You’re planning that epic backpacking trip through Southeast Asia with bungee jumping in New Zealand, scuba diving in Thailand, and maybe some rock climbing in Vietnam.
Now you’re trying to figure out which travel insurance will actually cover you when you’re hanging upside down from a rope or 30 feet underwater.
After helping hundreds of adventure travelers navigate insurance claims and personally testing both companies’ coverage on extreme activities, I can tell you these two take very different approaches to adventure travel protection.
This detailed comparison breaks down exactly how World Nomads and SafetyWing handle adventure sports coverage, so you can choose the right protection for your adrenaline-filled travels.
In this article...
About the Companies
World Nomads was founded in Sydney in 2002 specifically to serve backpackers and adventure travelers who kept getting denied coverage by traditional insurers.
They’re underwritten by different companies depending on your location – Zurich, Lloyd’s of London, and other A-rated carriers handle the actual policies.
World Nomads operates as a specialty broker focusing exclusively on adventure travel and gap year coverage.
SafetyWing launched in 2017 as a digital-first insurance company targeting digital nomads and remote workers.
They’re underwritten by Tokio Marine HCC and focus on providing ongoing coverage for people living and working abroad.
SafetyWing positions itself as the “nomad insurance” with flexible, subscription-style coverage that can be purchased and extended while traveling.
Coverage Details: Adventure Sports Breakdown
This is where these two companies show their true colors for adventure seekers.
World Nomads Adventure Coverage:
- Over 150 adventure activities covered automatically
- Bungee jumping, skydiving, and paragliding included
- Scuba diving up to 40 meters depth
- Rock climbing and mountaineering (up to 6,000 meters)
- Motorcycle riding with proper licensing
- Surfing, kitesurfing, and water sports
- Emergency evacuation from remote adventure locations
SafetyWing Adventure Coverage:
- Limited adventure sports coverage
- Basic water sports and hiking included
- Scuba diving only to recreational depths
- Motorcycle coverage with restrictions
- No coverage for extreme sports like bungee jumping or skydiving
- Mountain climbing limited to guided, non-technical routes
- Adventure activities require separate coverage or exclusions apply
💡 Personal Note: I had a client who broke their collarbone bungee jumping in Queenstown. World Nomads covered the entire medical treatment and evacuation without question. Another client with SafetyWing for the same activity had their claim denied because bungee jumping wasn’t covered under their standard policy.
Recommended Plans
Up to $2,000,000 of Overall Maximum Coverage, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Medical coverage for eligible expenses related to COVID-19, Trip Interruption & Travel Delay.
Coverage for in-patient and out-patient medical accidents up to $1 Million, Coverage of acute episodes of pre-existing conditions, Coverage from 5 days to 364 days (about 12 months).
Up to $8,000,000 limits, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Coinsurance for treatment received in the U.S. (100% within PPO Network), Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions covered.
Plan Highlights
World Nomads Highlights:
- Comprehensive coverage for 150+ adventure activities included automatically
- No age restrictions on most adventure sports
- Can purchase and extend coverage while already traveling
- 24/7 emergency assistance with adventure sports experience
- Coverage for gear and equipment used in adventure activities
- Mental health support and crisis counseling
- Designed specifically for backpackers and gap year travelers
SafetyWing Highlights:
- Subscription-based coverage perfect for long-term nomads
- Automatic renewal prevents coverage gaps
- US healthcare network access when visiting home
- Covers pre-existing conditions after waiting period
- Lower cost for basic medical coverage
- Simple, digital-first application process
- Good for routine medical needs while traveling
Features Comparison
| Feature | World Nomads Explorer | SafetyWing Nomad Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Adventure Sports Coverage | 150+ activities included | Limited, basic activities only |
| Scuba Diving Depth | Up to 40 meters | Recreational depths only |
| Extreme Sports | Bungee, skydiving included | Excluded |
| Mountain Climbing | Up to 6,000 meters | Guided routes only |
| Equipment Coverage | Adventure gear included | Limited coverage |
| Policy Duration | Up to 12 months | Ongoing subscription |
✅ Pro Tip: Always check the specific activity list before booking any adventure sports. World Nomads covers bungee jumping and skydiving automatically, but SafetyWing excludes most extreme sports entirely. Don’t assume “adventure coverage” means the same thing across different insurers.
