comprehensive

The Best Comprehensive Travel Insurance Plans in 2025

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A. Fruchard
A. Fruchard updated on 8 July 2025
Table of Contents
  • 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
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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.

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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 recommendMedical reimbursementDeductibleAdvantages
HelloTravel PremiumR6,000,000R0
  • Worldwide medical cover.
  • Baggage and delay protection.
  • 24/7 multilingual help.
  • Includes COVID19 and adventure activities.
Cap Assistance 24/24R3,500,000R0
  • App for claim management.
  • Direct hospital payment.
  • Adventure sports included.
  • 24/7 urgent assistance.
Tourist CardR5,000,000R500
  • Upfront payment option.
  • Fast claims via WhatsApp.
  • Family and senior support.
  • High baggage limits.
World TravelR4,000,000R750
  • Annual plan available.
  • Discounts for families.
  • Covers business travel.
  • Large global provider network.
Globe PartnerR3,500,000R0
  • Direct billing for emergencies.
  • COVID-19 covered.
  • Sports and pregnancy complications.
  • 24/7 medical helpline.
Globe TravellerR5,000,000R0
  • Highest medical expense limit.
  • Pregnancy and extreme activities covered.
  • Multilingual medical support.
  • Easy annual extension.
Comparison of recommended travel insurance contracts.
HelloTravel Premium
Medical reimbursement
R6,000,000
Deductible
R0
Advantages
  • Worldwide medical cover.
  • Baggage and delay protection.
  • 24/7 multilingual help.
  • Includes COVID19 and adventure activities.
Cap Assistance 24/24
Medical reimbursement
R3,500,000
Deductible
R0
Advantages
  • App for claim management.
  • Direct hospital payment.
  • Adventure sports included.
  • 24/7 urgent assistance.
Tourist Card
Medical reimbursement
R5,000,000
Deductible
R500
Advantages
  • Upfront payment option.
  • Fast claims via WhatsApp.
  • Family and senior support.
  • High baggage limits.
World Travel
Medical reimbursement
R4,000,000
Deductible
R750
Advantages
  • Annual plan available.
  • Discounts for families.
  • Covers business travel.
  • Large global provider network.
Globe Partner
Medical reimbursement
R3,500,000
Deductible
R0
Advantages
  • Direct billing for emergencies.
  • COVID-19 covered.
  • Sports and pregnancy complications.
  • 24/7 medical helpline.
Globe Traveller
Medical reimbursement
R5,000,000
Deductible
R0
Advantages
  • Highest medical expense limit.
  • Pregnancy and extreme activities covered.
  • Multilingual medical support.
  • Easy annual extension.
Comparison of recommended travel insurance contracts.

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 compare

What 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.

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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.

TripTrip cost (ZAR)Indicative price per person (ZAR)
7 days in France18,000540 to 1,080
14 days in the United States42,0001,500 to 2,500
3 weeks in Thailand for a family60,0002,100 to 3,300
30 days in Australia (age 65)32,0001,100 to 2,300
7 days in France
Trip cost (ZAR)
18,000
Indicative price per person (ZAR)
540 to 1,080
14 days in the United States
Trip cost (ZAR)
42,000
Indicative price per person (ZAR)
1,500 to 2,500
3 weeks in Thailand for a family
Trip cost (ZAR)
60,000
Indicative price per person (ZAR)
2,100 to 3,300
30 days in Australia (age 65)
Trip cost (ZAR)
32,000
Indicative price per person (ZAR)
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.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compare

