SafetyWing has a really unique business model that sets them apart from other providers. They operate on a subscription basis, so you can start, stop and renew your coverage online anytime.
They don’t require a return date or return ticket, which is great for digital nomads who travel spontaneously. They also cover home country visits (with some limitations).
They have a robust policy that covers many aspects of traveling abroad. They even have a dedicated claims portal.
Medical Coverage
SafetyWing offers a great range of medical coverage that rivals some of the more expensive travel insurance policies such as World Nomads. They cover you for hospitalizations up to the maximum limit of your plan and include daily room and board and nursing services (up to the limit of your policy). They also offer a wide range of extras like routine dental care and COVID-19 testing that most other companies do not.
The insurance also covers you in the event of a natural disaster. SafetyWing will pay up to $100 a day for 5 days for replacement accommodation. They will also cover your flights home in the case of a political evacuation if the US state department issues a level 3 or 4 travel advisory against your destination country.
They also cover palliative care for terminally ill patients with up to $50,000 of coverage. This is something that very few other travel insurance companies provide and it’s an important addition to their policy.
Emergency Evacuation Coverage
SafetyWing is a travel insurance company that offers both medical and trip interruption coverage. It was founded by Y-Combinator alumni and is managed by Tokyo Marine, one of the largest insurance companies in the world.
The policy also covers emergency medical evacuation if you are unable to return home because of a life-threatening injury or illness. This includes the cost of a one-way ticket to bring an immediate family member to your side and isn’t subject to the deductible.
The plan is geared towards long-term travelers, remote workers, and digital nomads. It offers a flexible monthly subscription that can be started, stopped or extended online. To file a claim, you simply need to submit documents via the Tokio Marine online portal. The process is relatively fast and painless. They also have a chat feature to help you with any questions. COVID-19 testing is included, but only if it’s determined to be medically necessary by a doctor.
Repatriation of Remains Coverage
In the worst-case scenario, SafetyWing will cover costs of repatriation of your remains. This includes reasonable preparation of the body, a minimally necessary container for transport and shipping costs, government authorizations and air transportation back to your home country. This coverage does not apply if you have an EHIC/GHIC or other global health insurance which already covers repatriation expenses.
SafetyWing also offers a travel disruption benefit for up to $100 per day for 5 days if you’re displaced from your planned paid accommodation due to an evacuation following a natural disaster. However, this does not include named storms like hurricanes and typhoons.
Unlike many other digital nomad insurance providers, SafetyWing allows you to purchase their plans both before and whilst traveling. You can also choose the duration of your plan. The plans run on a subscription basis and automatically renew after 364 days. You can also pay a one-off fee to purchase the plan for your desired trip.
Excess Coverage
One of the things that SafetyWing does really well is make it easy to purchase and use their insurance. Unlike most travel insurers, they don’t require a trip duration or return date and instead automatically charge every 28 days like a subscription service. This makes them perfect for those who don’t know how long they’ll be travelling for and also makes it super easy to cancel with no penalty or contract commitments.
Medical coverage is a bit better than World Nomads with $250,000 in coverage (or $100,000 for those 65 and over). There is a $250 deductible which can be paid for with a credit card and then they will pay out any further expenses.
They were also one of the first travel insurers to cover COVID-19 and they include this in their policy along with quarantine in your home country (up to $50 a day) if you are symptomatic or awaiting test results. Their customer support is excellent and always helpful.