- The best annual travel insurance plans
- What is annual travel insurance?
- What is the price of annual travel insurance?
- What annual travel insurance covers
- The Conditions of Annual Travel Insurance
- Why take out annual travel insurance?
- How to choose the right annual travel insurance
- Do your current insurance policies cover annual travel insurance?
- FAQ
annual travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Annual travel insurance provides cover for all your trips over a 12-month period, ideal for frequent travellers.
2. Price: An annual policy for Europe can cost from R2,500, often cheaper than insuring three separate trips.
3. Coverage: It typically covers medical emergencies and cancellations but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk adventure sports.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Bank cards and medical aids like Discovery offer limited cover, rarely including trip cancellation or full repatriation.
5. Tips: Check individual trip duration limits (e.g., 30 days) and ensure your specific destinations are fully covered.
6. Other useful info: Proof of valid travel insurance is often a mandatory requirement for South Africans applying for Schengen visas.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 39 travel insurance policies available in South Africa, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best annual travel insurance.
The best annual travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best annual travel insurance plans for residents of South Africa in 2025. These policies are among the best due to their high coverage limits, low deductibles, and straightforward terms for frequent travelers.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | R2,000,000 | R500 | • Covers all worldwide destinations. • No age-based pricing increase. • Automatic renewal option. • Family and business add-on benefits. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | R1,500,000 | R500 | • Mobile app for support anywhere. • Free support number 24/7. • Covers family travel. • Direct payments to hospitals. |
| Tourist Card | R1,800,000 | R750 | • Adventure sports coverage. • Fast online claims. • Discounts for couples and families. • Flexible trip duration. |
| World Travel | R1,200,000 | R600 | • Emergency evacuation specialists. • 24/7 multilingual assistance. • Extended trip duration up to 90 days. • Online document delivery. |
| Globe Partner | R1,800,000 | R800 | • High-value item protection. • Suitable for business travelers. • Coverage for pre-existing conditions. • Telemedicine consultations included. |
| Globe Traveller | R1,500,000 | R500 | • Long stay trips covered. • Premium unchanged after age 60. • Support in multiple languages. • Child and senior cover available. |
• No age-based pricing increase.
• Automatic renewal option.
• Family and business add-on benefits.
• Free support number 24/7.
• Covers family travel.
• Direct payments to hospitals.
• Fast online claims.
• Discounts for couples and families.
• Flexible trip duration.
• 24/7 multilingual assistance.
• Extended trip duration up to 90 days.
• Online document delivery.
• Suitable for business travelers.
• Coverage for pre-existing conditions.
• Telemedicine consultations included.
• Premium unchanged after age 60.
• Support in multiple languages.
• Child and senior cover available.
The best annual travel insurance will depend on your individual needs. We invite you to use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the plan that suits you and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat is annual travel insurance?
Annual travel insurance is a policy that provides continuous travel protection for multiple trips within a 12-month period.
It covers emergencies and travel risks such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and personal liability every time you travel abroad during the policy year.
Annual travel insurance is different from single-trip insurance, as it covers all journeys under one contract and is also called multi-trip insurance.
This option is especially useful and cost-effective for frequent travellers from South Africa planning more than three trips per year.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out annual travel insurance is especially important if you live in South Africa:
- For those who travel more than twice a year.
- When you take frequent or last-minute business trips abroad.
- For regular trips to neighbouring countries like Botswana or Namibia.
- If you need a Schengen visa for multiple European trips.
- If you enjoy spontaneous getaways without administrative hassle.
- To save money over several single-trip policies per year.
What is the price of annual travel insurance?
On average, annual travel insurance costs between R2,500 and R15,000 per person for a year of cover, depending on destination, age, and the extent of coverage.
| Trip | Trip cost (ZAR) | Indicative price per person (ZAR) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 business trips per year to London | 90,000 | 2,500 to 4,200 |
| Family holidays plus regional getaways (Mauritius, Botswana) | 60,000 | 3,800 to 6,500 |
| 6-month round-the-world trip across Southeast Asia | 120,000 | 8,500 to 15,000 |
| Multiple visits to Australia (3 trips, 21 days each) | 110,000 | 4,500 to 7,800 |
These prices are provided as an indication and may vary depending on the type of plan chosen (standard or premium) and the specific conditions of each insurer.
