Travel Insurance
If you’re a digital nomad planning to travel (or live) in South America, choosing the right travel + health insurance is crucial.
If you’re a digital nomad planning to travel (or live) in South America, choosing the right travel + health insurance is crucial.
We have sourced information for two popular insurance companies that are a good fit for South America Travel.
SafetyWing
- Often cited as one of the best for long-term travellers/nomads. LovoTrip+2Nomadic Matt’s Travel Site+2
- Subscription-based: you can pay monthly (or in 28-day increments) and it renews, so good for uncertain timelines. LovoTrip
- Covers 180+ countries (including South America) and you can buy once you’re already travelling. NerdWallet
- Some limitations: e.g., pre-existing conditions often excluded; some activities may not be covered without add-ons. DigiWander
- Reddit nomads say: “I’m using SafetyWing … pretty much every company will have a wide array of reviews … I recommend SafetyWing.” Reddit
- Good option especially if budget is important, and you’re moving around a lot.
World Nomads
- Strong for travellers doing adventure / remote stays. According to one guide: “Best for Backpackers & Adventure Travelers” in South America. LovoTrip+1
- Offers higher medical and evacuation limits; lots of adventure activities coverage.
- Might cost more than entry-level nomad-plans, but good if you plan hiking / remote regions.
Here is a detailed side-by-side comparison of two popular travel/nomad-friendly plans: SafetyWing (Nomad Insurance) and World Nomads (Standard & Explorer plans).
Important: Always check policy wording specific to your country of residence and destination, since cover varies by region.
| Feature | SafetyWing Nomad Insurance | World Nomads (Standard / Explorer) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall target audience – flexibility | Built for long-term travel/nomads: pay monthly/4-weekly subscription, can buy after departure. Digital Nomad World+2Nomad Gate+2 | Built for adventure travel and trips of defined duration; cover can often be purchased during travel too. worldnomads.com+1 |
| Maximum medical coverage (illness/injury overseas) | Up to USD 250,000 for ages up to 64; for 65-69 the limit is USD 100,000. traveleira.com+2expatinsurances.org+2 | Varies by plan and region. For many residencies: Emergency Overseas Medical Insurance: Standard: USD 5,000,000; Explorer: “Unlimited” up to 12 months. worldnomads.com+1 |
| Emergency medical evacuation – repatriation | Up to USD 100,000 lifetime max. expatinsurances.org+1 | For many regions: evacuation / repatriation up to USD 500,000 (or higher) depending on plan. worldnomads.com+1 |
| Deductible – excess | Insurance review says deductible USD 250 (though some sources say $0 for many claims). HelloSafe+1 | Deductible varies; many regions show $0 or small excess but details depend on resident country & plan. Example: some plans show deductible USD 0-250. adamandlinds.com |
| Coverage for adventure – sports – gear – electronics | Base plan: limited adventure sports; add-on required for many risk activities. Electronics/theft often excluded or via add-on. Aperlust | Stronger on adventure/sports: e.g., cover for 150+ activities standard; gear/electronics coverage included. worldnomads.com+1 |
| Trip cancellation – interruption – trip-type cover | Trip cancellation generally not covered (or very limited). Travel delay / lost baggage modest limits. adamandlinds.com | Covers trip cancellation & interruption (depending on plan) and lost/stolen gear. Example: trip cancellation USD 5,000 Standard / USD 10,000 Explorer in one region. worldcovertips.com |
| Price / cost example | For ages 10-39: about USD 56.28 per 4 weeks for the “Essential” plan. Digital Nomad World+1 | Much higher cost in some cases: one review says USD 207 for 28 days (US resident) for Standard. Never Ending Voyage |
| Home-country / return-home coverage | Offers limited coverage for home country visits after being abroad for 90 days: e.g., you keep coverage for 30 days when you visit your home country. worldsupporter.org | Typically is “travel insurance” rather than long-term health; usually does not cover you when you return home to live or work. travelandguides.co.za |
| Reviews – user feedback | Some positive feedback, but also many negative claims re: claim handling. > “I’ve been subscribed… have had more than one claim paid…” Reddit > “SafetyWing is NOT real insurance. They are a scam…” Reddit | Reviews mixed: good when claims processed, but criticisms of documentation burden and claim denial. Reddit+1 |