If you’re like us at Hostelz, you’re probably a pretty healthy person who doesn’t want to blow your travel budget on insurance. You just want an affordable travel insurance that covers you in case of accidents, unexpected illnesses, or lost luggage while you’re exploring the world.
Enter SafetyWing — a budget-friendly travel insurance option that gives you peace of mind without emptying your wallet. It’s perfect for backpackers, digital nomads, and long-term travelers who want solid, no-frills protection while keeping costs low.
We’ve tried various insurance providers, and if you’re looking for essential coverage that won’t break the bank, SafetyWing is the way to go.
Here’s why you might want to add it to your travel checklist.
Why You Need Travel Insurance (Even if You’re a Risk-Taking Backpacker)
Sure, travel insurance might seem like an expense you could avoid. That money could go toward an extra night out, a surf lesson, or a heap of tasty street food. But when things go sideways, having insurance means you’re not stuck with a massive bill or left stranded.
Whether you need medical care, lose your gear, or face a flight cancellation, SafetyWing helps you stay on track without draining your travel fund.
Why to Choose SafetyWing Insurance
We’ve tried multiple travel insurance providers, and SafetyWing is one of the cheapest. It also has a few standout features that make it ideal for backpackers and digital nomads. Let's see them:
- Affordable for Long-Term Travel
SafetyWing offers budget-friendly, subscription-style coverage. You can pay monthly and cancel anytime, making it super flexible. This is ideal for travelers with open-ended itineraries.
- Worldwide Coverage (Including COVID-19)
No matter where you roam, SafetyWing has you covered. Their policies include medical expenses, COVID-19 treatment, and emergency evacuation. Whether you're hiking in the Andes or café-hopping in New York, help is just a call away.
- Continuous Coverage Without Gaps
If you travel indefinitely, SafetyWing’s subscription model ensures you won’t have lapses in coverage. Forget about setting end dates or renewing policies manually — it renews every 28 days automatically.
- Coverage for Home Visits
SafetyWing also covers short trips home, which is a huge plus for long-term travelers. You can return to your home country for up to 30 days (15 days if you’re from the U.S.) and still be covered.
- Simple and Easy Claims Process
SafetyWing makes filing claims straightforward. Their online portal lets you submit claims digitally without dealing with piles of paperwork.
SafetyWing Travel Insurance Plans
SafetyWing keeps things simple with just two plans, making it easy to choose the right coverage for your needs. No overwhelming options — just straightforward, protection for travelers.
1.Nomad Insurance
- Coverage: Medical expenses, trip interruptions, emergency evacuations, and lost luggage.
- Best For: Backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
- Highlights: Affordable monthly subscription, worldwide coverage, COVID-19 protection, and home country coverage for short visits.
2.Remote Health Insurance Coverage
Comprehensive health insurance for remote workers and nomads, covering routine check-ups, major medical, and dental care.
- Best For: Long-term digital nomads who require more than just travel insurance.
- Highlights: Covers preventive care, chronic conditions, and mental health support.
What Does SafetyWing Cover for Backpackers?
SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance is built for budget-conscious travelers and digital nomads, offering essential protection for just $56.28 USD for 4 weeks (for travelers under 64).
That’s less than $2 per day — a small price for peace of mind while you explore the world!
The Nomad Insurance plan covers:
- Emergency medical : Up to $250,000 USD
- Emergency dental care: Up to $1,000 USD
- Baggage delay/damage: $500 per item (with a $3,000 policy maximum)
- Motor accidents: Up to $250,000 USD (must be properly licensed, sober, and wearing safety gear)
- Trip interruption coverage: Up to $5,000 USD
- Unplanned overnight stay: $100 per day after a 12-hour delay (max 2 days)
- Medical evacuation: $100,000 USD (or $25,000 USD for pre-existing conditions)
SafetyWing offers even more coverage options. For a complete list of benefits, check out the full policy details on their website.
How to Get Your SafetyWing Travel Insurance
Getting insured with SafetyWing is easy and quick.
- Go to SafetyWing’s Website (use our link to sign up!).
- Get a Quote: Enter your travel details and see your monthly cost.
- Sign Up: Choose your start date and enter your personal information.
- Stay Covered: Your policy renews automatically every 28 days until you cancel.
You can start your coverage even if you're already abroad — a huge plus for spontaneous travelers.
Bear in mind if you buy the insurance while already traveling, coverage starts in 48 hours. Any incidents occurring before the policy's effective date won't be covered.
Is SafetyWing trustworthy?
We get it — trusting a travel insurance provider is a big deal. You want to be sure that when things go wrong, your insurance has your back. After using SafetyWing and doing our research, we can confidently say: SafetyWing is a trustworthy option for travelers. Here’s why:
1. Backed by a Reputable Company
SafetyWing’s insurance policies are underwritten by Tokio Marine HCC., of the most financially stable insurance companies in the world.
2. Transparent and Flexible Coverage
SafetyWing’s website and policy details are clear and easy to understand. No confusing jargon or hidden fees. Plus, their monthly subscription model offers flexibility — you can cancel anytime, so you’re never locked into a long-term commitment.
3. Thousands of Happy Travelers
SafetyWing has a strong reputation in the travel community, with thousands of positive reviews and testimonials. Many digital nomads, backpackers, and long-term travelers rely on SafetyWing for affordable, reliable coverage.
Final words on Safetywing Travel Insurance
We’ve seen and lived enough travel mishaps to know that SafetyWing delivers. Their affordable plans, flexible subscription model, and worldwide coverage make them a top choice for digital nomads and backpackers alike.
For just a few dollars a week, you’re buying peace of mind — and that’s priceless.
Ready to Travel with Confidence? Get your SafetyWing travel insurance today and explore the world without worry!
Happy (and safe) travels from all of us at Hostelz,
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About the author: Dormitory Dave
Hey there, I'm Dormitory Dave – a backpacker and hostel aficionado at heart. I absolutely love exploring new places, meeting new people, and sharing travel stories over a pint of beer. For me, the sense of community that hostels provide and the opportunity to connect with people from all over the world is what makes my travels so enriching. In fact, some of my closest friends were made while staying in hostel dorms around the world.
When I'm not on the road, you can find me reminiscing about my travels over a plate of spicy street food or working on yet another travel article for Hostelz.
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