genki insurance

Health insurance has always been a challenge for digital nomads and travelers. Traditionally, you had two main choices: international health insurance for comprehensive, long-term coverage, or travel insurance for short-term protection covering emergencies and travel issues like trip cancellations or lost luggage.

For years, insurance companies focused on students, expats, or tourists who mostly stayed in one place, making these policies difficult to access or renew once you left your home country. The growing nomad community has pushed some companies to create better solutions. Today, two main providers cater specifically to digital nomads: Genki and SafetyWing.

Both companies offer health insurance for people who travel frequently, but they serve different needs. SafetyWing is known for being budget-friendly, offering basic coverage that works well for nomads who want affordable emergency health insurance. Genki offers more comprehensive medical coverage than SafetyWing, focusing purely on health (not trip-related issues). With Genki Traveler, you now get up to 6 weeks of home country emergency coverage per visit (compared to SafetyWing’s 15 days per 90). The plan also includes adventure sports and faster claims — making it ideal for nomads who prioritize reliable, healthcare-first insurance. Genki also covers people up to age 70, making it available to a wider range of travelers.

While both companies have evolved beyond traditional insurance limitations, they take different approaches. Genki focuses purely on health coverage, leaving out travel-related benefits, so you’re not paying for extras you might not need. Instead, they put more into healthcare options, offering broader coverage without strict payout limits. SafetyWing includes some travel-related benefits, which might be better if you want protection for travel issues too.

For Americans, Genki offers more flexible home country coverage – you’re covered for emergencies up to 42 days out of every 180 days, compared to SafetyWing’s 15 days per 90 days. Both companies plan to expand their coverage options for more comprehensive international health insurance soon.

🔔 Important Update: Genki Explorer Replaced by Genki Traveler
Note: Genki Explorer has been discontinued and replaced by Genki Traveler, a more flexible and comprehensive travel health insurance plan designed for digital nomads and long-term travelers. This article has been updated to reflect the features and benefits of Genki Traveler.

Issues with Standard Insurance Policies

I first tried regular travel insurance from a local broker, but these policies had limits on how long I could stay overseas, and I needed new insurance when changing countries. Most couldn’t be purchased while already abroad. This was inconvenient since many expats, like me, travel for long periods, often years at a time.

Solution? Genki Insurance!

Genki (Genki.world) was created by digital nomads who understood these challenges. Their flagship product, Genki Traveler starts at €52.50/month, depending on your age and region of coverage. The price may increase if you include optional USA/Canada coverage or if you’re in a higher-risk age bracket. For a 29-year-old with worldwide (excluding U.S./Canada) coverage, the plan starts at €52.50/month.

Genki acts as the policyholder and insurance agent, while your policy is underwritten by Squarelife, a licensed insurer. You’ll still get 24/7 emergency assistance via MD Medicus or Global Excel (depending on where you are). Claims are typically reimbursed within a week, and you can visit any licensed medical provider without pre-approval.

Just note: If you’re already abroad when your insurance starts and you had no previous insurance, a 14-day waiting period applies — during this time, only medical emergencies are covered, and pre-existing conditions from the past 6 months aren’t covered.

Introducing Genki Traveler: Enhanced Coverage for Modern Nomads

Genki Traveler is the latest offering from Genki, tailored to meet the evolving needs of digital nomads and long-term travelers. It builds upon the foundation laid by Genki Explorer, introducing several key enhancements:

  • Flexible Home Country Coverage: Provides emergency medical coverage for up to 6 weeks per visit to your home country, offering greater flexibility for travelers who periodically return home.
  • Expanded Adventure Sports Coverage: Includes a broader range of activities such as diving (up to 30 meters), bungee jumping, skydiving, and more, catering to the adventurous spirit of nomads.
  • Accelerated Claims Processing: Streamlined claims process with reimbursements typically processed within one week, ensuring prompt financial support during medical emergencies.
  • Emergency Support for Family Members: In the event of a life-threatening hospitalization, Genki Traveler covers travel and accommodation expenses for a family member to visit you, up to €5,000 per case.
  • Automatic Emergency Coverage in the USA & Canada: Provides 7 days of emergency coverage upon arrival in the USA or Canada, even without purchasing the full North America add-on.

These enhancements make Genki Traveler a more robust and flexible option for those seeking reliable health insurance while traveling.

What’s Covered?

