launched Nomad Health (now called their \u201cComplete\u201d plan). It\u2019s insurance for digital nomads, remote workers, and long-term travelers. This new plan offers a mix of the standard emergency coverage that we\u2019ve been discussing above along with \u201cregular\u201d health care coverage, such as routine visits and preventive care.<\/p>\n

      The Complete plan also offers coverage in 175 countries, includes wellness benefits, mental health care, and the ability for individuals to choose their own doctor while traveling. They will be expanding coverage too, including an add-on for \u201celectronics theft\u201d (which, as someone who has been robbed while traveling, I think is a great idea).<\/p>\n

      It\u2019s like the kind of health insurance you\u2019d find in your home country, ensuring that you\u2019re looked after no matter what happens while you\u2019re abroad.<\/p>\n

      You can learn more and compare the plans here.<\/p>\n

      \"The\"The<\/p>\n

      If you\u2019re just heading out for a couple weeks or a couple months, SafetyWing\u2019s Essential plan is the option for you. It\u2019s perfect for emergencies, is super affordable, and is designed for budget travelers. It\u2019s the plan I use when I travel these days.<\/p>\n

      However, if you\u2019re going to be working abroad or traveling for months (or years), then their new Complete plan is the better option. It offers much more coverage while still being affordable. In fact, it\u2019s the plan I wish I had when I started traveling long-term!<\/p>\n

      You can learn more about the Complete plan in my dedicated review.<\/p>\n

      \u00a0<\/p>\n

      Making a Claim<\/span><\/h3>\n

      SafetyWing makes it easy to file a claim through their online portal. You just upload all the required documents, screenshots, and photos, and wait to hear back. While claims can take up to 45 business days, most are handled in less than a week (as of writing, the average wait time is four days).<\/p>\n

      If you read the reviews online, most people who had a negative experience either didn\u2019t know about the deductible (SafetyWing removed their deductible for non-US residents as of 2024) or hated the length of time it took to get paid. But that\u2019s pretty normal for people to complain about. <\/p>\n

      On the plus side, SafetyWing\u2019s average time to handle a claim is down to just four days. That\u2019s way<\/em> faster than most companies!
      \u00a0<\/p>\n

      A Note About COVID<\/span><\/h3>\n

      SafetyWing does include coverage for COVID-19. As long as the virus was not contracted before your plan starts, then it will be covered (as long as it is medically necessary). <\/p>\n

      SafetyWing also covers quarantine costs (outside your home country) for up to $50 USD\/day for 10 days (provided that you\u2019ve had your plan for at least 28 days).
      \u00a0<\/p>\n

      Pros and Cons of SafetyWing<\/span><\/h3>\n

      Here\u2019s a look that the pros and cons of SafetyWing at a glance to help you decide if it\u2019s the best insurance provider for you and your trip:<\/p>\n

      \n
      \n

      Most affordable travel insurance out there<\/p>\n

      Only covers up to age 69<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

      \n

      Offers coverage for COVID-19<\/p>\n

      Limited coverage for gear\/electronics<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

      \n

      You can buy plans online even if you\u2019re already
      on your trip<\/p>\n

      Limited coverage for adventure activities<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

      \n

      Easy to submit claims online<\/p>\n

      No trip cancellation coverage<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

      \n

      After being abroad for 90 days, you keep your
      medical coverage for 30 days in your home
      country (15 days if you\u2019re from the U.S.)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

      \n

      Up to 2 children under 10 per family
      (1 per adult) can be included for free<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

      \n

      No need to set an end date (subscription
      renews every 4 weeks)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

      \n

      Two different plans mean you can easily find one that works for you\/your budget<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

      \u00a0<\/p>\n

      Who is SafetyWing Good<\/em> \u2014 and Not Good<\/em> For?<\/span><\/h3>\n

      SafetyWing is designed as mainly medical coverage. Since SafetyWing is designed for the budget-conscious digital nomad, it doesn\u2019t cover some areas that might be more of a priority for a shorter-term traveler. Here\u2019s a quick chart to help you decide if SafetyWing is right for you:<\/p>\n

      \n
      \n

      Budget travelers<\/p>\n

      People traveling with a TON of electronics<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

      \n

      Someone looking for simple emergency coverage<\/p>\n

      Anyone needing comprehensive trip delay
      or cancellation<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

      \n

      People without lots of expensive electronics<\/p>\n

      People doing excessive extreme sports\/activities<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

      \n

      Digital nomads who need medical coverage
      for long-term travel<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

      \u00a0<\/p>\n

      ***<\/center><\/p>\n

      Travel insurance is something I never leave home without. I know it\u2019s a boring topic to read about and research, but it can literally save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in bills! I never, ever leave home without it. You shouldn\u2019t either.<\/p>\n

      So, the next time you\u2019re on the road, consider SafetyWing. To me, they are the best travel insurance company out there for budget travelers.<\/strong><\/p>\n

      You can use the booking widget below to get a quote (it\u2019s free):<\/p>\n

      <\/p>\n

      <\/center><\/p>\n

      \n

      Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks<\/h4>\n

      Book Your Flight<\/strong>
      Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It\u2019s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned. <\/p>\n

      Book Your Accommodation<\/strong>
      You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels. <\/p>\n

      Don\u2019t Forget Travel Insurance<\/strong>
      Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It\u2019s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I\u2019ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:<\/p>\n

      Want to Travel for Free?<\/strong>
      Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation \u2014 all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.<\/p>\n

      Need a Rental Car?<\/strong>
      Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you\u2019re headed, they\u2019ll be able to find the best \u2014 and cheapest \u2014 rental for your trip!<\/p>\n

      Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?<\/strong>
      Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more. <\/p>\n

      Ready to Book Your Trip?<\/strong>
      Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can\u2019t go wrong using them on your trip.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

      Source: https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/safety-wing-review\/<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Budget travelers love saving money \u2014 myself included. But one of the expenses that we shouldn\u2019t be cheap with is travel insurance. After over 17 years of traveling the world, I still never leave home without it. Why? Because I\u2019ve seen firsthand how useful it can be \u2014 and how much money it can save. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6008,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[75,72,130,77,73],"class_list":["post-6007","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel","tag-gear","tag-insurance","tag-safety-wing","tag-tech","tag-travel-insurance"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6007","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6007"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6007\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/6008"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6007"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6007"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6007"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}