- The Best international Travel Insurance Plans
- What is international travel insurance?
- The price of international travel insurance
- What does international travel insurance cover?
- The conditions of international travel insurance
- Why take out international travel insurance?
- How to choose the right international travel insurance
- Do my current insurance policies cover international travel?
- FAQ
international travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: International travel insurance covers unexpected events like medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage when travelling abroad.
2. Price: A one-week trip to Europe can cost between R800 and R1,500, depending on your chosen coverage level.
3. Coverage: It typically covers medical emergencies and trip cancellation but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk adventure sports.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Bank cards (FNB, Standard Bank) and medical aids (Discovery, Momentum) offer very limited international travel cover.
5. Tips: Always declare pre-existing conditions and check medical cover limits, especially for destinations like the USA or Europe.
6. Other useful info: Schengen visa applications require proof of medical cover of at least €30,000 (approximately R650,000) for entry.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 41 travel insurance policies available in South Africa, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best international travel insurance.
The Best international Travel Insurance Plans
Here is a selection of the best international travel insurance plans available for residents of South Africa in 2025. These plans stand out for their high medical limits, low deductibles and simplified conditions, providing optimal protection for travellers.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | R8M | R1,000 |
|
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | R8M | R1,200 |
|
| Tourist Card | R5M | R1,500 |
|
| World Travel | R7M (USA/Canada), R3M (others) | R1,000 |
|
| Globe Partner | R3M | R1,800 |
|
| Globe Traveller | R5M | R1,800 |
|
- Very high medical cover abroad.
- Luggage and document loss cover.
- Trip cancellation and interruption included.
- Visible pricing, clear policy wording.
- 24/7 medical helpline.
- Flexible policy for long or short trips.
- App for instant claim tracking.
- Cover for repatriation and evacuation.
- Refunds for unused accommodation.
- Personal accident cover.
- Coverage for emergency dental.
- Quick claims process.
- Covers political evacuation.
- Includes missed connection cover.
- Medical teleconsultation.
- Passport loss assistance.
- Enrol and manage policy online.
- No age increase until 65.
- Document and travel delay coverage.
- Suitable for long-term journeys.
- Premium unchanged after age 60.
- Multilingual assistance.
- Good for 12+ months abroad.
The best international travel insurance may vary depending on your needs. We invite you to use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the plan that suits you best and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat is international travel insurance?
International travel insurance is coverage designed to protect South African travelers against unexpected events that occur when traveling outside the country.
It offers financial protection for emergencies such as medical expenses, evacuation, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and personal liability during trips abroad.
International travel insurance is specifically for international journeys and is different from domestic policies which only cover incidents within South Africa.
It may also be called overseas travel insurance or global travel insurance, with worldwide validity depending on the provider.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out international travel insurance is especially recommended if you live in South Africa:
- When visiting countries with high medical costs like the USA.
- If your destination requires insurance for a Schengen or other visa.
- For expensive or non-refundable trips, including flights and accommodation.
- If you have any pre-existing medical condition or are over 65.
- When participating in adventure activities or sports not usually covered.
- As your South African medical aid offers very limited overseas cover.
- For peace of mind with 24/7 assistance and emergency repatriation.
The price of international travel insurance
On average, international travel insurance costs between 3% and 7% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost (ZAR) | Indicative price per person (ZAR) |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days in France | 18,000 | 540 to 1,250 |
| 2 weeks holiday in Thailand | 29,000 | 870 to 2,000 |
| 3 weeks road trip in the United States | 53,000 | 1,590 to 3,700 |
| 1 month backpacking in Australia | 35,000 | 1,050 to 2,450 |
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 international travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: the longer the trip, the higher the insurance cost.
- destination: destinations with high medical costs or travel risks generally increase the premium.
- traveller’s age: older travellers often pay more, especially over the age of 65.
- level of coverage: more comprehensive plans, including higher medical limits and fewer exclusions, cost more.
- options and add-ons: coverage for risky sports, valuable items, or cancellation for any reason increases the price.
What does international travel insurance cover?
International travel insurance is designed to protect you against unforeseen events outside South Africa.
