Is Travel Medical Insurance Worth It? My Experience with SafetyWing (2026)
This article is written in collaboration with SafetyWing. I earn a small commission from purchases made through my links. As always, all opinions are based on my personal experience.
From mystery rashes to questionable food choices (no regrets), I’ve made my fair share of hospital and clinic visits abroad. In fact, I’ve seen doctors in over ten countries throughout my travels.
When I was working in corporate roles, I was lucky to have group health coverage through my employer. But after leaving that world last year, I suddenly had to figure out my own insurance – and fast.
I knew this was important because I had used my group health benefits plenty of times. Plus, in my previous work, at foreign affairs in Canada, I saw firsthand the situations travelers can find themselves in (never on purpose, though sometimes definitely avoidable 😅), and how quickly things can go wrong without proper coverage. So for me, insurance was never optional.
In this article, I’ll share why I chose SafetyWing Complete as my travel medical insurance provider, how it’s worked for me in real-life situations over the last 15 months, and what to consider before choosing yours
IN THIS ARTICLE:
Why I Chose the SafetyWing Complete Plan (vs Essential Plan)
What SafetyWing Doesn’t Cover (and What to Know Before You Buy)
NOTE: Since insurance packages vary depending on age and nationality, note that I am a 36-year-old Canadian. SafetyWing plans are very limited in coverage for the USA, Hong Kong and Singapore, so if you spend considerable time in these places, you may want to check that caveat first.
Real-Life Examples: How I’ve Used Travel Medical Insurance
You don’t think you need travel insurance… until you need travel insurance.
I know people who have never actually used it, and I am definitely not one of those people. I’ve had accidents, needed a rabies vaccine, gone for routine check-ups, and woken up with mystery rashes. It happens.
To illustrate, here are three moments where I needed medical care abroad:
1. Broken in Bangkok
What happened: A toe infection turned into a minor surgery
Why it mattered: Immediate care + procedure abroad
Outcome: Reimbursed within a week + follow-up covered
I initially thought I had just stubbed my toe, but it became severely infected. One night, the pain was so bad that even the bedsheet touching it hurt.
I went to a nearby hospital and needed a minor but immediate procedure to remove part of the toenail.
Not fun – and neither was the bill. But I submitted the claim with SafetyWing and was reimbursed within the same week. A follow-up with a podiatrist was also covered.
Want to know pricing for SafetyWing? Check out plans starting from $2/dayhere
Staff prepare for a small but painful operation on my toe at the Bangkok Christian Hospital in Thailand
2. Sick in Sabah
What happened: Ear infection + COVID in a remote jungle region
Why it mattered: Multiple doctor visits + quarantine
Outcome: Managed treatment without major financial stress
I developed a serious ear infection while climbing Mount Kinabalu, but the worst symptoms hit days later – deep in the jungle in Danum Valley 🙃
I started taking the antibiotics I had with me, but they didn’t work. Once I reached a town, I saw a doctor and got stronger medication.
I continued my trip, felt better… then worse again. A second doctor visit revealed I also had COVID-19.
This turned into a complicated week, including quarantine. Without insurance, this would have added up very quickly.
My grim quarantine room in rural Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia, when I was diagnosed with COVID-19 after a jungle adventure
3. Philippines Fiasco
What happened: Severe stomach illness while traveling solo
Why it mattered: Needed hospital IV treatment
Outcome: Care coordinated locally + follow-ups covered
I was traveling solo for my 30th birthday when I woke up violently sick – unable to keep even water down.
The hotel helped me get to a clinic, and I was referred to a hospital for an IV drip.
A tricycle driver (who became my emergency contact for the day – true story!) took me there, and I spent the day recovering on fluids.
Why I chose SafetyWing for Travel Medical Insurance
Alright, so now we know travel health insurance is useful when traveling, but how do you actually choose what company to use?
In my case, I travel long-term while working remotely, and I’m generally quite adventurous (and a bit clumsy). So I needed something that would actually cover my lifestyle.
