How a typical nomad insurance claim works — from incident to reimbursement
Quick summary
Before you go to the hospital — the most important step
Pre-authorization is not legally required for emergency treatment — if you're in genuine danger, go to hospital immediately. But for any non-emergency hospital admission, specialist procedure, or expensive treatment, a 5-minute call to SafetyWing before treatment reportedly increases final reimbursement by 10–15%.
Documents you need
Required documents checklist ✓
Step-by-step claim submission
Log into your SafetyWing account
Go to safetywing.com and log in using the email you used when you purchased the policy. Your dashboard shows your active coverage and quick actions.
Click "Submit a claim"
On the right side of your dashboard, under Quick Actions, click the "Submit a claim" button. This opens the updated 2024 claims form (Nomad Insurance 2.0).
Select claim type
Choose "Medical" for healthcare expenses, or "Non-medical" for other covered claims (trip interruption, lost baggage, etc.).
Enter incident details
Describe what happened, where, and when. Be specific and thorough — vague descriptions increase the chance of requests for additional information. Enter your bank account details for reimbursement.
Upload documents
Upload all required documents — photos from your phone are accepted. Make sure every document is legible and clearly shows the date, provider name, diagnosis (for medical reports), and amount (for invoices).
Submit and track
Submit the form. You'll receive a confirmation email with a claim reference number. Track status in your SafetyWing dashboard. If SafetyWing needs additional documents, they'll email you — respond promptly to avoid delays.
Processing timeline
2–3 days
Simple claims — ER visit, medication, single doctor visit with complete documentation
8 days
Average (all claims) — per Trustpilot data from 8,400+ SafetyWing reviews in 2025
2–4 weeks
Complex claims — hospitalization, surgery, multiple providers, disputed items
How to appeal a denied claim
If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. The process is straightforward:
- Submit a written appeal through the SafetyWing portal, by email, or by postal mail
- Include the claim reference number and specify exactly why you believe the denial was incorrect
- Attach supporting documentation — additional medical records, policy language supporting your position, or evidence the condition was not pre-existing
- File within 60 days of the last day of your certificate period
Top tips from the community
1. Call before treatment, not after
Save +1 (415) 723-3140 in your phone right now. Calling before hospital admission for non-emergencies consistently improves reimbursement outcomes.
2. Always ask for itemized invoices
At every hospital or clinic, ask specifically for an itemized invoice. Most places provide them on request. A single-line total is the most common cause of partial denials.
3. File within 60 days
SafetyWing's policy requires claims to be filed within 60 days of the last day of your certificate period. Don't wait — submit as soon as you have all documents.
4. Be detailed in your description
The more detail in your incident description, the fewer follow-up questions SafetyWing needs to ask. "Food poisoning — severe gastroenteritis requiring IV rehydration, visited Bumrungrad Hospital Bangkok on 12 June" is better than "Got sick in Thailand."
5. Take photos of everything at the hospital
Before you leave any hospital or clinic, photograph every document they hand you — prescription, invoice, discharge papers, lab results. You can't go back for them later.
FAQ
Related guides
Affiliate disclosure: NomadShield earns a commission when you purchase through our links. Claim process details based on SafetyWing policy documents and community experiences as of June 2026.