- The best comprehensive travel insurance plans
- What is comprehensive travel insurance?
- The price of comprehensive travel insurance
- What does comprehensive travel insurance cover?
- The conditions of comprehensive travel insurance
- The importance of comprehensive travel insurance
- How to Choose the Right comprehensive Travel Insurance
- Do your current insurance policies cover comprehensive travel insurance?
- FAQ
comprehensive travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Comprehensive travel insurance covers major risks like medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage before and during your trip.
2. Price: For a week in Europe, comprehensive cover from South Africa costs between R800 and R1,200 per person.
3. Coverage: It typically covers medical costs, repatriation, and cancellation, but excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk sports without declaration.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Bank cards and medical aids like Discovery offer limited cover, often excluding trip cancellation and having low medical limits.
5. Tips: Always check medical cover limits in ZAR, considering the Rand's volatility against foreign currencies for your destination.
6. Other useful info: For Schengen visas, your policy must have at least €30,000 medical cover, which is a standard requirement.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in South Africa, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best comprehensive travel insurance.
The best comprehensive travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best comprehensive travel insurance plans available for residents of South Africa in 2025. These plans stand out for their high coverage limits, low deductibles and user-friendly conditions, ensuring strong protection for a wide range of travel scenarios.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | R6,000,000 | R0 |
|
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | R3,500,000 | R0 |
|
| Tourist Card | R5,000,000 | R500 |
|
| World Travel | R4,000,000 | R750 |
|
| Globe Partner | R3,500,000 | R0 |
|
| Globe Traveller | R5,000,000 | R0 |
|
- Worldwide medical cover.
- Baggage and delay protection.
- 24/7 multilingual help.
- Includes COVID19 and adventure activities.
- App for claim management.
- Direct hospital payment.
- Adventure sports included.
- 24/7 urgent assistance.
- Upfront payment option.
- Fast claims via WhatsApp.
- Family and senior support.
- High baggage limits.
- Annual plan available.
- Discounts for families.
- Covers business travel.
- Large global provider network.
- Direct billing for emergencies.
- COVID-19 covered.
- Sports and pregnancy complications.
- 24/7 medical helpline.
- Highest medical expense limit.
- Pregnancy and extreme activities covered.
- Multilingual medical support.
- Easy annual extension.
The best comprehensive travel insurance may vary depending on your needs. We invite you to use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the one that suits you and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat is comprehensive travel insurance?
Comprehensive travel insurance is a multi-risk policy that provides wide-ranging protection before and during trips abroad.
It usually covers medical emergencies, repatriation, trip cancellation, lost or delayed baggage, personal liability, and 24/7 assistance, combining multiple guarantees in one policy.
This coverage is specifically designed for travelers from South Africa who need an all-inclusive solution for expensive or complex trips.
Comprehensive travel insurance is sometimes confused with basic or single-risk plans but stands out by offering broader benefits and higher claim limits.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out comprehensive travel insurance is especially recommended if you live in South Africa:
- when travelling internationally, as South African medical aids have limited cover
- if you visit a country with high medical costs like the USA
- if you book an expensive or non-refundable trip and its activities
- for any pre-existing health condition or if you are over age 65
- when participating in adventure sports like skiing, diving or safaris
- if your visa requires it, like for the Schengen Area
- if you travel with children and need cover for family emergencies
The price of comprehensive travel insurance
On average, comprehensive travel insurance costs between 3% and 6% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost (ZAR) | Indicative price per person (ZAR) |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days in France | 18,000 | 540 to 1,080 |
| 14 days in the United States | 42,000 | 1,500 to 2,500 |
| 3 weeks in Thailand for a family | 60,000 | 2,100 to 3,300 |
| 30 days in Australia (age 65) | 32,000 | 1,100 to 2,300 |
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 comprehensive travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: the longer your trip, the greater the cost of insurance.
- destination: trips to countries with expensive healthcare and emergency services, such as the United States or Japan, increase premiums.
- traveller’s age: older travellers, especially over 65, will pay more due to increased health risk.
- level of coverage: higher cover limits, lower excess, and additional benefits like cancellation and baggage will increase premiums.
- selected options: extra sports and activities cover, pre-existing medical conditions, or higher-value electronic items will raise the overall price.
