Why We've Trusted SafetyWing Travel Insurance Since 2017

When we first moved abroad in 2017 with two young kids and dreams of living internationally, one question kept us up at night: "What happens if someone gets sick or hurt thousands of miles from home?"

That terrifying thought led us to SafetyWing, and after nine years of continuous coverage across Costa Rica, Thailand, and Vietnam, we can confidently say it's the single most important decision we made for our family's international lifestyle.

This isn't a 30-day review or sponsored promotion. This is our real experience after nearly a decade of trusting SafetyWing with our family's health and safety abroad.

Who We Are (And Why Our Experience Matters)

We're Chris and Shayna, creators of The Dufresnes YouTube channel, and we've been living internationally since 2017. We're not weekend travelers writing reviews after one trip—we're a family of four (including two kids and four chihuahuas) who've made international living our permanent lifestyle.

Our SafetyWing Timeline:

• 2017: Started coverage when moving to Costa Rica
• 2024: Coverage during Thailand transition (1 year)
• 2025-Present: Currently covered when traveling in Vietnam

We've experienced SafetyWing across multiple countries, healthcare systems, border crossings, and real-world scenarios that most reviewers never encounter.

What is SafetyWing? (Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads)

SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is travel medical insurance designed specifically for digital nomads, long-term travelers, and expats. Unlike traditional travel insurance built for two-week vacations, SafetyWing operates on a subscription model that perfectly fits the nomadic lifestyle.

Key Features:

• Month-to-month subscription (cancel anytime)
• Coverage in 185+ countries worldwide
• Can purchase while already traveling
• Designed for continuous long-term travel
• Includes emergency medical, hospital stays, and evacuation
• 24/7 customer support

Why We Chose SafetyWing in 2017

When we were researching travel insurance options before our move to Costa Rica, we evaluated multiple providers: World Nomads, IMG Global, Heymondo, and traditional travel insurance companies.

What made SafetyWing stand out:

1. Flexibility for Nomadic Lifestyle

Traditional travel insurance requires you to purchase coverage for specific dates before departure. SafetyWing lets you buy coverage while already traveling and operates month-to-month—perfect for our indefinite international living plans.

2. Built for Long-Term Travelers

Most travel insurance is designed for vacationers. SafetyWing was specifically created for digital nomads and expats who live internationally for months or years at a time.

3. Affordable Family Coverage

With two kids, traditional international health insurance was prohibitively expensive. SafetyWing offered comprehensive coverage at a fraction of the cost—less than our monthly streaming subscriptions combined.

4. Global Coverage That Actually Works

185+ countries covered meant we could move freely between Costa Rica, Thailand, Vietnam, and anywhere else our adventures took us without gaps in coverage or tedious policy changes.

5. No Annual Commitment

The month-to-month model gave us peace of mind. If our circumstances changed, we weren't locked into annual contracts—though after nine years, we've never needed to cancel.

SafetyWing Coverage: What's Actually Included

After nine years, we've learned exactly what SafetyWing covers (and what it doesn't). Here's the honest breakdown:

✅ What SafetyWing DOES Cover:

Emergency Medical Coverage:

• Hospital emergency room visits
• Urgent care for sudden illness or injury
• Emergency dental (up to $1,000)
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Repatriation of remains
• Trip interruption (up to $5,000)

Coverage Amounts:

• Overall maximum: $250,000
• Deductible: $250 per incident
• Covers ages 0-69 (with options for 70+)
• Emergency care outside home country

❌ What SafetyWing DOESN'T Cover:

Pre-existing Conditions: SafetyWing does not cover pre-existing medical conditions. This is standard for travel insurance but important to understand upfront.

Routine Care:

• Annual checkups
• Preventive care
• Vaccinations
• Regular prescriptions
• Routine dental cleaning

Non-Emergency Situations:

• Elective procedures
• Cosmetic treatments
• Long-term chronic condition management

Important Note: SafetyWing is travel medical insurance, not comprehensive health insurance. It's designed for emergencies while traveling, not everyday healthcare needs.

How Much Does SafetyWing Actually Cost? (Real Numbers)

Pricing transparency matters. Here's what we actually pay for our family of four:

Current Pricing (2026):

• Adults (18-69): ~$56 per 4-week period
• Children (0-10): FREE (when traveling with parent)
• Our family of 4: ~$112 per month (2 adults, 2 kids)

Annual Cost for Our Family:

• Monthly: ~$112
• Annually: ~$1,344

Cost Per Day: Less than $4/day for our entire family's international medical coverage.

