Are safaris covered under World Nomads Travel Insurance?

Yes, safaris are covered under all plans offered by World Nomads Travel Insurance but make sure you list this as an activity you’ll be participating in when you purchase your policy. Safaris are considered a Level 1 activity and they are automatically covered, but you’ll still need to list this as an activity when you purchase your safari travel insurance policy. However, you’ll need to pay an additional premium to be covered for any Level 2 and Level 3 activities like zip lining and hang gliding. If you aren’t sure if something is covered, we suggest you contact us to ask.

What types of incidents are covered while on a safari?

If your trip is delayed or interrupted due to an unforeseen event, you may be able to recover your non-refundable, prepaid travel expenses (up to the policy limits), and this could include unused, pre-paid, non-refundable safari tours that you paid for in advance. If your safari jeep gets in a wreck and you require medical assistance, emergency medical coverage could come in handy in the case of an unexpected injury. You could also be covered for unplanned situations such as lost bags or Canadian government travel advisories advising travellers not to travel to a destination on your itinerary.

Can I get coverage after my trip starts?

Yes. If your trip has already started, World Nomads can still offer you coverage. You can buy a plan online anytime, from almost anywhere in the world . If you buy a plan after departing from your home province, you won’t be covered for any loss or expense related to any injury or sickness that occurs in the 48-hour period after your departure date. Your departure date will be 12.01am local time on the date that you are originally scheduled to start your trip as shown on your policy certificate.

Does World Nomads offer travel insurance for African safaris?

Yes, you can purchase travel insurance for Africa and you could have the opportunity to experience safaris in a variety of places such as Kenya, Botswana, and Rwanda. When you get a quote for safari travel insurance, you’ll need to input where you’ll be travelling.

What should I do if I get hurt while on a safari?

You can contact the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team and they can help direct you to nearby medical facilities. They can also translate for you if you’re travelling outside Canada and your medical team doesn’t speak English or French. Make sure you keep all documentation including doctor reports, invoices, etc. You’ll need those things if you plan to make a claim .

Does World Nomads Travel Insurance cover other activities during my trip?

Yes, you could be covered for more than 250 other sports, activities and experiences . Things like hiking, biking, rocking climbing, and camping could all be covered. When you purchase your policy, you’ll need to list all of the activities that you plan to participate in while on your trip. You won’t be able to add or remove activities after you make your purchase, so make sure you add them all at that time. If you’re participating in an activity and not sure if it’s covered, you can contact us and ask.

Do I get my money back if I cancel my safari trip?

Trip cancellation coverage is offered by all plans offered by World Nomads, and you could be reimbursed for pre-paid, unused, non-refundable expenses like flights, safari tours and accommodations if your trip is cancelled for a covered reason. If you want ultimate flexibility, you may want to consider adding ‘ cancel for any reason ’ coverage to the Explorer or Epic plan.

What happens if my bags are delayed?

If your checked-in bags are delayed more than 12 hours on the way to your destination, your plan could reimburse you for the cost of (up to the policy limits) essential items like toiletries and a change of clothes until you and your bag are reunited.

Safari Travel Insurance Plans

At a glance

All World Nomads plans cover safaris, with some plans that offer higher limits of benefits and optional ‘cancel for any reason’ coverage
Coverage may include injuries and medical evacuation if you're seriously hurt while on a safari, as well as protection for your luggage and gear.
Choose from four travel insurance plans: Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual Multi-Trip—tailored to your trip style and level of adventure.
World Nomads plans also cover 250+ other adventure activities, from scuba diving and snorkeling to zip-lining and jungle trekking.

Why should I consider travel insurance for my African safari?
What’s Covered in Our Safari Insurance for Canadians
Choosing the Right Safari Travel Insurance Plan (Standard vs. Explorer)
What may not be covered when on a safari?
Top safety tips we recommend for your safari
FAQs

Canadian travellers heading to Africa for a safari may face unique insurance needs—from costly medical evacuations to lost camera gear. World Nomads offers travel insurance tailored for Canadians, with safari coverage included in every plan, along with the option to add cancel for any reason coverage for extra flexibility if your plans change. World Nomads now also offers a Cancel for Any Reason (“CFAR”) optional upgrade. This optional upgrade can only be purchased with our Explorer Plan and Epic Plan (up to 50% CFAR benefit. Maximum benefit limits apply),

Whether you're planning an African safari to see the Big 5 in the Serengeti or watch zebras roam in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, your adventure is sure to be unforgettable. But when you're overseas and surrounded by wildlife, it pays to be prepared for the unexpected.

Why should I consider travel insurance for my African safari?

Safaris are full of once-in-a-lifetime moments, but they also come with unpredictable risks—from sudden illness to missed airline connections on long flights. Travel insurance can help protect you against these surprises, offering support for medical emergencies, trip delays, and other unexpected challenges. Designed with Canadian travellers in mind, it lets you focus on spotting lions in the Serengeti or capturing elephants in Kenya, knowing you have a safety net if plans change.

