SafetyWing travel insurance reviews: Advantages & disadvantages

No matter how much you enjoy adventure and improvisation, some things are worth having sorted before heading off. This is especially true if you plan to be away for an extended period. One of those things is medical insurance. You wouldn’t want to fall ill in a remote village in Thailand or face the incredibly high medical bills in the United States without a plan to cover you. The range of services is broad and varied, and choosing one that meets your expectations can be quite a challenge. Need some help? Keep reading because in this article, we will gather all kinds of information about SafetyWing’s medical insurance coverage and safetywing travel insurance reviews from people who have used it.

What is SafetyWing and what international medical insurance does it offer?

SafetyWing is a Norwegian company that has revolutionised the international medical insurance market with a clear focus: Protecting digital nomads and frequent travellers. It was founded in 2017 with the mission to offer a solution tailored to the lifestyle of those who work or travel globally. Thanks to its competitive prices and worldwide coverage, SafetyWing has become one of the most popular choices among those looking for flexibility and peace of mind on their travels.

It offers two main products designed to cover both medical needs and unforeseen travel-related events:

• International Medical Insurance for Digital Nomads (Nomad Insurance): Designed for frequent travellers, this covers medical emergencies, urgent treatments, and repatriation. It also includes protection against flight delays and lost luggage. It is ideal for those seeking a comprehensive health insurance plan without compromising flexibility.
• Long-Term Health Insurance (Remote Health): Designed for remote teams and freelancers, this plan goes beyond basic medical coverage. It includes routine consultations, specialised treatments, and family coverage, with the option to choose different areas of coverage.

What health services are covered by SafetyWing’s insurance?

Do you think one of their policies might be what you’re looking for? If so, you need to know exactly what they will cover. This is crucial when choosing an international medical insurance plan. SafetyWing designs its products with the real needs of digital nomads and frequent travellers in mind. Let’s take a look at the main coverage included in its policies, so you can better understand what to expect when signing up: 

• Emergency medical assistance: Covers doctor visits, hospitalisation, and necessary treatments for accidents or unexpected illnesses during travel.
• Medical repatriation: Covers the cost of transport to your home country if you need specialised medical care or an emergency transfer.
• ICU coverage and surgeries: If your condition requires intensive care or surgery, the insurance will cover the expenses.
• Virtual consultations with doctors: Some plans offer the option for teleconsultations to get guidance for mild symptoms or health concerns.
• Prescription medication: Covers necessary prescription medications following a medical consultation approved by the insurer.
• Low-risk sports injury treatment: If you practice non-extreme sports, the policies typically cover treatments for injuries related to these activities.

What healthcare or medical services are not covered by SafetyWing’s insurance?

Although SafetyWing stands out for its flexible and global coverage, like any insurance, it has certain limitations that are important to know before signing up. Understanding what is not covered allows you to decide if you need to complement it with other options or adjust your expectations. The most relevant exclusions in SafetyWing’s insurance policies are:

• Non-urgent treatment for pre-existing conditions: Diseases or ailments you had before purchasing the insurance are not covered, unless they require emergency medical attention.
• Routine or cosmetic dental care: Only emergency dental care, such as severe infections or intense pain, is covered. Aesthetic procedures, cleanings, or maintenance are not included.
• Experimental medical treatments: Procedures or medications that are not approved as standard in the country where you receive treatment are not covered.
• High-risk sports care: Activities like extreme skiing, mountaineering, or paragliding are not included unless you purchase additional coverage.
• Complications from cosmetic or elective procedures: Any health issues related to cosmetic surgeries or elective treatments will not be covered.
• Services related to advanced pregnancy: Unless in an emergency, the costs of childbirth or third-trimester care are generally not covered.

Note that these are generally things that international medical or travel insurance does not cover. They are not a unique disadvantage of SafetyWing. However, knowing them will help you decide whether you need to enhance your coverage or adjust your expectations based on your destination and activities.

Pricing for SafetyWing’s international medical insurance: Reviews

SafetyWing presents itself as a competitive option for digital nomads and frequent travellers looking for affordable international medical insurance. The company has gained popularity thanks to its reasonable prices and a flexible payment model designed to suit different needs. However, how competitive are its rates when compared to other similar options? Let’s see:

Base prices and flexibility

As mentioned, SafetyWing offers two main products: Nomad Insurance and Remote Health. Prices for both vary depending on the coverage level and the insured’s profile.