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 guaranteeDefinitionExpert advice
✈️ Trip cancellationRefund 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 departurePays 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 theftCompensation 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 delayLump 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 abroadKey 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 repatriationKey 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 carePays 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 abroadCovers 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 abroadCovers 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 interruptionRefunds 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.
An overview of common travel insurance guarantees, their definitions, and expert advice on coverage levels.
✈️ Trip cancellation
Definition
Refund of trip costs if you cancel for a covered reason before departure.
Expert advice
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
Definition
Pays extra transport if you miss your flight due to covered events outside your control.
Expert advice
Minimum of R3,000, deductible under R300 recommended.
Not covered: lateness without valid reason, or if not reported promptly.
🧳 Baggage loss or theft
Definition
Compensation for lost, stolen or damaged luggage during your trip.
Expert advice
At least R20,000 cover and deductible below R500 are best.
Unattended baggage and valuables exceeding policy limits are excluded.
🕒 Travel delay
Definition
Lump sum if your travel is delayed for several hours, covering extra expenses.
Expert advice
At least R1,200 after a delay of 4+ hours, deductible under R100.
Known strikes or short delays are not covered.
🏥 Medical expenses abroad
Definition
Key guarantee. Covers urgent medical care for illness or injury during your trip.
Expert advice
At least R5,000,000, with deductible under R1,000.
Chronic illness, routine treatment and elective procedures are excluded.
🚑 Medical repatriation
Definition
Key guarantee. Pays medical evacuation to South Africa if needed.
Expert advice
Prefer unlimited, but minimum R5,000,000 and no deductible.
Voluntary or non-medical repatriation is excluded.
🦷 Emergency dental care
Definition
Pays for emergency dental treatment abroad.
Expert advice
R3,000+ cover, deductible under R300 is advised.
Cosmetic or planned dental care and ongoing dental issues are not covered.
🪪 Personal liability abroad
Definition
Covers injury or property damage you accidently cause to others on your trip.
Expert advice
R2,000,000 minimum recommended, deductible under R1,000.
Intentional damage, family disputes or liability from vehicles excluded.
⚖️ Legal assistance abroad
Definition
Covers lawyer fees or bail if you face legal action abroad.
Expert advice
R20,000+ for legal costs, deductible under R500.
Criminal acts, acts under the influence, or disputes with travel companions are not covered.
💔 Trip interruption
Definition
Refunds unused travel services if you return home early due to a covered event.
Expert advice
At least R15,000 with no or low deductible.
Voluntary returns and minor medical issues are excluded.
An overview of common travel insurance guarantees, their definitions, and expert advice on coverage levels.

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.
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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 treatmentAverage costCovered by insurance
Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation)
  • Europe: R3,500
  • North America: R8,500
  • Asia: R2,200
Up to R10,000,000
Medical repatriation
  • Europe: R180,000
  • North America: R320,000
  • Asia: R220,000
Up to R15,000,000
Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization
  • Europe: R85,000
  • North America: R450,000
  • Asia: R65,000
Up to R10,000,000
Stitches after a fall
  • Europe: R2,800
  • North America: R6,200
  • Asia: R1,800
Up to R10,000,000
Consultation and treatment for an intestinal infection
  • Europe: R4,200
  • North America: R9,800
  • Asia: R2,500
Up to R10,000,000
Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation)
Average cost
  • Europe: R3,500
  • North America: R8,500
  • Asia: R2,200
Covered by insurance
Up to R10,000,000
Medical repatriation
Average cost
  • Europe: R180,000
  • North America: R320,000
  • Asia: R220,000
Covered by insurance
Up to R15,000,000
Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization
Average cost
  • Europe: R85,000
  • North America: R450,000
  • Asia: R65,000
Covered by insurance
Up to R10,000,000
Stitches after a fall
Average cost
  • Europe: R2,800
  • North America: R6,200
  • Asia: R1,800
Covered by insurance
Up to R10,000,000
Consultation and treatment for an intestinal infection
Average cost
  • Europe: R4,200
  • North America: R9,800
  • Asia: R2,500
Covered by insurance
Up to R10,000,000

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.

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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.

