Safetywing vs regular health insurance

[david_je]

Safetywing travel insurance appears to cover everything a regular health plan does -- worldwide (except home country), not just travel but also health issues, outpatient as well as inpatient, Covid cover, etc. Or am I missing something?

I'm thinking about getting it for several months, then perhaps switching to regular plan.

 

[Etaoin Shrdlu]

Usually travel insurance is more limited in scope than regular health insurance. The Safetywings travel product excludes treatment for cancer, for example. 

 

Travel medical is normally intended to provide cover for minor accidents and illnesses and to treat and stabilize people that encounter a severe accident or acute, major illness so that they can return to their home country for further treatment. It usually isn't a good substitute for proper health insurance. Part of your premium also goes to pay for things like trip cancellation and lost luggage in many cases.

 

I think Safetywings offer another product designed to cover people staying abroad for longer periods that covers cancer and perhaps other situations that a travel policy would exclude or limit.

 

Safetywings is an agent or broker and the actual insurance cover is provided by Tokio Marine Insurance. 

[jackdd]

On 6/23/2021 at 8:12 AM, david_je said:

Safetywing travel insurance appears to cover everything a regular health plan does -- worldwide (except home country), not just travel but also health issues, outpatient as well as inpatient, Covid cover, etc. Or am I missing something?

You probably missed reading their list with things which aren't covered, these are quite a few: https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance/description-of-coverage.pdf

For example no cancer treatment, and they also don't pay for anything related to an accident with a vehicle.

Edited June 24, 2021 by jackdd

[IsaacMoore]

From my experience, travel insurance can cover only one medical case. If you need to see a doctor for the second time, you'll have to pay fees.

[Red Phoenix]

9 hours ago, IsaacMoore said:

From my experience, travel insurance can cover only one medical case. If you need to see a doctor for the second time, you'll have to pay fees.

As I have excellent - and dirt-cheap - health coverage in my home-country Belgium, I make use of travel-insurance - much cheaper than regular Health Insurance - while in Thailand that covers costs of repatriation when needed.

[VicenteJackson]

On 5/16/2024 at 5:50 PM, IsaacMoore said:

From my experience, travel insurance can cover only one medical case. If you need to see a doctor for the second time, you'll have to pay fees.

Safetywing travel insurance does seem like a comprehensive option, covering a wide range of health issues worldwide, including outpatient and inpatient care and even Covid-related expenses.

[Hummin]

I have used Safety Wing several times, to supplement my other travel insurance which is limited to 75 days.

 

SW cover big bike riding in Thailand, and seems like a solid insurer with solid backing. But you need an abroad official adress where you are registered, you cant have an thai adress, and be insured in Thailand. 

 

For Me who travel back and forth, travel insurance is ok, pluss additional private health insurance in my country, as well part of the public health care. 

[Roo Island]

Just switched to Patriot International Lite from IMG. Used Safetywing before. But now this

[VicenteJackson]

14 hours ago, VicenteJackson said:

Safetywing travel insurance does seem like a comprehensive option, covering a wide range of health issues worldwide, including outpatient and inpatient care and even Covid-related expenses.

 

I've been considering it myself for an upcoming trip, given its extensive coverage and flexibility. However, I'm also contemplating switching  to a regular health plan later on, especially for more long-term coverage. It's crucial to weigh the pros and cons and consider our evolving healthcare needs. Also, looking into life insurance options could provide additional peace of mind for the future.