Quick Answer
SafetyWing is better for most nomads — simpler, cheaper for ages 18–39, designed specifically for long-term travellers, and covers most countries in Asia without complications. True Traveller is better for those over 40, those who want adventure/extreme sports coverage, or those who need higher emergency medical limits. The main caveat: both are primarily emergency/travel insurance, not comprehensive health plans.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | SafetyWing | True Traveller |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost (age 30) | ~$45 | ~$40–60 |
| Monthly cost (age 45) | ~$75 | ~$60–90 |
| Emergency medical limit | $250,000 | $500,000–unlimited |
| Emergency evacuation | Included | Included |
| Pre-existing conditions | Limited (6-month wait) | Some covered with premium |
| Adventure sports | Basic | Comprehensive add-on |
| Dental (emergency) | Included | Included |
| Trip cancellation | Basic | Available |
| Home country coverage | Up to 30 days | Varies |
| Deductible | $250 per policy period | Varies by plan |
| Countries covered | 180+ | 180+ |
SafetyWing: Who It Is Best For
SafetyWing was built for digital nomads and remote workers. Key characteristics:
- Subscription model: Pay monthly, cancel anytime, no annual commitment
- Simple: One clear plan with add-ons. No confusing tiers.
- Age pricing: Excellent value for ages 18–39 (~$45/month). Gets more expensive at 40+.
- Asia coverage: Covers India, Southeast Asia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Georgia, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea without complications
- Home country visits: Covers you in your home country for up to 30 days per 90-day period — useful for return trips
- Weak spots: Lower maximum medical limits ($250,000) versus some competitors. Pre-existing conditions not covered without the 6-month waiting period exception.
Best for: Solo nomads under 40 doing long-term Asia travel. The lowest-friction option with the clearest pricing.
True Traveller: Who It Is Best For
True Traveller (UK-based) is a more flexible policy with configurable options:
- Higher medical limits: Up to unlimited emergency medical depending on plan
- Better adventure coverage: Trekking (Nepal, Himalayas), motorbiking, surfing, diving are available as add-ons or included in higher tiers
- Better for 40+: Pricing stays more competitive at older ages
- Pre-existing conditions: Some covered depending on declaration and premium tier
- Weak spots: More complex to configure. More expensive at younger ages for basic coverage.
Best for: Nomads over 40. Those doing significant adventure activities (trekking Nepal, motorbiking Vietnam, surfing Indonesia). Those with pre-existing conditions who need some coverage.
What Neither Covers Well
Both SafetyWing and True Traveller are primarily emergency and travel insurance rather than comprehensive health plans. Neither covers:
- Routine doctor visits and preventive care (annual check-ups, vaccines)
- Elective procedures
- Long-term chronic condition management
- Dental (beyond emergency extractions and pain relief)
- Vision/glasses
For comprehensive health coverage including the above, international health insurance (Cigna Global, Allianz Care, Aetna International) is required — but at $1,500–4,000+/year versus SafetyWing's $540/year for a 30-year-old.
For Long Stays in Specific Countries
For stays of 6+ months in India, Sri Lanka, or Southeast Asia, consider adding a local health insurance policy on top of your international emergency coverage. Local policies handle routine care far better and at very low cost.
- India: Star Health or Niva Bupa for $96–180/year
- Thailand: BUPA Thailand for $200–400/year
- Vietnam, Indonesia: Local policies available through brokers
Bottom Line
SafetyWing for ages 18–39 doing general Asia nomading. True Traveller for ages 40+, adventure-heavy travel, or those who need higher limits. Either option is significantly better than travelling uninsured.
*Last updated: May 2026*