Safetywing vs World Nomads Compared [2024 Review]
There are two main rivals in the digital nomad insurance space – Safetywing vs World Nomads.
If you’re a digital nomad who gets to travel and work from anywhere, read on.
If you don’t have travel medical insurance, continue reading.
Travel is so unpredictable. Accidents and emergencies can and do happen. So, if something happens to you, you’ll want to make sure you’re covered.
Most travellers have heard of World Nomads, but maybe not Safetywing, a relative newcomer to the digital nomads insurance market. This review will start with a side-by-side comparison and then delve into Safetywing Insurance to help you better understand what you’re getting.
Wondering what makes me an expert? Before I left my corporate job for full-time blogging, I worked for a company in the insurance industry. I know a little more than the average person about how insurance works, and why it’s important.
So, who is Safety Wing Insurance, and how do they compare to World Nomads travel insurance? Let’s find out!
Table of Contents
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SafetyWing vs World Nomads: Side-by-Side Comparison
Think of SafetyWing and World Nomads as the Netflix or Spotify of travel insurance and remote health.
It uses a subscription-based payment every month. Complete flexibility that is easy and simple to use.
What is the monthly price?
SAFETYWING | DIGITAL NOMADS |
$45 USD/4 weeks | $120 USD/4 weeks |
What is covered?
SAFETY WING INSURANCE | DIGITAL NOMADS INSURANCE |
Unexpected illness or injury abroad | Unexpected illness or injury abroad |
Hospital, doctor, dental and prescription expenses | Hospital, doctor, dental and prescription expenses |
Emergency evacuation | Emergency evacuation |
Travel delays out of your control up to $5,000 | Travel delays out of your control up to $2,500 |
No Trip cancellation | Trip cancellations up to $2,500 |
Only lost checked luggage is covered up to $3,000 | Only lost checked luggage is covered up to $1,000 |
Personal liability coverage = $10,000 | Personal liability coverage = none |
What is not covered?
SAFETY WING INSURANCE | WORLD NOMADS INSURANCE |
Routine check-ups and preventative care | Routine check-ups and preventative care |
Pre-existing conditions, like cancer treatment | Pre-existing conditions, like cancer treatment |
The current cut-off is 70 years of age | The current cut-off is 70 years of age |
Where are you covered?
SAFETY WING INSURANCE | WORLD NOMAD INSURANCE |
Everywhere * | Everywhere * |
Is equipment covered?
SAFETYWINGS INSURANCE | WORLD NOMADS INSURANCE |
Yes, Smartphones, Tablets, Computers, Laptops, Camera, and camera gear (if in checked baggage) | Yes, Smartphones, Tablets, Computers, Laptops, Camera, camera gear (no restrictions) |
Are adventure sports covered?
SAFETYWING INSURANCE | WORLD NOMAD INSURANCE |
Some, adventure sports and activities, but not all | Yes, most are only covered by the Explorer package |
What are the plan options?
SAFETY WING | WORLD NOMADS |
Super simple – all coverage is offered in one plan | Choose from the Standard Plan or the Explorer Plan |
Buy coverage abroad and extend as much as you need while travelling | Buy coverage abroad and extend as much as you need while travelling |
What are their customer ratings?
SAFETYWING | NOMADS INSURANCE |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
✅Positive customer experience ✅Quality for the low cost of insurance | ✅Benefits of offering two-tiered plans ✅High cost |
SafetyWing reviews on TrustPilot | World Nomads reviews on TrustPilot |
World Nomads vs Safetywing: Pros & Cons
SAFETYWING | NOMADS INSURANCE |
PROS ➕best price for coverage being offered ➕worldwide and home coverage ➕includes family members (up to 2 children under 10 years old) ➕COVID-19 travel insurance protection | PROS ➕best price for coverage being offered ➕ Worldwide and home coverage ➕includes family members (up to 2 children under 10 years old) ➕COVID-19 travel insurance protection |
CONS ➖limited coverage for high-risk sports ➖checked baggage coverage only for electronic gear | CONS ➖expensive ➖doesn’t offer home-country coverage ➖doesn’t offer COVID-19 coverage ➖doesn’t include other family members |
Digital Nomads Insurance
I recommend SafetyWing because of its exceptional value! Being a solopreneur and living in Berlin for 3 months I chose SafetyWing Insurance.
