Genki Review (2025): Full Breakdown of Travel Health Insurance Coverage

Genki is a leading provider of travel health insurance for digital nomads and expats. The company is often recommended on forums such as Reddit for its budget-friendly travel insurance policies. But does the company actually live up to the social media hype?

On the internet, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. That’s why we performed our own, independent deep dive into Genki. Our review includes a careful examination of the company’s terms and conditions, pricing, and coverage. We also gathered opinions and experiences from a variety of real users. 

Continue reading so you can make an informed decision on Genki. 

📋Summary

All prices have been converted from euros to U.S. dollars at an exchange rate of 1.13, rounded to the nearest whole number. Our base case is a 35 year-old; see below for tables outlining costs by age range. 

💰Base price	Starts at $71 a month for basic travel medical insurance.
🏥Full coverage	Starts at $314 for full health insurance coverage.
⚕️Base plan	$1.1M maximum payout, $55 deductible, accidents & illnesses, hospital stays, surgeries.
➕Add-ons	U.S. coverage, preventative care, pre-existing conditions, dental/vision

💰Pricing & plans

One advantage of Genki is that its plans are easy to understand. Prices do not vary on factors like the deductible or country (although they do vary based on age). 

Genki’s entry-level Traveler travel medical insurance policy mainly covers accidents and emergencies. The Native plans are much more comprehensive, and are more akin to full-fledged health insurance. The Resident plan is the highest tier, with comprehensive global health coverage. 

Below, we break down these plans and how they compare with each other:

1️⃣Traveler plan

The Traveler plan is Genki’s budget travel insurance option. It’s a flexible option for those going on short-term trips, with subscription periods ranging from 1-12 months. Pricing does not vary based on location, but it does vary based on your age. Our base case is a 35-year-old, who would pay $71 a month under the Traveler plan.

Here is a breakdown of the monthly cost by age:

Age Range	Monthly Cost (USD)
Under 29	$60
10–39	$71
40–49	$91
50–59	$125
60–69	$191

✅What it covers

Like most other travel health insurance policies, the Traveler plan is mainly designed to cover unexpected accidents and medical emergencies:

• ✅Maximum payout of $1.1 million
• ✅Hospital stays, surgeries, medications
• ✅Medical evacuation 
• ✅Emergency transport
• ✅Most sports activities 
• ✅Visit by family member in life-threatening emergency (up to $5,700)
• ✅Home country up to 42 days a year 

Genki is one of the few insurers that covers most sports and adventure activities, including climbing, biking, diving, hiking, martial arts, motorcycle riding, sailing, skiing, and surfing. Some provisions apply, such as the use of proper safety equipment. Additionally, according to Genki’s contract, you are covered for “all sports & activities that are not listed.”

❌What it doesn’t cover

Genki’s base plan contains a number of standard exclusions:

• ❌Preventative care and pre-existing conditions 
• ❌Cancer treatments and chronic illnesses
• ❌Rehab
• ❌Dental treatment of any kind (only up to $1,100 in emergencies)
• ❌Injuries caused by drug/alcohol use. 
• ❌Eye and ear health
• ❌Mental health care
• ❌Maternity care
• ❌Anyone age 70 or older

Note that Genki only includes 42 days of health coverage in your home country per year on all plans. U.S. and Canada coverage is limited to your first week, and only for emergencies (full coverage is available for an additional $63 a month).

2️⃣Native Basic plan

The Native Basic plan provides more comprehensive health insurance compared with the traveler plan. Unlike the Traveler plan, you must commit to a full year of coverage. Monthly prices vary based on age. Here are the quotes that we received for all age ranges:

Age Range	Monthly Cost (USD)
0 – 19	$182
20 – 34	$204
35 – 39	$227
40 – 44	$261
45 – 49	$329
50 – 54	$420
55	$545

Note that these are starting prices, and that your final cost hinges on a medical questionnaire that you must fill out when applying. Any pre-existing conditions could result in a higher price. 

✅What it covers

The Native Basic plan is a global health insurance policy. Although it costs more than basic travel health insurance, your coverage is much greater. Native Basic includes all the features of the Traveler plan, plus coverage for the following:

• ✅Chronic conditions, e.g. cancer, diabetes, Crohn’s and more
• ✅Inpatient/outpatient treatment
• ✅Choice of doctor and hospital
• ✅Upfront payment to medical provider (inpatient only)
• ✅Deductible options of $0, $567, or $1,135 for lower monthly premiums
• ✅Accommodation and meals
• ✅Transport to another country for medical reasons

❌What it doesn’t cover

A number of exclusions apply to the Native Basic plan, including the following scenarios:

• ❌Preventative care
• ❌Vaccines
• ❌Alternative medicine
• ❌Dental treatment (except for emergencies)
• ❌Routine eye and ear exams
• ❌Maternity care
• ❌Injuries caused by drug/alcohol use
• ❌Birth control
• ❌Anyone over age 55
• ❌Canada and USA (up to 30 days per year and $250K limit)

⚠️Pre-existing conditions may or may not be covered at the discretion of the company. Final coverage will be based on your own individual contract. 

