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How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance

Updated: Dec 19, 2025


Living the expat life or traveling the world as a digital nomad is a dream for many. But between sipping coconuts on an island and navigating visa runs, there is one unsexy but critical topic every traveler must address: Insurance.


If you are reading this, you probably already know that relying on luck is not a strategy. The market is currently dominated by two major players for long-term travelers: SafetyWing and Genki.


And now we breaks down their pros, cons, and coverage details to help you decide which one fits your journey best.


Why Do You Need Special "Nomad" Insurance?


Standard travel insurance (the kind you buy with your flight ticket) usually only covers short trips (e.g., up to 30 days). If you are living abroad for months at a time, you need a policy that:


  • Allows you to buy it after you have already left your home country.

  • Works on a subscription basis (monthly payments), so you don’t have to pay for a whole year upfront.

  • Covers you in multiple countries as you move around.


Both Genki and SafetyWing offer this, but they approach it very differently.



The "Netflix" of Travel Insurance


SafetyWing is arguably the most famous name in the digital nomad community. They revolutionized the industry by making insurance as simple as a monthly subscription.


The Good

  • Simplicity: Their "Nomad Insurance" is a subscription. You turn it on, and it auto-renews every 28 days. You can cancel anytime.

  • Price: It is generally the budget-friendly option, especially for younger travelers (18–39 years old).

  • Travel Benefits: Unlike pure medical plans, SafetyWing includes coverage for travel delays, lost checked luggage, and trip interruption.

  • Family Friendly: One adult plan typically covers one child (14 days to 10 years old) for free.


The Bad

  • Coverage Limits: The maximum limit is $250,000. While this is enough for most accidents, it is lower than industry leaders.

  • Deductible: There is often a $250 deductible for medical claims (meaning you pay the first $250). Note: They occasionally update this, so check the latest policy.

  • Adventure Sports: Basic coverage excludes many "high-risk" activities. If you plan to do intense sports, you usually need to pay extra for the "Adventure Sports" add-on.



The Comprehensive European Challenger


Genki is a newer German company that has gained massive popularity for offering higher coverage limits and fewer exclusions, often at a competitive price point.


The Good

  • High Coverage Limits: Their "World Explorer" plan covers medical expenses up to €1,000,000 (or unlimited depending on the tier). This is significantly higher than SafetyWing.

  • Sports Included: Genki is famous for including many "adventure" activities in their base plan that others charge extra for (e.g., surfing, kayaking, and driving a scooter - provided you have a license and wear a helmet).

  • Initial Treatment for Pre-existing Conditions: While they don’t cover long-term care for pre-existing conditions, they do cover acute unexpected worsening of stable conditions, which is rare for travel insurance.

  • Young Traveler Discount: For travelers under 29, Genki is often cheaper than SafetyWing.


The Bad

  • Limited Travel Perks: Genki is primarily medical insurance. The base plan often does not cover lost luggage or flight delays (though their premium tiers might).

  • Age Pricing: The price increases more noticeably as you get older compared to SafetyWing’s flat brackets.

  • 2-Year Limit: The "World Explorer" plan is technically limited to 2 years. If you stay longer, you might need to switch to their "Genki Resident" (expat health insurance) plan, which is much more expensive.




The Verdict: Which Should You Pick?


Choose SafetyWing if:


  • You are on a stricter budget (and are aged 30-39).

  • You want coverage for travel inconveniences like lost luggage and delays.

  • You are traveling with young children (kids included for free).


Choose Genki if:


  • You are under 29 (it’s often cheaper!).

  • You plan to do sports (surfing, diving, riding scooters).

  • You prioritize having a high medical limit (€1M+) over baggage insurance.



Ultimately, no matter which option you choose, the most important thing is that you are covered. Your health is your most valuable asset—far more expensive than any monthly premium. Living abroad is an incredible adventure, but it shouldn't come at the cost of your financial security or physical well-being. Never neglect insurance; choose the plan that gives you peace of mind, so you can focus on enjoying the journey.

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