1. Nomad Insurance:
   • Monthly price: $45 (€39,50) for individuals under 39. This price is standard and covers emergency medical care, repatriation, and other basic eventualities in most countries, except the USA.
   • Coverage in the USA: Want to include coverage in this country? In that case, the monthly fee rises to $78 (€68,50).
   • Automatic renewal: Allows you to activate or pause the insurance according to the traveller’s needs, ideal for those who don’t require constant coverage.
2. Remote Health:
   • Base price: From $153 (€134,50) per month, this plan is designed for remote workers and international teams. It includes comprehensive medical coverage, from routine consultations to specialised treatments.
   • Additional coverage options: Allows you to add family benefits or extend coverage across multiple regions.

Copayments and coverage limits

• Nomad Insurance: No copayments are required for most emergency medical services. However, routine consultations and non-urgent treatments are not covered.
• Remote Health: Includes a copay-free model for services within its network, though limits vary depending on the chosen plan. Treatments of high complexity or outside the network may incur additional costs.

Comparison with other options

SafetyWing stands out in its segment by offering a reasonable balance between price and basic coverage. Especially for young digital nomads and travellers with no pre-existing conditions. However:

• For users with specific medical needs or families, the prices for Remote Health may seem high compared to local alternatives in some countries.
• The lack of coverage for routine medical checkups in the Nomad Insurance plan could be a disadvantage compared to competitors that include these services.

Is it worth it?

SafetyWing’s prices are attractive for those seeking simple and accessible international insurance solutions. However, it’s important to assess your specific needs. If you only need emergency and international travel coverage, the monthly cost is competitive. On the other hand, if you need more comprehensive coverage, the cost may increase significantly.

How’s customer service?

Customer service is one of the most important aspects when choosing an international medical insurance policy. If something doesn’t go as expected during your trip, you’ll need a quick, clear, and effective response to resolve the issue without adding stress to the situation.

In the case of SafetyWing, the goal has been to make it easy for digital nomads to contact support anytime and anywhere. They offer several channels to resolve doubts, handle complaints, or assist in complicated situations during your travels. Let’s look at all the ways you can get in touch with them if an unexpected event occurs:

• 24/7 live chat: SafetyWing offers a live chat service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This channel is perfect for medical emergencies or urgent queries. It ensures immediate communication with their team.
• Email: If you need to clarify details about your policy or resolve administrative matters, email support is a good option. Although not instantaneous, response times are typically reasonable, averaging 24 to 48 hours.
• FAQs section: On their website, you’ll find a help centre with detailed answers to the most common questions about coverage, claims, and general processes. It’s a handy tool for resolving quick questions on your own.
• Social media: Although it’s not the primary channel, SafetyWing also engages with users via their official profiles on platforms like Twitter or Instagram. This is a convenient option for general queries, but not for urgent cases.

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As you can see, SafetyWing offers several contact options, all designed to provide fast and satisfactory support. However, it’s important to note that their service operates primarily in English, which may be a barrier if you’re not fluent in the language. Still, many travellers appreciate their quick response times. They also highlight the company’s clarity when resolving issues. This makes its customer service a reliable source of support — perfect for those seeking peace of mind while traveling. To get in touch with them through these channels once you’re abroad, don’t forget to sign up for one of the Holafly global internet plans.

«The communication in chat, via email, the response times, the help is crystal clear, they are very kind.»— SafetyWing: User review Diana, on Trustpilot

SafetyWing Website and App Review

In a world where everything is done online, the digital experience of an insurance provider is something we shouldn’t overlook. Signing up for insurance should be a simple and smooth process. SafetyWing seems to have understood this need when designing their website. It is built to be clear, functional, and accessible from any device.

The first impression their platform gives is positive. The design is minimalist and well-organised, with clear menus that guide you through the different insurance options. From the homepage, you can easily find key information about their products, such as coverage, prices, and conditions. This allows even those who have never purchased insurance before to navigate without issues and make informed decisions.

The sign-up process is straightforward. You select the plan that interests you, enter your details, and make the payment in just a few minutes. SafetyWing accepts several payment methods, including credit and debit cards. They also use reliable security systems to ensure that your data is protected at all times. This is essential.