3️⃣Native Premium plan

The Native Premium plan provides an even higher level of travel health insurance coverage. You must commit to a full year of coverage. Monthly prices vary based on age. Here are the quotes that we received for all age ranges:

Age Range	Monthly Cost (USD)
0 – 19	$238
20 – 34	$260
35 – 39	$318
40 – 44	$386
45 – 49	$465
50 – 54	$579
55	$738

Note that these are starting prices, and that your final cost hinges on a medical questionnaire that you must fill out when applying. Any pre-existing conditions could result in a higher price. 

✅What it covers

Native Premium includes all the features of the Native Basic plan, plus coverage for the following

• ✅No limit on maximum payout
• ✅Private hospital room
• ✅Home nursing
• ✅Babysitting of your child ($51/day for one week)
• ✅Preventative care (up to $284 a year)
• ✅Vaccines
• ✅Alternative medicine
• ✅Dental care (up to $2,270 a year)✅Dental cleaning (up to $227 a year)
• ✅Vision care (up to $284 a year for contacts and glasses)
• ✅Mental healthcare
• ✅Maternity care (12-month waiting period applies)
• ✅Transport to another country for medical reasons
• ✅Full coverage in your home country (except U.S. and Canada)

❌What it doesn’t cover

A number of exclusions apply to the Native Basic plan, including the following scenarios:

• ❌Treatment that is not deemed “medically necessary” (except for above)
• ❌Injuries caused by drug/alcohol use. 
• ❌Anyone over age 55
• ❌Birth control
• ❌Canada and USA (up to 30 days per year and $250K limit)

⚠️Pre-existing conditions may or may not be covered at the discretion of the company. Final coverage will be based on your own individual contract. 

4️⃣Genki Resident plan

The Native Resident plan provides the highest level of travel health insurance coverage. You must commit to a full year of coverage. Monthly prices vary based on age, and there is no age limit. Here are the quotes that we received for all age ranges:

Age Range	Monthly Cost (USD)
0 – 24	$221
25 – 34	$284
35 – 44	$318
40 – 44	$329
45 – 49	$386
50 – 54	$465
55 – 59	$601
60 – 64	$749
65 – 69	$1,112
70 – 74	$1,362
75+	$1,543

Note that these are starting prices, and that your final cost hinges on a medical questionnaire that you must fill out when applying. Any pre-existing conditions could result in a higher price. 

✅What it covers

Genki Resident includes all the features of the Native Premium plan, plus coverage for the following:

• ✅No age limit
• ✅Some pre-existing conditions covered
• ✅No limit on in-patient rebab
• ✅Alternative medicine fully covered
• ✅No limit on preventative care
• ✅Cash allowance for hospital stays (up to $57/day)
• ✅Two professional dental cleanings per year
• ✅Dentures (up to 50% of cost)
• ✅Vision care (up to $340 every 2 years for contacts and glasses)
• ✅Maternity care (10-month waiting period applies)
• ✅180 days of coverage in your home country (except U.S./Canada)

❌What it doesn’t cover

A number of exclusions apply to the Native Basic plan, including the following scenarios:

• ❌Treatment that is not deemed “medically necessary” (except for above)
• ❌Injuries caused by drug/alcohol use. 
• ❌Infertility and sexual dysfunction

Pre-existing conditions may or may not be covered at the discretion of the company. Final coverage will be based on your own individual contract. 

➕Add-ons & extras

U.S./Canada coverage

Genki Traveler subscribers are limited to 7 days of coverage in the U.S. and Canada, and that coverage only includes emergencies. A “full coverage” add-on eliminates that 7-day limit for an additional monthly fee ($68 for our 35 year-old sample traveler). 

A similar add-on is available for Genki Resident, costing $420 a month extra for our typical 35 year-old. 

📝Filing a claim with Genki

Like all insurance companies, Genki maintains specific requirements for filing a claim. 

• Pay the covered costs yourself. Submit a reimbursement request to the insurer. The insurer reviews and reimburses covered costs. For inpatient stays, Genki handles payments directly with the hospital.
• For all other treatments, you must submit an itemized cost estimate at least 5 days before the treatment. Failure to do so can result in only 50% reimbursement.
• Use the Member Center to begin the process of filing a claim. Submit complete, accurate, and truthful information. Attach detailed invoices (date, provider, services, amounts) and provide additional documents if requested.
• In some cases, the company may require access to records and exams by an insurer-appointed doctor (at insurer’s cost).
• Submit reimbursement requests as soon as possible, unless Emergency Assistance manages payment.

🗣️Genki customer reviews

Genki receives generally positive reviews from customers. The company’s 4.1 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot is largely in-line with competing travel health insurance providers. 79% of customers award the company 5 stars, while 13% of reviewers leave a 1-star review. 

✅Customer Support

Many users praise Genki’s customer support and fast processing times for claims. 

 “Honestly, Genki is the best international health insurance I’ve had. Their customer support is super quick to reply, and getting reimbursed is a breeze – I usually get my money back within a week.”

