- The Best short term Travel Insurance Plans
- Understanding short term travel insurance
- The price of short term travel insurance
- What short term travel insurance covers
- The conditions of short term travel insurance
- Why take out short term travel insurance?
- How to Choose the Right short term Travel Insurance
- Is short term travel insurance covered by my existing policies?
- FAQ
short term travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Short-term travel insurance covers single trips, protecting you against unexpected events like medical emergencies and lost luggage.
2. Price: A one-week policy for Europe typically costs between R450 and R850, depending on your chosen coverage level.
3. Coverage: It usually 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 or Momentum offer very limited travel cover, with low medical caps.
5. Tips: Always declare pre-existing conditions and check medical cover limits, especially for travel to countries like the USA.
6. Other useful info: Due to the Rand's volatility, ensure your policy's medical limits are adequate in the destination's foreign currency.
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 short term travel insurance.
The Best short term Travel Insurance Plans
Here is a selection of the best short term travel insurance plans for residents of South Africa in 2025. These policies are highly recommended for their high coverage limits, low deductibles, and straightforward terms, ensuring reliable protection for every trip.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | R2,000,000 | R400 |
|
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | R1,500,000 | R500 |
|
| Tourist Card | R1,800,000 | R750 |
|
| World Travel | R1,200,000 | R600 |
|
| Globe Partner | R1,800,000 | R400 |
|
| Globe Traveller | R1,500,000 | R400 |
|
- Outstanding medical expense cover.
- Quick claims and approval process.
- Covers lost documents and baggage.
- 24/7 global emergency support.
- Multilingual mobile assistance.
- Direct hospital payments abroad.
- Sports and adventure cover.
- Rapid emergency evacuation included.
- Adventure and sports insured.
- Fast online claims.
- Suitable for families.
- Free child cover under 12.
- Global medical and repatriation network.
- Flexible trip extension.
- Pre-approval for treatment.
- Discounts for couples and groups.
- Senior traveller friendly.
- Chronic condition coverage.
- Travel delay compensation.
- Simple online certificate.
- Comprehensive COVID coverage.
- Unlimited claims within period.
- Multilingual helpline.
- Policy available instantly online.
The best short term travel insurance varies according to your needs. Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the plan that fits you and sign up directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareUnderstanding short term travel insurance
Short term travel insurance is temporary cover for a single trip, usually lasting from 1 to 90 days, protecting travellers from unforeseen incidents while away from home.
It provides financial protection for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and other unexpected events, whether travelling abroad or within South Africa.
Unlike annual travel insurance, short term policies are purchased for each specific trip and tailored to the duration and destination.
Short term travel insurance is sometimes called single trip or temporary travel insurance but is distinct from long stay or multi-trip plans.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out short term travel insurance is especially relevant if you live in South Africa:
- When visiting countries with high medical costs like the USA.
- If your medical aid offers limited international emergency cover.
- For trips to countries requiring mandatory insurance for a visa.
- When you book an expensive or non-refundable trip.
- To cover the high cost of emergency medical repatriation to South Africa.
- If you plan on doing adventure sports like skiing or diving.
- If you have any pre-existing medical conditions to declare.
The price of short term travel insurance
On average, short term travel insurance costs between 2% and 5% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost (ZAR) | Indicative price per person (ZAR) |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days in the UK | 14,000 | 300 to 650 |
| 14 days in Thailand | 25,000 | 600 to 1,150 |
| 30 days in the United States | 45,000 | 1,000 to 2,200 |
| 60 days in Australia as a senior traveller | 35,000 | 800 to 1,800 |
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 short term travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: a longer trip will increase the cost of insurance.
- destination: traveling to countries with high healthcare costs such as the USA or Switzerland results in higher premiums.
- traveller’s age: older travellers, especially over 65, may pay more.
- level of coverage: plans with higher medical limits, cancellation benefits, or coverage for adventure sports cost extra.
- pre-existing health conditions: declaring these or adding coverage can make the policy more expensive.
