- The best single trip travel insurance plans
- single trip travel insurance explained
- What is the price of single trip travel insurance?
- What does single trip travel insurance cover?
- The conditions of single trip travel insurance
- Why take out single trip travel insurance?
- How to choose the right single trip travel insurance
- Do my current insurance policies cover single trip travel insurance?
- FAQ
single trip travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Single trip insurance covers one specific journey from your departure from South Africa until your return home.
2. Price: A one-week policy for Europe typically starts from around R800, depending on your age and coverage.
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 or no comprehensive travel insurance.
5. Tips: Always declare pre-existing medical conditions and check that medical cover limits are sufficient for your destination.
6. Other useful info: For Schengen Area travel, a minimum of €30,000 medical coverage is mandatory for your visa application.
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 single trip travel insurance.
The best single trip travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best single trip travel insurance plans for residents of South Africa in 2025. These policies are among the best available, thanks to their high medical coverage limits, low deductibles, and simplified conditions, ensuring robust protection for all types of travelers.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | R2,000,000 | R400 | • Covers adventure sports. • Fast digital claims process. • Extended COVID-19 benefits. • Family coverage options available. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | R1,500,000 | R500 | • 24/7 multilingual assistance. • Mobile access to doctors. • Hotel stay covered during quarantine. • No age-based price increase. |
| Tourist Card | R1,000,000 | R750 | • Quick medical refunds. • Pre-existing conditions cover. • Adventure tourism included. • Travel document replacement. |
| World Travel | R2,000,000 | R400 | • High-risk country coverage. • Medical concierge included. • Digital ID cards. • Family emergency return. |
| Globe Partner | R1,200,000 | R600 | • Coverage for young travelers. • Business travel options. • Remote support for claims. • Extended trip durations up to 12 months. |
| Globe Traveller | R1,500,000 | R400 | • Long stay coverage. • Multi-language assistance. • No deductible for hospital stays. • Premium stability after age 60. |
• Fast digital claims process.
• Extended COVID-19 benefits.
• Family coverage options available.
• Mobile access to doctors.
• Hotel stay covered during quarantine.
• No age-based price increase.
• Pre-existing conditions cover.
• Adventure tourism included.
• Travel document replacement.
• Medical concierge included.
• Digital ID cards.
• Family emergency return.
• Business travel options.
• Remote support for claims.
• Extended trip durations up to 12 months.
• Multi-language assistance.
• No deductible for hospital stays.
• Premium stability after age 60.
The best single trip travel insurance for you will depend on your individual needs. We invite you to use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find your ideal plan and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI comparesingle trip travel insurance explained
Single trip travel insurance is temporary cover for one journey outside South Africa, from departure until return.
It provides protection for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, delays, lost luggage, and personal liability related to that specific journey.
This cover starts when you leave home, ends when you return, and is limited to the dates of the trip.
Single trip travel insurance is cost-effective for occasional travellers, unlike annual or long term policies that cover multiple or extended journeys.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out single trip travel insurance is especially important if you live in South Africa:
- When your South African medical aid offers no overseas cover.
- For trips to countries with high medical costs like the USA.
- If you have booked an expensive or non-refundable holiday.
- When a visa application requires proof of travel insurance.
- If you plan on doing any adventure sports or activities.
- If you have any pre-existing medical conditions to declare.
- When travelling with children or elderly family members.
What is the price of single trip travel insurance?
On average, single trip travel insurance costs between 3% and 7% of the total price of your journey.
| Trip | Trip cost (ZAR) | Indicative price per person (ZAR) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 days in Paris | 14,000 | 420 to 980 |
| 2 weeks in Thailand | 28,000 | 840 to 2,000 |
| 3 weeks family holiday in the USA | 52,000 | 1,560 to 3,600 |
| 10 days in Australia | 20,000 | 600 to 1,500 |
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 single trip travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: a longer trip means a higher insurance cost.
- destination: trips to countries with expensive healthcare, such as the USA or Japan, have higher premiums.
- traveller’s age: older travellers are charged more due to increased health risk.
- level of coverage: plans with higher limits, extra benefits, and lower deductibles cost more.
- insurance options: coverage for risky sports, valuable items, or pre-existing conditions raises the premium.
What does single trip travel insurance cover?
Single trip travel insurance covers you for a specific journey from departure to your return home.
