Everything You Need to Know About Travel Insurance + SafetyWing Review
Whether you’re heading off on a one-week getaway or planning a year of adventures abroad, there’s one thing most travelers overlook until it’s too late: travel insurance.
We insure our cars, homes, and phones – yet many of us hesitate to invest in protecting ourselves while traveling. So, let’s break it down: what is travel insurance, do you actually need it, and which provider do I trust most?
What Is Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is a type of coverage that protects you financially during a trip. It can cover a range of unexpected issues, including:
- Medical emergencies
- Trip cancellations or delays
- Lost or stolen luggage
- Natural disasters or political unrest
- Emergency evacuations
Depending on your policy, it may reimburse you for medical bills, missed flights, stolen items, or even hotel stays due to delays.
Why You Need Travel Insurance (Short-Term or Long-Term)
If you think, “I’ll be fine,” you’re not alone. Most people don’t buy travel insurance because they assume nothing will go wrong. And hopefully, that’s true. But what if it’s not? It takes one unexpected accident and there goes thousands of $$ our your pocket that could have been used for another trip.
Here’s why travel insurance is important no matter how long you’re traveling:
✈️ Short-Term Trips:
- Even a single doctor’s visit abroad can cost hundreds of dollars.
- I once paid $320 AUD for a 5-minute appointment and some ointment after thinking my leg was infected after tripping in Tokyo. Luckily I had SafetyWing (Medical Travel Insurance) and was reimbursed within 5 days.
- Missed flights or lost luggage can ruin a holiday, and your wallet.
- Natural disasters or strikes can force last-minute itinerary changes.
🌍 Long-Term Travel or Digital Nomad Life:
- The longer you’re abroad, the higher the risk of something going wrong.
- Many local health systems don’t cover tourists.
- Long-term travelers often need more flexible coverage without being tied to one country.
In short? If you can’t afford to cover unexpected medical or travel costs out-of-pocket, you need travel insurance.
My Recommendation: SafetyWing Travel Insurance
SafetyWing is a travel insurance company designed specifically for frequent travelers, digital nomads, and remote workers. Their plans are simple, affordable, and made to cover you worldwide – even if you’re already abroad.
✅ What Does SafetyWing Cover?
Here’s what’s included in their popular Nomad Insurance plan:
- Medical coverage for unexpected illness or injury (including hospitals, prescriptions, and even emergency dental)
- COVID-19 coverage (yes, still relevant!)
- Travel delay and lost luggage
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Natural disasters or political evacuation
- Repatriation of remains
💸 why choose safetywing?
If you’re looking for affordable and reliable travel insurance, SafetyWing really stands out:
- Affordable: Coverage starts from just $56.28 per 4 weeks—about 1/3 the price of major competitors for similar benefits.
- Reliable: SafetyWing is backed by Tokio Marine, one of the world’s largest and most trusted insurance providers, and was built by a Y Combinator-backed team who understands the needs of travelers.
- Fast, 24/7 Support: Their customer service team is available 24/7, with quick response times and real people (many of whom are nomads too!) ready to help when you need it most.
⏳ Long-Term Coverage with Monthly Flexibility
SafetyWing is subscription-based, which means:
- You pay monthly, just like Netflix. You can also give them an end date.
- Coverage automatically renews until you cancel.
- You can get coverage for up to 364 days, and then easily renew again.
- You can buy it even if you’re already traveling (no need to be in your home country).
This is especially useful for digital nomads, slow travelers, or anyone who’s not quite sure when they’re heading home.
Final Thoughts: Peace of Mind Is Worth It
You never think you’ll need travel insurance—until you do. Whether it’s a nasty fall, a missed flight, or a sudden illness, having coverage gives you peace of mind so you can focus on enjoying your trip.
And if you’re heading to places where accidents are more common, like countries in Southeast Asia where moped accidents are a frequent risk – having insurance isn’t just smart, it’s essential. Medical care can be expensive, and you don’t want to be stuck navigating a hospital bill (or hospital system) on your own.
I’ve personally used SafetyWing after an accident in Tokyo, and they made the entire process super easy and stress-free. If you want the full story and a breakdown of how I got reimbursed, you can read about my experience here.
Click here to learn more about SafetyWing and get covered!