The price of your annual travel insurance depends on several factors:
- number and duration of trips: the more often you travel and the longer you stay, the higher the annual cost.
- destinations: regions with expensive healthcare (like the USA, Japan, Australia) result in higher premiums.
- traveller’s age: older travellers usually pay more due to increased health risks.
- level of coverage: premium plans, higher medical limits, or business and adventure sports options cost extra.
- family or group policies: family cover can be more cost-effective than separate individual policies.
What annual travel insurance covers
Annual travel insurance is a single policy that covers you for multiple trips within a year.
It provides continuous protection, making it practical for frequent or regular travelers.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refunds non-refundable trip costs if you cancel for a covered reason before departure. | We recommend a minimum cover of R25,000 and a deductible below R500. Not covered: pre-existing conditions, visa refusal, or change of mind. |
| 🚫 Missed departure | Pays extra costs if you miss a transport connection due to delay beyond your control. | Aim for at least R2,000 with no deductible. Not covered: your own lateness or missing the connection without official proof. |
| 🧳 Baggage loss or theft | Covers loss, theft, or damage to luggage during your trip. | Choose at least R15,000 and avoid policies with a deductible over R400. Unattended bags, valuables over the policy limit, and wear and tear are excluded. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Provides fixed compensation for long delays in departure or transit. | Make sure compensation is at least R1,000 for 4+ hour delays. There should be no deductible. Delays under 4 hours or without written confirmation are not covered. |
| 🏥 Emergency medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Pays for sudden and urgent medical treatment overseas. | Minimum of R1.5M recommended and deductible no more than R500. Excludes routine care, ongoing treatment, and some pre-existing conditions. |
| 🚑 Medical repatriation | Key guarantee. Covers emergency transport home if medically necessary. | Seek unlimited cover or at least R2M; must be arranged by the insurer. Claims may be denied if you travel against medical advice. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental treatment | Pays urgent dental expenses during a trip. | At least R5,000 recommended and deductible below R200. Excludes cosmetic work, routine treatment, and planned procedures. |
| 🪪 Personal liability abroad | Pays for claims if you injure others or damage their property while travelling. | Cover of R1M or more is advised. Deductibles under R1,000 are ideal. Damage to family members or rented items is often excluded. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance abroad | Covers lawyer’s fees if you face legal issues abroad. | Minimum R10,000 is practical for legal costs; higher for bail bonds. Alcohol-related or criminal acts are not insured. |
| 💔 Trip interruption | Refunds unused parts of the trip if you must return home early due to a covered event. | Minimum cover of R7,500 and deductible under R500. Not covered: voluntary returns, minor inconveniences, or non-medical reasons. |
Not covered: pre-existing conditions, visa refusal, or change of mind.
Not covered: your own lateness or missing the connection without official proof.
Unattended bags, valuables over the policy limit, and wear and tear are excluded.
Delays under 4 hours or without written confirmation are not covered.
Excludes routine care, ongoing treatment, and some pre-existing conditions.
Claims may be denied if you travel against medical advice.
Excludes cosmetic work, routine treatment, and planned procedures.
Damage to family members or rented items is often excluded.
Alcohol-related or criminal acts are not insured.
Not covered: voluntary returns, minor inconveniences, or non-medical reasons.
Reimbursement limits vary depending on the insurer and the plan selected (eco, standard, premium). They must always be checked in the general terms and conditions.
To find the annual travel insurance best suited to your needs, compare plans and guarantees easily on HelloSafe.
The Conditions of Annual Travel Insurance
Annual travel insurance is valid only when certain conditions are met by the policyholder. These are the main application conditions in South Africa.
- Residency requirement: you must be living in South Africa at the time of purchasing the annual policy.
- Start date compliance: coverage is valid only from the policy’s official start date, not before.
- Trip frequency limit: you are covered for multiple trips each year, usually unlimited, but only if each trip fits within specified day limits.
- Maximum trip duration: individual trips are usually limited to 30, 60, or 90 days per journey under an annual plan.
- Return requirement: you must return to South Africa between trips for coverage to reset for the next journey.
- Covered destinations: only travel to destinations included in your policy is insured, certain countries may be excluded due to risk.
- Incident notification: you must notify your insurer promptly if an incident or claim occurs during your travels.
- Compliance with exclusions: claims caused by high-risk activities, pre-existing conditions, or events excluded in the policy are not covered.
