What is Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is coverage designed to protect against risks and financial losses that could happen while traveling.
The risks range from minor inconveniences such as missed airline connections and delayed luggage all the way to more serious issues including injuries or major illness.
Travel Insurance In South Africa
Travel risks in South Africa
South Africa has high crime ratesopens in new window in many areas, and this can take many forms. Within major cities, certain areas are more dangerous than others. As a tourist, you may be perceived as having cash or access to it and are therefore as more of a target.
Violent crime against tourists is generally low, however it is important to be vigilant at all times. This includes being conscious of more sophisticated crime, like people pretending to have broken down at the roadside. Most violent crime occurs in townships – areas at the peripheries of major cities and not generally tourist attractions. However, if you do plan to visit a township, it is unwise to wear even cheap jewellery or watches as these can still make you a target for crime. Make sure you travel with someone who has detailed knowledge of the risks of the area, preferably a tour guide. It is dangerous to go alone or without a guide.
The police take the welfare of tourists very seriously and are a conspicuous presence in many popular areas.
Taxi services and Uber services are both available, as well as informal “taxis” which are, in reality, simply people with cars. Needless to say these services cannot be considered safe, and it’s important to be on your guard when using the others too.
You should exercise your usual caution in a foreign city by avoiding large crowds and demonstrations, always keeping sight of your bag and drinks, not leaving things in places where they can be grabbed in an instant and being wary of people approaching you quickly or distracting you with things like maps.
Stick to major roads and don’t walk alone at night. Don’t carry large amounts of cash or important valuables. We’ve got advice about how to protect your travel documents and looking after your valuables at the beach. If possible, it’s best to try and leave all valuables you can do without in a secure place like a room safe.
Swimming in the sea can be dangerous in some parts of South Africa and at certain times. In major cities, lots of popular beaches have warning systems in place so that people know when and where not to swim, but beaches outside of cities can be unmarked.
The biggest risks come from strong and sudden currents, which can be difficult to spot if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Rip currents are formed when waves that have broken on the shore are funnelled back out to sea through a narrow channel, causing a strong backdraft of seaward water. They are possible to spotopens in new window – signs include less white surf than around them, darker and deeper patches of water, beach debris floating beyond the waves and isolated areas of choppy water among the waves. Occasionally, sharks can swim into public swimming areas, including some of the larger and more dangerous species.
Is South Africa safe to travel to?
According to the FCDO, over 430,000 British tourists visited South Africa in 2019 with most visits proving trouble-free. But there is a high rate of crime in several parts of the country, and Brit travellers are not immune. However, local authorities work hard to protect tourists as their visits are a key contributor to the national economy.
To help you understand the most common risks and take precautions, read the ‘travel risks in South Africa section above’ and check the latest FCDO advice. The FCDO page provides an overview of any travel alerts, entry restrictions and other general guidance for trips to South Africa, as well as specific sections on safety and security, health, terrorism and more.
Travel insurance can help protect you against some of these risks, so long as you always follow the official FCDO advice and any local government in your destination.
Do I need travel insurance for South Africa?
If you’re taking a trip anywhere in the world it’s important to buy travel insurance to cover it. South Africa has a high crime rate, but if your belongings are stolen – or lost or damaged – while you’re there you may be able to claim for them on your policy.
Make sure your holiday insurance includes good medical cover for emergencies, including repatriation home to the UK if you need it. If you’re injured or fall ill while you’re away, this can help avoid you having to pay a hefty medical bill yourself.
Travel insurance can also reimburse you in the event of cancellation and curtailment of your trip. Check the policy wording closely to see when cancellation cover applies, and if you need anything more than the standard cover for any activities you’ll be doing. Note that specific types of holidays such as cruises often require a specialist policy or add-on to your standard policy.
Enjoy your trip
South Africa offers experiences and culture unavailable anywhere else on earth and has a huge amount visitors can get involved in. Whatever you do while on your trip, make sure you’re covered with good travel insurance.
Does South Africa require travel insurance?
Is travel insurance mandatory in South Africa?
No. Travel insurance for South Africa is not mandatory, but it’s highly recommended that you get visitor health insurance for South Africa.
How long is travel insurance valid for?
one year
Annual Travel Insurance Policies
Annual travel insurance is designed to provide Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation coverage for multiple trips throughout one year. These policies last one year from the start date, which should be the departure date of your first trip.
How do I find the right travel insurance?
Travel insurance: 4 tips on finding the best deals
Never buy from a travel agent, tour operator or airline.
Decide on the cover you need before finding deals on comparison sites.
Be sensible about the excess.
Check what is already covered by your home insurance policy or bank.
What are the two basic types of travel insurance?
The two basic types of travel insurance are:
Vacation Plans. Provides the most coverage (including trip cancellation) When people think of ‘travel insurance’, they are thinking of a Vacation Plan.
Travel Medical Plans. Medical coverage while traveling abroad.