I was looking for something I could:
✔ Purchase while already abroad
✔ Use globally, since I move between countries often
✔ Afford on an ongoing, month-to-month basis
✔ Use for adventure activities like motorbiking (my main mode of transport in Asia)
✔ Feel confident relying on it across different places & situations
✔ Reach out to support easily if I have questions or concerns
I looked into several options, but many wouldn’t even consider covering me unless I purchased from Canada – and I was already in Asia.
Beyond that, SafetyWing stood out for its overall value. The coverage-to-price ratio made the most sense for me, and their customer service was responsive when I reached out with questions before purchasing.
And maybe it’s a bit cheesy, but I do appreciate their mission to “remove the role of geographical borders as a barrier to equal opportunities and freedom for everyone.” After all, it aligns well with Travelynne, doesn’t it?
Why I Chose the SafetyWing Complete Plan (vs Essential Plan)
When I first signed up, I debated between the Essential and Complete plans.
The Essential plan covers the basics, like unexpected medical issues, emergencies, and travel-related health needs up to a US$250,000 overall limit.
The Complete plan includes everything in Essential, but with more comprehensive coverage, including routine care, preventative services, and broader support overall, up to a US$1,500,000 limit.
Why Complete made sense for me
Since I travel long-term and don’t have any access to healthcare back home (I’m considered a non-tax resident in Canada), I wanted something that felt closer to full coverage, not just emergency coverage.
With the Complete plan, I have the option to:
Seek preventative care, like vaccines and screenings
Get check-ups when something feels off
Follow up on issues (instead of just treating emergencies)
Avoid delaying care because I was worried about cost
For me, it’s about peace of mind and cost-benefit. If something more serious and long-term ever happens to me, I need to know I’m covered, since I can’t rely on public health insurance anymore.
Who might choose Essential instead
That said, I think the Essential plan still makes a lot of sense for many travelers.
It could be a better fit if:
You are taking a shorter trip
You already have health coverage at home
You mainly want protection for emergencies
You are looking for the most budget-friendly option
Want to get started with travel medical insurance?
A reality of healthcare abroad sometimes means having to use Google Translate for things you may rather not… :)
Why I renewed SafetyWing in 2026
As I approached the one-year mark with SafetyWing, I started looking into other options – partly out of curiosity and partly just to be a responsible consumer 😌.
After researching a few alternatives and watching some reviews, I ultimately decided to stick with SafetyWing. Here’s why:
1. It still offered the best value for me
SafetyWing continued to have the strongest balance between price and coverage. For example, I did consider Genki, but it was significantly more expensive for similar (or even fewer) inclusions.
2. Long-term use actually works in your favor
After being insured for a year, anything diagnosed during that time continues to be covered. If I switched providers, those would be considered “pre-existing conditions” and not covered, which could make future claims more complicated or ineligible.
Coverage at higher-end international hospitals, like Bumrungrad in Bangkok, Thailand, may not be fully covered, but a good portion still is and the quality of care is very high.
What SafetyWing Doesn’t Cover (and What to Know Before You Buy)
SafetyWing works well for me – that’s why I’ve not only used it, but renewed it. That said, there are a few limitations to be aware of depending on your travel style and needs.
Coverage Limitations
Coverage in the USA, Hong Kong, and Singapore is not included by default (you can add it on short-term for an extra cost)
Because of this, it may not be the best fit for people who need regular coverage in those countries
Add-Ons to Be Aware Of
Adventure activities (like motorbiking, scuba diving, skydiving, etc.) require an add-on
Dental is not included in the Complete plan and requires a separate add-on, which can be quite expensive
Claims & Reimbursement Experience
It can sometimes feel a bit unclear whether something will be reimbursed until a submission comes back
The reimbursement process is normally seamless, but can occasionally be frustrating
That said, the appeals process does work. I once had a claim denied as a “pre-existing condition,” which was incorrect. After submitting an appeal, I was reimbursed within the same week.
It’s not always easy to view details of past claims – I wish you could see them exactly as submitted
Overall, these limitations are fairly standard across many insurance providers. Personally, I still feel SafetyWing offers a very strong value for what it includes, and I’ve been happy with my experience over the past 15 months.
Who Needs Travel Medical Insurance?
Everyone needs it. Whichever company or plan you choose, choose one.
