Healthcare · Decision Guide
SafetyWing vs Cigna Global: How They Compare for Expats
SafetyWing and Cigna Global represent two fundamentally different approaches to expat health coverage. SafetyWing offers affordable, flexible coverage designed for digital nomads and travelers. Cigna Global provides comprehensive international health insurance for settled expats and their families.
The choice isn't about which is "better"—it's about which matches your situation. A nomad moving between countries every few months has different needs than someone settling long-term with a family.
Last reviewed: January 2026
Decision-support content for research purposes. Not legal, tax, or financial advice. Verify with official sources.
This page helps you understand the differences between SafetyWing and Cigna Global for expat health coverage.
- The fundamental difference: nomad insurance vs comprehensive health insurance
- How coverage levels and costs compare
- Which situations and lifestyles each serves
- Visa compliance considerations
- When you might need to switch between them
Compare provider options
These are examples, not recommendations. Compare options based on your specific needs.
Side-by-side comparison
High-level differences. Specific coverage varies by plan.
| Designed for | SafetyWing: Nomads/travelers | Cigna: Settled expats Different target users |
| Cost range | SafetyWing: ~$45/month | Cigna: $200-600+/month Varies significantly by age, coverage, location |
| Coverage depth | SafetyWing: Essential | Cigna: Comprehensive Cigna covers more, costs more |
| Pre-existing conditions | SafetyWing: Not covered | Cigna: May be covered Cigna offers coverage after waiting periods |
| Maternity | SafetyWing: Emergency only | Cigna: Full coverage available Major difference for family planning |
| Home country coverage | SafetyWing: Limited | Cigna: Optional add-on Both have restrictions on home country |
| Contract type | SafetyWing: Monthly, cancel anytime | Cigna: Annual SafetyWing more flexible; Cigna more committed |
Key tradeoffs
Important considerations that affect most people in this situation.
Where SafetyWing typically fits better
- • Digital nomads moving frequently
- • Budget-conscious coverage needs
- • Short to medium-term travel
- • Young, healthy individuals
- • Flexible, month-to-month commitment
Where Cigna Global typically fits better
- • Settled expats in one country
- • Families with children
- • Pre-existing conditions to cover
- • Maternity and family planning
- • Comprehensive, long-term coverage
Essential vs comprehensive coverage
SafetyWing covers emergencies, unexpected illness, and accidents—the things you can't predict. It doesn't cover routine care, pre-existing conditions, or planned procedures. Cigna Global offers full health insurance including preventive care, chronic condition management, and specialist access. The coverage gap is significant; so is the price gap.
Flexibility vs stability
SafetyWing's monthly subscription model means you can start, stop, and restart as needed. Ideal for unpredictable nomad life. Cigna's annual contracts provide stable coverage but require commitment. If you're settling somewhere, annual makes sense. If you're moving frequently or unsure about plans, flexibility matters more.
Price reflects coverage depth
SafetyWing's ~$45/month buys emergency coverage. Cigna's $200-600+/month (varying by age, location, and plan) buys comprehensive coverage. Neither is overpriced for what it provides—they're simply different products. Comparing them on price alone misses the point; compare them on whether the coverage matches your needs.
When SafetyWing typically fits better
Scenarios where SafetyWing's model works well.
- You're a digital nomad or frequent traveler — flexible coverage that moves with you without annual commitment
- You're young and healthy — if you mainly need emergency/accident coverage, SafetyWing covers that affordably
- Budget is a primary constraint — $45/month is accessible when comprehensive plans aren't affordable
- You have other coverage for home visits — SafetyWing's limited home country coverage is fine if you have another solution
- Your situation is temporary — if you'll settle somewhere and get local coverage eventually, SafetyWing bridges the gap
- You don't have pre-existing conditions — SafetyWing excludes them, so this only works if you don't need that coverage
When Cigna Global typically fits better
Scenarios where Cigna's comprehensive approach works well.
- You're settling in one country — comprehensive coverage makes sense when you're establishing a stable base
- You have a family — Cigna's family plans, maternity coverage, and pediatric care are substantial advantages
- Pre-existing conditions need coverage — Cigna can cover them after waiting periods; SafetyWing cannot
- You want full healthcare, not just emergencies — routine care, specialists, mental health, dental (on some plans)
- Visa requirements demand comprehensive insurance — some visas specifically require coverage levels SafetyWing doesn't meet
- You're older — comprehensive coverage becomes more valuable as health needs increase
Coverage comparison
What each actually covers.