Nomads tip: Each policy includes a '10-Day Right to Examine' period, giving you time after purchase to review the details, making sure the coverage works for you. If you decide that you are not satisfied with the policy, you may cancel it within 10 days and you will be given a full refund of the premium you paid, provided you have not started your trip and you do not want to make a claim or to exercise any other right under the policy.

What’s Covered in Our Safari Insurance for Canadians

As wildlife lovers ourselves, we’ve designed our plans to include travel insurance for safaris. We also offer coverage for more than 250 other sports, activities and experiences.

Emergency Medical Expenses
For broken bones, cuts, and sprains after a fall in the African bush
Non-insurance Emergency Assistance
Available 24/7 to assist in an emergency situation
Baggage & Gear Coverage
Protection for your stuff when you travel
Trip Delays, Interruptions & Cancellations
A money-saver if inclement weather keeps you from enjoying your safari.

Get a quote and compare the plans to see which level of coverage is right for you.

Choosing the Right Safari Travel Insurance Plan

World Nomads offers four plans for Canadian residents – the Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual Multi-Trip – each with different levels of coverage.

Standard Plan – Best suited for budget travellers. Includes up to $1,500,000 CAD in emergency medical expenses and up to $2,500 CAD for trip cancellation and up to $2,500 CAD for trip interruption. This is our most basic plan, but it packs a punch.
Explorer Plan – Provides increased benefit limits, such as trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage for trip costs up to $10,000 CAD. You can also choose to purchase additional ‘cancel for any reason coverage’ with this plan
Epic Plan – For those trips you’ll be talking about for years to come! Safaris can get pricey, and this plan offers the most coverage to protect it. This plan includes higher maximum benefit limits compared to the Standard and Explorer plans as well as higher benefit limits for travel inconvenience and security evacuation coverage, compared to the Explorer plan
Annual Multi-Trip Plan – If you have multiple trips planned throughout the year – including just to different provinces – you may want to consider this plan. World Nomads Annual Multi-Trip Plan provides travel insurance coverage for an unlimited number of trips of 14 days or less, within a 365-day period.

Even if your main goal is to go on a safari, you may want to do other fun things too, like bushwalking in Botswana or whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River. That’s totally fine, because there are over 250 other sports, activities and experiences that could be covered when you purchase travel insurance for Africa. When you purchase your policy, you’ll need to list safaris, and all of the other activities that you plan to participate in while on your trip. You won’t be able to add or remove activities after you make your purchase, so make sure you add them all at that time. Costs may vary depending on the additional activities you list.

If you are planning to participate in an activity that isn’t listed in our policy wording, you will need to contact us to determine if you will be covered.

Nomads tip: Get a quote and choose your plan first, then the system will prompt you to add the activities you plan to do. Make sure you list them all; you won’t be able to make changes once on your trip.

What may not be covered when on a safari?

Unattended baggage or personal items
Participation in other activities not listed as covered in your policy
Ignoring your doctor if they have explicitly advised you not to travel to a particular destination or go on a safari
Handling of big game or dangerous animals
Not following government ‘Do Not Travel’ advisories issued by the Canadian government

Top safety tips we recommend for your safari

Do your research and book with an accredited and eco-friendly tour operator.
Make sure your guide has a first-aid kit. It doesn’t hurt to have a small one in your backpack too.
Follow your guide’s instructions at all times and view wildlife from a safe distance.
Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. Don’t be afraid to ask if the water is safe to drink when you are in remote locations.
Talk to your doctor to see if prescription antimalarial medication or other vaccinations are recommended. Depending on the medication, you may need to start it prior to your trip.
Wear long sleeves and long pants to help protect you from bug bites.
Don’t wear open toed shoes when walking around in the bush.
Check with the Public Health Agency of Canada to see if they have issued any travel health notices for your destination.
Register with Canadians Abroad to stay updated on emergency situations.
Don’t try to handle big game or dangerous animals.
Don’t walk around alone at night.
Take along a copy of the documents showing proof of your safari travel insurance. You may even want to save a copy in your phone so it is easily accessible.

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for safari. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team

Are safaris covered under World Nomads Travel Insurance?
Yes, safaris are covered under all plans offered by World Nomads Travel Insurance but make sure you list this as an activity you’ll be participating in when you purchase your policy. Safaris are considered a Level 1 activity and they are automatically covered, but you’ll still need to list this as an activity when you purchase your safari travel insurance policy. However, you’ll need to pay an additional premium to be covered for any Level 2 and Level 3 activities like zip lining and hang gliding. If you aren’t sure if something is covered, we suggest you contact us to ask.

What types of incidents are covered while on a safari?
If your trip is delayed or interrupted due to an unforeseen event, you may be able to recover your non-refundable, prepaid travel expenses (up to the policy limits), and this could include unused, pre-paid, non-refundable safari tours that you paid for in advance. If your safari jeep gets in a wreck and you require medical assistance, emergency medical coverage could come in handy in the case of an unexpected injury. You could also be covered for unplanned situations such as lost bags or Canadian government travel advisories advising travellers not to travel to a destination on your itinerary.