Another key point is transparency. There’s no room for surprises: The terms and conditions are explained simply, and the frequently asked questions cover practical topics like how to use your coverage in an emergency. The platform also provides registered users with access to a personal profile. In it, you can manage your insurance, update your details, or download the necessary documents for your trips—all in one place with just a few clicks.

However, there are areas that could be improved. The site is only available in English. It would also be useful to include interactive tools like a more detailed price simulator or a quick guide to compare the different plans.

The SafetyWing App: User Reviews

SafetyWing also has a mobile app that complements its digital experience. Available for both iOS and Android, this app allows users to manage their insurance easily from anywhere. It has an intuitive interface where you can access your documents, check your coverage, and contact support in case of emergency. Additionally, it includes useful features like notifications about renewals and payment reminders. Some users, however, mention that the app could improve in terms of speed and stability. Adding more languages and interactive tools would also be another positive step to make it even more practical for its international audience.

«Very easy to use. The support staff is excellent. Cancellation was very simple.»— SafetyWing: User review Aisling, on Trustpilot

In summary, SafetyWing succeeds with an intuitive, easy-to-use website designed to resolve questions promptly. Its focus on clarity and simplicity is a strong point, but expanding options for a more diverse audience would make the experience even better.

Pros and Cons of SafetyWing’s International Medical Insurance

So far, we have seen that SafetyWing insurance offers many advantages, but there are also areas where improvements could be made. To better understand them, we’ve put together a comparison table so you can have a clearer view:

SafetyWing travel insurance pros and cons: User reviews

SafetyWing User Experiences and Customer Reviews

To get a clearer idea about this international medical insurance for digital nomads, we can’t miss a more thorough review of the opinions of those who have used it regarding its different coverages. As always when signing up for services, other users’ experiences can be very helpful. Knowing how a company responds in real situations not only provides peace of mind but also allows you to assess whether it’s truly what you’re looking for. In the case of SafetyWing, the reviews reflect a mix of strengths and areas for improvement. Let’s go through the most noteworthy comments from those who have trusted this insurer.

One of the most discussed aspects by ASISA users is the reimbursement process. According to reviews, SafetyWing offers a fairly simple process, with clear forms and reasonable response times. However, some users mention that issues may arise if the documentation is incomplete or if the required receipts are not provided.

• Positive aspects:
  • The online platform allows users to upload documents directly, which speeds up the process significantly.
  • Users report that, in most cases, reimbursements are approved within 10 to 20 business days.
• Negative aspects:
  • Some clients feel the process can become cumbersome if any detail in the documentation is missing.
  • There have been complaints about claim rejections for reasons that are not clearly explained.

“I’m a doctor who traveled to the Philippines two months ago and was hospitalized. When I tried to use my SAFETYWING insurance, they told me I had to pay them more money to get my deductible refunded.”— SafetyWing: User review Aisling, on Trustpilot

Healthcare service coverage

According to reviews, SafetyWing offers a fairly simple process, with clear forms and reasonable response times. While many appreciate its global approach and the ability to receive medical care in multiple countries, others point out limitations in specific services.

Positive aspects:

• Excellent coverage for medical emergencies and hospitalizations, even in countries with high healthcare costs like the United States.
• Includes basic services such as medical consultations, lab tests, and prescriptions.

Negative aspects:

• Something that has drawn considerable criticism from users is that routine dental treatments and pre-existing conditions are not covered.
• Some have noted that the coverage limits may be insufficient for long-term treatments.

“Don’t be fooled by their policies or add-ons for lost luggage or stolen electronic devices.” They are misleading and overly bureaucratic, making it almost impossible to file a claim because there are too many procedures to go through.”— SafetyWing: User review Aisling, on Trustpilot

Compatibility with Visas and Immigration Procedures

The last aspect to consider is compatibility with visas and immigration procedures. For many digital nomads and expats, this is a key factor. In this regard, SafetyWing receives mixed reviews.

Positive aspects:

• Its global coverage is valid for most remote work and study visas.
• It includes insurance certificates in English, accepted by almost all consulates and embassies.

Negative aspects:

• However, some users report that policies are not accepted for visas in countries with stricter specific requirements.
• Additionally, the lack of support in other languages, such as Spanish, can make communication with immigration authorities more difficult.

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