Genki Traveler covers medically necessary treatment up to €1,000,000 per year, including:

  • Doctor visits and outpatient care
  • Hospital stays at public and private clinics
  • Emergency transportation (ambulance)
  • Prescribed diagnostics like MRI, CT, PET, ECG
  • Minor to major surgery
  • Medications and medical supplies (casts, bandages, etc.)
  • Prescribed medical devices (crutches, wheelchairs)
  • Up to 6 physiotherapy sessions per insurance case
  • €1,000 for emergency dental care after an accident
  • Emergency family travel in life-threatening situations (up to €5,000)

What’s Not Covered?

Genki Traveler does not cover:

  • Pre-existing conditions (before policy starts)
  • Preventive and dental care (unless after an accident)
  • Alternative or holistic treatment (e.g., acupuncture)
  • Mental health treatment
  • Maternity or fertility care
  • Rehab or physical therapy beyond the allowed sessions
  • Professional sports
  • Search and rescue

Transitioning from Genki Explorer to Genki Traveler

If you were previously considering or enrolled in Genki Explorer, it’s important to note that this plan is no longer available. Genki Traveler serves as its successor, offering improved benefits and coverage options. For a detailed comparison and to understand how Genki Traveler aligns with your travel needs, please refer to the updated sections below.

Understanding Genki’s Structure

Genki isn’t an insurance company — they’re the agent and policyholder of a group plan underwritten by Squarelife. This structure allows them to focus on customer support and product design while Squarelife handles reimbursements and underwriting. Assistance is handled by MD Medicus (globally) and Global Excel (U.S. & Canada). This updated setup helps Genki offer faster claim handling and better service.

My Experience with Genki

When I talked with Genki’s team, they clearly explained everything I needed to know. Since they were created by digital nomads, they really understand what long-term travelers need.

Who Can Use Genki?

Anyone can use Genki – there are no citizenship restrictions

Pros and Cons of Genki Traveler Insurance

✅Pros:

  • Fast Claims: Reimbursement usually within 7 days
  • Emergency Home Country Coverage: 6 weeks per visit
  • Adventure Sports Covered: Includes scuba diving, bungee, boxing, etc.
  • Emergency Family Visit: Covers up to €5,000 in costs
  • USA/Canada Access: 7 days emergency coverage by default
  • Global Coverage: Works worldwide
  • No Time Limits: You can travel indefinitely without losing coverage
  • Comprehensive Coverage: Includes motorcycle riding, active sports, and even pregnancy. You can do activities like surfing or boxing (as long as it’s not professional)
  • Choice of Clinics: Visit any licensed clinic without needing pre-approval
  • Unlimited Coverage: No caps on insurance payouts (though avoid unnecessarily expensive services)
  • Pregnancy and STD Coverage: Includes pregnancy and STD treatment
  • Flexible Subscription: Monthly auto-renewal that you can cancel anytime

❌ Cons:

  • Pay upfront for non-emergency treatment (then reimbursed)
  • No mobile app or live chat
  • U.S./Canada full coverage requires extra add-on
  • Pre-existing conditions excluded if within the last 6 months

Understanding Payments and Reimbursements

While most local insurance companies pay for treatment directly, with Genki you typically need to pay first and get reimbursed later. This might seem less convenient, but there’s a trade-off: local insurance usually limits overseas stays to 45-90 days, while Genki has no such restrictions.

Genki No Longer Supports AirDoctor

Once upon a time, Genki Explorer users could use the AirDoctor app to find doctors and skip the hassle of upfront payments. That’s over.

As of late 2024, Genki has officially discontinued AirDoctor integration. This means:

  • No more direct billing through the app
  • No automatic appointment payments
  • No built-in doctor search support

If you’re still looking for that feature — forget it. It doesn’t exist anymore.

But don’t worry, you’re still fully covered. You can:

  • Visit any licensed doctor or hospital worldwide
  • Pay upfront and get reimbursed via the Genki Member Center (usually within a week)
  • Call 24/7 emergency support for hospitalizations (direct payment may still apply there)

Bottom line: Genki is insurance, not a booking service. Use Google Maps, WhatsApp, or your hotel front desk — just make sure the provider is licensed, and keep your receipts.

Payment Methods

Genki processes reimbursements through bank accounts (using IBAN numbers for European accounts), Wise, or PayPal. From personal experience, payments to European bank accounts work smoothly using IBAN numbers.