What short term travel insurance covers
Short term travel insurance offers temporary protection for trips up to 90 days worldwide or within South Africa. It is ideal for single holidays, quick business trips or short-term family visits.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refund for non-refundable expenses if your trip is cancelled for a covered reason. | Minimum R25,000 cover, deductible should not exceed R500. Change of mind, known health issues or lack of documentation are excluded. |
| 🚫 Missed departure | Pays the extra cost if you miss your flight due to events beyond your control. | Recommended R2,000 minimum, deductible under R250. Lateness, avoidable delays and missed check-in are not covered. |
| 🧳 Baggage loss or theft | Pays for lost, stolen or damaged luggage during your journey. | Seek at least R10,000 cover, deductible below R300. Unattended bags, wear and tear or valuables above limits are not covered. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Pays a fixed sum if your trip is delayed for a set number of hours. | R2,500 recommended after 6 hours, no deductible preferred. Delays under 6 hours, weather conditions or non-documented claims are not covered. |
| 🏥 Emergency medical expenses | Key guarantee. Pays for treatment if you fall ill or are injured abroad. | Minimum R1,000,000, deductible under R1,000. Pre-existing medical conditions, routine care and cosmetic procedures are excluded. |
| 🚑 Emergency repatriation | Key guarantee. Pays for transport back to South Africa if medically necessary. | At least R1,500,000 cover and deductible under R1,000. Voluntary or non-medical repatriations are excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Pays for urgent dental treatment abroad. | R2,500 or higher, deductible under R250 preferable. Planned or cosmetic dental treatment is excluded. |
| 🪪 Personal liability | Pays if you accidentally cause injury or property damage to someone else. | R750,000+ cover, deductible under R1,000. Intentional acts, claims from family or vehicle-related incidents are not covered. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance | Pays lawyer costs or bail if you face legal issues abroad. | R10,000+ and low deductible recommended. Criminal acts, disputes involving alcohol, or deliberate offences are excluded. |
| 💔 Trip interruption | Refunds unused pre-paid costs if you return home early for a covered reason. | Minimum R15,000 cover, deductible below R500. Voluntary early returns and non-urgent reasons are excluded. |
Change of mind, known health issues or lack of documentation are excluded.
Lateness, avoidable delays and missed check-in are not covered.
Unattended bags, wear and tear or valuables above limits are not covered.
Delays under 6 hours, weather conditions or non-documented claims are not covered.
Pre-existing medical conditions, routine care and cosmetic procedures are excluded.
Voluntary or non-medical repatriations are excluded.
Planned or cosmetic dental treatment is excluded.
Intentional acts, claims from family or vehicle-related incidents are not covered.
Criminal acts, disputes involving alcohol, or deliberate offences are excluded.
Voluntary early returns and non-urgent reasons 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 short term travel insurance that fits your trip, it is essential to compare available plans on HelloSafe.
The conditions of short term travel insurance
To activate your short term travel insurance and ensure that you are covered, several conditions must be met. The most important are listed below.
- Timing of subscription: you must purchase the policy before leaving South Africa and before your trip begins.
- Residency requirement: you need to be a legal resident of South Africa at the time of application.
- Trip duration: your trip must not exceed the maximum duration allowed by the policy, usually up to 90 days.
- No ongoing travel: you cannot purchase coverage if you are already overseas or the trip has already started.
- Valid destination: insurance applies only for destinations not excluded in your policy, some countries may be specifically excluded.
- Incident notification: you must notify the insurer as soon as possible after an incident or a covered loss.
- Documentary evidence: claims require official documentation such as airline tickets, medical reports, or receipts to be considered.
- Compliance with exclusions: claims due to exclusions like undeclared pre-existing conditions or high-risk activities will not be covered.
Watch out!
A common, costly mistake is assuming pre-existing medical conditions are automatically covered. Most policies require you to declare these conditions upfront. Failing to do so can invalidate your insurance, leaving you to pay potentially crippling hospital bills if you need treatment abroad.
Why take out short term travel insurance?
