This blog post is all about securing travel insurance when abroad.
Before I started my journey, I took out standard travel insurance, thinking it would be more than enough to cover me for a few months.
I assumed my carefully planned itinerary would go as expected, and that by the time my insurance expired, I’d be in Australia, working and living my best life.
But life on the road rarely goes according to plan—and in the best way possible!
My budget stretched further than expected (thanks to the affordability of Southeast Asia), and I found myself extending my trip far beyond the original timeframe.
This blog post is all about buying travel insurance when abroad.
The Problem with Extended Travel Plans
The problem? My travel insurance ran out while I was still abroad.
If you’ve ever faced this dilemma, you’ll know it’s not a situation to take lightly. Travelling without insurance isn’t an option I’d recommend to anyone, even the most risk-tolerant adventurers.
From medical emergencies to lost baggage, the unexpected can—and often does—happen when you least expect it.
Unfortunately, most traditional travel insurance providers don’t allow you to sign up for a new policy once you’ve already started your trip. Getting travel insurance when abroad as it turns out, isn’t very easy.
So there I was, enjoying the beauty of Southeast Asia but anxious about the “what ifs.”
That’s when I discovered SafetyWing.
RELATED blog post to read: The Best Backpacker Travel Insurance for Southeast Asia
Discovering SafetyWing: A Solution for Travel Insurance When Abroad Already
I’d heard about SafetyWing from some travel bloggers I follow on Instagram.
They were long-term travellers like me, constantly on the go and often in destinations where things like affordable healthcare weren’t guaranteed.
After hearing them sing SafetyWing’s praises, I decided to check it out. Turns out, it was exactly what I needed.
RELATED blog post to read: 14 Travel Influencers You Should Follow on Instagram
SafetyWing is one of the few travel medical insurance providers that allows you to enrol in travel medical insurance when abroad already.
This makes it ideal for long-term travellers, digital nomads, and anyone who doesn’t have a fixed return date. For someone like me, who doesn’t always stick to a rigid itinerary, it felt like the perfect fit.
What Sets SafetyWing Apart?
Before diving into my experience with SafetyWing, let’s talk about what makes it different from traditional travel medical insurance providers.
You Can Sign Up Anytime, Even Abroad
Most travel medical insurance companies require you to buy coverage before your trip begins. If you want travel insurance when abroad already, they won’t touch you.
SafetyWing, however, understands the needs of modern travellers and allows you to sign up regardless of where you are in the world.
Flexible Rolling Contract
SafetyWing operates on a subscription basis, renewing every 28 days.
This flexibility is a game-changer for people who don’t know exactly how long they’ll be travelling.
Designed for Long-Term Travellers
Traditional insurance is often geared toward shorter trips with fixed end dates.
SafetyWing, on the other hand, was created with digital nomads and adventurers in mind, offering coverage that adapts to their unpredictable schedules. Meaning you can sign up for travel insurance when abroad already.
RELATED blog post to read: How to Stay Protected While Travelling As A Digital Nomad
Global Coverage
SafetyWing covers you almost anywhere in the world.
Whether you’re island hopping in Southeast Asia or exploring the streets of Europe, their coverage spans a wide range of destinations.
Signing Up with SafetyWing: Simple, Fast, and Hassle-Free
One of the first things I noticed about SafetyWing was how easy it was to get started. The sign-up process was incredibly straightforward—it literally took me just a few minutes.
Here’s what made the process so smooth:
- User-friendly website: SafetyWing’s interface is clear, intuitive, and easy to navigate.
- Minimal details required: I didn’t need to provide endless paperwork or jump through hoops.
- Quick coverage start: The policy began almost immediately after I completed the process, giving me peace of mind for the rest of my journey.
To put this into perspective, I signed up while my boyfriend went to grab us a coffee. By the time he returned, we were fully covered!
For anyone who’s struggled with complicated medical insurance applications in the past, SafetyWing’s simplicity is a breath of fresh air.
What to Look For When Choosing Travel Insurance When Abroad
While SafetyWing worked perfectly for me, it’s important to remember that travel medical insurance is a personal decision, and what works for one traveller might not be the best fit for another.
Before signing up, take the time to review SafetyWing’s policy details carefully.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Does it cover the destinations I plan to visit?
- Does the medical coverage meet my needs?
- Are there specific activities (like adventure sports) I need coverage for?