Genki’s Insurance Plans

Genki offers three insurance plans. Here’s an overview of these options on the Genki website (available in English):

  • Genki Traveler (used to be Genki Explorer)
  • Genki Native (Standard and Premium)

Here’s a comparison table:

FeatureGenki TravelerGenki NativeGenki Native Premium
Duration1 month to 2 years (renewable)1 year1 year
Monthly CostFrom €52.50From €180From €260
Coverage AreaAll countriesAll countriesAll countries
Age Limit0-69 years0-55 (or up to 79 if started before 55)0-55 (or up to 79 if started before 55)
Home Coverage42 days/180 days (emergencies)Up to 30 days/year (€250,000 limit)No time limits
Sports CoverageAll non-professional sports, except diving, climbing, parachuting, paragliding, base jumping, bungee jumping, skydiving, and racingAll non-pro sportsAll non-pro sports
Motorcycle CoverageYesYesYes
Coverage TypeAny accidents, emergencies, and treatments such as ear infections, flu, or toothaches. Partial pregnancy coverage after 11 months of insuranceAll Explorer coverage + chronic diseasesIncludes all previous benefits + improved pregnancy coverage, preventive care (checkups, dentistry, vaccination), private rooms, and child care during treatment
Coverage LimitUnlimitedUp to €1,000,000/yearUnlimited

Important Notes:

  • First 14 Days: If you’re already abroad when your insurance starts and you had no previous insurance, a 14-day waiting period applies — during this time, only medical emergencies are covered.
  • Cost Factors: Price varies by age and US/Canada coverage limits
  • Pre-existing Conditions: After two years with Traveler, conditions treated under the policy become pre-existing and aren’t covered on renewal
  • Family Coverage: You can add family members, but each person costs the full rate
  • Exclusions: Doesn’t cover travel issues like lost baggage or flight delays

Which Plan to Choose?

If you have health insurance in your home country and don’t mind public clinics, Genki Traveler works well. For more comprehensive coverage, consider Genki Native or Native Premium.

Understanding Costs

Two main factors affect your premium:

  1. US/Canada Coverage: Limiting your time in these countries to 42 days per 6 months reduces cost
  2. Deductible: You pay the first €50 per insurance case (like a deductible), except for inpatient hospital stays, which are fully covered without this out-of-pocket cost.

Genki Explorer Pricing

❌ Genki Explorer is no longer available. The following pricing table is outdated and included for archival/comparison purposes only. The prices shouldn’t differ much.

AgeUSA & CanadaDeductibleMonthly Cost
0 – 29RestrictedWith deductible€48.30
0 – 29RestrictedNo deductible€96.30
0 – 29UnrestrictedWith deductible€96.30
0 – 29UnrestrictedNo deductible€153.30
30 – 39RestrictedWith deductible€57.30
30 – 39RestrictedNo deductible€105.30
30 – 39UnrestrictedWith deductible€114.30
30 – 39UnrestrictedNo deductible€174.30
40 – 49RestrictedWith deductible€72.30
40 – 49RestrictedNo deductible€123.30
40 – 49UnrestrictedWith deductible€156.30
40 – 49UnrestrictedNo deductible€225.30
50 – 59RestrictedWith deductible€105.30
50 – 59RestrictedNo deductible€162.30
50 – 59UnrestrictedWith deductible€231.30
50 – 59UnrestrictedNo deductible€315.30
60 – 69RestrictedWith deductible€168.30
60 – 69RestrictedNo deductible€240.30
60 – 69UnrestrictedWith deductible€378.30
60 – 69UnrestrictedNo deductible€492.30

Genki Native Pricing

AgePlanDeductibleMonthly Cost
0-19PremiumNo deductible€210
0-19Premium€500€200
0-19Premium€1000€189
0-19StandardNo deductible€160
0-19Standard€500€153
0-19Standard€1000€145
20-24PremiumNo deductible€260
20-24Premium€500€246
20-24Premium€1000€231
20-24StandardNo deductible€180
20-24Standard€500€171
20-24Standard€1000€162
25-29PremiumNo deductible€260
25-29Premium€500€246
25-29Premium€1000€231
25-29StandardNo deductible€180
25-29Standard€500€171
25-29Standard€1000€162
30-34PremiumNo deductible€260
30-34Premium€500€246
30-34Premium€1000€231
30-34StandardNo deductible€180
30-34Standard€500€171
30-34Standard€1000€162
35-39PremiumNo deductible€280
35-39Premium€500€264
35-39Premium€1000€248
35-39StandardNo deductible€200
35-39Standard€500€190
35-39Standard€1000€179
40-44PremiumNo deductible€340
40-44Premium€500€320
40-44Premium€1000€299
40-44StandardNo deductible€230
40-44Standard€500€217
40-44Standard€1000€204
45-49PremiumNo deductible€410
45-49Premium€500€385
45-49Premium€1000€359
45-49StandardNo deductible€290
45-49Standard€500€273
45-49Standard€1000€255
50-54PremiumNo deductible€510
50-54Premium€500€477
50-54Premium€1000€444
50-54StandardNo deductible€370
50-54Standard€500€347
50-54Standard€1000€323
55-59PremiumNo deductible€650
55-59Premium€500€607
55-59Premium€1000€563
55-59StandardNo deductible€480
55-59Standard€500€448
55-59Standard€1000€417