Travel can bring unplanned events, and without short term travel insurance, unexpected costs for medical care abroad may be difficult to afford.
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 hospitalization |
| 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: R320,000
- Asia: R220,000
- Europe: R85,000
- North America: R450,000
- Asia: R35,000
- Europe: R2,800
- North America: R6,200
- Asia: R1,200
- Europe: R4,200
- North America: R9,800
- Asia: R2,100
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 emergencies, short term travel insurance often covers trip cancellation, interrupted journeys, lost or delayed luggage, civil liability, emergency repatriation and 24-hour assistance.
Good to know
Your bank's free cover won't handle a R450,000 appendicitis bill in the USA. Protect your trip and your savings from massive overseas medical costs. A simple policy from a provider like Chapka ensures you're covered for millions, not just thousands, for complete peace of mind.
How to Choose the Right short term Travel Insurance
The details of short term travel insurance policies can vary greatly, especially regarding coverage limits and what events are included or excluded. That is why comparing primary features is necessary before choosing the right protection for your next trip.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Limits determine how much the insurer pays for claims like medical emergencies | Ensure your policy offers at least R1,000,000 for medical expenses for international travel |
| 📉 Deductible | You are responsible for this amount before insurance covers costs | A low deductible can help you avoid large out-of-pocket expenses in foreign countries |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Exclusions, notification periods, or medical screening may impact claims | Read all policy documentation, paying special attention to exclusions and claim requirements |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Premiums and eligibility can change substantially for older travelers | If over 65, check for extra requirements or higher premiums, especially for health cover |
| 👨👩👧 Traveller profile | Group size and ages impact both premium and available benefits | If traveling with family, compare group policy discounts and shared benefits |
| 📆 Trip duration | Policies last for set periods and may not cover extensions | Be sure your entire trip is within the covered duration and check rules for trip extensions |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Policies can exclude specific countries or offer different levels of cover by region | Check that all your destinations are included, especially if traveling to multiple countries |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Health insurance or bank cards may include limited overseas cover | Review your current coverage, then select a policy that closes any critical protection gaps |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Adventure, work, or sports may be excluded or require add-on coverage | Declare all adventure or high-risk activities in advance to avoid exclusions or reduced cover |
Is short term travel insurance covered by my existing policies?
It is reasonable to wonder if your existing coverage, such as a credit card or medical scheme, provides short term travel insurance, but unfortunately, it is often insufficient. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Short term travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (GEMS) | Never | Emergency care in South Africa only, up to R25,000 per case. No international medical care, trip cancellation, delay, or baggage protection. | Travel insurance covers medical, repatriation, and baggage up to R2,000,000 worldwide per trip. |
| Private health insurance (Discovery Health, Bonitas Medical Fund) | Almost Never | Emergency treatment abroad max R50,000 to R100,000. No cancellation, personal liability, or travel accident coverage for international trips. | Travel insurance covers accidents, delays, and trip interruptions up to R100,000 and more per claim. |
| Classic credit card (FNB Gold, ABSA Gold) | Almost Never | Emergency medical abroad up to R100,000, limited baggage (R3,000). No trip interruption, cancellation, or travel delay reimbursement. | Travel insurance includes cancellation, delays, and full repatriation up to R1,000,000 per covered event. |
| Premium credit card (Nedbank Private Wealth, Standard Bank Platinum) | Limited coverage | Medical emergencies up to R500,000, baggage or delay up to R2,000. No broad trip cancellation, travel accident, or repatriation benefits. | Travel insurance provides emergency care, trip cancellation, and baggage cover up to R2,000,000 per policy. |
No international medical care, trip cancellation, delay, or baggage protection.
No cancellation, personal liability, or travel accident coverage for international trips.
No trip interruption, cancellation, or travel delay reimbursement.
No broad trip cancellation, travel accident, or repatriation benefits.
Expert advice
Your bank card or medical aid often excludes trip interruptions for a family emergency. Read the conditions carefully to avoid nasty surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe a dedicated travel insurance tailored to the trip.
