SafetyWing vs PassportCard.
A common comparison for nomads: SafetyWing's lower entry price and rolling 4-week renewals versus PassportCard's card-based payment of eligible medical costs. Here's how they compare on pricing status, claim model, residency, renewals and the main trade-offs — using the same fields we use on compare.html.
Different products for different jobs.
SafetyWing is generally suited for a lower entry price on travel medical cover with rolling 4-week renewals — the verified from-price is $62.72 / 4 weeks (ages 18–39). Older age bands and US coverage are quoted at checkout.
PassportCard is generally suited for card-based payment of eligible medical costs — a prepaid card pays providers directly — with availability varying by residence and market.
The right option depends on where you live, how you want claims handled and whether a verified entry price matters more than a card-based experience. If you're not sure, take the 60-second quiz to see which fits your situation.
SafetyWing: verified published from-price · PassportCard: standard-profile reference checked June 2026 · the carrier confirms your exact price.
Side by side
Swipe sideways to compare both carriers →
| Feature | SafetyWing | PassportCard |
|---|---|---|
| Product type | Travel medical (nomad) | International health |
| Claim model | Reimbursement | Card pays eligible medical costs |
| Pricing | From $62.72 / 4 weeks (ages 18–39) | €395.99 / month · standard profile |
| Sold to | Broad availability · verify at carrier | Availability varies by residence and market — verify with PassportCard |
| Renewal cycle | 4-week auto-renew | Annual auto-renew |
| Cancellation | Anytime | 1-month notice |
| Sign up while abroad | Yes | Yes |
| US cover | Optional add-on | Included |
| Adventure activities | Leisure included, extra add-on | Not standard |
| Outpatient cover | Per plan schedule | Plan-dependent |
| Backing | SafetyWing Insurance I.I. | DavidShield; insurer varies by market |
Coverage details vary by plan, country of residence and add-ons. SafetyWing's verified from-price applies to ages 18–39 with non-US coverage; older age bands and US coverage are quoted at checkout. Always verify in the carrier's policy document before buying.
When each is a better fit
SafetyWing tends to fit if you…
- Want a verified lower entry price (especially under 40) rather than a personalised quote.
- Are travelling rather than living abroad indefinitely.
- Prefer rolling 4-week renewals you can cancel anytime.
- Are comfortable with the reimbursement claim model (pay first, claim back).
PassportCard tends to fit if you…
- Can buy it where you live — availability varies by residence and market, so verify with PassportCard.
- Prefer eligible medical costs paid by card rather than paying first and claiming reimbursement.
- Need US cover included by default rather than as an add-on.
- Are comfortable with an annual auto-renew and a 1-month cancellation notice.
Main trade-offs
Pricing transparency is asymmetric. SafetyWing publishes a verified from-price for ages 18–39 ($62.72 / 4 weeks); for PassportCard we show a standard-profile reference (€395.99 / month, last checked June 2026). SafetyWing's older age bands and US coverage are quoted at checkout, so a like-for-like comparison isn't exact — confirm both for your profile.
Different claim experiences. SafetyWing operates on reimbursement — you pay first, then file a claim. PassportCard issues a prepaid card that pays providers directly. The difference shows up most when you're sitting in a clinic abroad and would prefer not to be out of pocket.
Different eligibility footprints. SafetyWing is broadly available internationally. PassportCard availability varies by residence and market — verify with PassportCard. Where it is not available, PassportCard will not be in scope — verify before assuming.
Cover depth differs. SafetyWing outpatient is limited to the plan schedule and mental health is not included on the base plan. PassportCard outpatient and mental-health cover depend on the plan selected. Additional adventure cover is an add-on on SafetyWing and not standard on PassportCard. Pick based on your specific use case.
Renewal cycles differ. SafetyWing renews every 4 weeks and you can cancel anytime. PassportCard runs on an annual auto-renew with a 1-month cancellation notice. If you value short cancellation windows, SafetyWing has a lighter contract feel.
Backing differs. SafetyWing Essential is underwritten by SafetyWing Insurance I.I. PassportCard is operated by DavidShield, with the insurer varying by market. Verify the applicable insurer in your own policy document — neither fact implies endorsement of Roamsurance.
Neither is a "best." They are different products for different jobs. The right one depends on residency, claim preference and whether a verified entry price matters more than card-based claims. See the full side-by-side comparison or run the quiz.
FAQ
Is SafetyWing always cheaper than PassportCard?
SafetyWing's published entry rate ($62.72 / 4 weeks, ages 18–39, non-US) sits well below PassportCard's standard-profile reference (€395.99 / month) — but they're different products, and SafetyWing's older age bands and US coverage are quoted at checkout, so confirm both for your profile.
Can PassportCard cover me if I live outside the EU?
PassportCard availability varies by residence and market — verify with PassportCard. If it is not available where you live, SafetyWing's broader availability is more likely to be in scope.
Does SafetyWing pay providers directly?
Generally no — SafetyWing operates on a reimbursement model. If card payment of eligible costs matters to you, PassportCard's card-based model is closer to that use case.
Which fits a long stay in Asia or Latin America?
Depends on residency. PassportCard availability varies by residence and market — verify with PassportCard. If it is not available where you live, or you want a verified low entry price, SafetyWing is more relevant. Run the quiz to match against your full profile.
See which fits your situation.
Five questions. We'll show which carriers match — and the trade-offs.
Compare my options →