How to Sign Up (Takes about 5 minutes)

  1. Visit join.genki.world/as/explorer
  2. Enter age and add any additional people
  3. Choose your options
  4. Fill in personal details (email, name, gender, birth date, home country, start date)
  5. Verify your email
  6. Complete payment and access your account

Getting Reimbursed

Claims are usually processed within 5–10 business days, especially for smaller outpatient treatments. You can receive reimbursement via IBAN bank transfer, PayPal, or Wise, depending on your region.

  1. Log into your Genki account
  2. Go to “Compensation”
  3. Select your active policy
  4. Enter:
    • Full name
    • Email
    • Payment details (bank, Wise, or PayPal)
  5. Upload medical receipts (including taxi to clinic if needed)
  6. Describe your treatment
  7. Wait 5-10 business daysfor reimbursement

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Genki insurance good?

Yes — Genki is one of the best health insurance options available for digital nomads and long-term travelers. Their flagship plan, Genki Traveler, is praised for its transparent pricing, worldwide coverage, and fast reimbursement (typically within 7 days). Coverage includes doctor visits, emergency care, surgeries, diagnostics (like MRI or CT), and adventure sports.

While it doesn’t include travel extras (like lost luggage), it focuses purely on healthcare, making it a solid choice for those who prioritize medical protection over trip-related perks.

Is Genki Insurance Legit?

Genki Traveler is underwritten by Squarelife, a licensed insurer. Genki acts as the agent and policyholder, handling customer service and policy management. Claims are processed directly by Squarelife, with assistance provided by MD Medicus (global) and Global Excel (U.S./Canada). Genki previously worked with Allianz Partners and DR-WALTER for older products like Genki Explorer.

With a 4.4/5 Trustpilot rating from 551 customer reviews, Genki Insurance shows a high level of customer satisfaction. Customers appreciate their user-friendly processes, quick responses, and prompt reimbursement of medical expenses. The company aims to be a long-term health partner for nomads, prioritizing comprehensive and sustainable healthcare solutions. As with any insurance provider, thorough review of policies and terms is recommended before purchase.

Does it work for visas and border crossings?

Yes, it’s valid for both.

When does coverage start?

Traveler: Day after enrollment
Native: 7 days after application

Can I buy the insurance while already traveling?

Yes, but only emergencies are covered in the first 14 days

Will Genki cover a scooter crash?

Yes. Genki covers scooter and motorcycle accidents — even if you don’t have a license or helmet — as long as you’re not intoxicated or breaking local laws. I confirmed this directly with their support team.

How to cancel Genki insurance?

You can cancel Genki Traveler anytime after your first month of coverage.

Here’s how:
1) Log into your Genki account
2) Navigate to your active policy
3) Choose the cancellation option in your dashboard

The policy runs on a monthly subscription, so you’ll remain covered until the end of the current billing cycle. There are no cancellation fees or long-term contracts.

📌 Tip: If you cancel and rejoin later, pre-existing conditions from the previous plan may not carry over.

Who is the founder of Genki?

Genki was founded by digital nomads who understood the pain points of traditional travel insurance. The company was created to provide simple, flexible, and transparent health insurance for people living abroad.
One of the public-facing founders is Sebastian Müller, who is also known for working on other mission-driven projects. Genki is a German-based company with a focus on user-first, tech-enabled insurance experiences.

Does Genki cover scuba diving?

Yes — Genki Traveler covers recreational scuba diving up to 30 meters.

This is part of their expanded adventure sports coverage, which also includes activities like:
– Bungee jumping
– Skydiving
– Surfing
– Boxing (non-professional)

🚫 Note: Professional sports, deep-sea diving beyond 30 meters, or competitive events are excluded from coverage.

Who underwrites Genki insurance?

Genki Traveler is underwritten by Squarelife, a licensed insurer responsible for processing claims and paying medical expenses.

Genki itself acts as the policyholder and insurance agent, meaning they design the coverage, handle customer support, and manage your policy — but Squarelife is the one backing it financially.

📌 Genki used to work with DR-WALTER and Allianz Partners for older products like Genki Explorer, but the current underwriting structure for Genki Traveler is entirely handled by Squarelife.

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