SafetyWing Reviews: Is Nomad Insurance Worth It? 

When it comes to travel insurance, SafetyWing reviews are suddenly popping up everywhere. And for good reason. 

As a digital nomad, I know how important it is to find a flexible, reliable policy that is affordable.

Having tried SafetyWing Nomad Insurance on one of my trips, I’ve seen both the perks and the pitfalls.

Whether you’re a backpacker, remote worker, or just someone who loves spontaneous adventures, this review will help you figure out if SafetyWing is the right fit for your travel plans.

Ready to dive into my SafetyWing travel insurance review?

Let’s roll.

What Is SafetyWing Travel Insurance?

SafetyWing is a travel medical insurance provider designed for digital nomads, remote workers, and long-term travellers. 

Their focus? Flexibility and simplicity. 

With SafetyWing Nomad Insurance, you can start, pause, or even buy a policy after your trip has already begun. This is a lifesaver for spontaneous adventurers like me.

Unlike traditional travel insurance, SafetyWing works on a subscription model, renewing every 28 days. 

It covers the essentials, like emergency medical expenses and travel delays, and even throws in some global perks, like coverage for unexpected COVID-19 treatment.

If you’re a traveller who values freedom and affordability, SafetyWing might just be the perfect travel companion. 

But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of SafetyWing travel insurance.

Pros and Cons of SafetyWing Travel Insurance

Like every travel insurance policy, SafetyWing has its strengths and a few areas where it could improve. Here’s my quick rundown of the pros and cons:

If you don’t like the sound of SafetyWings travel insurance, Rise & Shield might be worth exploring. They aim to minimise exclusions in their adventure-focused policies.

Okay, it's time to get even more serious in my SafetyWing review. Let’s unpack the SafetyWings Nomad Insurance policy and see what’s covered.

What's Included in SafetyWing Insurance Policies?

SafetyWing’s coverage is all about protecting you when life throws those unexpected curveballs on the road. Here’s a rundown of what you get:

• Emergency Medical Coverage: Got sick or injured abroad? SafetyWing steps in to cover hospital stays, surgeries, and emergency medical evacuations, with a cap of $250,000 per policy period. That’s a solid safety net for the big stuff.
• Emergency Dental Treatment: Nobody wants to deal with a toothache on the road, but if you do, SafetyWing has you covered. They include coverage up to $1,000 for acute dental emergencies.
• Trip Interruption: If you need to cut your trip short because of an unexpected event, like a family emergency, SafetyWing can reimburse up to $5,000 for non-refundable expenses.
• Travel Delay: Stuck at the airport for 12+ hours? They’ll help cover meals and accommodations, so you’re not left scrambling.
• Lost Checked Luggage: If your checked bag pulls a disappearing act, SafetyWing provides up to $3,000 in coverage per certificate period, with a $500 limit per item.
• Natural Disaster or Political Evacuation: If you find yourself in the middle of a natural disaster or political unrest, SafetyWing helps with evacuation expenses to get you to a safer spot.
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment: This is the heavy stuff. If there’s an accidental death or serious injury, there’s financial support for you or your beneficiaries.

There are also some bonuses. SafetyWing includes COVID-19 coverage, treating it like any other illness under the policy.

Travelling with little ones? One child under 10 per adult (up to two kids per family) is covered for free, something parents will appreciate.

Now, here’s the catch: SafetyWing’s policies are designed for emergencies and unexpected events. Routine check-ups, preventive care, and pre-existing conditions aren’t included.

With that said, let’s move on to what’s not covered by SafetyWing, so you can make the best choice for your travels.

What's Not Covered by SafetyWing

While SafetyWing Nomad Insurance ticks a lot of boxes, it’s just as important to understand what it doesn’t cover.