What does comprehensive travel insurance cover?
Comprehensive travel insurance is designed to offer full coverage at every stage of your journey: before departure, during travel and while abroad.
It protects your health, belongings, legal rights and finances against the most common travel-related risks.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refund of trip costs if you cancel for a covered reason before departure. | A minimum cover of R40,000 is advised, with a deductible under R500. Change of mind, visa refusal and pre-existing illness are not covered. |
| 🚫 Missed departure | Pays extra transport if you miss your flight due to covered events outside your control. | Minimum of R3,000, deductible under R300 recommended. Not covered: lateness without valid reason, or if not reported promptly. |
| 🧳 Baggage loss or theft | Compensation for lost, stolen or damaged luggage during your trip. | At least R20,000 cover and deductible below R500 are best. Unattended baggage and valuables exceeding policy limits are excluded. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Lump sum if your travel is delayed for several hours, covering extra expenses. | At least R1,200 after a delay of 4+ hours, deductible under R100. Known strikes or short delays are not covered. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Covers urgent medical care for illness or injury during your trip. | At least R5,000,000, with deductible under R1,000. Chronic illness, routine treatment and elective procedures are excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical repatriation | Key guarantee. Pays medical evacuation to South Africa if needed. | Prefer unlimited, but minimum R5,000,000 and no deductible. Voluntary or non-medical repatriation is excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Pays for emergency dental treatment abroad. | R3,000+ cover, deductible under R300 is advised. Cosmetic or planned dental care and ongoing dental issues are not covered. |
| 🪪 Personal liability abroad | Covers injury or property damage you accidently cause to others on your trip. | R2,000,000 minimum recommended, deductible under R1,000. Intentional damage, family disputes or liability from vehicles excluded. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance abroad | Covers lawyer fees or bail if you face legal action abroad. | R20,000+ for legal costs, deductible under R500. Criminal acts, acts under the influence, or disputes with travel companions are not covered. |
| 💔 Trip interruption | Refunds unused travel services if you return home early due to a covered event. | At least R15,000 with no or low deductible. Voluntary returns and minor medical issues are excluded. |
Change of mind, visa refusal and pre-existing illness are not covered.
Not covered: lateness without valid reason, or if not reported promptly.
Unattended baggage and valuables exceeding policy limits are excluded.
Known strikes or short delays are not covered.
Chronic illness, routine treatment and elective procedures are excluded.
Voluntary or non-medical repatriation is excluded.
Cosmetic or planned dental care and ongoing dental issues are not covered.
Intentional damage, family disputes or liability from vehicles excluded.
Criminal acts, acts under the influence, or disputes with travel companions are not covered.
Voluntary returns and minor medical issues are excluded.
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 comprehensive travel insurance best suited to your profile and your trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of comprehensive travel insurance
To activate your comprehensive travel insurance and make your benefits valid, several key conditions must be met. These are the most common for South African travellers.
- Timing of subscription: you must purchase the policy before leaving South Africa, ideally shortly after confirming your travel booking.
- Residency requirement: you must be a resident of South Africa at the time of subscription.
- Trip duration compliance: each trip must not exceed the maximum duration set in your comprehensive policy, for example 90 days.
- No ongoing travel: you are not allowed to already be abroad when you take out the insurance.
- Incident notification: you must inform the insurer promptly in case of incident, such as hospitalisation or theft.
- Supporting documentation: if you claim for cancellation or delay, you must provide certificates or official justification.
- Destination restrictions: you must avoid travel to destinations explicitly excluded or advised against by the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
- Compliance with policy terms: claims beyond policy exclusions or involving unlisted high-risk activities are not covered.
Watch out!
Many South Africans mistakenly assume their bank card's 'free' travel insurance is comprehensive. This basic cover often has low medical limits—a huge risk with the weak rand—and typically excludes trip cancellation. For proper protection, a standalone comprehensive policy is essential for any major overseas trip.