It provides essential financial security for your health and possessions while you are travelling abroad.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| 🟠 Trip cancellation | Refunds trip costs if you cancel for a covered reason before leaving South Africa. | We recommend at least R20,000 cover, deductible below R750. Illness, bereavement or major events are usually covered. Change of mind or visa refusal are excluded. |
| 🟢 Missed departure | Covers extra transport if you miss your initial international departure due to documented reasons. | A minimum R3,000 limit is advised, no deductible preferred. Personal lateness, traffic or non-validated causes are excluded. |
| 🟤 Baggage loss or theft | Pays a lump sum if your luggage is lost, stolen or damaged during an international trip. | At least R15,000 cover and deductible below R500 are important. Unattended luggage or wear and tear usually excluded. |
| 🔵 Baggage delay | Covers essential expenses if international baggage is delayed on arrival. | Choose minimum R1,200 after 12–24 hours, deductible under R300. Delays below minimum hours and unproven delays are excluded. |
| 🟣 Travel delay | Pays a lump sum if your flight or train is delayed abroad for long periods. | At least R1,000 after 4 hours, no deductible recommended. Delays under 4 hours or due to strikes already known or weather are excluded. |
| 🟥 Medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Pays for urgent medical treatment outside South Africa during your trip. | Minimum cover of R2m (ideally R5m), deductible below R1,500. Chronic illness, routine care, or elective surgery are excluded. |
| 🟩 Medical evacuation | Key guarantee. Organises and pays for evacuation or return to SA if medically required. | Unlimited cover preferred, must be coordinated by insurer, no deductible. Voluntary repatriation, non-medical causes and refusal to accept medical evacuation are excluded. |
| 🟧 Emergency dental care | Pays for urgent dental treatment needed abroad. | Select at least R2,000 cover, deductible below R300. Cosmetic treatment, cleaning and pre-existing dental problems will be excluded. |
| 🟨 Personal liability abroad | Covers you if you accidentally injure someone or damage property while abroad. | A minimum of R1.5m is advised, deductible under R500. Damage to family members, rental vehicles or intentional acts are excluded. |
| ⚖️ Legal expenses abroad | Pays lawyer’s fees or bail abroad after an incident. | At least R15,000 in cover, deductible below R500. Issues resulting from criminal acts or intoxication are excluded. |
Illness, bereavement or major events are usually covered. Change of mind or visa refusal are excluded.
Personal lateness, traffic or non-validated causes are excluded.
Unattended luggage or wear and tear usually excluded.
Delays below minimum hours and unproven delays are excluded.
Delays under 4 hours or due to strikes already known or weather are excluded.
Chronic illness, routine care, or elective surgery are excluded.
Voluntary repatriation, non-medical causes and refusal to accept medical evacuation are excluded.
Cosmetic treatment, cleaning and pre-existing dental problems will be excluded.
Damage to family members, rental vehicles or intentional acts are excluded.
Issues resulting from criminal acts or intoxication 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 international travel insurance best suited to your profile and your trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of international travel insurance
International travel insurance is effective only if specific requirements are met. The main application conditions for South Africans are as follows.
- Residency requirement: you must be a resident of South Africa when purchasing the international policy.
- Pre-trip purchase: the policy must be bought before leaving South Africa and before your departure date.
- Destination coverage: travel must be to countries that are not excluded by the insurer, usually not to sanctioned or high-risk countries.
- Trip duration compliance: your trip must not exceed the maximum number of days covered by the policy, typically 90 or 180 days.
- No ongoing travel: coverage cannot start if you are already outside South Africa when purchasing the insurance.
- Timely incident reporting: you must report claims or incidents to the insurer as soon as possible after they occur.
- Supporting documentation: documentation such as medical certificates or receipts is required for claims, especially for cancellations or medical expenses.
- Compliance with exclusions: claims related to excluded activities, destinations or circumstances in the policy wording are not covered.
Watch out!
A common mistake for South African travellers is relying solely on their bank's free insurance. These policies often have low medical limits and exclude vital cover like trip cancellation. An emergency abroad could leave you facing massive bills, so always check the details and consider comprehensive standalone cover.
Why take out international travel insurance?