Knowing the gaps upfront can save you from nasty surprises later. Here’s the lowdown:

• Pre-Existing Conditions: If you have a medical condition that existed before your policy started, like diabetes or a chronic illness, you’re out of luck. These aren’t covered.
• Routine Check-Ups and Preventive Care: Need a regular health check-up or vaccine? That’s not included either. SafetyWing is built for emergencies, not maintenance.
• High-Risk Activities: Love extreme adventures like cliff jumping, paragliding, or quad biking? SafetyWing won’t have your back for these. Thrill-seekers might want to check out Rise & Shield instead. They’re geared for covering over 150 adventure activities.
• Trip Cancellation: SafetyWing won’t reimburse those non-refundable bookings if your plans fall apart before departure.
• Lost or Stolen Personal Belongings: Travelling with a pricey laptop or camera? Keep an extra eye on your gear. SafetyWing’s policies don’t cover personal items that go missing.

These exclusions don’t mean SafetyWing isn’t a good option, but they’re worth keeping in mind, especially if you’re an adventurous traveller. 

For activities like diving, trekking, or anything a bit daring, Rise & Shield is worth a look. After all, they’re built for people who live for the adrenaline rush.

At the end of the day, knowing what’s not included helps you make an informed choice and ensures you’re covered where it counts.

Next, let’s look at how to get and use a SafetyWing travel policy.

Using a SafetyWing Policy

Getting started with SafetyWing is refreshingly straightforward, even if you’re someone who tends to leave travel admin until the last minute (guilty as charged). 

Whether you’re buying a policy before your trip or halfway through your adventure, the process is designed to be quick and hassle-free. Let me walk you through how it works.

Step One: Get a SafetyWing Quote

Getting a quote from SafetyWing is as simple as it gets. 

Head over to their website, enter your basic travel details—like your start date, whether you want U.S. coverage, and how long you’ll need insurance—and voilà, you’ll have your personalised quote in seconds.

The platform is easy to navigate, and the breakdown of costs is clear, so you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for. 

That said, if you’re short on time or need coverage for more adventurous activities, Rise & Shield’s streamlined online travel insurance quote process is also worth a look. 

They specialise in making complex travel needs simple to cover.

Step Two: Customise Your Coverage

SafetyWing keeps things straightforward with its one-size-fits-most approach. 

Instead of multiple plan options, you get a standard policy that covers essential medical needs and travel disruptions.

The main customisation comes when deciding whether or not to include U.S. coverage, which is available at an extra cost.

This simplicity is great for digital nomads who want no-fuss insurance, but it might not suit travellers looking for more tailored or adventure-focused policies.

If you’re planning activities like high-altitude trekking, skiing, or scuba diving, Rise & Shield offers coverage specifically designed for thrill-seekers, with options to match your level of adventure.

With SafetyWing, though, the process is quick: pick your start date, decide on U.S. coverage, and you’re ready to go. It’s that easy!

Step Three: Purchase and Manage Your Policy

Once you’ve nailed down the details, purchasing a SafetyWing policy is a breeze. 

Simply review your quote, confirm your coverage start date, and check out. Payment is processed online, and your policy kicks in immediately or on your chosen start date.

Managing your coverage is just as simple. SafetyWing operates on a subscription model, so your policy renews every 28 days automatically. There’s no need to remember to re-enroll.

If your plans change, you can pause or cancel your coverage through their easy-to-use online portal.

While this setup is convenient for digital nomads and long-term travellers, it’s worth noting that SafetyWing’s coverage is more general.

For those who prefer a policy tailored to adventurous itineraries, Rise & Shield makes extending or adjusting coverage just as seamless, with options specifically designed for activity-packed trips.

Either way, SafetyWing makes the process traveller-friendly. So, you can spend less time on admin and more time planning your next adventure.

