whether you are traveling Europe When planning an epic adventure trip for two weeks or around the world, you need travel insurance.
seriously.
I know, this isn’t a fun topic to read. And yes, it will add to your travel budget. But after nearly two decades on the road, I’ve learned the hard way how important travel insurance can be.
My luggage is lost, my eardrum is burst, and i’ve been stabbed tooI stand to lose thousands and thousands of dollars on countless delayed and canceled flights.
Luckily, I had travel insurance. They were there to help me deal with problems and ensure that I did not go broke paying for emergency expenses.
These days, safetywing My favorite travel insurance company. I’ve been using them for years and have found their plans to be extremely affordable, their customer service is fast and friendly, and their coverage is adequate for my needs.
Currently, SafetyWing offers two plans for travelers:
- Nomad Insurance Required
- Nomad Insurance Complete
Although both plans are great, each of them are designed for specific types of travelers. In this post, I’ll explain what each plan includes and who it’s for so you can decide which plan is best for your next trip.
SafetyWing Essential Plan
This is the main travel insurance plan safetywingIt’s designed for travelers who want basic coverage without breaking the bank. This is the plan I use when traveling these days.
The plan costs only $56.28 USD for 4 weeks (for travelers aged 10-39). This is one of the lowest prices for reliable travel insurance. They are highly competitive when it comes to price.
For comparison, similar plans from other companies cost twice as much (or more). The plan is suitable for passengers up to age 69, although passengers aged 60-69 will have to pay $196.84.
Here’s what the essential plan includes at a glance:
- $250,000 for emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
- $100,000 for medical evacuation
- $250,000 for motor accidents
- Up to $3,000 for lost luggage ($500 per item)
- $10,000 for evacuation due to political unrest
- $5,000 for travel interruption
- $200 for travel delay ($100 per day for two days)
They also have three helpful add-ons:
- Coverage for adventure sports
- Coverage if you are visiting the US
- Coverage for Electronics Theft
Since not everyone needs these, I like that these are available as add-ons. Personally, I always need extra electronics coverage, but I never need coverage for adventure sports because I’m the exact opposite of an adrenaline junkie. I like that I can customize the plan to suit my travel plans/travel style.
For whom is planning necessary?
SafetyWing’s Primary plan is great for a wide range of travelers. Here are the types of travelers for whom this policy is best:
Backpackers – I think the Essentials plan is the best travel insurance plan for low-budget travelers. I use this when I travel these days because it balances affordability with coverage. At just a few bucks per day it won’t break the bank and has coverage for all serious potential emergencies.
Budget and mid-range travelers – If you are traveling to Europe for a few weeks or to the Caribbean for a relaxing vacation, this plan is for you. This balances the cost with emergency coverage as well as some coverage for things like delay and cancellation.
SafetyWing Complete Plan
The entire plan is insurance for digital nomads, remote workers and long-term travelers. It’s a mix of your standard emergency coverage (similar to the Essential Plan above) but also includes “regular” non-emergency coverage.
Therefore, the plan not only covers things like emergency injuries and illness but also includes regular visits and preventive care. This replicates the type of health insurance you might get in your home country, ensuring that you’ll be taken care of no matter what.
The plan costs $150.50 for 4 weeks (for travelers aged 18-39). It is available for passengers up to the age of 64 years.
Here’s what’s included in the plan for emergencies:
- $1,500,000 in coverage for medical emergencies
- $100,000 for medical evacuation
- $1,500,000 for motor accidents
- Up to $3,000 for lost luggage ($500 per item)
- $10,000 for evacuation due to political unrest
- $5,000 for travel interruption
- $150 per day for travel delay (up to three days), $60 for delay more than three hours
- $100,000 for accidental death
Overall, the emergency coverage of this plan is similar to that of the Essential plan, but extended and with higher limits.
Here’s a look at the plan’s more “standard health care” coverage:
- $5,000 for doctor visits (dermatologist, gynecologist, etc.)
- $300 for routine checkup
- 10 visits to a psychologist or psychiatrist per year
- $1,500,000 for cancer treatment
- $2,500 for maternity care
- $5,000 for wellness treatments
- $5,000 for stolen goods
As you can see, the full plan is much stronger than the essential plan. This is the plan I wish I had when I first started backpacking full-time because it is so comprehensive. If I were working abroad full-time, this would be the plan I would use.
Additionally, new conditions like diabetes or asthma are covered under the full plan (under essential, they become pre-existing conditions). This is something that a lot of other companies don’t offer, which I think is a huge advantage.
However, a key difference between the Full and Essential plans is that, unlike regular travel insurance, Nomad Insurance Full applicants must be approved. You can’t just buy a plan and go on your merry way, as the insurance team needs to review your application along with any medical history and/or pre-existing conditions. They may also request additional medical notes or documents.
Although I don’t like that some people are likely to be screened and you can just buy a plan with one click and be on your way, I understand the argument given the cost of health care around the world. Am.
Who is the entire scheme for?
SafetyWing’s complete plan is suitable for three types of travelers:
long term travelers – If you are planning to travel for a year or more, this plan is for you. This will ensure that you get coverage for emergencies as well as routine checkups. And for frequent travelers, higher coverage limits are necessary to cover delays and cancellations.
digital nomad – If you’re going to travel and work, you’ll want emergency coverage with higher limits. The wellness coverage included in the entire plan is also a nice touch.
immigrants – If you’re living abroad for part (or all) of the year, you’ll want to have access to both emergency coverage as well as regular checkups. Evacuation coverage is also essential if you are living in more disturbed areas.
I never leave home without travel insurance. For just a few dollars a day, you not only ensure that you won’t go bankrupt if an emergency occurs, but you’ll also have peace of mind knowing that you have help and support if something happens.
Whether you’re a budget backpacker looking for a basic plan or an experienced digital nomad who needs robust healthcare, safetywing Are you covered?
Use the widget below to get a free quote:
Book Your Travel: Logistical Tips and Tricks
book your flight
Find the cheapest flight using skyscannerThis is my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines from all over the world so you always know no stone is being left unturned.
Book your accommodation
You can book your hostel HostelworldIf you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use booking.com Because it consistently offers the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellation. This is comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never travel without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that provide the best service and value are:
Want to travel for free?
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodations – at no extra cost. check out My guide to choosing the right card and my current favorites To get started and see the latest best deals.
Do you need help finding activities for your trip?
find your guidance There is a huge online marketplace where you can find great walking tours, fun tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.
Ready to book your Trip?
check out my resource page Use the best companies when you travel. I make a list of everything I use when I travel. They are the best in their class and you can’t make any mistake by using them in your travels.