What plan is right for you?
Whether you’re traveling to Europe for two weeks or planning an epic round-the-world adventure, you need travel insurance.
Seriously.
I know, it’s not a fun topic to read about. It will increase your travel budget. After almost 20 years of traveling, I have learned how valuable travel insurance is. I’ve lost my luggage, popped my eardrum and even been stabbed. Throw in countless delayed and cancelled flights and I’d be out thousands upon thousands of dollars.
Fortunately, I had travel insurance. They were there to help me navigate the problems and ensure I didn’t go broke paying for emergency expenses.
These days, SafetyWing is my go-to travel insurance company. I’ve been using them for years and have found their plans to be super affordable, their customer service fast and friendly, and their coverage to be sufficient for what I need.
Currently, SafetyWing offers two plans for travelers:
Nomad Insurance Essential
- Nomad Insurance Complete
- While both plans are great, they are each designed for specific kinds of travelers. This post will explain what each plan includes and for whom, so that you can choose the best plan for your next vacation. This plan is designed for travelers looking to get basic coverage at a low cost. The plan is only $56.28 for four weeks. (For travelers aged 10 to 39). This is one of the lowest rates for travel insurance. The price is very competitive.
Comparatively, other plans are twice as expensive (or even more). The plan is suitable for travelers up to age 69, though travelers 60-69 will be paying $196.84.
Here is what the Essential plan covers 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 trip 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’re visiting the US
- Coverage for electronics theft
Since not everyone needs these, I like that they are available as add-ons. The plan is suitable for travelers up to age 69, though those 60-69 will pay $196.84.
- Here’s what the Essential plan covers at a glance:
- $250,000 for emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
- $100,000 for medical evacuation
$250,000 in case of motor accidents
$10,000 if you need to evacuate due political unrest
$5,000 if your trip gets interrupted
$2,000 based on a I like that I can customize the plan to suit my travel plans/travel style.Who is the essential Plan For?
SafetyWing’s primary plan is great for a wide range of travelers. Here are the kinds of travelers that I think the policy is best for:Backpackers
– I think the Essential’s plan is the best travel insurance plan for travelers on a budget. This is what I use to travel because it’s affordable and offers coverage. At just a couple bucks per day it won’t break the bank and it has coverage for all the most serious potential emergencies.
Budget & Midrange Travelers
– If you’re traveling to Europe for a few weeks or heading to the Caribbean for a relaxing holiday, this plan is for you. It balances cost with emergency coverage, as well as some coverage for things like delays and cancellations.
The SafetyWing Complete Plan
The Complete plan is insurance for digital nomads, remote workers, and long-term travelers. The plan includes both emergency coverage and “regular non-emergency” coverage. The plan is available to travelers up to age 64. It’s available to travelers up to age 64.
- Here’s a look at what the plan covers 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 trip interruption
- 150 per day for travel delay (up to three days), $60 for delays over three hours
$100,000 for accidental death
Overall, the emergency coverage of this plan is similar to the Essential plan, but expanded and with higher limits.
- Here’s a look at the plan’s more “standard healthcare” coverage:
- $5,000 for doctor visits (dermatologist, gynecologist, etc. )
- $300 for routine check-ups
- 10 psychologist or psychiatrist visits per year
- $1,500,000 for cancer treatment
- $2,500 for maternity care
- $5,000 for wellness treatment
$5,000 for stolen belongings
As you can see, the Complete plan is much more robust than the Essential plan. This is the plan that I would have liked to have had when I started backpacking. It is so comprehensive. If I was working remotely overseas full time, this is the plan I would use.
Additionally, new conditions such as diabetes or asthma are covered under the Complete plan (under Essential, they become pre-existing conditions). This is something that not many companies provide, and I find it to be a big plus. They may also request additional medical notes or documents. They may also request additional medical notes or documents.
While I don’t love that some people are likely to be screened out and you can just buy a plan with a click and be on your way, I understand the reasoning given the cost of health care around the world.
Who is the Complete Plan For?
SafetyWing’s Complete plan is perfect for three kinds of travelers:
Long-Term Travelers – If you’re planning to travel for a year or more, this is the plan for you. This plan will cover you for both routine and emergency check-ups. And the higher coverage limits for delays and cancellations are a must for those traveling often.
Digital Nomads – If you’re going to be traveling and working, you’re going to want emergency coverage with a high limit. The wellness coverage the Complete plan includes is also a nice touch.
Expats – If you’re living abroad for some (or all) of the year, you’ll want to have access to both emergency coverage as well as regular check-ups. If you live in a more volatile region, the evacuation coverage will be a necessity.
***
I never leave the house without travel insurance. For just a few dollars a day, you not only ensure you don’t go bankrupt should an emergency occur, but you’ll also get peace of mind knowing that you have help and support should something happen.
Whether you’re a budget backpacker looking for a basic plan or a seasoned digital nomad who needs robust healthcare, SafetyWing has you covered.
Use the widget below to get a free quote:
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. Skyscanner is my preferred search engine, as it covers all the bases.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. Booking.com is the best option if you don’t want to stay in a hostel. It consistently offers the lowest rates for hotels and guesthouses.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. This is comprehensive coverage in the event of an accident. My favorite companies that offer 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 accommodation — all without any extra spending. Want to travel for free?
Travel cards let you earn points which can be redeemed for flights and accommodations for no extra cost. Visit my guide on choosing the best card to see my favorite deals and to learn how to get started. Ready to book your trip? Check out my resource page to find the best travel companies. Here are all the companies I use to travel. You can’t go far wrong with them. They are top-of-the-line and the best you can get.