Additional Considerations

Before diving into a SafetyWing policy, there are a few details worth keeping in mind to make sure it’s the right fit for your travel style:

• Age Limits: SafetyWing is available to travellers up to 69 years old. If you’re in your golden years and still adventuring (major life goals), you’ll need to explore other options.
• Limited Adventure Coverage: While SafetyWing covers many common activities, more extreme adventures—like mountaineering or scuba diving at significant depths—are excluded.
• Geographical Restrictions: While SafetyWing covers most destinations, you’ll want to double-check any exclusions or restrictions, especially if you’re headed to politically unstable or remote regions. Rise & Shield offers specialised coverage for over 190 destinations.
• Minimal Personal Belongings Protection: Lost or stolen items, like laptops or smartphones, aren’t included in SafetyWing’s standard policy. For nomads who travel with pricey gear, this could be a dealbreaker.

When it comes to insurance, the devil is always in the details, so reading the fine print is key. 

And if you’re an adventurer who doesn’t want to worry about exclusions every time you plan a new activity, it might be worth looking at Rise & Shield’s more inclusive options.

By understanding these nuances, you’ll avoid any unexpected surprises and ensure you have the right coverage for wherever your travels take you.

Now, let’s look at how to file a claim with SafetyWing.

Filing a Claim with SafetyWing

Filing an insurance claim might not be your idea of a good time, but SafetyWing tries to keep things as simple as possible. If you find yourself needing to make a claim, here’s what to do:

1. Get Your Documents Together: Start by gathering everything you’ll need. Think medical reports, invoices, receipts, and any proof of what happened. For medical claims, make sure the report includes details about your symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Basically, the more info, the better.
2. Head to the Online Portal: Log in to your SafetyWing account and head to the claims section. The online system will walk you through the steps and let you upload your documents. It’s all pretty intuitive, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
3. Sit Tight for Confirmation: Once your claim is submitted, you’ll get a confirmation email. Most claims are processed within a week, so you won’t be left wondering for too long.
4. Respond to Follow-Ups Quickly: If the claims team needs more info, they’ll reach out. The faster you respond, the faster things move along.

SafetyWing also has resources and customer support if you get stuck or have questions along the way.

While no one wants to deal with filing a claim, following these steps will help make the process as painless as possible. It’s all about staying organised and keeping communication smooth!

Finally, let’s look at what other travellers have to say about SafetyWing.

Other Online Reviews of SafetyWing

SafetyWing has garnered a range of mixed online feedback from travellers and digital nomads. Here's a snapshot of what users are saying:

On TrustPilot, SafetyWing holds a 4.0 out of 5-star rating based on 1,499 SafetyWing reviews.

Users appreciate the affordability and flexibility of the insurance plans. However, some have expressed concerns about the claims process and specific coverage limitations.

Over on Reddit’s r/digitalnomad community, travellers have shared a mix of praise and gripes about SafetyWing.

One user highlighted how convenient and affordable it is, especially for digital nomads who need basic, no-fuss coverage.

But not everything is smooth sailing.

There were complaints about delays in the claims process and the amount of paperwork required.

Other commenters chimed in to say that while SafetyWing gets the job done for emergencies, its gaps—like no coverage for pre-existing conditions or adventure activities—can be a dealbreaker for some.

Let’s wrap up this SafetyWing review.

My Final Verdict

If you’re a digital nomad or long-term traveller who needs flexible, affordable travel insurance, SafetyWing is definitely worth considering.

Its subscription model and global reach make it a practical choice for covering the basics, like medical emergencies and travel delays, without breaking the bank.

That said, SafetyWing does have its limits.

If you’re planning an adrenaline-filled adventure with high-risk activities or need coverage for pre-existing conditions or personal belongings, it might not cut it.

That’s where Rise & Shield comes in. With fewer exclusions and coverage tailored to over 150 adventure activities, it’s a standout option for thrill-seekers and explorers.

At the end of the day, the best travel insurance is the one that fits your specific needs.

My Final Thoughts

And there you have it: my personal SafetyWing review.

Is it the best travel insurance for everyone? Not quite. But for digital nomads and long-term travelers, it does a solid job.

That said, if you’re an adventure traveller or need more comprehensive coverage with fewer restrictions, Rise & Shield is a strong alternative to consider. 

Ultimately, it’s about finding the right fit for your travel style and needs. Safe and happy travels!