Skip to main content

Nomad Insurance Complete: What is it and how does it work?

Plans, coverage, treatments, how to use this insurance, claim, direct billing

Nomad Insurance Complete is a global health insurance plan designed for people living abroad or traveling long-term.

It combines:

  • Comprehensive health coverage, including routine care and maternity

  • Extended travel protections, similar to Nomad Insurance Essential, plus additional benefits such as trip cancellation and delayed luggage protection

You can use the plan at any legally licensed hospital, doctor, or clinic, public or private. There is no restricted provider network.


Which countries are covered?

Nomad Insurance Complete provides coverage in 175+ countries, including:

  • Short-term travel

  • Long-term stays

  • Your selected country of residence (if eligible)

Special country limits

United States, Hong Kong, and Singapore

  • Emergency coverage included for up to 30 days

With the relevant add-on:

  • Coverage in the United States can be extended up to 6 months

  • Coverage in Hong Kong and Singapore can be extended up to 12 months

Countries not eligible as a country of residence

The following countries cannot be selected as your country of residence:

  • United States

  • United Arab Emirates

  • Ireland

  • Canada

  • Russia


What treatments and services are included?

Nomad Insurance Complete covers a wide range of medically necessary care, including:

  • Hospital stays and surgeries

  • Doctor visits and specialist consultations

  • Diagnostic tests (blood tests, X-rays, imaging)

  • Prescription medication

  • Mental health treatment

  • Physiotherapy

  • Preventive care (screenings and vaccines)

  • Complementary or alternative therapies

  • Maternity benefits

For full details, always refer to your official plan document.


What is not included?

General exclusions apply to all benefits (see Section 7 of the plan document).

Key exclusions include:

  • Purely cosmetic or aesthetic treatments (outside reconstructive surgery)

  • Treatment that is not medically necessary

  • Non-FDA-approved or over-the-counter medication

  • Self-inflicted injuries or illnesses

  • Fertility treatments

  • Professional sports-related treatment

  • Search and rescue services


How to Use Nomad Insurance Complete

There are two main ways to use the plan.


1. Pay and claim

You pay for treatment upfront and then submit a claim for reimbursement through your SafetyWing dashboard.

For step-by-step guidance, see:
Nomad Insurance Complete: How to File a Claim


2. Direct billing

Direct billing is available for planned treatments costing USD 250 or more.

  • SafetyWing arranges payment directly with the provider

  • You must submit the request at least 7 business days before treatment

In an emergency, call the emergency number listed in your SafetyWing account.

Important notes

  • A guarantee of payment can be issued to any hospital

  • Some providers may choose not to accept it

  • If declined, you can:

    • Pay upfront and submit a claim, or

    • Request alternative provider suggestions


When Is Pre-Approval Required?

Pre-approval is required for services estimated to cost more than USD 500.

If pre-approval is not obtained, reimbursement may be reduced by 30%.


Treatments requiring pre-approval (if over USD 500)

  • Hospital admissions

  • Hospital or outpatient surgeries

  • Major procedures (MRI, CT scan, PET scan, gastroscopy, colonoscopy, biopsy, etc.)

  • Physical or rehabilitative therapy

  • Home health care

  • Private nurse or therapist

  • Nasal or reconstructive procedures

  • Emergency transportation by air ambulance

  • Durable medical equipment or special medical devices

  • Repatriation or cremation of mortal remains

  • Outpatient mental health treatment

  • Complementary therapies (excluding massage therapy)


Treatments under USD 500

  • Pre-approval is not required

  • You may still submit a request if you want confirmation of coverage


Why pre-approval is needed

Pre-approval helps confirm:

  • The treatment is eligible under the plan

  • The estimated costs are reasonable for your location

Processing time: Up to 7 business days


How to Submit a Pre-Approval or Direct Billing Request

  1. Log in to your SafetyWing dashboard

  2. Select Pre-approval or direct billing

  3. Complete the short form

Before submitting, make sure you have:

  • Medical notes (diagnosis, medical history, test results)

  • A treatment plan

  • Estimated treatment costs


Emergencies

In a medical emergency:

  • Call +1 855 276 8864 to reach the emergency medical assistance team

  • They can arrange a 24-hour guarantee of payment

If you pay upfront for emergency treatment costing more than USD 500, you must notify SafetyWing within 72 hours after the incident, or reimbursement may be reduced by 30%.


After Treatment

Pre-approval confirms that a treatment is eligible under the plan, but it does not guarantee full reimbursement.

After treatment, the claims team will review:

  • The final invoice

  • Medical notes and documentation

Reimbursement is determined according to your policy terms.


If you have questions about your coverage or how to use the plan, contact Customer Care.

Did this answer your question?