Insurance is a love-hate relationship and it’s a complicated relationship. We hate paying for it, we love it when it’s there for us, but we hope we never have to use it.
A different way of thinking
I’ve taken a different view of health insurance. Because I’ve never had to use health insurance when traveling, I think of it as paying to not get sick or injured. Then I feel a lot better about those monthly bills. And if I were to need it, then I’m happy it’s there for me. Psychologically this is a win-win for me.
Safety Wing
Depending on what I’m doing I have health insurance through my job or I don’t. Either way when I travel I get medical insurance specifically for travel. And that insurance is always Safety Wing.
Safety Wing is a traveler specific insurance with an emphasis on digital nomads.
Why have Safety Wing when you already have health insurance?
A few friends and friends of friends who have had to use their regular U.S. health insurance in other countries have always had problems. American health insurance companies just don’t understand that
- There are other countries than the United States and
- Sometimes people go to these countries.
Yes, France is out of the network. No, Dr. ليلى جمال الدين is not my regular doctor. The bottom line is U.S. insurance companies are looking for ways not to pay. And being out of the country offers many opportunities not to pay.
Safety Wing, created for the customer
Safety Wing is just the opposite. It is specifically for people who are traveling and they care about you. Safety Wing was created in Norway. Norway is a culture that emphasizes people over profit and Safety Wing was founded to help travelers in need, not just make as much money as possible.
What’s more, Safety Wing is underwritten by Lloyds in partnership with Tokio Marine. These are two of the largest and most reputable insurance underwriters in the world. If you could choose any underwriter in the world for your insurance, you’d choose Lloyds or Tokio Marine.
A great company
I’m happy to say I have never had to use health insurance while traveling (I’m knocking on wood right now) so I don’t have direct experience filing a claim with Safety Wing. However, I am really impressed with the level of communication I receive from Safety Wing.
I receive emails regularly. When I email Safety Wing I get a response quickly. When I call, a person answers the phone. And when I say “a person answers the phone” I don’t mean after 15 minutes of pressing buttons, I mean the phone rings and a real person says ‘hello’!
I was impressed with Safety Wing’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. We were in Malaysia when the pandemic hit. Safety Wing emailed us immediately with a clear explanation of how it was handling the situation. Their plan of action was fair and comprehensive and included medical coverage and evacuation as necessary.
Affordable
Safety Wing is incredibly affordable. It starts at $37 for 4 weeks. This is what my son pays. I’m old, I pay about $100. It is billed automatically and there are no contracts. I start and stop coverage multiple times throughout the year as I come and go from the U.S.
The deductible is low, $250, and the maximum limit is $250,000. This may not sound like a lot in terms of U.S. medical expenses, but it’s huge in other countries.
Coverage in (almost) every country
Safety Wing provides coverage in all countries with the exception of Cuba, Iran, and North Korea. The United States is not automatically covered but you have an option for coverage for an additional fee. Every 90 days you are out of the U.S. and have coverage through Safety Wing you are covered for up to 15 days in the US for unforeseen eligible medical issues.
Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nigeria, Somalia, Venezuela and countries prohibited due to sanctions by the United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) have some limitations. This usually involves kidnapping and theft.
What is covered?
Safety Wing is specifically for travelers. It covers you if you get sick or injured in a foreign country. It does not cover routine checkups, preventative care, or treatment for a long-term illness.
Safety Wing is a bit quirky when it comes to sports activities. Not surprisingly high-risk sports are not covered.
Generally, you are covered doing sports, taking classes, going to the gym regularly, or riding a scooter or moped. But you won’t be covered if you were racing that moped or riding it while intoxicated or high.
Safety Wing’s site provides a long list of sports and activities that are covered. There is also a list of sports and activities not covered. This is a much shorter list and includes activities in which you are likely to get injured such as,
- Boxing
- Parachuting
- Rugby
- White water rafting
If you’re sportif, check the list to see if what you do is included or excluded. Additionally, Safety Wing does not cover organized athletics or professional sports or activities.
More than just medical
Safety Wing covers more than just medical issues. It provides emergency travel-related benefits such as emergency medical evacuation and bedside visits. The coverage also includes travel delays and lost checked luggage. You get a lot for that $37.
And if you are reading this and are already out of the country, no worries, you don’t need to purchase Safety Wing before you travel. You can get it if you are already abroad.
I trust Safety Wing
As an American, I’m always skeptical about medical insurance. I’m conditioned to pay a lot and get little or nothing in return. Safety Wing is the polar opposite, you pay a little and get a lot in return.
I hope I never have to use medical insurance abroad but if I do, I know I’ll be well-taken care of with Safety Wing. Safety Wing allows me to travel with confidence.