During a trip to Barcelona, my wallet and phone were stolen from the beach, forcing me to navigate the city with paper maps like it was the 90s. Unfortunately, my travel medical insurance didn't cover electronics, leaving me in a tough spot. Since that incident, I've been on a quest for flexible travel medical insurance that fits my lifestyle. That's when I stumbled upon SafetyWing, which I've trusted for years. They recently rolled out Nomad Insurance 2.0, enhancing their offerings with features like electronics coverage. I'm excited to share some key benefits of this new policy!
Why is travel medical insurance essential?
Travel medical insurance safeguards against worst-case scenarios, from unexpected injuries to flight delays that leave you stranded far from home. For a minimal daily cost, it helps manage risks, allowing you to concentrate on enjoying your travels instead of stressing over paperwork or long hold times with airlines.
Who is SafetyWing?
Established in 2018, SafetyWing is a fully remote startup based out of California, run by expats and nomads. Their insurance caters to budget-minded travelers and is available for all individuals under 69 years old. No need to be a nomad to take advantage of their policies!
What advantages does Nomad Insurance 2.0 offer?
SafetyWing's travel medical insurance boasts a $0 deductible and covers various travel-related mishaps, from lost belongings to medical emergencies. The revamped Nomad Insurance 2.0 features a faster claims process and optional add-ons for adventure activities along with coverage for electronics theft.
What does Nomad Insurance 2.0 cover?
While it's crucial to review the complete insurance policy, here are the primary coverage elements. Each plan features a maximum limit of $250,000 USD, with a $100,000 USD limit for U.S. residents over 65.
- Emergency Accident & Sickness Costs.
- Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation. (Includes evacuation to a better-equipped facility if necessary, with a $100,000 USD lifetime cap.)
- Trip Cancellation, Delay, or Interruption. (Benefits start after a 12-hour delay, offering $100/day for up to two days.)
- Baggage Delay & Damage. ($500/item with a total policy maximum of $3,000.)
- Injuries from leisure sports and activities. (If you plan on adventurous activities, verify coverage or consider the adventure sports add-on.)
- Motor Vehicle Accidents. Coverage requires proper licensing, sobriety, and safety gear. ($250,000 USD max limit.)
- Ongoing coverage in your home country after 90 days abroad. (30 days for non-U.S. residents and 15 days for U.S. residents.)
- For further details, visit the full policy on their website.
Additional Add-Ons for Nomad Insurance 2.0
Adventure Sports
Planning thrilling activities like cave diving or skydiving? Consider the adventure sports add-on, which expands the list of covered sports. It offers a $100,000 USD benefit for over 34 different activities. Explore the full list of adventure sports here. (Coverage excludes professional or rewarded sports and organized expeditions.)
Electronics Theft
Traveling with valuable electronics? This add-on is crucial. For policies lasting 28 days or more, SafetyWing covers up to $1,000 USD per stolen item, with a yearly limit of $3,000 USD and a lifetime cap of $6,000 USD. To make a claim, proof of ownership, like a receipt, is necessary, and theft must be reported to the police within 24 hours.
U.S. Coverage
Non-U.S. citizens traveling to the U.S. can receive coverage under certain conditions. (U.S. residents enjoy 15 days of home country coverage for every 90 days abroad without needing an add-on.)
How to submit a claim with Nomad Insurance 2.0
Filing a claim can seem daunting, but SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance simplifies the process. Fill out a straightforward form in as little as five minutes and get reimbursed within 2.8 days!
- Step 1: (Type of Claim) Select between medical or non-medical claims (like stolen electronics or travel delays).
- Step 2: (Medical Information) For medical claims, provide details about the service date, location, and total claim amount. If it involves a preexisting condition, include that info along with a description of the incident. There's also a section for other insurance coverage.
- Step 3: (Personal Information) Fill in your personal details, including passport number and contact info.
- Step 4: (Reimbursement) Enter your bank details and preferred payment method for the claim.
- Step 5: (Upload Documents) This should include a medical report from your doctor detailing your symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Don't forget to include invoices and receipts. Request referral notes, lab results, or prescriptions before leaving your doctor's office to save time later. Use a scanning app like Genius Scan to create PDFs for easy submission!
- Step 6: (Review and Submit) Double-check the information for accuracy, especially your bank details, to ensure prompt payment. You can track your claim status anytime on the site.
For inquiries about claims or to purchase a policy, SafetyWing's 24/7 support connects you with a real person promptly!