About SafetyWing Insurance
SafetyWing Insurance is “for nomads, by nomads” – primarily designed to meet the medical and travel needs faced by digital nomads and remote workers while they are outside of their home country.
Their goal is simple- to build a global safety net for digital nomads and remote workers at an affordable cost.
Even though Safety Wing is a rather new company, they are backed by one of the most solid insurance companies in the world, Tokio Marine.
What makes SafetyWing Travel Insurance stand out from the rest?
SafetyWing travel insurance strives to offer a high-touch customer experience. And that level of service extends well beyond any claims or inquiries.
SafetyWing is a real community builder.
They want to develop strong social bonds by hosting events, both online and in-person. They host events in cities around the world allowing members to feel connected to each other.
Safetywing creates an experience of always having your village nearby, wherever you might be in the world.
They believe that it’s through this social connection, bridging like-minded people together to create this sense of community. Don’t you just love that?!
Does Safetywing cover COVID-19 travel insurance?
As of August 1, 2020, SafetyWing modified its policy to include COVID-19 travel insurance, whereas World Nomads does not.
Here’s Safetywing travel insurance coverage for COVID-19:
- treats it like any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date
- covers mandated quarantine period
- testing for COVID-19 if deemed medically required
Does SafetyWing cover Canada?
For my fellow Canadians, there are some important restrictions for us.
Under Canadian law, you can only purchase SafetyWing nomad insurance when physically outside Canada.
When you return home, although the plan covers an additional 30 days, it will stop due to our superior health coverage. Safety Wing Canada is not primarily a health insurance policy.
Who is using SafetyWing travel insurance?
The biggest consumer for SafetyWing travel insurance is digital nomads due to its flexibility.
The coverage is intended for long-term travellers who don’t need much in the way of trip interruption or cancellation coverage which makes it the best choice for digital nomads insurance.
Did you know that worldwide there are 35 million digital nomads in 2021? That is the fastest-growing global workforce trend.
If you are a digital nomad, it means you are someone who works remotely and is frequently travelling from one place to the next.
Some fun facts about digital nomads:
- 61% are married
- the average age is 32 years old
- 70% of digital nomads work 40 hours per week (or less)
- 80% of digital nomads stay in one place between 3 to 9 months and 66% stay in one place between 3 to 6 months
- an average digital nomad salary is $119,423 a year
FAQ: Digitial Nomads Insurance
What should I be looking for when buying travel insurance?
When looking to purchase digital nomads insurance, choose a policy that covers the following:
Emergency medical and dental expenses
Hospital room and board
Local ambulance
Outpatient care
Emergency evacuation
Crisis response in case of emergency (terrorism, kidnapping, etc)
Natural disaster coverage
Return of remains
Adventure activities
Coverage of your belongings (electronics)
What are some digital nomad insurance tips?
No matter which company you choose, Safety Wing vs World Nomads, here are some practical tips to keep in mind. Read the fine print carefully.
Even when there is comprehensive coverage, know every detail. Find out what coverage you already have and determine what’s missing or where you might need extra coverage.
Know how the plan works, so that in the event of an illness or emergency, you already know what to do and follow their claim process.
And, keep copies of all receipts and related information.
Is travel insurance worth it?
Travel insurance is one of the most important things that you can purchase for any international travel. So, whether you are going for a week or a year-long trip around the world, it is something that you should consider very seriously.
As a Holidaymaker
Travel insurance is not exactly the most exciting part of trip planning.
Think of buying travel insurance as an investment, it’s your safety net to guard against unplanned events or accidents. Hopefully, you’re likely never to need it, but when you do, you’ll be so glad you did.
Take the time, to research the different travel insurance companies, especially the two biggest players, Safetywing vs World Nomads, and choose the right one for you.
If you are travelling to Europe, why not join my mailing list to get exclusive travel news, tips, trends and inspiration? You can also visit my Europe page to start your search today.