Sofia Almeida
Comparing travel insurance companies is something that matters only when you actually file a claim. This review describes two successful claims filed by me with SafetyWing and three claims filed by me for my colleagues with World Nomads. Both companies have very similar marketing messages and both cover similar things. However, in reality the claims process and the specifics of what is covered can vary greatly between the two. This article explains where SafetyWing excels and where World Nomads falls short and will help you make a more informed decision as to which is right for you.
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance: monthly subscription model
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance runs on a monthly subscription model. They charge around $45-$60 per month for a traveler under 40 years of age, with 250,000$ of medical coverage per year. The Subscription Model is best for long-term travelers that don’t know when they are heading back home. SafetyWing has included coverage for various aspects of travel, but most of the weight is on the medical side and emergency evacuations. They have relatively light coverage for trip cancellations, which is not ideal for travelers with non-refundable bookings. The digital claims process is relatively easy to use. You submit the claim through their app or website, upload the required documentation and in most cases you get a payment within 30 days, as long as the claim is below $1,000. I have personally tested their dental claims process and got a payment of $470 within 28 days of submission in Thailand.
World Nomads Explorer Plan: trip-length policies
It appears World Nomads also operate with a trip-length policy, selling you a policy for the length of time you state you intend to be traveling for. Typically under-40 travelers pay around 7 – 9 dollars per day for up to $1,000,000 in medical coverage including a very comprehensive list of adventure activities. I see SafetyWing costing more and more quickly as your trip extends beyond a few weeks and World Nomads cost increasing in line with length of your trip but with so much more included in their policy it’s certainly worth a look, especially if your trip consists of lots of fixed length adventures and you have lots of non-refundable bookings that you can claim should you have to cancel your trip for covered reasons. My colleague’s broken ankle in New Zealand cost him around 1,000 dollars and paid out in full after 73 days, he was requested for follow up documentation at days 30 and 45.
Documentation that matters in claims
Both SafetyWing and World Nomads require that you have certain documents ready for a claim. For a medical claim you will usually need an itemized bill from the hospital, the original medical report that explains the diagnosis and treatment received, as well as a receipt for the payment made. For a claim related to lost or stolen property you may need to provide a police report filed within 24 hours of the incident, as well as photos of receipts and/or proof of purchase for the lost/stolen items. You may also need to provide previous insurance policies for the lost/stolen items. For a claim related to trip cancellation or interruption you may need a medical certificate or your family member’s hospital report, as well as a letter from your employer. And, of course, claims filed due to personal preference are always denied. I have been made aware of this rule by the owner of a hostel in Porto, and it’s the cheapest tip that I picked up for the entire trip. It works.
Denied claims patterns
Both insurance providers have certain patterns of denied claims. For the majority of adventure travelers alcohol-related incidents, where the blood-alcohol content was higher than allowed, are denied by both insurance providers. Claims due to pre-existing conditions are also denied by both providers more frequently than travelers are lead to believe in the providers’ marketing efforts. Typically the look-back period for such conditions is between 60 and 180 days prior to the start date of the traveler’s policy and any symptoms of said pre-existing conditions felt by the traveler during this time can result in the denial of a claim. One last point regarding claims for adventure activities covered by both providers is that although World Nomads advertises wide ranging adventure-coverage, the actual list of covered activities is smaller than what their marketing efforts would lead travelers to believe. So, be sure to check the list before purchasing a plan.
Which one I recommend for what
SafetyWing is better for long-term travelers with mostly standard activities. They have a model that fits long-term travelers who don’t know when they’ll return to their home country. World Nomads Explorer Plan is better for shorter trips with lots of adventure activities. Trips with lots of non-refundable bookings. Trips that could be canceled for various reasons. For travelers with pre-existing conditions or special medical needs, both of these budget providers will not have adequate coverage. Look into specialty providers or at IMG Global plans with the correct pre-existing-condition rider for these travelers.
What I would tell a first-time solo traveler
If you’re a solo traveler, always stay in one place for longer than you think you’ll like it. (Remember that second week of solo travel is when you really start to get into your small world of hostel buddies and regulars at local cafes and you really start to get into a rhythm). More journal pages than photos to bring back to friends and family at home. And for goodness’ sake pick a country to start solo traveling with that is super easy to get around in (so like Japan or Portugal or Spain or Mexico or Vietnam – you get the idea). You don’t want to make the trip of a lifetime your first foray into solo travel and also figure out a super complicated country.