- Emergency care — Both cover. SafetyWing: up to $250k. Cigna: varies by plan, often $1M+
- Hospital stays — Both cover. Cigna typically with private rooms; SafetyWing may have limitations
- Outpatient care — Cigna: yes. SafetyWing: limited to illness/injury, not routine
- Pre-existing conditions — Cigna: yes, after waiting period (often 12-24 months). SafetyWing: no
- Maternity — Cigna: full coverage available (waiting period applies). SafetyWing: emergency complications only
- Mental health — Cigna: covered on most plans. SafetyWing: limited coverage
- Dental and vision — Cigna: available as add-ons. SafetyWing: emergency dental only
- Preventive care — Cigna: covered. SafetyWing: not covered
Cost comparison
How pricing works for each.
- SafetyWing Nomad Insurance — ~$45/month for ages 18-39, increasing with age. Simple, flat pricing
- SafetyWing Remote Health — ~$180/month, more comprehensive than Nomad Insurance but still less than traditional expat plans
- Cigna Global — $200-600+/month depending on age, location, coverage level, and deductible choices
- Deductibles — SafetyWing: $250 per injury/illness. Cigna: customizable from $0 to $5,000+ (higher deductible = lower premium)
- Family pricing — SafetyWing: kids under 10 free with parent. Cigna: separate premiums per family member
- Annual cost perspective — SafetyWing Nomad: ~$540/year. Cigna: $2,400-7,000+/year. The gap is real; so is the coverage gap
Visa compliance considerations
Whether each satisfies visa insurance requirements.
Some visas (D7 Portugal, Spain non-lucrative, Schengen) require health insurance meeting specific criteria: minimum coverage amounts, no coverage gaps, sometimes specific benefits. Cigna Global typically satisfies these requirements. SafetyWing may or may not—it depends on the specific visa requirements.
If your visa requires comprehensive health insurance, verify that your chosen plan meets the exact requirements. Don't assume. Get documentation from the insurer confirming coverage meets visa criteria. SafetyWing provides visa letters, but whether they satisfy your specific consulate is something to verify.
When people switch between them
Common transitions between these coverage types.
- Nomad to settled — many start with SafetyWing while traveling, then switch to Cigna (or local insurance) when settling in one place
- Starting a family — pregnancy often triggers the switch. SafetyWing doesn't cover planned maternity; Cigna does
- Developing health conditions — if something becomes ongoing, Cigna's pre-existing coverage (after waiting period) becomes valuable
- Budget changes — income increase may enable upgrading from SafetyWing to comprehensive coverage
- Getting older — as health needs increase with age, comprehensive coverage becomes more important
- Visa requirements change — upgrading residence status may require more comprehensive insurance
Common pitfalls
Issues that frequently catch people off guard in this area.
Common questions
Can I use SafetyWing as my only health insurance?
For young, healthy nomads without pre-existing conditions, SafetyWing can work as primary coverage. But understand what it covers: emergencies, unexpected illness, accidents. It doesn't cover routine care, preventive checkups, or pre-existing conditions. If you need comprehensive healthcare, it's not sufficient alone.
Does SafetyWing satisfy visa requirements?
Sometimes. SafetyWing provides visa letters, and some consulates accept it. Others require more comprehensive coverage. There's no universal answer—verify with your specific consulate before relying on SafetyWing for visa compliance.
Is Cigna worth the higher cost?
Depends on your needs. If you're settling with family, have pre-existing conditions, or want full healthcare access, yes. If you're a healthy solo nomad who mainly needs emergency coverage, the extra cost may not match your actual needs. Match the coverage to your situation.
Can I switch from SafetyWing to Cigna if I get sick?
You can switch, but any condition you developed while on SafetyWing becomes 'pre-existing' for Cigna and is subject to waiting periods (often 12-24 months before coverage). This is why some people choose comprehensive coverage earlier rather than waiting until they need it.
Examples
These are examples of providers in this space, not endorsements. Options, features, and pricing change. Research current offerings before making decisions.
- SafetyWing — Nomad insurance for travelers and remote workers
- Cigna Global — Comprehensive international health insurance
Next steps
Continue your research with these related guides.
Sources & references
Official Sources
- SafetyWing website – Coverage details and pricing
- Cigna Global website – Plan options and benefits
General References
- Policy documents – Always read the actual policy for coverage details
- Expat insurance comparison sites – Third-party comparisons and reviews
Information gathered from these sources as of January 2026. Requirements and procedures may change.