Watch out!
A key misunderstanding: an 'annual' policy doesn't cover a single year-long trip. It covers multiple trips, but each has a maximum duration, like 90 days. Staying longer than your policy's per-trip limit means you are uninsured for that part of your journey. Always check this limit.
Why take out annual travel insurance?
While travelling abroad, even minor health incidents can result in unexpectedly high costs, far exceeding your trip expenses, especially in private healthcare systems.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to R2,000,000 |
| Medical repatriation |
| Up to R5,000,000 |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalisation |
| Up to R2,000,000 |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to R2,000,000 |
| Consultation and treatment for an intestinal infection |
| Up to R2,000,000 |
- Europe: R3,500
- North America: R8,500
- Asia: R1,800
- Europe: R180,000
- North America: R350,000
- Asia: R220,000
- Europe: R85,000
- North America: R280,000
- Asia: R45,000
- Europe: R2,800
- North America: R6,200
- Asia: R1,200
- Europe: R4,200
- North America: R9,800
- Asia: R2,500
Coverage varies greatly depending on the plan chosen (standard or premium) and the insurer. Refer to the general conditions and always compare with tools like HelloSafe.
In addition to medical expenses, annual travel insurance also covers many other risks: trip cancellation or curtailment, lost or stolen luggage, personal liability abroad, repatriation assistance and services such as teleconsultation or emergency payment advances.
Good to know
Taking more than two trips this year? An annual policy saves you time and money. Get comprehensive cover for all your travels—from medical emergencies to lost baggage. With support from insurers like Chapka, you can travel with complete peace of mind, trip after trip.
How to choose the right annual travel insurance
Coverage and services can vary widely in annual travel insurance, with differences in reimbursement ceilings, deductibles, and trip duration limits. Knowing which criteria to compare helps you select truly useful guarantees for your needs in South Africa.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Determines the maximum amount paid for claims per year or incident | Select medical coverage of at least R1,000,000 for international annual plans |
| 📉 Deductible | This is the out-of-pocket sum you pay per claim | Opt for the lowest possible deductible to avoid high unexpected expenses while abroad |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Unclear rules can lead to denied coverage during claims | Review exclusions and waiting periods for each guarantee to avoid surprises later |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Can affect eligibility and price | Ensure your insurer offers cover with fair premiums and minimal restrictions for age |
| 👨👩👧 Traveller profile | Singles, couples, or families have different needs | Family policies are often better value for couples or families travelling together |
| 📆 Trip duration | Annual policies limit consecutive days per trip | Check if the policy matches your longest planned journey, usually 30-90 days max |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Global or regional coverage affects payout and price | Choose “worldwide” if any trip includes North America, since costs are highest there |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Double-insuring may waste money or cause disputes | Check if your private health or bank card already covers travel emergencies |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Risky sports or work trips may be excluded | Declare all activities like skiing or business to ensure full protection |
Do your current insurance policies cover annual travel insurance?
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurances like credit card insurance or the public health system can offer you an annual travel insurance, but unfortunately it is often not enough. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Annual travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Discovery Health) | Almost Never | Emergency medical abroad up to R100,000. Evacuation up to R500,000. No baggage protection, cancellation, personal liability, or global coverage is provided. | Travel insurance offers up to R2,000,000 for medical, baggage, and trip cancellation. Includes worldwide coverage. |
| Private health insurance (Momentum Health, Bonitas) | Almost Never | Emergency treatment abroad up to R75,000 to R100,000. No repatriation, trip disruption, or full overseas medical cover. | Travel insurance covers repatriation, all-risk overseas care. Up to R2,000,000 and 24/7 global support. |
| Classic credit card (FNB Gold, Standard Bank Silver) | Never | Basic emergency assistance or medical, up to R50,000. No trip cancellation, baggage protection, or extended medical claims. | Travel insurance reimburses up to R2,000,000. Includes trip cancellation, delays, liability, and lost baggage. |
| Premium credit card (FNB Premier, Nedbank Private Wealth) | Limited coverage | Medical emergencies up to R300,000. Baggage delay up to R10,000. No trip cancellation, family coverage, or high-value item protection. | Travel insurance protects all family members and high-value items. Up to R2,000,000 for trip risks. |
No baggage protection, cancellation, personal liability, or global coverage is provided.
No repatriation, trip disruption, or full overseas medical cover.
