Does travel insurance for South Africa cover me for COVID-19-related costs?

Yes – most travel insurance policies cover any COVID-19-related expenses, such as medical treatment while you’re in South Africa and the need to cancel your holiday if you test positive before you leave. However, cancellation due to COVID-19 isn’t usually available on basic policies. The risk of testing positive for COVID-19 is still quite high if you’re travelling to South Africa as of October 2022, so it’s best to wear a mask when possible if you’re worried about contracting the disease.

Can I take out travel insurance if I’m already in South Africa?

Yes – you can buy travel insurance if you’re already wheels up and headed to South Africa for your holiday through a broker or online. You won’t need much to take out travel insurance, only the details of your trip and some other important information. You’ll be afforded the exact coverage you would usually get if you purchased before departure. However, these policies have waiting periods of between 48 and 96 hours. This means that if you suffer a claimable incident inside this period, you won’t be able to make a claim.

When is the best time to buy travel insurance for South Africa?

Most people in the know will tell you the best time to purchase your travel insurance is when you know your travel dates. That allows you to be covered for the maximum amount of pre-paid bookings, such as those for hotels or tours if something unforeseen happens and you need to call off your holiday. There are also often sales on around holiday periods, such as Easter, Christmas and the End of the Financial Year, which means you could snap up a policy at a discount.

How do I make a claim on my travel insurance if I’m in South Africa?

When you do it online, claiming on your travel insurance is a pretty easy process. When you go to your insurance company's website, enter your policy number and the email address that goes with it. From there, you can do the following: Fill out your claim form with plenty of detail Attach any documents, such as receipts, medical evidence, or proof of purchase Submit your claim The majority of the time, you should hear back from your travel insurance company within about ten business days. It's best to quickly answer any requests for more information to avoid slowing down the process.

How much will my travel insurance to South Africa cost?

How much travel insurance costs for a trip to South Africa will be determined by a range of interchangeable variables, including: Your age The length of your trip and destinations Whether you suffer any pre-existing conditions If you need optional extras, such as adventure sports cover The insurance company you’ve chosen The level of cover you have purchased What part of South Africa you’re travelling to (for example, you may not be able to receive cover if you’re travelling somewhere experiencing a terrorism event or outbreak of infectious disease)