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Travel Insurance for South Africa
If you're visiting South Africa, take Travel Insurance with you. Get a Quoteor Retrieve your quoteSouth Africa is a place of incredible natural diversity and history and is home to some of the most well-known landmarks in the world.
As Africa’s most popular travel destination, South Africa is famous for its sun-drenched beaches and unforgettable game reserves. Tourists can’t get enough, with over 18.8 million visiting the country each year.
To avoid any unpleasant surprises when visiting South Africa, remember to get the right Travel Insurance policy so you can relax and enjoy your trip away.
With so much to do and experience, from the diversity of Cape Town and Johannesburg to the award-winning wine at Stellenbosch, it can be hard to fit everything into one trip. Indeed, the list of iconic attractions is quite long! But you can’t miss out on South Africa’s most famous safari destination, the Kruger National Park, to see the Big Five.
Adventure activities are among the most popular when visiting South Africa. Sports like abseiling, bungee jumping, and mountain treks are often on the top of many bucket lists when visiting South Africa. If you plan to participate in any adventure sports, you’ll need to check what your Travel Insurance covers.
Everything you need to know before your trip to South Africa.
When you think of South Africa, most people picture the wildlife, but the country has so much more to offer! We’ve compiled a list of everything you should know about South Africa before you jet off.
Getting Around
Public transport in South Africa is not easy, but it is possible. Although public taxis are available, Uber is the most common and reliable method of transportation in cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town. Bus services and shared taxis are available, they come frequently and travel far, but they are considered a less safe option.
If you’re looking for a different mode of travel, South Africa is home to 20,964 kilometres of railway tracks; there are four leading rail companies to choose from: Transnet Freight Rail, PRASA (Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa), Metrorail, and The Blue Train.
One great way to explore South Africa is by renting a car. UK citizens can drive in South Africa for up to a year without needing an International Driving Permit. Public transport is limited to bigger cities in South Africa, so renting a car is a great way to see rural areas.
Before your travels, we recommend making yourself familiar with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office safety advice to understand your destination in depth before you arrive. Remember, you will not be covered under Travel Insurance if you travel to a destination that the FCDO has advised against travel, even if your Travel Insurance is specific to South Africa.
History and Culture
The country is rich in history, starting from its turbulent past and ending with its unique architecture and language. You can learn more by visiting one of the several museums South Africa has to offer.
One of the most influential museums is The Apartheid Museum, documenting the rise and fall of apartheid and giving visitors an idea of what it was like to live in South Africa. The National Museum of Natural History is also a must-see known as the Transvaal Museum. It is acknowledging and maintaining South Africa’s natural heritage.
Staying Safe
Despite Africa’s reputation for danger, there is risk everywhere, and for the most part, South Africa is a safe place to visit. When travelling to any country, use your common sense and remain aware of where you are. To be extra cautious, stick to prominent tourist locations, avoid strolling around alone at night, and don’t flaunt cash or valuables.
Take a trip to the bush
Many tourists visit South Africa for the rich wildlife, and it has fast become the destination of choice for safaris. Seeing an animal in its natural habitat is an unforgettable experience, which not many have the opportunity to do. But going on a safari does pose risks, so it’s essential to declare the activities you’ll be undertaking to your Travel Insurer for your South Africa Travel Insurance.
Do I need Travel Insurance for South Africa?
South Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime holiday, and a trip there can be expensive. To protect yourself against any eventualities, you will want to cover your trip with Travel Insurance for South Africa.
There’s no reciprocal health agreement between South Africa and the UK, so you will be responsible for paying for any emergency medical treatment you may need, with bills quickly running into the thousands or tens of thousands of pounds. It’s commonly known that South Africa has a high crime rate, and as a tourist, people may assume that you are carrying cash, so keep your wits about you but make sure your South Africa Travel Insurance includes theft and loss of belongings.
Do I need Travel Insurance for South Africa?
South Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime holiday, and a trip there can be expensive. To protect yourself against any eventualities, you will want to cover your trip with Travel Insurance.
There’s no reciprocal health agreement between South Africa and the UK, so you will be responsible for paying for any emergency medical treatment you may need, with bills quickly running into the thousands or tens of thousands of pounds. It’s commonly known that South Africa has a high crime rate, and as a tourist, people may think you carry cash, so keep your wits about you but make sure your Travel Insurance includes theft and loss of belongings.
