SafetyWing Shares 5 Requirements for Digital Nomads Returning to Travel in 2021

SafetyWing, an international health & travel insurance provider, is the solution for digital nomads, remote workers, and everyday tourists looking to re-engage in travel safely amongst the pandemic through offering subscription-based plans that cover COVID19. They’ve shared 5 requirements to help make the tourism and travel transition of 2021 safe for all.

“Is it safe to travel now?”

This question is one being asked by many as we embark into 2021, leaving behind the chaos of 2020I .

Digital nomads and remote workers are particularly curious for an answer, having been immensely impacted by the implementation of travel restrictions. This increasingly growing community of individuals utilizes technology to create work opportunities that are location independent. The corner office with a view is anywhere in the world this particular workforce deems fit, or at least that had been the case until 2020 made travel a nearly impossible task.

“It’s like having my wings clipped,” stated a digital nomad whose stay in Bali came to a screeching halt due to COVID-19. This statement is one that many can attest to, yet with case numbers fluctuating globally, uncertainty remains about whether or not it is safe to resume travel.

Despite this uncertainty, travel restrictions ARE beginning to lift, and wanderlusts, remote workers, and digital nomads are feeling the itch to resume their travels in 2021. Many countries have opened up their borders and are eager to welcome travelers and tourists as long as they abide by whichever new precautions have been put in place.

The SafetyWing Solution:

SafetyWing, an international travel and health insurance provider designed for nomads by nomads, is answering the question “Is it safe to travel now?” by providing The 5 Requirements for Digital Nomads Returning to Travel in 2021 that will help keep both travelers and locals safe during these uncertain times.

As one of the only insurance companies providing COVID-19 coverage, SafetyWing is at the forefront of the new travel and health insurance industry by providing solutions regardless of circumstance. With customizable subscription-based plans available to cater to the unique needs of travelers, the company is growing alongside a workforce that is only anticipated to increase in size with the pandemic making remote work opportunities more readily available.

Ready for takeoff?

Pro-tip: “wear a mask and practice social distancing” might be a nice piece of advice for a trip to the grocery store, but for a trip overseas, it’s not going to cut it. For those keen to get back on the tarmac, proper preparation is going to be almost as essential to your travels as your passport. SafetyWing has made the preparation process simple to follow by outlining the 5 requirements that will help you to globetrot safely in 2021 and beyond:

1) Travel with health insurance:

Many things can land you in the hospital while traveling abroad — you can catch the flu, have an unexpected allergic reaction, get an infection… the need for medical intervention is frighteningly common — and that was the case pre-pandemic. Today, travelers need to be prepared to have coverage for not only some bumps and bruises that may occur, but also have a plan if (knock on wood) they contract COVID-19. Without proper coverage, medical bills can quickly become staggering. In the US alone, the hospital bills of COVID-19 patients can run anywhere from $42,486 to $74,310 according to a recent report. These life-impacting bills make the recovery process far more painful than if proper coverage was available.

Since the pandemic, several insurance companies have denied covering COVID-19, while others claimed to “cover” the virus. But, in reality, “…what that means is that if you test positive, they will repatriate you to your home country. That might be fine for you! But if you are truly nomadic or want treatment in the country you’re in, you’ll want proper coverage” mentioned SafetyWing in a recent article. As of August 2020, SafetyWing’s Nomad insurance provides COVID coverage for individuals without requiring them to return to their home country for treatment.

2) Research travel policies of your destination:

2021 will be a year filled with restrictions. For travelers, this will call for a little bit more planning than pre-COVID-19. A digital nomad defined her previous travel plans by saying, “I’ll head to the airport, see which flights are available, and climb on.” Carefree travel of this nature is put on pause for now. It’s essential to know your destination’s specific COVID-19 travel policies and requirements. With the world experiencing a second wave of lockdown, countries throughout the globe are continually changing their rules and regulations.

In addition to knowing where you can go, you also need to research what it would be like to go there during the pandemic. Some countries require a mandatory COVID-19 test before your flight. Sites such as Covid Controls and Flatten the Curve provide helpful tips and advice regarding tourist entry protocols, lockdown statuses, and COVID-19 related statistics. With many countries modifying their restrictions daily, it’s important for travelers to stay up to date prior to take-off. Be diligent with your research and pick your destination wisely.

3) Follow Travel Communities and Groups:

The amount of information available regarding COVID-19 travel right now is overwhelming, it seems like few sources have been successful in providing clear and concise answers. Those looking for a solution to this lack of clarity can turn to Facebook where a number of digital nomads have come together to make communities and groups focused on actively providing information regarding global travel policies. These communities provide first-hand knowledge from individuals navigating the travel landscape during these extraordinary times.

Digital Nomads Around The World & Coronavirus Forum For Nomads & Remote Workers are amongst the groups you can join today for free on Facebook. “We provide a forum to deliver and curate credible information on the COVID-19 pandemic. We believe that information targeted toward the unique needs of the nomad and remote workers is critical to make decisions and remain connected,” addressed the latter. We recommend reaching out proactively to others who are currently visiting or planning to visit the same destinations that are on your itinerary by joining online nomad communities and groups.

4) Flexible Bookings:

The flexibility of bookings is huge. It’s good to see most travel providers are stepping up to provide flexible options, but a great tip is to book directly with airlines rather than third parties as it’s more likely to get changes and refunds. Ensure your flight, accommodation, and tours/activities have flexible rescheduling policies due to any last-minute changes you are bound to encounter. Also, make sure to factor in extra time for layovers as heightened safety procedures at airports may extend your travel time.

*Buy last-minute*

In addition to being flexible with your bookings, it is highly recommended not to plan any trips months in advance given the rapid changes in travel policies daily. In the COVID-19 world where one can’t be sure of anything, it’s wise to avoid planning trips that are far off. Buying a last-minute ticket (to a well-researched destination) is the new way to travel.

5) Slow Travel:

Though everyone is different, most digital nomads live up to their name by frequently relocating on a whim. Rather than hopping on a flight from one country to another, there has been an increase in slow traveling. Many digital nomads are now preferring to stay put in one place for an extended period.

Consider finding a country that you can stay in for longer than just a few months, as there’s very little ability to plan around the virus’s spikes.

“I have slowed down my travel,” recently commented a digital nomad. “ Instead of traveling to three new cities in a month, I am in my second city since the lockdown started in March 2020. It is unusual for me to stay in one place for longer than a few weeks as I love moving around, but slow traveling has made my travel deeper and more meaningful. It’s refreshing, and it’s keeping us safe.”

Find a destination, do your research regarding its policies for COVID-19, and experience the art of slow traveling. The idea of hopping from city to city is no longer a recipe for a successful trip.

Lastly, everything that we know about travel has changed because of COVID-19. Like all changes, this change in travel will be uncomfortable in the beginning. But traveling is often a powerful and addictive experience that connects our world through the sharing of culture, tradition, and history. Though it will look a little different next time you board an aircraft, embrace it. You are taking part in a moment of history that will forever change the way of our world.

So, ladies and gentlemen, I invite you to fold up your tray tables and return your seat to its upright position. As we prepare for takeoff into the world of travel in 2021, let’s take a moment to review our safety instructions, ensure our seatbelts are fully secured, and familiarize ourselves with the location of the emergency exits.

Have a wonderful flight!