Travelling abroad exposes you to costly medical emergencies, and without the right international cover, expenses in foreign countries can quickly become unmanageable.
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 hospitalisation |
| 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: R8,500
- North America: R15,000
- Asia: R4,200
- Europe: R450,000
- North America: R650,000
- Asia: R380,000
- Europe: R180,000
- North America: R420,000
- Asia: R85,000
- Europe: R6,800
- North America: R12,500
- Asia: R3,500
- Europe: R4,500
- North America: R8,200
- Asia: R2,800
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, international travel insurance often provides helpful guarantees: trip cancellation or interruption, lost or delayed baggage, personal liability, evacuation, personal accident cover and 24/7 emergency support.
Good to know
Your bank card insurance is not enough. An accident in Europe could cost over R180,000. For a fraction of that, a policy from an insurer like AVA Assurances provides millions in medical cover, plus protection for cancellations and lost luggage. Travel smart and secure your peace of mind.
How to choose the right international travel insurance
International travel insurance policies vary significantly in what they cover, with differences in reimbursement limits, deductibles, and exclusions. Comparing key criteria is essential to ensure you get the right level of protection for your overseas journey.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Overseas medical costs can be extremely high, especially in developed countries | Choose cover with at least R5,000,000 for medical expenses and emergency evacuation |
| 📉 Deductible | This is your out-of-pocket cost per claim, affecting claim value and total payout | Aim for the lowest excess you can afford, especially for medical and evacuation claims |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Many policies have restrictions for age, activity, or trip type | Read all conditions, especially for exclusions and emergency notification requirements |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Older travellers face higher premiums, limits, or coverage gaps | If over 65, check for age-specific restrictions and options for pre-existing conditions |
| 👨👩👧 Traveller profile | Solo travellers, families, and business people need tailored cover | Select a plan reflecting your group size, travel style, and purpose to ensure adequate benefits |
| 📆 Trip duration | Coverage is often capped per trip or annually, which matters for long travel | Buy annual multi-trip cover if you take frequent or extended international journeys |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Different destinations mean different risks and required coverage | Verify all countries are covered, especially USA, Canada, and excluded African nations |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Bank cards or medical aids usually do not provide comprehensive overseas benefits | Supplement with a full international plan to avoid gaps, especially for evacuation and liability |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Sports, adventure, or work can be excluded unless specifically included | Declare sports or adventure activities for proper cover, especially safaris or diving |
Do my current insurance policies cover international travel?
It is common to wonder if your existing insurance, such as credit card protection or the public health system, will provide sufficient international travel insurance, but unfortunately this is usually not the case. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | International travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (GEMS) | Never | Only emergency medical within South Africa, up to R500,000 per year, no repatriation or cover abroad. No medical, baggage, or trip cover abroad. | Travel insurance covers global medical expenses up to R10,000,000, repatriation, cancellation, and lost baggage. |
| Private health insurance (Discovery Health, Momentum Health) | Almost Never | Emergency care abroad capped at R600,000 to R1,000,000, no trip cancellation or interruption. No benefits for delay, interruption, or liability overseas. | Travel insurance offers up to R15,000,000 and includes accidents, trip delays, baggage, and liability. |
| Classic credit card (FNB Gold, ABSA Gold) | Almost Never | Emergency medical and evacuation up to R300,000 to R800,000, some baggage cover. No comprehensive trip cancellation, interruption, or adventure activities. | Travel insurance includes trip cancellation up to R200,000 and medical cover to R10,000,000 globally. |
| Premium credit card (Nedbank Private Wealth, Standard Bank Private) | Limited coverage | Emergency medical up to R2,000,000, basic evacuation and baggage limit. No wider benefits for interruption, sports injuries, or legal liability. | Travel insurance covers accident, liability, evacuation, and trip issues, with limits up to R10,000,000 total. |
No medical, baggage, or trip cover abroad.
No benefits for delay, interruption, or liability overseas.
No comprehensive trip cancellation, interruption, or adventure activities.
No wider benefits for interruption, sports injuries, or legal liability.
Expert advice
Trip interruption due to a relative’s illness is often excluded from bank card and medical aid policies. Read the conditions carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe to a dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is international travel insurance mandatory?