Needing travel medical insurance isn’t about being careful or reckless. Anyone can get sick, injured, or need medical care abroad – as my stories above clearly show. Don’t be that person who starts a GoFundMe for something preventable.
Personally, I see basic health coverage while traveling as non-negotiable for all travelers, regardless of age, destination, or length of stay. It’s a small investment – starting at just $2/day for the Essential plan – for a huge amount of peace of mind.
Getting assessed by a TCM doctor before acupuncture when I was experiencing neck and shoulder pain during my stay at a Muay Thai camp in rural Thailand.
How to Purchase Travel Medical Insurance
Once you’ve decided between the Essential and Complete plans, you can use the SafetyWing calculator below to estimate your cost:
⚠️ Before purchasing, make sure you:
Are covered in all the destinations you plan to visit
Have coverage for any activities you’ll be doing (like motorbiking or scuba diving – these aren’t included by default)
If you’re unsure about anything, you can reach out to their customer support (chat bubble in the bottom right). In my experience, they’re quick and helpful.
P.S. If you purchase through my link, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share tools and services I’ve personally used and trust, so thank you for supporting Travelynne’s free resources! 🤍
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is SafetyWing worth it for long-term travel?
Absolutely – if you’re not from the USA, Hong Kong, or Singapore. I haven’t seen any other insurance that compares to SafetyWing when it comes to value for price, geography, and inclusions for long-term, month-to-month coverage in your mid-30s or below.
What does SafetyWing actually cover?
It depends on what package you purchase – you can check the full details on their website.
But to summarize:
The most basic SafetyWing plan, called Essential, has up to a US$250,000 overall limit for medical treatment and hospitalization, plus coverage for trip interruption, travel delay, lost luggage, evacuation from local unrest, and arrangements in the event of your death, or evacuation to a better-equipped hospital when you need it.
The advanced SafetyWing plan, called Complete, covers up to a US$1,500,000 overall limit, including everything in the Essential plan, plus doctor & specialist visits (ex. dermatologist or gynaecologist), routine check-ups for preventative care, screenings & vaccines, wellness therapies (ex. chiropractics, dieticians & acupuncture), visits with a psychologist or psychiatrists, cancer tests & treatments (incl. chemotherapy, radiation, medications, and more), maternity care, and trip cancellation.
Can I buy SafetyWing after I’ve already started traveling?
Yes – SafetyWing is one of the few travel medical insurance companies that allows you to purchase while already outside of your country of residence. I’m Canadian and first purchased it while I was in Indonesia.
Does SafetyWing cover adventure activities like motorbiking or scuba diving?
Yes – one of the best features about SafetyWing is the option to purchase the Adventure Sports Add-on, which offers expanded coverage for higher-risk activities such as motorbiking, kite-surfing, parachuting, paragliding, skydiving, scuba diving, and others, up to US$100,000.
How does the SafetyWing claims and reimbursement process work?
SafetyWing has a dedicated app where you can submit your claims, or you can do it from your dashboard on a computer. It’s a straightforward process – they don’t make you fill in a long form, just name the claim, add the date when you started seeking care for this issue, and upload the documentation. At a minimum, you need to upload the detailed invoice, but some claims also require a medical note, referral, etc.
For claims above $500, pre-approval is required, and can be requested through the button on the app or your dashboard on a computer.
Final Thoughts
For me, travel medical insurance is a given part of how I travel.
After using SafetyWing for over a year across multiple countries and situations, it’s proven to be reliable, flexible, and good value for the way I travel.
No insurance is perfect, but honestly, this is pretty close for me! Regardless of what you choose, if you’re traveling internationally, having some form of coverage should be non-negotiable for any thoughtful traveler.
Take it from a clumsy gal who loves to try street food – you won’t regret having coverage when you’re sick or hurt abroad <3
Travel well,
Lynne
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HEADS UP: This article was written in partnership with SafetyWing. Some links on Travelynne, including SafetyWing, are affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you purchase select experiences from my links — at no extra cost to you! Everything shared in this article is true to my experience and knowledge of SafetyWing.
This helps me invest more time and resources into creating helpful travel content like this article. Learn more about my offerings and how to support Travelynneon my booking page, where you can book tours, transportation, and accommodations.
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