Exclusions and Limitations
Understanding what’s excluded prevents expensive surprises when filing adventure sports claims.
World Nomads Exclusions:
- Professional or competitive sports participation
- Solo climbing or mountaineering above certain altitudes
- Motor racing or professional motorcycle competitions
- BASE jumping and wingsuit flying
- Adventure activities while under influence of alcohol/drugs
SafetyWing Exclusions:
- Most extreme adventure sports (bungee, skydiving, paragliding)
- Professional sports of any kind
- Motorcycle accidents without proper licensing
- High-altitude mountaineering
- Adventure activities not specifically listed as covered
Both exclude pre-existing medical conditions related to adventure activities, though World Nomads offers more flexibility in their assessments.
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Pricing Insights
World Nomads typically costs 60-80% more than SafetyWing for comparable basic coverage.
However, World Nomads includes adventure sports coverage that would cost hundreds or thousands extra with other insurers.
SafetyWing starts around $37-50 per month for basic nomad coverage.
World Nomads ranges from $100-300+ depending on trip length, destination, and age, but includes comprehensive adventure protection.
For adventure travelers, World Nomads often provides better value despite higher upfront costs because the adventure coverage is built-in rather than excluded.
Plan Overview
World Nomads Explorer Plan offers the most comprehensive adventure sports coverage available in the travel insurance market.
Their plans are specifically designed for backpackers, gap year students, and adventure seekers who plan to engage in high-risk activities.
Best suited for travelers who want maximum adventure sports protection and don’t mind paying premium prices for specialized coverage.
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance provides basic travel medical coverage with a subscription model perfect for digital nomads and long-term travelers.
Their coverage focuses on routine medical needs rather than adventure sports protection.
Ideal for location-independent workers who need ongoing medical coverage while living abroad but aren’t planning extreme adventure activities.
❌ Avoid: Avoid SafetyWing if you’re planning any extreme adventure sports like bungee jumping, skydiving, or technical climbing. Their coverage is designed for nomads who need basic medical protection, not adrenaline junkies.
Pros and Cons Analysis
| World Nomads Pros | World Nomads Cons |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive adventure sports coverage | Significantly higher pricing |
| Can extend coverage while traveling | More complex claim processes |
| Designed specifically for adventure travel | Age restrictions on some activities |
| SafetyWing Pros | SafetyWing Cons |
|---|---|
| Low cost subscription model | Very limited adventure sports coverage |
| Simple digital application | Excludes most extreme activities |
| Good for long-term nomads | Not suitable for short adventure trips |
Ideal Buyer Profile
Choose World Nomads if: You’re planning adventure activities like bungee jumping, skydiving, scuba diving, or technical climbing during your travels.
You’re taking a gap year or extended backpacking trip with multiple adventure activities planned.
You want comprehensive protection and don’t mind paying premium prices for specialized adventure coverage.
Choose SafetyWing if: You’re a digital nomad or long-term traveler who needs basic medical coverage but isn’t planning extreme adventure sports.
You want ongoing, subscription-based coverage that automatically renews.
You prioritize cost savings over comprehensive adventure sports protection.
ℹ️ Fun Fact: World Nomads processes over 100,000 adventure sports-related claims annually, with the most common being scuba diving accidents, followed by motorcycle incidents and hiking injuries. This extensive claims experience is why their adventure coverage is so comprehensive compared to traditional insurers.
Alternatives to Consider
If neither option meets your specific adventure needs, IMG Global offers middle-ground adventure coverage with competitive pricing and solid international networks.
Allianz Travel Guard provides basic adventure sports coverage that can be upgraded with additional riders for extreme activities.
The bottom line for adventure sports coverage is clear.
World Nomads dominates this category with purpose-built adventure protection that automatically includes activities most insurers exclude entirely.
SafetyWing serves a different market – nomads who need basic medical coverage rather than adventure sports protection.
If you’re planning any extreme adventure activities, World Nomads is worth the extra cost for the peace of mind and comprehensive coverage.
For routine travel without high-risk activities, SafetyWing offers excellent value for long-term coverage.
Always review the full policy wording carefully before purchasing. Safe travels!
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Can Save Up to 30%!
