SafetyWing or WorldNomads – Which is better?

Being a digital nomad requires you to take precautions, and taking out travel insurance is the most important of these. That's why I created a comparative review of two of the most searched insurance companies: SafetyWing and WorldNomads.
safetywing vs worldnomads

To save you time, here are the best insurances for your trip:

🏝 Short Stay (- 3 months)
🇬🇧 You live in UK
post office logo

GET A FREE QUOTE

👩🏾‍🎓 Studies Abroad
🇬🇧 You live in UK

outbacker logo

– 10% OFF
ACTIVATE DISCOUNT
Valid until 31/03/2024

🏝 Short Stay (- 3 months)
🇪🇺 You live in EU
chapka travel insurance

– 5% OFF
ACTIVATE DISCOUNT
Valid until 31/03/2024

🧑🏻‍🌾 Working Abroad
🇪🇺 You live in EU
chapka travel insurance

– 5% OFF
ACTIVATE DISCOUNT
Valid until 31/03/2024

🌍 Long Stay (+ 3 months)
🇪🇺 You live in EU

chapka travel insurance

– 15% OFF
ACTIVATE DISCOUNT
Valid for families

🏝 All type of stays
🇺🇸 You live in US
Travelex Logo

GET A FREE QUOTE

✈️ Multi Trip (1 year)
🇪🇺 You live in EU
heymondo logo

– 5% OFF
ACTIVATE DISCOUNT
Valid until 31/03/2024

Promo code applies an automatic and immediate discount.

  1. After clicking on the offer, you will be redirected to the insurer website
  2. Fill in the details of your next trip
  3. Then click on “Get a quote”.
  4. The promo code will be applied automatically.

As it stands today, taking out travel insurance can a real headache for any traveller.

Confusing technicalities and endless clauses lead many travellers to take out policies that either don’t cover all their needs, or include lots of cover that they don’t need.

That’s why, if you’re looking for the best insurance for digital nomads and backpackers, we recommend choosing insurers whose plans are made specifically for travellers who spend most of their time abroad, such as SafetyWing and WorldNomads.

In the case of backpackers and digital nomads, deciding on insurance that allows you to be completely calm in case of emergency is not so easy.

What is SafetyWing?

SafetyWing is an insurer offering flexible and affordable international travel and health insurance for backpackers and digital nomads.

Policies specifically designed for long-term travellers who do not have a pre-defined travel plans and require travel and health insurance to cover them as they move around the world.

In March 2024, get SafetyWing Nomad Insurance for $45/month

  1. You will be redirected to the official SafetyWing website.
  2. Click on “Sign me up”.
  3. Fill in the form and follow the instructions by clicking on “Next”.
  4. That’s it! You will receive your travel insurance at the end of the registration process.

Pros and Cons of SafetyWing

PROS

  • Large number of packages for those who spend most of the year travelling;
  • Possible to contract after the beginning of the trip;
  • Cheaper than most long-term travel insurance alternatives;
  • Offers medical cover in the country of origin;
  • Includes COVID-19 cover on all your travel insurance.

CONS

  • It does not cover people over the age of 70;
  • It does not offer coverage in North Korea, Cuba, or Iran;
  • Extreme sports such as skydiving and paragliding are not covered.

Official website: https://www.safetywing.com

What is WorldNomads?

WorldNomads is a travel insurance company founded by digital nomads that has been offering a wide variety of travel insurance packages since 2002.

Within the space of two decades, it has grown from an emerging travel insurance company, to becoming the go-to insurance company of choice for backpackers and digital nomads alike. In part, thanks to the amount of coverage it offers in each of its policies.

Pros and Cons of WorldNomads

PROS

  • Possible to contract or extend once the trip has begun;
  • Offers cover for a wide range of sports and adventure activities;
  • It covers most volunteering experiences;
  • Includes COVID-19 cover on all your journeys and cancellation insurance.

CONS

  • It does not cover people over the age of 70;
  • It does not offer medical coverage in the country of origin.

