What SafetyWing Doesn't Cover: Exclusions and Limits to Check
Every policy has exclusions. These are the ones most likely to catch out someone buying SafetyWing after they've left home.
Short answer
The exclusions most likely to matter if you buy abroad: anything that started before your cover, limited cover in your home country, the US only as an add-on, sanctioned and restricted countries, and activities that need an add-on. The full list is in the policy wording.
The exclusions and limits that matter most
Problems that started before your cover
Essential generally excludes pre-existing illnesses and injuries. Limited emergency treatment may apply to certain sudden and unexpected pre-existing conditions when the policy's requirements are met, but this benefit isn't available during the first 28 days of the active insurance period. If you're already unwell or injured, read what to do first.
Your home country
Essential covers eligible medical costs in your home country for up to 30 days in each three-month period (15 days if your home country is the US). Essential isn't designed for living in your home country.
The United States
Cover in the United States is an optional Essential add-on, and it isn't available to US citizens or residents.
Restricted and sanctioned countries
SafetyWing follows US, UK, EU and UN sanctions, which restrict both who can buy (by home country) and where you're covered, and the country lists change over time. Check both the country you're buying from and the ones you plan to visit.
Activities
Adventure activities need care: cover for adventure sports, and for electronics theft, is sold as an optional add-on. Check whether your planned activities, such as diving, skiing or trekking at altitude, need the add-on or are excluded entirely.
Claims deadlines
Claims must be filed within 60 days of the end of the insurance period. Keep receipts and medical reports as you go.
Routine care
Essential is for unexpected illness and injury, not check-ups or ongoing prescriptions. Complete covers more routine care. See Essential vs Complete.
Other common exclusions to look for
Most travel medical policies have exclusions along these lines. We haven't reproduced SafetyWing's exact wording here, so check the policy:
- Elective or non-emergency treatment
- Injuries linked to intoxication or illegal acts
- Self-inflicted injury
- Professional sports
- Travel against official advice in some circumstances
The policy wording decides. What a plan actually covers is set by its policy documents, not by this page or by any sales page. Read the wording for anything that matters to you before you buy, and again before you rely on it.
Common questions
Is this a full list of SafetyWing exclusions?
No. It covers the exclusions and limits most relevant to people buying abroad. The full list is in SafetyWing's policy wording, which is what actually applies.
Does SafetyWing cover motorbike accidents?
It depends on the policy wording. Motor vehicle cover often comes with conditions, such as holding the right licence and wearing a helmet. Check SafetyWing's wording on motor vehicles before you ride.
Sources
Insurer details on this page are summarised from each insurer’s own published material; general guidance comes from the official sources listed. Terms change, so check these pages and the policy wording before you buy.