Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, where he focuses on helping people compare health plans for life abroad. He emphasizes clear information, neutral analysis, and practical decision support.
Quick Verdict
Choose SafetyWing If:
- ✓ You're under 40 and healthy
- ✓ You're a digital nomad constantly moving
- ✓ Budget is your primary concern
- ✓ You only need catastrophic/emergency coverage
Choose Now Health If:
- ✓ You need real health insurance (not travel coverage)
- ✓ You're settling in one country long-term
- ✓ You need mental health, maternity, or preventive care
- ✓ You have or may develop health conditions
Overview
SafetyWing and Now Health aren't really competitors—they're fundamentally different products for different needs. SafetyWing is travel medical insurance designed for digital nomads who need basic emergency coverage at minimal cost. Now Health is comprehensive international health insurance for expats who need actual healthcare.
The price difference is dramatic: SafetyWing costs $45/month for a 30-year-old, while Now Health costs $120-170/month. But the coverage difference is equally dramatic. SafetyWing won't cover routine care, mental health, maternity, pre-existing conditions, or most outpatient visits. Now Health covers all of these.
Choosing between them is really about understanding what you need. If you're a healthy 28-year-old nomad who just needs "something" in case of a motorcycle accident in Bali, SafetyWing works. If you're an expat who actually uses healthcare—doctor visits, prescriptions, mental health support—you need Now Health or similar.
SafetyWing at a Glance
- Product Type: Travel medical insurance
- Founded: 2017 (startup)
- Underwriter: Tokio Marine HCC
- Coverage Max: $250,000 lifetime
- Best For: Young, healthy nomads
- Pricing: Budget (~$45/mo)
Now Health at a Glance
- Product Type: International health insurance
- Founded: 2012 (by industry veterans)
- Underwriter: Now Health International
- Coverage Max: $2.6M annual
- Best For: Expats needing real coverage
- Pricing: Mid-tier ($120-250/mo)
Important distinction: SafetyWing is travel insurance that happens to have no end date. Now Health is health insurance that happens to work internationally. These are different products—the comparison is about which product type suits your needs.
Coverage Comparison
The coverage gap between SafetyWing and Now Health is substantial. SafetyWing covers emergencies and accidents well. Everything else—routine care, mental health, maternity, chronic conditions—requires Now Health or similar comprehensive insurance.
| Coverage Feature | SafetyWing | Now Health |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage Maximum | $250,000 lifetime | $2.6M annual |
| Inpatient Hospital | Up to $250K (shared limit) | Up to $2.6M |
| Outpatient Care | Limited ($3K deductible) | Full coverage |
| Mental Health | Not covered | Included (enhanced) |
| Maternity | Not covered | Optional add-on |
| Dental | Emergency only ($1K) | Optional add-on |
| Vision | Not covered | Included in some plans |
| Wellness/Preventive | Not covered | Included |
| Medical Evacuation | $100,000 | Up to $1M |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Acute onset only | Covered after waiting period |
Critical gap: SafetyWing's $250,000 lifetime maximum sounds adequate until you realize it's lifetime, not annual. A single serious hospitalization could exhaust this limit. Now Health's $2.6M annual maximum resets every year.
What SafetyWing Actually Covers
SafetyWing Covers Well
- ✓ Emergency room visits
- ✓ Hospitalization from accidents
- ✓ Emergency surgery
- ✓ COVID-19 treatment (if hospitalized)
- ✓ Medical evacuation ($100K)
- ✓ Trip interruption ($2,500)
SafetyWing Does NOT Cover
- ✗ Routine doctor visits
- ✗ Mental health (any)
- ✗ Maternity (any)
- ✗ Pre-existing conditions
- ✗ Chronic disease management
- ✗ Preventive care / checkups
- ✗ Prescriptions (non-emergency)
- ✗ Vision and dental (non-emergency)
Not sure which you need?
SafetyWing for emergency-only coverage, Now Health for comprehensive health insurance. Get quotes from both to see the price difference.
Compare Both OptionsWe may earn a commission when you apply through our links. This does not affect our recommendations.
Pricing Breakdown
SafetyWing costs roughly 70% less than Now Health. But you're not comparing equivalent products—you're comparing emergency coverage to comprehensive health insurance. The real question is whether you need actual health insurance or just emergency backup.
| Profile | SafetyWing | Now Health |
|---|---|---|
| Single, Age 30 (Nomad) | $45/mo | $120-170/mo |
| Single, Age 40 (Nomad) | $76/mo | $180-250/mo |
| Single, Age 50 (Remote) | Not available (age limit 39) | $280-380/mo |
| Couple, Age 35 | $90/mo | $250-350/mo |
| Family with 1 child | $90/mo (kids free) | $350-480/mo |
Note: SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is only available until age 39. SafetyWing Remote Health (ages 18-69) is a different product with higher prices and better coverage—but still not comprehensive like Now Health.