Can I get coverage after my trip starts?
Yes. If your trip has already started, World Nomads can still offer you coverage. You can buy a plan online anytime, from almost anywhere in the world. If you buy a plan after departing from your home province, you won’t be covered for any loss or expense related to any injury or sickness that occurs in the 48-hour period after your departure date. Your departure date will be 12.01am local time on the date that you are originally scheduled to start your trip as shown on your policy certificate.

Does World Nomads offer travel insurance for African safaris?
Yes, you can purchase travel insurance for Africa and you could have the opportunity to experience safaris in a variety of places such as Kenya, Botswana, and Rwanda. When you get a quote for safari travel insurance, you’ll need to input where you’ll be travelling.

What should I do if I get hurt while on a safari?
You can contact the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team and they can help direct you to nearby medical facilities. They can also translate for you if you’re travelling outside Canada and your medical team doesn’t speak English or French. Make sure you keep all documentation including doctor reports, invoices, etc. You’ll need those things if you plan to make a claim.

Does World Nomads Travel Insurance cover other activities during my trip?
Yes, you could be covered for more than 250 other sports, activities and experiences. Things like hiking, biking, rocking climbing, and camping could all be covered. When you purchase your policy, you’ll need to list all of the activities that you plan to participate in while on your trip. You won’t be able to add or remove activities after you make your purchase, so make sure you add them all at that time. If you’re participating in an activity and not sure if it’s covered, you can contact us and ask.

Do I get my money back if I cancel my safari trip?
Trip cancellation coverage is offered by all plans offered by World Nomads, and you could be reimbursed for pre-paid, unused, non-refundable expenses like flights, safari tours and accommodations if your trip is cancelled for a covered reason. If you want ultimate flexibility, you may want to consider adding ‘cancel for any reason’ coverage to the Explorer or Epic plan.

What happens if my bags are delayed?
If your checked-in bags are delayed more than 12 hours on the way to your destination, your plan could reimburse you for the cost of (up to the policy limits) essential items like toiletries and a change of clothes until you and your bag are reunited.

Need destination inspiration for your next safari?

Not sure where your next safari adventure should take you? Check out some of our favorite safari locations around the world and get destination-specific travel insurance tips to help you plan with confidence.

Kenya Safari Tips: Where to Go and How to Stay Safe

How Travelers Can Stay Safe on Safari in Botswana

Nepal Safaris: The 5 Best Places to See Wildlife

Why Akagera is Rwanda’s Most Unique Safari Destination

This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical, legal, insurance, or travel advice and provides only a general summary of certain features that may be available under applicable travel insurance policies. Coverage is subject to the specific terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and pre-existing condition provisions of the applicable insurance policy. In the event of any inconsistency between this article and the wording of any insurance policy, the policy wording shall govern and take precedence. It is important that you read and understand your policy before travelling. If you have questions about your coverage or are unsure how your policy applies to your circumstances, please contact us for clarification.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.

Explorer Plan: $5,000
Standard Plan: $2,500

Trip Protection

Work emergency?
Weather delay?
Travel companion sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Insurance

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

Explorer Plan: $10 million
Standard Plan: $5 million

Emergency Medical Insurance

Accidentally injured?
Suddenly sick?
Need a hospital?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation

We’ll get you to hospital or home quickly.

Explorer Plan: $500,000
Standard Plan: $500,000

Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation

Ambulance transfers
Medevac flights
Medical escort services

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Covers the theft, damage or delay of your bags, tech and sports gear.

Explorer Plan: $3,000
Standard Plan: $1,000

Protect your gear

Stolen I.D.s
Checked-in sports equipment
Damaged luggage

Help starts here.

Emergency Medical Expenses
Emergency Dental for Injury or Sickness
Bedside Companion Travel and Subsistence
Emergency Professional Services
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
Return of Travel Companion/Dependent Children

Return to Your Trip Destination
Return of Remains
Travel Accident
Flight Accident
Trip Cancellation
Trip Interruption
Trip Delay

Baggage and Personal Effects Theft or Damage
Baggage and Sporting Equipment Delay
Travel Documents Theft or Damage
Sporting Equipment Theft or Loss by a Common Carrier
Covered Adventure Sports listed in Policy

Assistance Services Included

LiveTravelTM Emergency Assistance
Worldwide Travel Assistance
Adventure Travel Hotline
24/7 Security
Travel Medical Assistance
Bag Trak

This is a general summary for Canadian residents only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans described. Coverage may not be available for residents of all provinces. Check the Travel Insurance Policy for full details.

Back to top

This information is for Canadian residents only. All of the information we provide about travel insurance is a brief summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans. Coverage may not be available in all provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a described full description of coverage. World Nomads is supported by different insurers from around the world, with variations in coverage and terms depending on your country of residence, the plan you buy and what’s happened to you. The insurance products described are available for Canadian residents through World Nomads (Canada) Ltd (“World Nomads”) are underwritten by AIG Insurance Company of Canada.