It is tailored for travelers who take one trip or a few trips per year and want cover only for that journey.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refunds non-refundable trip expenses if you must cancel before departure for an approved reason. | Choose at least R30,000 cover with a deductible not exceeding R500. Cancellations for personal reasons, visa refusal, or pre-existing illness are usually not covered. |
| 🚫 Missed departure or connection | Covers extra costs if you miss your transport due to delays outside your control. | Seek coverage of R10,000 minimum, ideally no deductible. Lateness, missing connections because of lack of time, or lack of proof are not covered. |
| 🧳 Baggage loss or theft | Compensation for the loss, theft or damage of your luggage during the trip. | Opt for at least R15,000 cover and deductible below R400. Unattended bags, valuables above policy limit, and fragile items are excluded. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Fixed payout if your transport is delayed beyond a set waiting period. | Look for R2,000+ after 6 hours of delay, deductible should be zero. Delays under minimum hours, non-certified delays, or strikes known in advance are excluded. |
| 🏥 Emergency medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Pays for urgent care if you fall ill or are injured during your trip. | Minimum R1.5M cover, deductible under R500. Routine procedures, chronic illness, pregnancy, or pre-existing conditions are usually excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical repatriation | Key guarantee. Pays for your return to South Africa if medically necessary during the trip. | Always require unlimited or R2M+ cover, no deductible. Repatriation for non-medical, voluntary, or unauthorized reasons is not covered. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental treatment | Urgent care for dental pain, infection, or accidental injury abroad. | Cover should be R5,000+, deductible below R150. Planned dental care, poor oral hygiene, or cosmetic work are excluded. |
| 🪪 Personal liability abroad | Protection if you accidentally injure someone or damage property during your trip. | At least R750,000 cover, deductible below R1,000. Intentional acts, rented items, or family claims are excluded. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance abroad | Covers legal fees if you need a lawyer or face legal disputes while abroad. | Minimum R25,000 for legal fees, low deductible. Alcohol-related offences, criminal incidents, or ongoing disputes excluded. |
| 💔 Trip interruption | Refund for unused trip costs if you return home early for a covered reason. | Choose cover of R10,000+; low deductibles preferred. Voluntary returns, minor illnesses, or work obligations often excluded. |
Cancellations for personal reasons, visa refusal, or pre-existing illness are usually not covered.
Lateness, missing connections because of lack of time, or lack of proof are not covered.
Unattended bags, valuables above policy limit, and fragile items are excluded.
Delays under minimum hours, non-certified delays, or strikes known in advance are excluded.
Routine procedures, chronic illness, pregnancy, or pre-existing conditions are usually excluded.
Repatriation for non-medical, voluntary, or unauthorized reasons is not covered.
Planned dental care, poor oral hygiene, or cosmetic work are excluded.
Intentional acts, rented items, or family claims are excluded.
Alcohol-related offences, criminal incidents, or ongoing disputes excluded.
Voluntary returns, minor illnesses, or work obligations often 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 single trip travel insurance best matched to your needs and your trip, easily compare plans on HelloSafe.
The conditions of single trip travel insurance
Single trip travel insurance is valid only if certain requirements are met by South African travelers. The most important conditions are outlined below.
- Timing of subscription: you must buy the policy before your departure from South Africa and before starting your single trip.
- Residency requirement: you must be a resident of South Africa at the time of purchasing the insurance.
- One trip only: cover only applies to a specific single journey, from departure until your return home.
- Trip duration compliance: your travel dates must fit within the policy’s start and end dates, no cover for longer stays.
- No ongoing travel: the insurance is not valid if you are already overseas when you buy the policy.
- Destination covered: travel must be to countries or regions included in the policy, some destinations are excluded.
- Incident reporting: you must notify the insurer immediately, or as soon as possible, after an incident or loss occurs.
- Supporting documents: you must provide documentation for claims, such as medical reports or receipts for lost items.
Watch out!
A common mistake is buying insurance just before you fly. For trip cancellation cover to be valid for pre-trip emergencies, you must purchase your policy when you book your travel. Waiting until the last minute means you are not covered if you suddenly can't go.
Why take out single trip travel insurance?