Official website: https://www.worldnomads.com

Safetywing or Worldnomads: comparison table

world nomads logo safetywing logo

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Unexpected illness or injury abroad
Hospital, medical or dental expenses
Emergency transfer
Missed and delayed flights
Loss of checked baggage
Adventure activities
Coverage in the country of originEvery 90 days of coverage abroad offers 30 days of coverage in the country of origin (15 in the case of the United States)
Routine examinations and consultation
Preventive medicine
Pre-existing health problems
Insurance for remote company teams
Countries of coverageAllAll except North Korea, Cuba, and Iran
Equipment coverageMobile phones – Desktop computers -Laptops – Tablets -Cameras -Camera equipmentMobile phones – Desktop computers -Laptops – Tablets -Cameras -Camera equipment
Amount of the claim$100 per claim (excluding emergency medical evacuation and repatriation expenses)$250 per policy
Purchase or extension of cover during the trip
Coverage in the United States✅ + additional value
Monthly priceAbout $120 per month, depending on the planAbout $42 per month, depending on age
world nomads logo
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safetywing logo
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SafetyWing user reviews

Looking at user reviews is the ideal way to get a good idea of how insurance works with SafetyWing.

Almost all customer reviews highlight the amount of coverage they offer. SafetyWing also provides great value for money.

It’s also common to find positive feedback on how quickly SafetyWing responds to support requests, as well as the professionalism of the service team.

The three adjectives most often used to define SafetyWing’s services are: useful, fast, and economical.

WorldNomads user reviews

You need only look at user reviews of WorldNomads policies to understand why they are also so successful.

One of the points emphasised the most is the quality of customer service, highlighting the speed with which they seek solutions in cases of emergency.

Professional, fast, and easy to use, are the three most common descriptors of WorldNomads according to online customer reviews.

SafetyWing VS WorldNomads: my personal experience

Having tried both SafetyWing and WorldNomads for long-term travel, I must say that both providers offer travel insurance packages that are more than fit for purpose.

However, I have had bad service with WorldNomads. On my last trip to Vietnam, I had to use their insurance services urgently, and they almost really let me down.

To summarise what happened, even though it was an emergency, it took more than 10 days to resolve. In addition, contact could only be made via email and phone. I really believe that they should at least provide an online channel like Skype or WhatsApp.

That being said, when asked on my opinion on which is better, SafetyWing or WorldNomads, I always answer the same: it depends.

WorldNomads has larger and more comprehensive coverage, but it has poor service. It would likely be a good choice for the adventurous, and digital nomads.

SafetyWing is the best choice for those looking for better value for money, or special insurance for remote working equipment. The only downside is that you have to pay a $250 deductible to use the policy, but for the amount you pay per month it’s not expensive. It also offers great cover in case of emergency.

How to take out travel insurance with SafetyWing?

Taking out travel insurance with SafetyWing is easy:

  • Visit the Safetywing website: https://www.safetywing.com
  • Have a look at the two types of insurance they offer: Nomad Insurance and Remote Health;
  • Choose the one you are most interested in;
  • Click on ‘View Price Calculator’ to find out the total price of your insurance;
  • Fill in your details to complete the purchasing process;
  • Receive your policy by email and start enjoying it.

How to take out WorldNomads travel insurance?

Taking out travel insurance with WorldNomads is just as easy:

  • Go to the WorldNomads website: https://www.worldnomads.com
  • Go to the house panel to find out which insurance is best suited to your needs;
  • Click on “Get a quote”;
  • Check which of the two plans offered suits you best: Standard Plan or Explorer Plan;
  • Click on “Purchase Plan”;
  • Fill in your details;
  • Receive your policy by email and start enjoying it.

Why take out travel insurance for digital nomads?

Any frequent traveller knows: no matter how hard you try to get everything under control, problems can arise at any time.

No one, absolutely no one, is exempt from; flight delays or cancellations; having to interrupt their journey for reasons beyond their control; or having their luggage lost, damaged, or stolen.

This last issue is especially sensitive for those who need their work equipment to survive and pay for their travels around the world, as is the case for digital nomads.

Not to mention health-related mishaps, as even the most healthy people are likely to need to be seen for medical or dental emergencies at some point.

It seems obvious, then, that if travel insurance is necessary for people travelling for just a few days, it’s even more necessary for backpackers and digital nomads who spend much of the year on the move, often stuffed to the brim with valuable belongings.

Michaël Louis
Michaël Louis
I am a digital nomad with a passion for new technologies and travel. We created Planet Nomad to help you on your way to geographical freedom: digital nomadism and online entrepreneurship.

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