Travel Insurance for safari
What to consider while choosing Travel Insurance your African safari
When you choose to travel to Africa for a safari, truth is that whichever destination you go to, you will get the best out of every activity. This safari usually comes with guided nature walks that will get you to a closer range with wildlife, climbing mountains, rafting, boating safaris, exploring the savannah plains and a lot more that comes with whichever kind of safari you choose. As you plan all the above on your to-do list while in Africa you should put into consideration getting a good Travel Insurance.
What is travel insurance?
In simple terms, Travel insurance is intended to safe guard you on your travels away from your home country. During your safari, anything can happen say your accommodation flooding or being weather beaten, or even an allergic reaction to any of the exotic food. in such instances, travel insurance will keep safeguard you from such unforeseen incidents from draining lots of cash from you.
Travel insurance may not be the highlight of the safari but it is just as important as any other activity you have on your list. Below is why you should care about having Travel insurance for your safari.
Why get Travel Insurance on a safari in Africa
Considering Insurance is not about how careful you plan to be during the safari, but it is important that you have a travel insurance policy every time you plan to travel especially when you are going to another country.
Yes! Safari destinations are safe, but just like things happen home it’s possible for them to happen in another country. The difference here is, when you are in another country which is not home, it is usually hard to arrange for treatment, health care or any solution in case something goes awry.
Therefore that is why when you have a good travel insurance policy you are so sure that just in case of anything, you are not only covered but also have a peace of mind while on your safari, hence you have enough time to have fun and relax during your trip.
Even if travel insurance is a necessity for any one going on safari, it doesn’t mean you can choose any. you should keep in mind that not all travel insurance packages are equal hence you ought to choose the one that fits the kind of journey you are going for with full coverage of your safari.
Top 10 Coverage of a good Travel Insurance
As earlier mentioned all you need for your safari is the insurance policy that is offering enough coverage and below are 6 top factors you should take into considerations as you are looking on which the travel insurance should cover.
-
Travel Destinations
Before you get an insurance policy ensure you communicate to your agency to ensure that you will be covered for every destination you will visit because there are some areas that are not covered in standard travel insurance. Therefore it is important you make research about every area you are visiting.
-
Medical
It is important to have good medical coverage as you are traveling to another country. This doesn’t mean that you are going to be injured or fall sick, it is important to have it. Ensure that you have enough medical coverage because the basic insurance policies usually cover for minor illnesses or injuries, so just in case of an extensive injury or accident, you know you are fully covered.
-
Medical Repatriation
This is costly and more like an emergency; it includes things like airlifts and medical evacuations back to your home country. You are advised to at least make a small fee towards it.
-
Activities
In most cases the medical insurance doesn’t cover some activities like hot air balloon safaris or white water rafting and other adventurous activities, therefore as you plan to travel with your family or friends to engage in any of these activities ensure that your insurance policy covers for them.
Game Viewing- In most cases, those travelling to Africa usually have a must see on their list and it’s mainly the Big 5 and other amazing wild animals available. Because of this it is important that you tell your insurance provider about the type of safari you are heading for, and ensure the policy covers for the major activities such as game drives and nature walks/walking safaris.
-
Curtailment and Cancellation
African safaris are not that cheap; therefore ensure that the insurance policy covers for trip curtailment and cancellation. This is because you might cancel your trip before you return or have to travel home unexpectedly.
-
Personal Belongings
We all know as you travel you will be having your own belongings such as large sums of money, camera among there valuable equipment for the safari. There is a possibility of may be losing or forgetting your luggage somewhere. So ensure that is also covered for and think about how much your belongings are worth before you go on to sign the agreement.
-
Preexisting conditions waiver
a number of travel insurance companies many not insure persons having a pre-existing medical condition; nonetheless this does not imply that persons that fall in this category cannot get insurance coverage. in such instances, we advise that you get an agency that offers the ‘preexisting conditions waiver’ for proper coverage. After all everyone deserves to get a proper medical insurance cover.
-
Weather coverage
When traveling to African it is important to keep in mind that the weather can vary from beautiful sunny days to heavy storms depending on the time you travel. in case you plan to take a safari during the rainy season, you should consider getting a travel insurance that covers weather insurance; so make adequate research prior to booking your flight. You should think about how you wish to be compensated incase of uncertainty such as incase your property gets wet. Do you wish to have refund for canceled or delayed flights, will the cover include you being relocated to another location incase your previous accommodation is flooded or even weather beaten.
-
Age limitations
There are a number of insurance agencies that may be reluctant to offering coverage for persons of certain age group particularly the very old or very young. so pay close attention about the age restrictions provided before finally zeroing down to which insurance agency to use.
-
Trip Delay
During you safari travels, there are instances when delays that put you behind your schedule arise on your trains, flight, cruise or even train. However it is important to note that there are normally a number terms that will qualify a delay worth being compensated by an insurance company. For instance in some instances a new air ticket may only be awarded after you have experienced an over-booked flight delay.
And Ensure That…
You share your correct age and any health conditions to the insurers, because this affects the recommended policy for you and the total cost. Also ensure that you read the policy in its entirety such that you don’t miss out in anything indicated by the insurers.
What is not covered by insurance companies?
There are a number of instances that are not covered by insurance companies and for that reason you should not expect any reimbursement and these include: accidents as a result of drunk-driving, injuries caused by extreme sports and adventure activities, lost cash as well as needless medical check-ups.
3 Best Recommended Travel Insurance for Africa Safari
-
World Nomads
World Nomads is perhaps the most popular travel insurance for the African continent and that is because its coverage and policy are straight forward and easy to understand, very affordable and it is easy to extend the coverage. this is perfect for both long and shorter safaris.
-
patriot international
This is among the leading insurance agencies that offer the best health coverage for those traveling internationally. Its worldwide coverage coupled with its full time 24-hour emergency service operations has made it a much loved option for many holidaymakers.
-
Atlas Travel Insurance (HCCMIS)
Atlas travel insurance offers coverage in more than one hundred and eighty (180) countries and offers very flexible policies.
-
Safety Wing
SafetyWing operates on a subscription model and can be renewed while on your travel. It is best recommended for those on a short African safari of utmost six (6) days.
Cost of Travel Insurance for African Safari
Below are some of the estimated costs of insurance with different companies.
-
Patriot International
Highlights of Insurance Plan
Medical coverage: Up to $1,000,000
Medical evacuation coverage: up to the maximum of the policy
Trip interruption: Covers up to $5,000
Terrorism coverage: Up to $50,000
Return of remains coverage: up to $50,000
-
Atlas International
Highlights of Insurance Plan
Emergency evacuation coverage: Up to $1,000,000
Medical coverage: Up to $2,000,000
Coverage for kidnap and ransom
Terrorism coverage: Up to $50,000 in
Coverage for natural disasters, travel delay & lost luggage