The importance of comprehensive travel insurance
Unexpected health emergencies while travelling can lead to high costs, and without comprehensive travel insurance, these expenses may become difficult to manage.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to R10,000,000 |
| Medical repatriation |
| Up to R15,000,000 |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to R10,000,000 |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to R10,000,000 |
| Consultation and treatment for an intestinal infection |
| Up to R10,000,000 |
- Europe: R3,500
- North America: R8,500
- Asia: R2,200
- Europe: R180,000
- North America: R320,000
- Asia: R220,000
- Europe: R85,000
- North America: R450,000
- Asia: R65,000
- Europe: R2,800
- North America: R6,200
- Asia: R1,800
- 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.
Besides medical emergencies, comprehensive travel insurance often covers many other risks: trip cancellation or interruption, lost or stolen baggage, personal liability, hijacking, delays, and 24-hour emergency support.
Good to know
Your bank card won't cover a R450,000 appendicitis bill in the USA. Comprehensive insurance is essential to avoid millions in potential medical debt. Insurers like ACS provide robust cover for emergencies, cancellations, and lost baggage, ensuring you travel with true peace of mind.
How to Choose the Right comprehensive Travel Insurance
Not all comprehensive travel insurance plans are equal: reimbursement amounts, coverage limits, and claim conditions vary. That is why it is crucial to compare policies carefully to ensure you have the right cover for your trip from South Africa.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Medical and trip risks abroad can become costly, especially with rand fluctuations | Choose at least R5,000,000 medical cover for destinations like USA, Canada, or Europe |
| 📉 Deductible | This affects how much you pay out of pocket per claim | Opt for a policy with no or low deductible to avoid unexpected costs during emergencies |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Some exclusions or paperwork can invalidate claims | Read all terms, focusing on pre-existing conditions, pregnancy, or sports coverage |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Premiums increase with age and some benefits decrease for seniors | Verify if coverage or price changes after age 65 to avoid gaps or shortfalls |
| 👨👩👧 Traveller profile | Families, couples, or solo travelers have different needs and eligible benefits | Select a plan that covers all travelers, including children and elderly dependents |
| 📆 Trip duration | Most policies limit coverage to a set number of days per trip | Ensure your entire travel period is covered, especially if combining multiple countries |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Coverage levels and excluded countries can differ by destination | Confirm your destination is covered, especially for high-risk or visa-required countries |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Bank card or health schemes rarely match comprehensive policies | Review your current benefits to prevent duplicate payments or missing crucial cover |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Risky activities may require add-ons or may be excluded entirely | List all adventure or sporting plans to avoid denial for related claims |
Do your current insurance policies cover comprehensive travel insurance?
It is understandable to question whether your current coverage, such as credit card insurance or your public health scheme, can provide comprehensive travel insurance, but unfortunately, this is rarely sufficient. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Comprehensive travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (GEMS) | Never | Only emergency medical care within South Africa, state hospital limits, up to R100,000. No cover for repatriation, trip cancellation, or medical expenses abroad. | Travel insurance offers up to R10,000,000 for global medical, repatriation, and trip cancellations. |
| Private health insurance (Discovery Health, Medihelp) | Almost Never | Emergency stabilization abroad, limited to R500,000 to R1,000,000 in select countries. No cancellation, baggage loss, or reliable liability cover for international travel. | Travel insurance provides up to R15,000,000 repatriation and R5,000,000 baggage and liability. |
| Classic credit card (ABSA Gold, FNB Gold) | Almost Never | Basic emergency medical abroad, often up to R300,000, limited baggage (R8,000). No comprehensive guarantee for interruption, personal accident, or hijack/kidnap. | Travel insurance includes accident, hijack, personal liability and trip cancellation from R1,000,000 upward. |
| Premium credit card (Nedbank Private Wealth, Standard Bank Platinum) | Limited coverage | Some emergency medical (up to R1,000,000), basic baggage and travel delay, low repatriation limits. No broad cover for trip interruption, high-value losses, or extensive legal liability. | Travel insurance covers medical costs up to R10,000,000 plus full trip interruption and personal accident. |
No cover for repatriation, trip cancellation, or medical expenses abroad.
No cancellation, baggage loss, or reliable liability cover for international travel.
No comprehensive guarantee for interruption, personal accident, or hijack/kidnap.
No broad cover for trip interruption, high-value losses, or extensive legal liability.
Expert advice
Your bank card or medical aid might not cover trip interruption for a family emergency, like a relative's illness. Scrutinise the fine print to avoid costly surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe to dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is comprehensive travel insurance mandatory?