Cost Per Use Analysis
SafetyWing's value depends entirely on how much healthcare you use:
- If you never use healthcare: SafetyWing saves you $75-150/month
- If you visit a doctor twice/year: SafetyWing's deductible erases much of the savings
- If you need mental health support: SafetyWing covers $0—Now Health covers treatment
- If you get pregnant: SafetyWing covers $0—Now Health covers delivery (with add-on)
- If you develop a chronic condition: SafetyWing covers nothing ongoing—Now Health covers management
Hidden Costs with SafetyWing
- $250 deductible per injury/illness: That doctor visit for food poisoning? You pay first $250.
- Outpatient care: $3,000 deductible means you pay most outpatient expenses yourself.
- No preventive care: Annual checkups, vaccinations, screenings—all out of pocket.
- No prescriptions: Ongoing medications not covered.
- Exclusions: Mental health, maternity, pre-existing = pay 100% yourself.
Network & Direct Billing
SafetyWing operates differently from traditional insurers. There's no formal provider network—you go to any hospital and file for reimbursement. Now Health maintains a 900K+ provider network with direct billing.
| Aspect | SafetyWing | Now Health |
|---|---|---|
| Network Type | No formal network | 900K+ providers |
| Direct Billing | Limited (emergencies) | Extensive in Asia |
| Hospital Choice | Any hospital (reimburse) | In-network preferred |
| Claims Process | Reimbursement model | Direct billing or reimburse |
| Pre-authorization | For planned procedures | For hospitalizations |
What This Means in Practice
SafetyWing Process
- Go to any hospital or clinic
- Pay out of pocket (bring a credit card with high limit)
- Collect all receipts and documentation
- Submit claim via app or email
- Wait for reimbursement (typically 2-4 weeks)
Caution: For major hospitalizations, SafetyWing can arrange direct payment, but you may need to pay upfront and wait for reimbursement.
Now Health Process
- Find in-network hospital via app
- Show insurance card at reception
- Hospital bills Now Health directly
- You pay only your portion (if any)
- No claim filing for direct billing visits
Advantage: Major hospitalizations handled directly. No large out-of-pocket payments required at in-network facilities.
Use Cases
These products serve different lifestyles. Here's who each one is designed for:
SafetyWing Is Designed For:
- ✓ Digital nomads: Changing countries every few months, no fixed address
- ✓ Young and healthy: Under 40, no ongoing health issues
- ✓ Budget-conscious: Willing to pay out of pocket for routine care
- ✓ Emergency-only mindset: Just want catastrophic coverage
- ✓ Short-term travelers: Gap year, sabbatical, extended trip
Now Health Is Designed For:
- ✓ Settled expats: Living in one country for years
- ✓ Any age: Coverage available well into retirement
- ✓ Active healthcare users: Regular checkups, prescriptions, specialist visits
- ✓ Mental health needs: Therapy, psychiatric care covered
- ✓ Family planning: Maternity coverage available
- ✓ Health conditions: Pre-existing covered after waiting period
Claims Experience
Both insurers process claims adequately, but the experience differs significantly due to their different models.
SafetyWing Claims
- Submission: App or email
- Processing: 2-4 weeks typical
- Reimbursement: Bank transfer
- Support: Email and chat
SafetyWing's startup DNA shows—modern app, quick responses, but sometimes lacks the depth of traditional insurers for complex claims. Most members report straightforward claims paid without issues.
Now Health Claims
- Submission: App, portal, email
- Processing: 5-7 business days
- Reimbursement: Direct or bank transfer
- Support: Phone, email, extended hours
Now Health's Asia-based team handles claims professionally. Direct billing at in-network hospitals means many members never file a claim manually. Complex claims get individual attention.
Compare actual quotes
See the real price difference for your specific age and situation. Both offer instant online quotes.
Get Quotes NowWe may earn a commission when you apply through our links. This does not affect our recommendations.
Key Limitations
Understanding each product's limitations is crucial for making the right choice:
| Limitation | SafetyWing | Now Health |
|---|---|---|
| Age Limit | 39 (Nomad), 69 (Remote) | Typically 70-75 |
| Home Country Coverage | 30-90 days/year | Full coverage (if selected) |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Acute onset only | Covered after 24 months |
| Chronic Conditions | Not covered | Covered |
| Mental Health | Excluded | Included |
| Pregnancy | Excluded | Optional add-on |
SafetyWing's biggest limitation: If you develop a health condition while covered by SafetyWing, it becomes a pre-existing condition when switching to comprehensive insurance. Starting with proper health insurance avoids this trap.
Real-World Scenarios
Here's how each product performs in realistic expat situations:
Motorcycle Accident in Bali
Broken leg, emergency surgery, 5-day hospitalization. Total: $15,000.