What does my Travel Insurance to South Africa cover?
Travel Insurance for South Africa covers you in three main areas;
- Trip cancellation and curtailment (if you need to cut your holiday short).
- Emergency medical expenses and repatriation (if you need medical treatment in South Africa or need to get home)
- Baggage, if it is lost, stolen or damaged.
You can take a single trip cover or buy an annual policy for unlimited travel within 12 months. There are three tiers to choose from with each insurer on our panel: bronze, silver, and gold. Depending on the level you choose, you’ll have cover for the following:
Annual Trip Travel Insurance –
- Unlimited trips in 12 months in the UK, Europe and worldwide (optional)
- Start your policy up to 90 days in the future
- Cover for up to 93 days per trip (terms apply)
Single Trip Travel Insurance –
- Single trips of up to 365 days
What’s Covered?
- Hundreds of Pre-existing medical conditions
- Available for travellers of all ages*
- 24/7 emergency medical assistance
- Medical expenses up to £15 million per person
- Cancellation/Curtailment up to £12,500 per person
- Personal Liability up to £2 million per person
- Lost, damaged or stolen baggage up to £3,000 per person
The smart Luggage option provides up to £550 if your luggage is delayed or lost.
*Terms apply.
What does my Travel Insurance to South Africa cover?
Travel Insurance covers you in three main areas;
- Trip cancellation and curtailment (if you need to cut your holiday short).
- Emergency medical expenses (if you need medical treatment in South Africa)
- Repatriation (the cost of getting you home) and baggage, if it is lost, stolen or damaged.
You can take a single trip cover or buy an annual policy for unlimited travel within 12 months. There are three tiers to choose from with each insurer on our panel: bronze, silver, and gold. Depending on the level you choose, you’ll have cover for the following:
Annual Trip Travel Insurance –
- Unlimited trips in 12 months in the UK, Europe and worldwide (optional)
- Start your policy up to 90 days in the future
- Cover for up to 93 days per trip (terms apply)
Single Trip Travel Insurance –
- Single trips of up to 365 days
What’s Covered?
- Hundreds of Pre-existing medical conditions
- Available for travellers of all ages*
- 24/7 emergency medical assistance
- Medical expenses up to £15 million per person
- Cancellation/Curtailment up to £12,500 per person
- Personal Liability up to £2 million per person
- Lost, damaged or stolen baggage up to £3,000 per person
The smart Luggage option provides up to £550 if your luggage is delayed or lost.
If I’m going on a safari in South Africa, will my Travel Insurance cover me?
We can cover a Safari providing there aren’t any firearms being used (including by the tour guides). Your Safari would need to be organised by a tour operator, and you’ll need to select Activity Pack B when getting a quote.
If I’m going on a safari in South Africa, will my Travel Insurance cover me?
We can cover a Safari providing there aren’t any firearms being used (including by the tour guides). Your Safari would need to be organised by a tour operator, and you’ll need to select Activity Pack B when getting a quote. Call us today for Travel Insurance policies for your holiday to South Africa, with cover for Safari and wildlife excursions.
Do I need a visa for South Africa?
No! UK citizens do not require a visa when travelling to South Africa unless they stay longer than 90 days.
Do I need a visa for South Africa?
No! UK citizens do not require a visa when travelling to South Africa unless they stay longer than 90 days.
Are vaccinations required for travel to South Africa?
It depends on your country of origin and your travel history. Common recommendations include vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies, as well as a routine update of vaccines such as MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, and polio. It’s best to consult with a healthcare provider or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to see what vaccinations you may need when visiting South Africa.
Are vaccinations required for travel to South Africa?
It depends on your country of origin and your travel history. Common recommendations include vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies, as well as a routine update of vaccines such as MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, and polio. It’s best to consult with a healthcare provider or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to see what vaccinations you may need when visiting South Africa.
Cover for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
- Emergency medical, hospital and medical expenses up to £15m
- Repatriation (the cost of getting you home)
- Emergency dental care
- Accommodation expenses
- 24 hour medical assistance line
We Compare Prices From These Insurers
Click here to download the Policy Wording and Insurance Product Information document for all insurers. In the event you are unable to find a suitable product from our panel of multiple providers, you can find contact details of some additional Insurers who specialise in travel insurance for people with serious medical conditions here, or call 0370 950 1790 for more information.
