Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is something that many people don’t give much thought to, when planning their holiday. This can be for a number of reasons – cost; the feeling that they are young and fit; not fully appreciating exactly what a Policy might cover.
Many look upon Insurance, in general, as a grudge purchase. Travel Insurance should not fall into this category.
A good Travel Insurance Policy should cover you for Cancellation, Curtailment, loss/ damage to luggage, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Emergency Medical Treatment, early return from your Holiday, return of Mortal Remains, or burial/ cremation – and this is just the basics.
Understandably, you also need to look at the cover that you can buy based on your age, and any existing medical conditions. Many policies do have upper age limits, and might not cover you for Cardio-Vascular issues (for example), but will cover you for accidents, for example.
You can get cover for pre-existing conditions, but you may need to give the Insurer additional information.
Although Safari Travel (our speciality) is incredibly safe (if you stick to the rules!), accidents can happen… and to that end, most properties throughout Africa, insist on all Guests not just having Travel Insurance, but they wish to have proof of this cover.
As most properties are in remote areas, this means emergency transportation normally has to be by aircraft to the nearest suitable town, and might also need further transport to a City, and then, later, to your home country. You don’t not wish to have pay for this yourself – costs can be crippling. You are looking at Private Flights, often with an Emergency Doctor and Nurse on board.
You might also experience a mild issue (sprained ankle, dental issues), that need to be dealt with – such things can also be covered.
However, there is another side to Travel Insurance that many travellers do not think about as much. This is the case, in particular, for younger travellers. It surprises some people to know that the Policy is also useful for things not directly related to the Traveller.
You may, whilst travelling, get a message to the effect that a direct family member has suddenly been taken ill, and you need to get home early – your policy will assist with this. It might be that your business partner has also been incapacitated, and you need to get back early to assist with the business.
It is equally important to know what a policy will NOT cover, and what you need to check before finalising the purchase of a policy.
Travellers should take out a Policy issued in their home country, and double-check on whether a higher cover is required, should Medical costs (in particular) in the Country/Countries being visited be higher than you experience at home (this usually less of an issue when travelling to Africa). None-the-less, don’t just take the lowest premium, without checking the cover offered, when compared to other premiums.
Your Tour Operator/ Travel Agent, whilst perhaps extremely well versed in what should be in a Travel Insurance Policy, is not actually an expert. Therefore we also suggest that you check with your local Travel Insurers, and don’t be scared to ask questions.
We have no affiliations at all with any Travel Insurance Companies, and our information above is based on experience, and wishing to ensure that Travellers are fully informed.
Many look upon Insurance, in general, as a grudge purchase. Travel Insurance should not fall into this category.
A good Travel Insurance Policy should cover you for Cancellation, Curtailment, loss/ damage to luggage, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Emergency Medical Treatment, early return from your Holiday, return of Mortal Remains, or burial/ cremation – and this is just the basics.
Understandably, you also need to look at the cover that you can buy based on your age, and any existing medical conditions. Many policies do have upper age limits, and might not cover you for Cardio-Vascular issues (for example), but will cover you for accidents, for example.
You can get cover for pre-existing conditions, but you may need to give the Insurer additional information.
Although Safari Travel (our speciality) is incredibly safe (if you stick to the rules!), accidents can happen… and to that end, most properties throughout Africa, insist on all Guests not just having Travel Insurance, but they wish to have proof of this cover.
As most properties are in remote areas, this means emergency transportation normally has to be by aircraft to the nearest suitable town, and might also need further transport to a City, and then, later, to your home country. You don’t not wish to have pay for this yourself – costs can be crippling. You are looking at Private Flights, often with an Emergency Doctor and Nurse on board.
You might also experience a mild issue (sprained ankle, dental issues), that need to be dealt with – such things can also be covered.
However, there is another side to Travel Insurance that many travellers do not think about as much. This is the case, in particular, for younger travellers. It surprises some people to know that the Policy is also useful for things not directly related to the Traveller.
You may, whilst travelling, get a message to the effect that a direct family member has suddenly been taken ill, and you need to get home early – your policy will assist with this. It might be that your business partner has also been incapacitated, and you need to get back early to assist with the business.
It is equally important to know what a policy will NOT cover, and what you need to check before finalising the purchase of a policy.
Travellers should take out a Policy issued in their home country, and double-check on whether a higher cover is required, should Medical costs (in particular) in the Country/Countries being visited be higher than you experience at home (this usually less of an issue when travelling to Africa). None-the-less, don’t just take the lowest premium, without checking the cover offered, when compared to other premiums.
Your Tour Operator/ Travel Agent, whilst perhaps extremely well versed in what should be in a Travel Insurance Policy, is not actually an expert. Therefore we also suggest that you check with your local Travel Insurers, and don’t be scared to ask questions.
We have no affiliations at all with any Travel Insurance Companies, and our information above is based on experience, and wishing to ensure that Travellers are fully informed.
