SafetyWing Insurance Reviews: Is It Worth it for Expats Moving to Spain?

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Moving to Spain is a dream for many, myself including. Spain has a lot to offer that is why I dedicated a whole blog about it! But as you plan your move, one critical aspect you shouldn't overlook is health insurance. Navigating the Spanish healthcare system can be tricky, especially if you’re an expat like me.

That's where SafetyWing comes into play. But is it the right choice for you? Let's dive into an honest review of SafetyWing insurance and see how it stacks up for those looking to make Spain their new home.

Why Health Insurance is Crucial for Expats in Spain

Before we jump into the details of SafetyWing, it's important to understand why health insurance is essential. Spain offers a fantastic healthcare system, but as an expat, accessing it isn’t always straightforward. If you're moving permanently, you may eventually qualify for Spain's public healthcare (Seguridad Social). However, if you're not employed or self-employed in Spain, or if you’re in the process of getting residency, you’ll need private health insurance to bridge the gap.

For digital nomads or those on temporary visas, private insurance is often the only way to ensure you’re covered for medical emergencies. This is where SafetyWing might catch your eye.

What is SafetyWing Insurance?

SafetyWing is an insurance provider that specifically targets digital nomads, remote workers, and frequent travelers. Founded by a group of Norwegian entrepreneurs, it aims to be the go-to insurance solution for those with a location-independent lifestyle. Their policies cover a broad range of situations, from medical emergencies to lost luggage, making it an attractive option for people who are always on the move.

SafetyWing provides three types of plans:

  1. Nomad Insurance: This plan is designed for digital nomads, freelancers, and travelers who are constantly on the move. It covers medical emergencies, travel delays, lost luggage, and other unexpected events. Nomad Insurance is highly flexible, allowing you to start and stop coverage as needed, making it ideal for those with unpredictable schedules.

  2. Nomad Health: Nomad Health is a more comprehensive health insurance plan geared towards those who need regular medical care while living abroad. It covers a broader range of healthcare services, including routine check-ups and chronic condition management, providing peace of mind for long-term travelers or expats.

  3. Remote Heath: Remote Health is designed for remote teams and companies that have employees working from different locations around the world. It provides global health insurance for employees, covering everything from routine care to emergency situations. This plan is a great fit for businesses that want to ensure their remote workforce is fully protected, no matter where they are.

SafetyWing Insurance for Digital Nomads and Temporary Visitors

If you’re a digital nomad or planning to spend a few months in Spain, SafetyWing could be a strong contender. Here’s why:

- Flexibility: SafetyWing is designed with flexibility in mind. You can start your coverage from anywhere in the world, extend it as needed, and cancel it anytime without penalty. This is ideal for digital nomads who don’t know where they’ll be in six months.

- Global Coverage: One of the standout features of SafetyWing is its global coverage. If you plan to hop between Spain and other countries, or even return home briefly, you’re covered. This is perfect if your lifestyle involves frequent travel.

- Affordability: SafetyWing is also priced competitively. At just $56.28 for four weeks of coverage (as of 2024), it’s much more affordable than traditional private health insurance plans, which can be quite pricey in Spain.

But how does it perform for expats in Spain, especially if you’re planning to stay long-term?

SafetyWing Insurance for Expats Moving Permanently to Spain

If you’re looking to move to Spain permanently, your needs might be different from a typical digital nomad or traveler. You’re not just looking for temporary coverage—you need something that will support you as you integrate into Spanish life and that will meet the insurance requirement for your visa application.

SafetyWing does offer some appealing benefits, such as coverage in your home country for up to 30 days every 90 days and access to a network of private hospitals worldwide. However, there are limitations worth considering if you’re planning to use SafetyWing for your Spanish visa application:

  • Coverage Gaps: For a Spanish visa, the health insurance you choose must meet certain key requirements, including:

    • Unlimited financial coverage

    • No co-payments or deductibles

    • No waiting periods

      However, upon reviewing their Nomad Health policy, several concerns arise:

    • Some services, such as health screenings, vaccines, and newborn coverage, are not fully covered, which would not meet the requirements for a visa application.

    • Co-payments are required for certain services, like maternity care.

    • Some benefits are also subject to waiting periods, which could be problematic for visa approval.

For permanent expats, these gaps could make SafetyWing less suitable for those who need comprehensive coverage to satisfy visa requirements for a long-term stay in Spain.

What do Expats say about SafetyWing?

To provide a well-rounded perspective on SafetyWing, I’ve gathered insights from popular review sites like Trustpilot, Reddit, and other forums where expats and digital nomads share their experiences. Here's what people are saying:

SafetyWings’ Trustpilot Reviews

On Trustpilot, SafetyWing has generally positive reviews, with many users appreciating the simplicity and affordability of the service:

Rating: 4.5/5

“I’ve been using SafetyWing for over a year now as a digital nomad, and it’s been a lifesaver. The coverage is comprehensive for the price, and their customer service is top-notch. I had to make a claim for a hospital visit in Thailand, and the process was straightforward and quick. Highly recommend for anyone traveling or living abroad!” – *Trustpilot User*

Rating: 3.5/5

“SafetyWing is good for short-term coverage, but if you’re planning to stay in one country for a long time, it might not be enough. I found out the hard way when I needed a routine check-up in Spain, and it wasn’t covered. It’s good for emergencies, but don’t expect it to cover everything.” – *Trustpilot User*

Rating: 4/5

“Affordable and flexible, which is exactly what I needed as a freelancer moving around Europe. Had an issue with a delayed reimbursement, but the support team was responsive and resolved it eventually. It’s a great option for people like me who are on the go.” – *Trustpilot User*

SafetyWings’ Reddit Comments

“I’ve been using SafetyWing for a while, and it’s been decent. No issues with claims so far, and it’s nice that they cover you in multiple countries. Just be aware that it doesn’t cover routine stuff or pre-existing conditions, which can be a bummer if you’re staying long-term in one place like Spain.” – *u/expatnomad*

“I used SafetyWing when I first moved to Spain as a digital nomad, and it was fine for the first few months. However, once I decided to stay longer, I switched to a local insurance provider because I needed more comprehensive coverage. SafetyWing is great if you’re bouncing around, but not so much if you’re settling down.” – *u/spain_explorer*

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider SafetyWing?

SafetyWing is a great option for those who need flexible, affordable coverage while they navigate the early stages of living in Spain or travel frequently. It’s particularly well-suited for digital nomads and those on temporary visas who prioritize global coverage and don’t want the hassle of dealing with complex insurance policies.

However, if you’re looking to put down roots in Spain, it’s worth exploring insurances that offer more comprehensive, long-term coverage. While SafetyWing can bridge the gap, you’ll likely need something more robust to ensure you’re fully protected as you build your new life in Spain.

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Laetitia woue

Laetitia is the author of Coming to Spain and has been living in Spain for over six years. She is passionate about traveling throughout Spain and helping others overcome their limiting beliefs to achieve their dream of moving to Spain. Through her writing and resources, she provides practical advice and insights to support and guide individuals in making their dream of living in Spain a reality.