FAQ
Is short term travel insurance mandatory?
Short term travel insurance is not required for all international trips, but it is mandatory when visiting certain countries—such as Schengen states, which require proof of medical cover for a visa. Even where not required, it is strongly recommended; for example, if you suffer a medical emergency while on holiday in the USA, costs can exceed R200,000, making travel insurance essential for financial protection.
When is it recommended to purchase short term travel insurance?
You should purchase short term travel insurance as soon as you book your flights or place deposits on accommodations. Early acquisition ensures you’re covered for incidents like trip cancellation, illness, or unexpected emergencies that could affect your travel plans before departure, maximising the value and security of your insurance.
How do I purchase short term travel insurance?
Begin by comparing policies and rates using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform. Carefully check the guarantees and exclusions for short term trips, as medical limits and adventure activity rules often differ. Once you select a policy, buy it online and receive your insurance certificate instantly by email for travel documentation.
Can I purchase short term travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can buy short term travel insurance after booking your travels, as long as you complete the purchase before your departure. For optimal coverage—particularly regarding trip cancellation or disruptions—it is best to secure your policy as soon as possible after your first booking to avoid risky gaps in protection.
How do I make a claim on a short term travel insurance policy?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s assistance line or claim portal immediately, providing your policy number, receipts, and supporting documentation such as medical or police reports if needed. Most leading insurers in South Africa have digital claim systems for quicker processing, making it easier to access support while travelling.
Does short term travel insurance cover adventure or sports activities?
Many short term travel insurance policies do not automatically cover adventure sports like scuba diving or skiing. Always check if your planned activities are included and consider adding a specialist extension if necessary, as non-disclosure may result in rejected claims for related injuries or incidents.
Is my South African medical aid enough for short term travel abroad?
Most South African medical aids offer very limited international coverage, usually only for emergencies and with low caps (R25,000–R100,000). Short term travel insurance offers much broader protection—including emergency evacuation, repatriation, and cover for lost baggage—which is crucial for full peace of mind when travelling internationally.
Is short term travel insurance mandatory?
Short term travel insurance is not required for all international trips, but it is mandatory when visiting certain countries—such as Schengen states, which require proof of medical cover for a visa. Even where not required, it is strongly recommended; for example, if you suffer a medical emergency while on holiday in the USA, costs can exceed R200,000, making travel insurance essential for financial protection.
When is it recommended to purchase short term travel insurance?
You should purchase short term travel insurance as soon as you book your flights or place deposits on accommodations. Early acquisition ensures you’re covered for incidents like trip cancellation, illness, or unexpected emergencies that could affect your travel plans before departure, maximising the value and security of your insurance.
How do I purchase short term travel insurance?
Begin by comparing policies and rates using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform. Carefully check the guarantees and exclusions for short term trips, as medical limits and adventure activity rules often differ. Once you select a policy, buy it online and receive your insurance certificate instantly by email for travel documentation.
Can I purchase short term travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can buy short term travel insurance after booking your travels, as long as you complete the purchase before your departure. For optimal coverage—particularly regarding trip cancellation or disruptions—it is best to secure your policy as soon as possible after your first booking to avoid risky gaps in protection.
How do I make a claim on a short term travel insurance policy?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s assistance line or claim portal immediately, providing your policy number, receipts, and supporting documentation such as medical or police reports if needed. Most leading insurers in South Africa have digital claim systems for quicker processing, making it easier to access support while travelling.
Does short term travel insurance cover adventure or sports activities?
Many short term travel insurance policies do not automatically cover adventure sports like scuba diving or skiing. Always check if your planned activities are included and consider adding a specialist extension if necessary, as non-disclosure may result in rejected claims for related injuries or incidents.
Is my South African medical aid enough for short term travel abroad?
Most South African medical aids offer very limited international coverage, usually only for emergencies and with low caps (R25,000–R100,000). Short term travel insurance offers much broader protection—including emergency evacuation, repatriation, and cover for lost baggage—which is crucial for full peace of mind when travelling internationally.
