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How to choose the right travel insurance for South Africa?
When planning a trip to South Africa, choosing the cheapest travel insurance policy may not always give you the right level of cover for your needs. It’s important to buy the policy that covers you for what you plan to do while on your trip.
For example, when comparing travel insurance with Canstar for South Africa, you can compare and review the limits that each policy provides for things such as overseas medical, hospital cover, as well as cancellations and lost luggage. Policies with higher limits for cancellation and lost luggage may be more expensive, but may provide more peace of mind, depending on how much you have paid for your trip.
You can also filter your results to show policies that cover for a range of options that may be applicable to your trip; for example, if you plan on quad biking along the Atlantis Dunes in Cape Town or hiking Table Mountain or the iconic Otter Trail, cover for these activities may not be standard and may need to be added on.
Selecting the right travel insurance policy requires careful consideration of your travel needs. Here are some key factors to guide your choice:
- Duration of Coverage:Ensure the policy covers the full length of your trip, including travel days.
- Some activities: If you plan on engaging in adventure sports like bungee jumping, shark cage diving, or safari tours, check that these are included in the coverage.
- Medical Coverage:Look for a policy with high medical expense limits, especially if you’re traveling to remote areas where evacuation might be necessary.
- COVID-19 Coverage: Confirm that the policy includes coverage for COVID-19-related medical expenses and cancellations.
- Personal Belongings: If you’re traveling with expensive gear, such as cameras or laptops, ensure the policy includes adequate protection against theft or damage.
- Policy Flexibility: Opt for an insurer that allows easy amendments in case your plans change.
Always compare policies and read the fine print to avoid surprises.
What does South Africa travel insurance cover?
Cheapest is not always best and in the case of travel insurance, it’s important to buy the cover that suits your situation. With a typical travel insurance policy for South Africa, you will want, at a minimum:
- Medical or dental emergency: hospital admission, emergency care and medical evacuation.
- Repatriation: if tragedy strikes while you are away, repatriation covers the cost of flying your body and belongings back home to Australia. Some travel funds also include a separate sum for funeral expenses.
- Lost or stolen luggage, passport or other items: replacing luggage and travel documents is the most common claim for travel insurance.
- Cancelling your trip unexpectedly: should you have to delay or cancel your trip due to illness, an accident, or a natural disaster at home or at your intended destination.
- Legal liability: if you break a local law and need a lawyer/interpreter.
What does South Africa travel insurance not cover?
There are a number of general exclusions you need to be aware of when travelling to South Africa (or most countries for that matter). Some of the most common exclusions include:
- Irresponsible behaviour under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Pre-existing conditions you were aware of before purchasing your policy
- Unattended items
- Claims that weren’t lodged with your provider within 24 hours
- Driving a motorbike without a license/helmet
When selecting a travel insurance policy, Canstar research shows that you get what you pay for; 3- to 5-Star policies tend to cover most items, whereas 1- and 2-Star policies have various exclusions, even sometimes excluding accidental death.
The bottom line is to compare travel insurance and check the fine print carefully to make sure you’re covered for the activities you’ll be doing and other things that could happen along the way. A policy that falls short will seriously disappoint you if you have to make a claim.
How much does travel insurance for South Africa cost?
The cost of travel insurance varies depending on factors such as the length of your trip, your age, and the level of coverage you require. On average, a basic travel insurance policy for South Africa may cost between 4-10% of your total trip expenses. For example:
- Short Trips (1-2 weeks): $20-$50 for basic coverage.
- Extended Stays (1 month or more): $50-$150 depending on additional coverage.
- Comprehensive Plans: Including high medical limits and adventure sports coverage, expect to pay upwards of $100.
If you plan to explore multiple countries in Africa, consider a multi-destination policy to save costs while ensuring comprehensive coverage.
At the time of writing, basic travel insurance for South Africa can start from as low as $65-$88 for basic cover for an individual traveller for three weeks in South Africa, and $105 and up for more comprehensive cover. The price can vary from there, depending on the level of cover and optional inclusions that you need. You can compare travel insurance with Canstar to find cover that suits your particular needs and budget.
All premiums are based on the premium data collected for Canstar’s 2024 Travel Insurance Star Ratings. Premiums have been rounded to the nearest dollar.
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