International travel insurance is mandatory for entry into some countries, such as the entire Schengen area, which requires proof of medical cover of at least €30,000 (about R650,000) for visa approval. While not required everywhere, it is highly recommended—even a basic medical emergency in the USA or Europe can result in bills exceeding R200,000. Insurance provides vital security for unforeseen events during your travels.
When is it recommended to purchase international travel insurance?
You should purchase international travel insurance as soon as you make your first payment for flights or accommodation. Early purchase ensures coverage for pre-departure incidents like trip cancellation or illness, maximising your financial protection before you even leave. Delaying your cover could mean missing out on vital benefits.
How do I purchase international travel insurance?
Start by comparing different policies on HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find the most suitable cover. Carefully check guarantees and exclusions, especially for international travel (like emergency medical and lost baggage). Then buy your chosen policy online and you’ll instantly receive your certificate by email.
Can I purchase international travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can buy international travel insurance even after booking flights or accommodation, but it must be activated before your departure. Purchasing as early as possible is best, ensuring coverage for trip cancellations and other risks from the outset. Delays could leave you exposed to unexpected incidents before your trip begins.
How do I make a claim on an international travel insurance policy?
If you need to claim, contact your insurer’s 24/7 assistance hotline or online claims centre immediately. Provide your policy details, receipts, and supporting documents like medical or police reports. Most reputable insurers offer digital claims and quick turnaround for South African travellers, easing worries while you’re abroad.
Does international travel insurance cover COVID-19-related incidents?
Most current international travel insurance policies from leading South African providers include cover for COVID-19 medical expenses, quarantine costs, and trip cancellation due to infection. However, coverage may not extend to travel bans or government advisories—so read the policy’s COVID section thoroughly before purchase.
Is adventure tourism and extreme sports covered by international travel insurance?
Standard international travel insurance often excludes very high-risk activities, such as mountaineering, scuba diving past specific depths, or bungee jumping. If you plan to take part in adventure sports, ensure you choose a policy or add-on that specifically includes your intended activities to avoid claim denials.
Is international travel insurance mandatory?
International travel insurance is mandatory for entry into some countries, such as the entire Schengen area, which requires proof of medical cover of at least €30,000 (about R650,000) for visa approval. While not required everywhere, it is highly recommended—even a basic medical emergency in the USA or Europe can result in bills exceeding R200,000. Insurance provides vital security for unforeseen events during your travels.
When is it recommended to purchase international travel insurance?
You should purchase international travel insurance as soon as you make your first payment for flights or accommodation. Early purchase ensures coverage for pre-departure incidents like trip cancellation or illness, maximising your financial protection before you even leave. Delaying your cover could mean missing out on vital benefits.
How do I purchase international travel insurance?
Start by comparing different policies on HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find the most suitable cover. Carefully check guarantees and exclusions, especially for international travel (like emergency medical and lost baggage). Then buy your chosen policy online and you’ll instantly receive your certificate by email.
Can I purchase international travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can buy international travel insurance even after booking flights or accommodation, but it must be activated before your departure. Purchasing as early as possible is best, ensuring coverage for trip cancellations and other risks from the outset. Delays could leave you exposed to unexpected incidents before your trip begins.
How do I make a claim on an international travel insurance policy?
If you need to claim, contact your insurer’s 24/7 assistance hotline or online claims centre immediately. Provide your policy details, receipts, and supporting documents like medical or police reports. Most reputable insurers offer digital claims and quick turnaround for South African travellers, easing worries while you’re abroad.
Does international travel insurance cover COVID-19-related incidents?
Most current international travel insurance policies from leading South African providers include cover for COVID-19 medical expenses, quarantine costs, and trip cancellation due to infection. However, coverage may not extend to travel bans or government advisories—so read the policy’s COVID section thoroughly before purchase.
Is adventure tourism and extreme sports covered by international travel insurance?
Standard international travel insurance often excludes very high-risk activities, such as mountaineering, scuba diving past specific depths, or bungee jumping. If you plan to take part in adventure sports, ensure you choose a policy or add-on that specifically includes your intended activities to avoid claim denials.