Medical emergencies can happen anywhere, and without single trip travel insurance, unexpected healthcare expenses abroad could become a serious financial burden.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to R2,000,000 |
| Medical repatriation |
| Up to R5,000,000 |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalisation |
| Up to R2,000,000 |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to R2,000,000 |
| Consultation and treatment for an intestinal infection |
| Up to R2,000,000 |
- Europe: R3,500
- North America: R8,000
- Asia: R1,800
- Europe: R180,000
- North America: R250,000
- Asia: R200,000
- Europe: R85,000
- North America: R180,000
- Asia: R45,000
- Europe: R2,800
- North America: R6,500
- Asia: R1,200
- Europe: R4,200
- North America: R9,500
- 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.
Beyond medical cover, single trip travel insurance usually provides additional valuable guarantees such as trip cancellation, travel delay, lost or stolen luggage, civil liability, emergency repatriation and 24-hour assistance.
Good to know
Your local medical aid won't cover a R250,000 repatriation from the USA. A single trip policy protects you from crippling medical bills and travel emergencies abroad. Insurers like Chapka offer 24/7 assistance, so you can travel with complete peace of mind for your specific journey.
How to choose the right single trip travel insurance
Coverage and benefits offered by single trip travel insurance can differ significantly between plans. That is why it is crucial to compare core features like coverage limits, deductibles, and excluded events before choosing a policy for your next trip.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Defines the maximum amount you can claim for medical or other covered events | Aim for at least R1,000,000 medical cover when travelling to high-cost countries |
| 📉 Deductible | The amount you pay before the insurer contributes to an approved claim | Select a low deductible for peace of mind, particularly on medical and cancellation cover |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Policy wording may exclude or restrict some trip types, destinations or activities | Check exclusions and limitations before buying, especially regarding pandemics or terrorism |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Age limits and extra charges may apply to seniors, especially over 65 | If over 65, confirm coverage for pre-existing conditions and ensure no restrictive caps |
| 👨👩👧 Traveller profile | The quantity and type of travellers affect both premium and benefit scope | Choose a family policy if travelling in a group to secure bundled cover and savings |
| 📆 Trip duration | Policies are valid for specific trip lengths and may have minimum or maximum days | Align cover with your exact trip dates and purchase early to benefit from cancellation protection |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Insurance prices and coverage change by region | Check that your insurer lists all the countries you plan to visit on a single trip |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Some existing plans (medical aid, bank card) may offer limited travel protection | Review your current benefits and supplement them if necessary to prevent being underinsured |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Hazardous sports or excursion activities are often explicitly excluded | List and declare all adventure sports to guarantee no claim denial if an incident occurs |
Do my current insurance policies cover single trip travel insurance?
It is perfectly reasonable to consider whether your current insurance, such as medical aid or credit card insurance, offers adequate single trip travel insurance, but unfortunately this coverage is almost always insufficient. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Single trip travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Discovery Health) | Never | Emergency medical abroad is very limited, up to R100,000 per year. No trip cancellation, repatriation, or baggage cover. No trip interruption, high repatriation, accident, or liability protection. | Travel insurance offers up to R2,000,000 for medical, plus cancellation and repatriation up to R5,000,000. |
| Private health insurance (Momentum Health, Bonitas Medical Fund) | Almost Never | Basic emergency medical treatment, max R75,000 – R100,000. No trip cancellation or baggage cover. No coverage for cancellation, baggage loss, or emergency evacuation abroad. | Travel insurance covers higher medical expenses plus lost baggage, cancellation, and evacuation up to R5,000,000. |
| Classic credit card (FNB Gold, ABSA Gold) | Never | Limited medical (max R100,000), baggage (max R5,000), usually no cancellation benefits. No trip cancellation, repatriation, or personal accident and liability cover. | Travel insurance secures refund for cancellations, full repatriation, and medical up to R2,000,000 or more. |
| Premium credit card (Nedbank Private Wealth, Standard Bank Platinum) | Limited coverage | Medical emergencies up to R300,000, baggage to R15,000, no comprehensive trip interruption. No full cancellation, robust accident cover, or extended evacuation benefits. | Travel insurance pays up to R2,000,000 in medical, plus baggage, liability, and trip interruption up to R200,000. |
No trip interruption, high repatriation, accident, or liability protection.
No coverage for cancellation, baggage loss, or emergency evacuation abroad.
No trip cancellation, repatriation, or personal accident and liability cover.
No full cancellation, robust accident cover, or extended evacuation benefits.
