ADVENTURE TRAVEL INSURANCE: WORLD NOMADS VS SAFETY WING
ADVENTURE TRAVEL INSURANCE: WORLD NOMADS VS SAFETYWING

WHICH IS THE BEST ADVENTURE TRAVEL INSURANCE: WORLD NOMADS VS SAFETYWING
Adventure travel has surged in popularity over the last few years and this trend has led to a significant growth in adventure travel insurance. In this post we will compare SafetyWing vs World Nomads, two major players in this industry, and discuss what these companies offer in terms of their standard products, and services in the adventure travel niche .
(Looking for travel ideas? Not sure where to go for your next trip? Check out our post on Mediterranean Lifestyle and Travel or Guide to the Mediterranean Coast of Spain for tips and ideas to plan your next adventure.)

SafetyWing
SafetyWing is emerging as a front runner in the digital nomad and remote work insurance space, offering travel and health insurance products that cater specifically to the needs of freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote workers around the globe. Their innovative approach combines the flexibility required by a mobile workforce with the security of comprehensive coverage, ensuring that individuals can work and explore the world with peace of mind, knowing that their health and well-being are protected.
World Nomads

World Nomad is another key player in the insurance market, specializing in providing travel insurance for adventurers and explorers from all corners of the earth. Known for their flexible insurance plans, it caters to a wide range of travelers’ needs, from basic coverage for the occasional holidaymaker to comprehensive plans for the seasoned globe-trotter. With a strong emphasis on covering a diverse array of activities and sports, as well as providing emergency assistance and support, World Nomads ensures that the spirit of adventure is never dampened by the fear of the unknown.
World Nomads vs SafetyWing: Adventure Travel Insurance – A Quick Comparison

A More Detailed Comparison: World Nomads vs SafetyWing- Adventure Travel Insurance

Coverage
In terms of coverage nuances, World Nomad stands out for its holistic and flexible approach to travel insurance, designed to cater to both casual and serious travelers. Policyholders benefit from comprehensive coverage that includes emergency medical and dental care, trip cancellation, interruption, and delay, theft or damage to personal belongings, and personal liability.
This makes World Nomad a popular choice among travelers seeking a balance of essential medical coverage with the practicalities of protecting their trip investment and belongings. Unique to World Nomads, coverage extends to a wide range of adventure activities—making it an ideal choice for those looking to engage in extreme sports or off-the-beaten-path explorations.
Meanwhile, SafetyWing offers a subscription-based model that is particularly appealing for digital nomads, frequent travelers, and those on long-term journeys. It’s coverage is global, providing emergency medical attention, including coverage for unexpected illness or injury, with the added benefit of limited home country coverage for short visits back home.
It distinguishes itself with the inclusion of minimal home-country coverage, giving peace of mind to those who are often between countries. It’s also tailored to cater to the needs of those working and living abroad, with policies that are flexible, allowing for early termination or extensions as travel plans change.

Cost
When considering the cost of travel insurance, both World Nomad and SafetyWing offer competitive pricing, but with different structures that cater to diverse traveler needs. World Nomad’s pricing is dependent on the length of the trip, the traveler’s age, and the specific coverage options chosen. Prices can range widely, reflecting the customizability of their plans to include activities that are often excluded by other insurers. This makes it a bit pricier, but for a good reason—comprehensive coverage for adventure seekers.
On the other hand, SafetyWing adopts a subscription-style pricing model, which is billed either weekly or monthly, offering a more straightforward approach. Their rates start from as low as $40 for four weeks of coverage, making it an affordable option for younger long-term travelers. The prices understandably are considerably higher for seniors, approaching the $150-$200/month range. Despite being budget-friendly, it ensures essential health coverage globally, including the unique feature of covering travelers for brief visits back to their home country—a valuable inclusion not found in many traditional travel insurance plans.
Adventure Activities
When it comes to covering adventure activities, World Nomad stands out for its comprehensive inclusion of a wide array of sports and activities that are often excluded by other insurers. Their plans are highly customizable, allowing travelers to add specific coverage for high-adrenaline activities such as skydiving, scuba diving, and mountain biking. This ensures that adventure seekers can participate in their desired activities with confidence, knowing they’re covered in case of an accident.SafetyWing, while more affordable, offers a more limited range of coverage for adventure activities compared to World Nomad.
Their standard insurance plan includes coverage for a number of activities but tends to exclude extreme sports and high-risk activities unless additional coverage is purchased. This makes SafetyWing an excellent choice for digital nomads and long-term travelers whose primary concern is health coverage, with occasional forays into more adventurous pursuits.

Senior coverage
In terms of “senior coverage,” World Nomads offers travel insurance that caters to a broad age range, but it’s important for seniors to review the terms closely. Coverage options and availability can vary significantly depending on age, with some activities or conditions possibly being excluded for older travelers. It’s advisable for seniors to carefully check the policy details and even contact customer service to ensure their specific needs can be accommodated within its plans.
On the other hand, SafetyWing introduces a flexible approach to travel insurance for seniors, although with some limitations when compared to its offerings for younger travelers. Like World Nomads, it may impose age-related restrictions on coverage extent, particularly for medical services and adventure activities. Seniors are encouraged to examine the policy specifics or to reach out directly to SafetyWing for clarification on how their age impacts their coverage options, especially for long-term travel plans.

FINAL THOUGHTS: ADVENTURE TRAVEL INSURANCE – WORLD NOMADS VS SAFETYWING
What is the better option between these two companies? The answer is “it depends”. Last year I planned a 4 month trip with 2 weeks kite surfing in the Dominican Republic, 2-1/2 months training and then running in a marathon in Spain, then 1 month hiking and surfing in Australia. At 59 and with the activities I had planned I opted for specific sport coverage and for this, I was better served with World Nomads.
This coming summer I am planning a 2 month trip to Spain with more emphasis on kite surfing and windsurfing and at the same time I’ll be working remotely, and I’ll need to travel back home shortly mid way through the trip. The better option this time will be SafetyWing.
Ultimately the insurance coverage that works best for you will depend on your own individual circumstances and what kind of activities you plan to do:
Adventure Seekers – World Nomad is the better option
For individuals blending athletic pursuits with remote work, the choice between World Nomad and SafetyWing hinges on a nuanced evaluation of their specific needs. World Nomads excels in offering comprehensive coverage for a plethora of adventure activities, making it an unbeatable option for those whose travel itinerary is heavily skewed towards physical and adventurous endeavors.
Remote Workers – Safetywing is the better option
However, SafetyWing’s specialization in catering to the needs of digital nomads, coupled with its medical coverage, positions it as a highly competitive choice for those who balance their adventurous pursuits with the demands of remote work. It’s policies are designed to offer peace of mind to remote workers with their global health insurance features, including coverage in multiple countries and for an extended duration, which is convenient for long-term travelers and digital nomads.
Combining Adventure Sports with Remote Work– Safety Wing is the Better Option
Consequently, for travelers who aim to combine some athletic activities with the flexibility of working remotely, SafetyWing emerges as the potentially better option due to its tailored services for digital nomads and its adequate coverage for a range of activities, albeit less specialized in high-risk adventures compared to World Nomad.
Reg Auge
Reg holds an MBA, is a former Captain in the Canadian military and has worked as a consultant in industry for over 20 years. From his home in Spain, he has spent the last 10 years traveling throughout the Mediterranean, exploring the various countries and regions. He also regularly runs, windsurfs, and kite surfs, maintaining a healthy and active way of life. Captivated by this Mediterranean lifestyle, he began a Blog last year to inspire like-minded souls to learn about and discover this unique region for themselves.