No trip cancellation, baggage protection, or extended medical claims.
No trip cancellation, family coverage, or high-value item protection.
Expert advice
Your bank card or medical aid often excludes critical situations like trip interruption due to a relative’s illness. Read the fine print carefully to avoid nasty surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe to dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is annual travel insurance mandatory?
Annual travel insurance is not mandatory for most trips, but certain countries require proof of medical coverage for visa applications. For instance, Schengen states ask for travel insurance when applying for a visa. Even when not required, it is strongly recommended. A common scenario is falling ill abroad and facing high medical bills, which can be financially devastating without insurance.
When is it recommended to purchase annual travel insurance?
It is best to purchase annual travel insurance before your first planned trip of the year to ensure maximum coverage. Early purchase secures immediate protection against trip cancellation and medical emergencies. Buying in advance is also more cost-effective for frequent travelers, as it covers all journeys for twelve months.
How do I purchase annual travel insurance?
Start by comparing options via HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find the best policies and prices. Next, carefully check the guarantees and exclusions specific to annual coverage, such as trip duration and regions covered. Once satisfied, purchase your chosen policy online. You will then receive your certificate immediately by email.
Can I purchase annual travel insurance after booking my flights?
Yes, you can purchase annual travel insurance at any time, even after booking your flights or accommodation. However, to benefit from trip cancellation protection and certain pre-departure guarantees, it is advisable to take out cover before making final bookings. Coverage for medical emergencies and baggage begins from the policy start date.
How do I make a claim on annual travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of the incident. You will need to provide relevant documents such as proof of travel, receipts, medical reports, or police statements. Most South African insurers now offer the option to submit claims online or via dedicated mobile apps for faster processing.
Does annual travel insurance cover all countries?
Most annual travel insurance policies offer worldwide coverage, but you should always check if there are specific exclusions. Destinations that are under travel advisories, war zones, or high-risk regions may be excluded. Always ensure your chosen policy provides full protection for all the countries you plan to visit during the policy year.
Is COVID-19 covered under annual travel insurance?
Yes, most annual travel insurance policies now include coverage for COVID-19-related medical expenses and trip cancellations. Check that your policy covers emergency medical treatment, quarantine costs, and cancellations due to testing positive. Some benefits may vary, so always review the policy wording for full details before you buy.
Is annual travel insurance mandatory?
Annual travel insurance is not mandatory for most trips, but certain countries require proof of medical coverage for visa applications. For instance, Schengen states ask for travel insurance when applying for a visa. Even when not required, it is strongly recommended. A common scenario is falling ill abroad and facing high medical bills, which can be financially devastating without insurance.
When is it recommended to purchase annual travel insurance?
It is best to purchase annual travel insurance before your first planned trip of the year to ensure maximum coverage. Early purchase secures immediate protection against trip cancellation and medical emergencies. Buying in advance is also more cost-effective for frequent travelers, as it covers all journeys for twelve months.
How do I purchase annual travel insurance?
Start by comparing options via HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find the best policies and prices. Next, carefully check the guarantees and exclusions specific to annual coverage, such as trip duration and regions covered. Once satisfied, purchase your chosen policy online. You will then receive your certificate immediately by email.
Can I purchase annual travel insurance after booking my flights?
Yes, you can purchase annual travel insurance at any time, even after booking your flights or accommodation. However, to benefit from trip cancellation protection and certain pre-departure guarantees, it is advisable to take out cover before making final bookings. Coverage for medical emergencies and baggage begins from the policy start date.
How do I make a claim on annual travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of the incident. You will need to provide relevant documents such as proof of travel, receipts, medical reports, or police statements. Most South African insurers now offer the option to submit claims online or via dedicated mobile apps for faster processing.
Does annual travel insurance cover all countries?
Most annual travel insurance policies offer worldwide coverage, but you should always check if there are specific exclusions. Destinations that are under travel advisories, war zones, or high-risk regions may be excluded. Always ensure your chosen policy provides full protection for all the countries you plan to visit during the policy year.
Is COVID-19 covered under annual travel insurance?
Yes, most annual travel insurance policies now include coverage for COVID-19-related medical expenses and trip cancellations. Check that your policy covers emergency medical treatment, quarantine costs, and cancellations due to testing positive. Some benefits may vary, so always review the policy wording for full details before you buy.