CriterionWhy it mattersExpert tip
💶 Reimbursement limitsMedical and trip risks abroad can become costly, especially with rand fluctuationsChoose at least R5,000,000 medical cover for destinations like USA, Canada, or Europe
📉 DeductibleThis affects how much you pay out of pocket per claimOpt for a policy with no or low deductible to avoid unexpected costs during emergencies
📋 Policy conditionsSome exclusions or paperwork can invalidate claimsRead all terms, focusing on pre-existing conditions, pregnancy, or sports coverage
👵 Traveller’s agePremiums increase with age and some benefits decrease for seniorsVerify if coverage or price changes after age 65 to avoid gaps or shortfalls
👨‍👩‍👧 Traveller profileFamilies, couples, or solo travelers have different needs and eligible benefitsSelect a plan that covers all travelers, including children and elderly dependents
📆 Trip durationMost policies limit coverage to a set number of days per tripEnsure your entire travel period is covered, especially if combining multiple countries
🌍 Geographic areaCoverage levels and excluded countries can differ by destinationConfirm your destination is covered, especially for high-risk or visa-required countries
🛡️ Existing coverageBank card or health schemes rarely match comprehensive policiesReview your current benefits to prevent duplicate payments or missing crucial cover
🧗 Planned activitiesRisky activities may require add-ons or may be excluded entirelyList all adventure or sporting plans to avoid denial for related claims
💶 Reimbursement limits
Why it matters
Medical and trip risks abroad can become costly, especially with rand fluctuations
Expert tip
Choose at least R5,000,000 medical cover for destinations like USA, Canada, or Europe
📉 Deductible
Why it matters
This affects how much you pay out of pocket per claim
Expert tip
Opt for a policy with no or low deductible to avoid unexpected costs during emergencies
📋 Policy conditions
Why it matters
Some exclusions or paperwork can invalidate claims
Expert tip
Read all terms, focusing on pre-existing conditions, pregnancy, or sports coverage
👵 Traveller’s age
Why it matters
Premiums increase with age and some benefits decrease for seniors
Expert tip
Verify if coverage or price changes after age 65 to avoid gaps or shortfalls
👨‍👩‍👧 Traveller profile
Why it matters
Families, couples, or solo travelers have different needs and eligible benefits
Expert tip
Select a plan that covers all travelers, including children and elderly dependents
📆 Trip duration
Why it matters
Most policies limit coverage to a set number of days per trip
Expert tip
Ensure your entire travel period is covered, especially if combining multiple countries
🌍 Geographic area
Why it matters
Coverage levels and excluded countries can differ by destination
Expert tip
Confirm your destination is covered, especially for high-risk or visa-required countries
🛡️ Existing coverage
Why it matters
Bank card or health schemes rarely match comprehensive policies
Expert tip
Review your current benefits to prevent duplicate payments or missing crucial cover
🧗 Planned activities
Why it matters
Risky activities may require add-ons or may be excluded entirely
Expert tip
List all adventure or sporting plans to avoid denial for related claims
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compare

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 insuranceComprehensive travel insurance included?What it coversWhy Travel Insurance is better
Public health insurance (GEMS)NeverOnly 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 NeverEmergency 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 NeverBasic 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 coverageSome 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.
Comparison of various insurance types against comprehensive travel insurance.
Public health insurance (GEMS)
Comprehensive travel insurance included?
Never
What it covers
Only emergency medical care within South Africa, state hospital limits, up to R100,000.
No cover for repatriation, trip cancellation, or medical expenses abroad.
Why Travel Insurance is better
Travel insurance offers up to R10,000,000 for global medical, repatriation, and trip cancellations.
Private health insurance (Discovery Health, Medihelp)
Comprehensive travel insurance included?
Almost Never
What it covers
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.
Why Travel Insurance is better
Travel insurance provides up to R15,000,000 repatriation and R5,000,000 baggage and liability.
Classic credit card (ABSA Gold, FNB Gold)
Comprehensive travel insurance included?
Almost Never
What it covers
Basic emergency medical abroad, often up to R300,000, limited baggage (R8,000).
No comprehensive guarantee for interruption, personal accident, or hijack/kidnap.
Why Travel Insurance is better
Travel insurance includes accident, hijack, personal liability and trip cancellation from R1,000,000 upward.
Premium credit card (Nedbank Private Wealth, Standard Bank Platinum)
Comprehensive travel insurance included?
Limited coverage
What it covers
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.
Why Travel Insurance is better
Travel insurance covers medical costs up to R10,000,000 plus full trip interruption and personal accident.
Comparison of various insurance types against comprehensive travel insurance.
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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.

A. Fruchard
A. Fruchard
Insurance expert
HelloSafe
Co-founder of HelloSafe and an experienced entrepreneur in the insurance and personal finance sector, Antoine uses his experience and in-depth knowledge of the market to help Internet users make the right choices. With an MBA in economics, he is a committed expert whose mission is to make personal finance and insurance issues simple and understandable. With a rich career marked by the creation of innovative companies, Antoine's ambition has always been to bring transparency to complex issues and to give power back to consumers. With HelloSafe, he continues to translate this vision by providing accurate advice, impartial comparisons and detailed explanations of travel insurance. He has analysed hundreds of contracts to reveal the best options available on the market.

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