Comparison to Alternatives:

• International health insurance: $500-1,500+ per month
• World Nomads annual policy: $800-1,200 per person
• Going uninsured: One emergency could cost $10,000-50,000+

Our Take: For less than the cost of a few coffees per day, we have peace of mind that medical emergencies won't bankrupt us in foreign countries. That's priceless when you're responsible for two kids abroad.

Real-World SafetyWing Experience: 9 Years Across 3 Countries

Costa Rica (2017-2024): 7 Years

Living in remote Sámara, Costa Rica, meant we were far from major medical facilities. While we fortunately never needed major emergency coverage, knowing we were protected allowed us to:

• Explore remote beaches without anxiety
• Focus on building our vacation rental business (Sea Casa)
• Raise our kids confidently in a foreign country
• Cross borders freely for visa runs without coverage gaps

Key Insight: The peace of mind was worth every penny. As business owners managing property remotely, we couldn't afford to worry about "what if" scenarios.

Thailand (2024): 1 Year

Our Bangkok year brought different healthcare scenarios. Thailand has excellent medical facilities, but costs can add up quickly without insurance.

What We Learned:

• SafetyWing coverage worked seamlessly in Thai hospitals
• Customer support was responsive across time zones
• Border crossings to neighboring countries maintained coverage
• No issues with policy validity or documentation

Vietnam (2025-Present): Current Experience

Currently exploring Da Nang as our potential permanent base, SafetyWing continues to provide reliable coverage. Vietnam's healthcare system is improving rapidly, but having international medical coverage ensures we can access quality care without financial stress.

SafetyWing vs. Competitors: Honest Comparison

SafetyWing vs. World Nomads

World Nomads:

• More comprehensive coverage for some adventure activities
• Higher cost per month
• Better for short-term trips (1-6 months)
• Stronger trip cancellation benefits

SafetyWing:

• Better for long-term continuous travel
• More affordable for families
• Month-to-month flexibility
• Designed specifically for digital nomads

Winner for us: SafetyWing (flexibility + family affordability)

SafetyWing vs. IMG Global

IMG Global:

• More comprehensive health insurance options
• Better for extended stays in one country
• Higher premiums
• More robust preventive care options

SafetyWing:

• More affordable
• Better for multi-country nomadic lifestyle
• Easier enrollment while traveling
• Lower deductibles

Winner for us: SafetyWing (nomadic lifestyle fit + cost)

SafetyWing vs. Heymondo

Heymondo:

• Competitive pricing
• Good European coverage
• Stronger cancellation coverage
• Annual policies available

SafetyWing:

• Month-to-month flexibility
• Global coverage in 185+ countries
• Better for indefinite travel
• Can purchase while already traveling

Winner for us: SafetyWing (global flexibility + no annual commitment)

Who Should Choose SafetyWing?

✅ SafetyWing is Perfect For:

Digital Nomads: If you're working remotely while traveling continuously, SafetyWing's month-to-month model is unbeatable.

Long-Term Travelers: Planning 6+ months abroad? SafetyWing's subscription model is far more economical than traditional insurance.

Expat Families: With free coverage for children under 10, SafetyWing is incredibly affordable for families living internationally.

Flexible Travel Plans: Don't know exactly when you're returning home? SafetyWing's cancel-anytime policy eliminates commitment anxiety.

Budget-Conscious Travelers: Need legitimate coverage without breaking the bank? SafetyWing offers essential protection at accessible prices.

❌ SafetyWing Might NOT Be Ideal For:

People with Pre-Existing Conditions: SafetyWing doesn't cover pre-existing conditions, so you'll need comprehensive international health insurance.

Those Needing Routine Care: If you need regular checkups, prescriptions, or preventive care, look into traditional health insurance.

Adventure Sports Enthusiasts: Certain extreme sports may not be covered. Check policy details carefully.

Short Vacation Travelers: If you're taking a one-week vacation, traditional travel insurance with stronger trip cancellation might be better.