Expert advice
Your bank card or medical aid might not cover trip interruption if a relative falls ill. Check your policy's exclusions carefully to prevent unexpected costs overseas. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe to a dedicated travel insurance policy tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is single trip travel insurance mandatory?
Single trip travel insurance is not universally mandatory, but some countries like Schengen states require proof of minimum medical coverage for visa issuance. Even where it isn’t required, it is strongly recommended—if you suffer a medical emergency in the USA or Europe without insurance, you could face costs exceeding R200,000, risking financial distress on your return.
When is it recommended to purchase single trip travel insurance?
It is best to purchase single trip travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked your flights and paid deposits for accommodation and activities. Early purchase ensures you’re covered for costs like trip cancellation or illness before departure, maximizing both your protection and financial benefits from the outset.
How do I purchase single trip travel insurance?
Start by comparing policies using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find the best price and fit. Carefully check the guarantees and exclusions related to your single trip, such as medical cover, adventure sports, or travel delays. Purchase your chosen policy online, and you will instantly receive your insurance certificate via email.
Can I purchase single trip travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can purchase single trip travel insurance even after you have booked your transport or accommodation. However, to benefit from trip cancellation cover and avoid coverage gaps, it is wise to arrange your policy as soon as you complete your initial bookings—ideally before your departure date.
How do I make a claim on single trip travel insurance?
If you need to make a claim, immediately contact your insurer’s 24/7 assistance hotline or claims department. Prepare to provide your insurance certificate, proof of costs, and relevant medical or travel documentation. Many leading insurers offer digital claim submission, providing quick processing and updates throughout your single trip.
Does single trip travel insurance cover adventure sports or extreme activities?
Not all policies automatically cover activities like skiing, bungee jumping, or scuba diving. If you plan to take part in adventure sports, check that your single trip plan specifically includes these or consider purchasing a tailored extension—otherwise injuries sustained may not be covered.
Is my South African medical aid enough when travelling abroad, or do I need single trip insurance?
Most South African medical aids provide only limited overseas coverage, often capping benefits at R50,000 to R100,000 with strict exclusions. Single trip travel insurance is designed for international emergencies, offering much higher limits, guaranteed repatriation, and comprehensive assistance, making it a crucial supplement for all travellers.
Is single trip travel insurance mandatory?
Single trip travel insurance is not universally mandatory, but some countries like Schengen states require proof of minimum medical coverage for visa issuance. Even where it isn’t required, it is strongly recommended—if you suffer a medical emergency in the USA or Europe without insurance, you could face costs exceeding R200,000, risking financial distress on your return.
When is it recommended to purchase single trip travel insurance?
It is best to purchase single trip travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked your flights and paid deposits for accommodation and activities. Early purchase ensures you’re covered for costs like trip cancellation or illness before departure, maximizing both your protection and financial benefits from the outset.
How do I purchase single trip travel insurance?
Start by comparing policies using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find the best price and fit. Carefully check the guarantees and exclusions related to your single trip, such as medical cover, adventure sports, or travel delays. Purchase your chosen policy online, and you will instantly receive your insurance certificate via email.
Can I purchase single trip travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can purchase single trip travel insurance even after you have booked your transport or accommodation. However, to benefit from trip cancellation cover and avoid coverage gaps, it is wise to arrange your policy as soon as you complete your initial bookings—ideally before your departure date.
How do I make a claim on single trip travel insurance?
If you need to make a claim, immediately contact your insurer’s 24/7 assistance hotline or claims department. Prepare to provide your insurance certificate, proof of costs, and relevant medical or travel documentation. Many leading insurers offer digital claim submission, providing quick processing and updates throughout your single trip.
Does single trip travel insurance cover adventure sports or extreme activities?
Not all policies automatically cover activities like skiing, bungee jumping, or scuba diving. If you plan to take part in adventure sports, check that your single trip plan specifically includes these or consider purchasing a tailored extension—otherwise injuries sustained may not be covered.
Is my South African medical aid enough when travelling abroad, or do I need single trip insurance?
Most South African medical aids provide only limited overseas coverage, often capping benefits at R50,000 to R100,000 with strict exclusions. Single trip travel insurance is designed for international emergencies, offering much higher limits, guaranteed repatriation, and comprehensive assistance, making it a crucial supplement for all travellers.
