SafetyWing Review: The Best Travel Insurance for Long-Term Travelers?
SafetyWing Review: The Best Travel Insurance for Long-Term Travelers?
I recommend Faye to most of my clients. But if you're traveling for more than 60 days, SafetyWing is usually the smarter call. Here's why — and when it's not.
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Traveling less than 60 days? SafetyWing may not be your best option.
See our Faye review instead →My Verdict on SafetyWing
The reason I recommend SafetyWing isn't that it's the flashiest insurance product — it's that the math works for long-term travelers in a way that per-trip policies don't. If you're gone for three months, a per-trip policy gets expensive fast. SafetyWing's monthly model lets you pay only for the time you're actually traveling.
The tradeoff is that it's a leaner product. Trip cancellation isn't included by default. The claims process isn't as slick as Faye's app. But for what it is — affordable, renewable medical and evacuation coverage for extended international trips — it does the job reliably.
What SafetyWing does well
- Monthly subscription — pay only while traveling
- No maximum trip length
- Cancel anytime — no long-term commitment
- Up to $250,000 emergency medical coverage
- Covers medical evacuation
- Available to travelers from most countries
- Home country coverage included (limited days)
Limitations to know
- No trip cancellation coverage
- Pre-existing conditions generally excluded
- Lower coverage limits than some per-trip policies
- Claims process less polished than Faye's app
- Adventure sports require separate coverage
- Not ideal for under-60-day trips (Faye is better value)
Who Should Use SafetyWing
SafetyWing is right if:
- You're traveling 60+ days continuously
- You're a digital nomad or remote worker abroad
- You want to pay monthly and cancel anytime
- You're doing a multi-country trip with no fixed end date
- You're between jobs and need coverage abroad
- You're living abroad short-term and need medical coverage
Consider alternatives if:
- Traveling under 60 days — use Faye instead
- You need trip cancellation coverage (SafetyWing doesn't include it)
- Pre-existing conditions are a priority for you
- You want the fastest possible claims process
The 60-day threshold isn't a hard rule — it's about where the math tips. For a 2-week trip, you don't need a monthly subscription. For a 3-month trip, a monthly subscription saves significant money over a per-trip policy at the same coverage level.
What SafetyWing Covers
What's included
- Emergency medical expenses — up to $250,000
- Medical evacuation and repatriation
- Travel delays — if stranded due to covered event
- Lost checked luggage
- Home country coverage — up to 30 days per 90-day policy period (US residents)
- Coverage for travelers of most nationalities
What's not covered
- Trip cancellation (the biggest gap — covered by Faye)
- Pre-existing conditions (generally excluded)
- Adventure or extreme sports without add-on
- Routine checkups or non-emergency care
The no-trip-cancellation gap matters more for some travelers than others. If you're a nomad with flexible plans and a one-way ticket, trip cancellation coverage isn't very useful. If you've booked a specific return flight or a cruise, it starts to matter more — in which case layering a per-trip policy for the specific expensive segments makes sense.
How Much SafetyWing Costs
The monthly model is what makes SafetyWing compelling for long-term travel. Instead of paying 4–8% of a large trip cost upfront (which adds up fast for a 90-day trip), you pay a flat monthly rate regardless of how much your trip costs.
For a solo traveler in their 30s on a 3-month trip with $4,000 in flights and accommodation, SafetyWing's monthly cost typically works out to significantly less than a per-trip policy offering equivalent medical coverage. The longer the trip, the more the math favors SafetyWing.
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SafetyWing vs Faye: Which Should You Buy?
This is the question I get most from clients considering both. The answer is almost always determined by trip length.
| Factor | SafetyWing | Faye |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | 60+ day trips, nomads | Under 60 days |
| Pricing model | Monthly subscription | Per-trip (4–8% of cost) |
| Trip cancellation | Not included | Included |
| Claims speed | 5–10 business days | ~7 days, app-based |
| App experience | Functional | Excellent |
| Buy after departure? | Yes | No |
| Pre-existing conditions | Generally excluded | Within 14 days of booking |
| Medical evacuation | Included | Included |
For most of my clients — 1 to 4 week international trips — I recommend Faye. For clients doing extended travel, working abroad, or unsure how long they'll be gone, SafetyWing is the right call. You can even buy it after you've already left home, which Faye doesn't allow.
Looking for a full side-by-side? →
See our Faye vs Allianz comparisonSafetyWing FAQ
Is SafetyWing travel insurance worth it?
Yes, for trips over 60 days or continuous long-term travel. The monthly subscription model makes it significantly cheaper than per-trip policies for extended stays. For shorter trips, Faye offers better coverage at a comparable per-trip price.
Is SafetyWing legit?
Yes. SafetyWing is a legitimate insurance company backed by Tokio Marine, one of the world's largest and oldest insurers. They've been operating since 2017 and have paid claims for travelers in most countries. They're a real company, not a travel club or discount card.
SafetyWing vs Faye — which is better?
Depends on trip length. Faye wins for trips under 60 days — better coverage, faster app-based claims, and trip cancellation included. SafetyWing wins for 60+ day trips because the monthly model is far cheaper than buying a per-trip policy for an extended stay.
Can I buy SafetyWing after I've already left home?
Yes — this is one of SafetyWing's biggest advantages. You can sign up mid-trip, which most per-trip insurers don't allow. Coverage starts the day after purchase.
Does SafetyWing cover pre-existing conditions?
Generally no. SafetyWing's standard Nomad Insurance excludes pre-existing conditions. If this is a priority, read the policy carefully and consider whether a per-trip policy with a pre-existing condition waiver (like Faye, if purchased within 14 days of booking) is a better fit.
How much does SafetyWing cost?
SafetyWing charges per 4-week period and the price varies by age. Rates change periodically, so check safetywing.com for current pricing — the quote is quick and requires no email address.
Does SafetyWing include trip cancellation?
No — this is the main gap. SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance focuses on medical coverage and doesn't include trip cancellation protection. If you have expensive flights or a cruise booked, consider a per-trip policy that includes trip cancellation, or accept that gap in exchange for the lower monthly cost.
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Based on my experience as a Fora Travel advisor recommending these products to clients. Not personalized insurance advice — always review the policy for your specific situation. I may earn a commission on purchases through links on this page at no extra cost to you.