How to Sign Up for SafetyWing (Step-by-Step)

The Process Takes Less Than 5 Minutes:

1. Visit SafetyWing website
2. Enter your travel dates and destinations
3. Provide basic personal information
4. Choose your deductible option ($0 or $250)
5. Enter payment information
6. Receive confirmation immediately via email

You can sign up:

• Before departure
• While already traveling
• From anywhere in the world

Coverage begins:

• On your specified start date
• Automatically renews monthly
• Cancel anytime with no penalties

SafetyWing Customer Support: Our Experience

Over nine years, we've interacted with SafetyWing support multiple times for policy questions, coverage clarifications, and general inquiries.

Our Experience:

• Response Time: Usually within 24 hours
• Support Quality: Knowledgeable and helpful
• Availability: 24/7 support team
• Communication: Clear English, patient explanations

Support Channels:

• Email support
• Live chat
• Comprehensive FAQ and knowledge base

Verdict: Responsive and reliable support when you need it.

Common SafetyWing Questions (Answered from Experience)

Can I buy SafetyWing while already traveling?

Yes! This is one of SafetyWing's biggest advantages. You don't need to purchase before departure—you can enroll from anywhere in the world.

Does SafetyWing cover COVID-19?

Yes, SafetyWing covers COVID-19 treatment like any other illness, as long as you weren't diagnosed before purchasing coverage.

Can I cancel SafetyWing anytime?

Absolutely. There are no annual contracts or cancellation fees. You can stop coverage whenever your circumstances change.

What happens if I need medical care?

You pay upfront at the medical facility, save your receipts and documentation, then file a claim with SafetyWing for reimbursement.

How long does claim processing take?

Most claims are processed within 2-4 weeks, though complex cases may take longer.

Does SafetyWing cover my home country?

Limited coverage. SafetyWing primarily covers you outside your home country, though there is some home country coverage (check policy details).

The Downsides: What We Wish Was Different

Being honest after 9 years, here's what could be better:

1. No Pre-Existing Condition Coverage

This is standard for travel insurance, but it would be incredible if SafetyWing offered optional add-ons for pre-existing conditions.

2. Reimbursement Model

You pay upfront and get reimbursed later. This can be challenging if you face a massive emergency bill (though emergency evacuation is direct-pay).

3. Limited Home Country Coverage

If you spend significant time in your home country, coverage is limited. This matters more for part-time nomads.

4. No Routine Care

We understand why travel insurance doesn't cover routine care, but a hybrid option would be valuable for long-term expats.

5. Adventure Sport Limitations

Some extreme sports aren't covered. If you're into high-risk activities, verify coverage carefully.

Despite these limitations, SafetyWing's strengths far outweigh the downsides for our lifestyle.

Is SafetyWing Worth It? Our Verdict After 9 Years

Absolutely yes—for the right type of traveler.

After nine years of continuous coverage across three countries, multiple border crossings, and the daily reality of raising a family internationally, SafetyWing has proven its value not through dramatic claims, but through consistent peace of mind.

What SafetyWing Gives Us:

• Freedom to explore remote locations without fear
• Confidence managing a business while living abroad
• Peace of mind raising kids in foreign countries
• Financial protection against catastrophic medical costs
• Flexibility to move between countries without coverage gaps

The Real Value: It's not just about the coverage—it's about living the international lifestyle without constant anxiety. For less than $4 per day, our entire family sleeps better knowing we're protected.

Would we switch? After evaluating alternatives multiple times over nine years, we keep choosing SafetyWing. That loyalty speaks louder than any marketing claim.

How to Get SafetyWing Coverage

Ready to protect yourself or your family abroad?

Sign up for SafetyWing: Get Coverage Here

After 9 years of international living across 3 countries, SafetyWing remains the one thing we never travel without. It's not just insurance—it's peace of mind for our family.

Final Thoughts: Why We Trust SafetyWing After 9 Years

Travel insurance isn't sexy. It's not the part of international living that makes for exciting YouTube videos or Instagram posts. But it's the foundation that makes everything else possible.

When you're standing on a Vietnamese beach watching your kids play, or navigating a Thai hospital, or building a business in remote Costa Rica—knowing you're protected isn't just smart, it's essential.

SafetyWing has been our silent partner for nine years. No drama, no hassles, just reliable coverage that lets us focus on living our best life instead of worrying about worst-case scenarios.

If you're planning long-term travel, digital nomad life, or international living: SafetyWing is the foundation you need to do it confidently.

If you have questions about SafetyWing or travel insurance in general: Leave a comment below. After nine years, we've probably encountered (or worried about) the same scenarios you're considering.

Safe travels, and protect yourself out there. 🌏