- Do I need coverage for pre-existing conditions?
SafetyWing offers a great balance of affordability and flexibility, but like any insurance policy, it has its limitations.
For example, it doesn’t cover certain high-risk activities or pre-existing medical conditions. If these are deal-breakers for you, you may want to explore other options.
At the end of the day, travel medical insurance is about giving yourself peace of mind, so choose a policy that aligns with your unique circumstances, preferences, and travel style.
Why SafetyWing Works for Long-Term Travellers
One of the standout features of SafetyWing is its rolling contract. Unlike traditional travel medical insurance, which locks you into a specific timeframe, SafetyWing operates like a subscription.
Every 28 days, the coverage automatically renews, and you’re free to cancel or pause the policy anytime.
For someone like me—travelling until my budget runs out—this flexibility is invaluable.
I don’t know exactly how long I’ll be exploring Southeast Asia or when I’ll finally settle in Australia, so having insurance that renews automatically is perfect.
Here are a few ways SafetyWing’s flexibility works in your favour:
- Pause the policy when needed: If you take a break from travelling or head home for a few months, you can stop the subscription without penalties.
- Coverage across multiple countries: Planning to hop between countries? No problem. SafetyWing covers you worldwide (with a few exceptions).
- Affordable pricing: For less than $50 every 28 days, the cost is a fraction of what I paid for my initial policy.
- No End Date Pressure: You don’t need to set a specific end date. You can keep the coverage for as long as you need, making it ideal for open-ended adventures.
What Does SafetyWing Travel Medical Insurance Cover?
SafetyWing provides essential coverage for long-term travellers, including:
- Emergency medical expenses: If you get sick or injured, you’ll have access to quality medical care.
- COVID-19-related issues: Coverage for medical treatment and testing related to COVID-19.
- Travel delays and interruptions: For those unexpected hiccups like missed connections.
- Lost checked luggage: Essential for frequent flyers who’ve experienced the frustration of lost bags.
While SafetyWing was perfect for me, double-check the specifics to ensure it aligns with your travel needs and style.
Customer Support and Claims: Efficient and Reliable
While I haven’t had to file a claim yet (thankfully!), I’ve done my research and heard great things about SafetyWing’s claims process.
They have a reputation for being transparent and efficient, with clear instructions on how to submit claims and what documentation is required.
Additionally, their customer support team is responsive and easy to reach via email or their new mobile app.
Knowing that I have a reliable point of contact if something goes wrong adds an extra layer of reassurance.
Why Travel Insurance When Abroad Matters
Let’s be real: travel medical insurance isn’t the most exciting part of trip planning. It’s one of those things you hope you’ll never need but will be grateful for when you do.
Here are just a few scenarios where travel insurance can save the day:
- Medical emergencies: Accidents and illnesses can happen anywhere, and medical bills abroad can be astronomical.
- Trip interruptions: From flight cancellations to lost baggage, travel plans can go sideways in an instant.
- Peace of mind: Knowing you’re protected allows you to enjoy the journey without constant worry.
Why I’d Recommend SafetyWing to Other Travellers
If you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad, or someone already abroad in need of travel medical insurance, SafetyWing is a game-changer. Here’s why:
- Sign up anytime, anywhere: No need to worry about purchasing coverage before your trip starts.
- Affordable rolling contract: Perfect for travellers with uncertain plans or tight budgets.
- Quick and easy process: Getting insured takes minutes.
- Designed for modern travellers: Whether you’re exploring Southeast Asia or working remotely from Europe, SafetyWing has you covered.
SafetyWing has made all the difference in allowing me to continue my adventure with peace of mind.
The Best Travel Insurance When Abroad Already
Travel medical insurance isn’t the most glamorous part of travel, but it’s one of the most important.
For me, SafetyWing has been a lifesaver—allowing me to extend my Southeast Asia adventure without compromising on peace of mind.
If you’re planning a big trip, are already abroad, or need flexible medical insurance for uncertain plans, I can’t recommend SafetyWing enough.
Check out SafetyWing’s travel medical insurance options here!
Have you tried SafetyWing before? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!
RELATED blog posts to read about travel insurance:
- The Best Backpacker Travel Insurance for Southeast Asia
- How to Stay Protected While Travelling As A Digital Nomad
- 11 Things You Need to Buy BEFORE Backpacking Asia
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