– Trustpilot reviewer

“Genki is great. I had it while in Asia and in Europe. I had two claims in that time that paid out in a few weeks. No issues.”

– Reddit user

✅Easy Signup

Many users praise the easy signup process and easy-to-understand terms and conditions. 

“Genki was easy to understand, the sign up process took only a few minutes and their customer support is unmatched (react super fast and in helpful and friendly way). At the end of my trip also the cancelation was no problem and only took a press of button.”

– Trustpilot reviewer

❌Rejected Application

Genki requires all applicants to fill out a medical history questionnaire during the application process. The company is known to reject applicants for minor pre-existing conditions. 

“When I called customer service, I expected at least an explanation. Turns out, my “pre-existing conditions” were the issue. What terrifying ailments disqualified me? Glasses. Insoles. Migraines.”

– Trustpilot reviewer 

“I was previously misdiagnosed with arthritis. I applied…with a letter from a rheumatologist explaining the misdiagnosis. Genki rejected my application…because of stiffness in my hands. I am currently searching for a good world wide policy for full-time travellers.”

– Reddit user

❌More Expensive

Many reviewers note that Genki charges higher premiums than other travel insurance providers. 

“EXPENSIVE compared to competitors…but if you are just caught out in the wilderness and your 90 day free / cheap deal has expired, it’s peace of mind if you need it for what you have planned. It seems set up for people who are just constantly on the road and have the cash to spare.”

– Trustpilot reviewer

🚩Limitations to consider

Before you commit to Genki, keep these key limitations in mind. 

⚠️Higher Premiums: Genki’s monthly premiums for basic travel health insurance are on the high side compared with alternatives like SafetyWing and IMG. However, coverage is somewhat better overall.  

⚠️No Travel Disruption: Unlike some alternatives, Genki is medical-only. You are not covered for travel delays, lost luggage, and other inconveniences. 

⚠️Pre-existing Conditions: Genki is known to deny applicants based on minor pre-existing conditions. Keep this in mind when you answer the medical history questionnaire (although avoid outright lying). 

⚠️Limited U.S. Coverage: Genki’s coverage in the U.S. and Canada is limited to the first week of your trip, and even then, it only covers emergencies. Additional coverage is available as an add-on for an extra (hefty) fee. 

🆚Alternatives to Genki

In the crowded travel health insurance market, a few companies are frequently recommended on digital nomad forums. The leading providers all differ somewhat in terms of coverage, price, and extra perks.

➡️FYI: Read more in our full article on the best travel health insurance providers for digital nomads. 

SafetyWing

SafetyWing has emerged as a leading health insurance option for digital nomads, offering flexible coverage starting at $56/month, no deductible, and up to $250,000 in coverage under its Essential plan. This base plan includes emergency medical care, hospital stays, travel delays, and lost luggage, but excludes pre-existing conditions, preventative care, and cancer treatments.

IMG Patriot Lite
IMG’s Patriot Lite plan is a trusted, budget-friendly option for digital nomads and international travelers seeking customizable coverage. Plans start at approximately $59/month, with various deductible and maximum coverage options. While basic, this plan includes essential benefits like emergency care, hospitalization, and limited U.S. coverage. It’s a strong fit for nomads who want control over premium costs and only need coverage for serious medical situations.

Insured Nomads
With monthly premiums starting around $115, InsuredNomads’ plans cover up to $3 million and include unique extras like access to mental health apps, VPN subscriptions, airport lounge access, and crisis response services. Coverage includes both emergency and elective care, and the provider offers short U.S. visit coverage.

GeoBlue Xplorer
GeoBlue Xplorer is a premium international health insurance plan backed by Blue Cross Blue Shield, offering exceptional global coverage with no cap on benefits. Plans start around $257/month and are ideal for U.S. citizens living abroad who want access to top-tier medical care worldwide, including in the U.S. This plan excels in provider choice and reliability, with comprehensive coverage including preventive care, chronic conditions, and maternity.

World Nomads
World Nomads is a go-to insurer for adventure travelers and short-term nomads, offering policies that cover over 200 activities, from scuba diving to hiking. Their Standard and Explorer plans include up to $100,000 in medical coverage and offer travel protection features like trip cancellation, baggage loss, and emergency evacuation.

🏁Bottom line

Genki isn’t the cheapest travel health insurance option, but it offers more extensive coverage and fewer exclusions than its competitors. That makes it a good choice for nomads that need medical insurance for digital nomad visa applications, or want more comprehensive coverage that includes sports and other adventure activities. 

✅ Sports Coverage  – Unlike most digital nomad health insurance providers, Genki covers the vast majority of sports and adventure activities on its base plan. This makes it less likely that your claims will be denied. 

✅ Global Option – The Genki Resident plan offers full health insurance coverage for all ages. 

✅ Easy Signup – Genkis plans feature clear terms and conditions. 

❌ Rejected Pre-existing Conditions – Genki has a reputation for rejecting applications based on minor pre-existing conditions, forcing many nomads to shop elsewhere for coverage. 

❌ No Travel Disruption – Genki focuses on covering medical events, and does not offer any travel disruption coverage. 

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