→ SafetyWing covers it — After $250 deductible, SafetyWing pays $14,750. This is exactly what SafetyWing is designed for. Now Health would also cover this fully.
Recurring Anxiety Treatment
Weekly therapy sessions at $100/session. Monthly: $400.
→ SafetyWing covers $0 — Mental health is excluded entirely. You pay 100% out of pocket. Now Health covers therapy visits under mental health benefits.
Planned Pregnancy
Prenatal care, delivery, postnatal. Estimate: $8,000.
→ SafetyWing covers $0 — Maternity is excluded. Now Health covers with optional maternity add-on (10-12 month waiting period applies).
Diabetes Diagnosis
You're diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Need ongoing medication and monitoring.
→ SafetyWing covers initial ER visit only — Ongoing management is not covered. Now Health covers ongoing care. If you switch to Now Health after diagnosis, diabetes is pre-existing with 24-month wait.
Annual Health Checkup
Standard preventive screening: blood work, physical exam. Cost: $200.
→ SafetyWing covers $0 — Preventive care excluded. You pay 100%. Now Health includes wellness benefits covering annual checkups.
Food Poisoning Treatment
Doctor visit, IV fluids, anti-nausea meds. Total: $300.
→ SafetyWing: you pay $250 deductible, they pay $50 — The $250 deductible per illness erases most benefit. Now Health covers with only your plan's deductible (if any).
Who Should Choose Which
SafetyWing Makes Sense If You:
- ✓ Are under 40 and genuinely healthy
- ✓ Travel constantly (new country every few months)
- ✓ Would pay cash for routine doctor visits anyway
- ✓ Have no mental health needs
- ✓ Won't need maternity coverage
- ✓ Just want catastrophic backup
- ✓ Budget is the #1 priority
Now Health Makes Sense If You:
- ✓ Are 40+ (SafetyWing Nomad unavailable)
- ✓ Live in one country long-term
- ✓ Use healthcare regularly (checkups, prescriptions)
- ✓ Need or may need mental health support
- ✓ Are planning pregnancy
- ✓ Have any health conditions
- ✓ Want direct billing at hospitals
- ✓ Need visa-compliant insurance
Final Verdict
SafetyWing and Now Health serve different purposes. SafetyWing is travel insurance—good for emergencies, useless for actual healthcare. Now Health is health insurance—comprehensive coverage for people who need medical care beyond emergencies.
SafetyWing works for healthy young nomads who genuinely just need catastrophic coverage. The $45/month price is attractive, and for the right person, it's sufficient. But understand what you're giving up: mental health, maternity, preventive care, chronic condition management, and most routine medical needs.
Now Health is actual health insurance. If you're settling in Asia or the Middle East, use healthcare regularly, have any health concerns, or simply want real coverage, the $120-170/month is worth it. You get comprehensive care, direct billing, and peace of mind.
The trap to avoid: Starting with SafetyWing, developing a health condition, then finding that condition is pre-existing when you try to upgrade to real insurance. If you can afford Now Health now, it's the safer long-term choice.
Bottom Line
SafetyWing for young, healthy nomads who just need emergency backup. Now Health for anyone who actually uses healthcare or plans to live abroad long-term. Different products for different needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use SafetyWing as my only insurance?
Technically yes, but understand the gaps. SafetyWing won't cover routine care, mental health, maternity, or pre-existing conditions. If you're healthy, rarely see doctors, and just want emergency backup, it can work. If you use healthcare regularly, you'll end up paying significant out-of-pocket costs.
Is SafetyWing valid for visas?
Some countries accept SafetyWing for visa applications, others don't. Countries requiring comprehensive health insurance (like Germany, Czech Republic, or Spain's TIE) typically don't accept SafetyWing. Check specific visa requirements—Now Health is more likely to be accepted for visa purposes.
What if I get sick while on SafetyWing?
SafetyWing covers the emergency treatment. But if you develop an ongoing condition—diabetes, autoimmune disease, mental health issues—subsequent care isn't covered. Worse, when you switch to comprehensive insurance, it's a pre-existing condition with waiting periods.
Can I switch from SafetyWing to Now Health later?
Yes, but you'll undergo new underwriting. Any conditions developed while on SafetyWing become pre-existing with Now Health—typically 24-month waiting period before coverage. This is why starting with comprehensive insurance is often smarter long-term.
Which is better for families?
Now Health, definitively. SafetyWing's free kids under 10 sounds good, but children need pediatrician visits, vaccinations, and routine care—none covered by SafetyWing. Families typically use healthcare more and need comprehensive coverage.
Is SafetyWing actually insurance?
SafetyWing is travel medical insurance, underwritten by Tokio Marine HCC (a legitimate insurer). It's real insurance—just a limited type designed for travel emergencies, not comprehensive health coverage. The distinction matters when understanding what it does and doesn't cover.