Comprehensive travel insurance is not mandatory for all trips, but it can be required by certain countries, such as those in the Schengen area, which demand proof of adequate medical cover for visa purposes. Even when not mandatory, it is strongly recommended—especially for costly or long journeys. For example, if you fall ill in the USA and need hospitalisation, without comprehensive cover, medical bills can easily exceed R300,000.
When is it recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
It is advisable to buy comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you pay any deposit or book your trip. Early purchase guarantees coverage for pre-departure risks like trip cancellation due to illness or emergencies. This also ensures you benefit fully from coverage and that you’re protected financially from the start.
How do I purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
First, compare plans and prices using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find the best deal. Then, check the guarantees and exclusions to be sure it’s truly comprehensive, looking at benefits like medical limits and baggage cover. Next, purchase the policy online, and you will instantly receive your certificate by email.
Can I purchase comprehensive travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can buy comprehensive travel insurance after booking your flights or accommodation, as long as you do so before you depart. However, to receive benefits such as cancellation cover and certain pre-trip protections, it is always best to purchase your policy as early as possible, ideally just after making your first booking.
How do I make a claim on a comprehensive travel insurance policy?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s claims hotline or online portal as soon as possible. Provide all relevant documents, like medical reports, proof of loss, or receipts. Many South African insurers have 24/7 assistance lines or digital apps for claims, so you can get help any time and speed up the reimbursement process.
Does comprehensive travel insurance cover adventure activities?
While many comprehensive policies offer some coverage for activities like hiking or guided tours, extreme sports—such as bungee jumping or deep-sea diving—often require an extra premium. Always declare all planned activities when buying your policy to ensure proper cover, and check your wording for any exclusions or required add-ons.
What should I do if my trip is cancelled due to COVID-19?
Most comprehensive policies now cover trip cancellation due to COVID-19 infection, but not always for travel bans or government advisories. Check your policy for COVID-19 benefits, such as refunds for non-refundable bookings or medical treatment if you become ill abroad. Insurers differ, so always read the COVID-19 section of your policy carefully.
Is comprehensive travel insurance mandatory?
Comprehensive travel insurance is not mandatory for all trips, but it can be required by certain countries, such as those in the Schengen area, which demand proof of adequate medical cover for visa purposes. Even when not mandatory, it is strongly recommended—especially for costly or long journeys. For example, if you fall ill in the USA and need hospitalisation, without comprehensive cover, medical bills can easily exceed R300,000.
When is it recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
It is advisable to buy comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you pay any deposit or book your trip. Early purchase guarantees coverage for pre-departure risks like trip cancellation due to illness or emergencies. This also ensures you benefit fully from coverage and that you’re protected financially from the start.
How do I purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
First, compare plans and prices using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find the best deal. Then, check the guarantees and exclusions to be sure it’s truly comprehensive, looking at benefits like medical limits and baggage cover. Next, purchase the policy online, and you will instantly receive your certificate by email.
Can I purchase comprehensive travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can buy comprehensive travel insurance after booking your flights or accommodation, as long as you do so before you depart. However, to receive benefits such as cancellation cover and certain pre-trip protections, it is always best to purchase your policy as early as possible, ideally just after making your first booking.
How do I make a claim on a comprehensive travel insurance policy?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s claims hotline or online portal as soon as possible. Provide all relevant documents, like medical reports, proof of loss, or receipts. Many South African insurers have 24/7 assistance lines or digital apps for claims, so you can get help any time and speed up the reimbursement process.
Does comprehensive travel insurance cover adventure activities?
While many comprehensive policies offer some coverage for activities like hiking or guided tours, extreme sports—such as bungee jumping or deep-sea diving—often require an extra premium. Always declare all planned activities when buying your policy to ensure proper cover, and check your wording for any exclusions or required add-ons.
What should I do if my trip is cancelled due to COVID-19?
Most comprehensive policies now cover trip cancellation due to COVID-19 infection, but not always for travel bans or government advisories. Check your policy for COVID-19 benefits, such as refunds for non-refundable bookings or medical treatment if you become ill abroad. Insurers differ, so always read the COVID-19 section of your policy carefully.
