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Travel insurance for South Africa

What UK Travellers Need to Know About Safety in South Africa

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From tracking lions on safari to hiking Table Mountain sipping world-class wines, to shark cage diving in Gansbaai, South Africa is as wild as it is breathtaking. It’s a country that demands exploration, where adventure is always just around the corner - but so too are risks.

Whether you are road-tripping the Garden Route, surfing in Jeffreys Bay, or navigating the lively streets of Cape Town, World Nomads has travel insurance designed for the way you roam.

Why Should British Travellers Consider Travel Insurance for South Africa?

While South Africa is stunning, it’s not the place to wing it without cover. Whether it’s a medical emergency, stolen personal items, or a last-minute trip cancellation, travel insurance could help you avoid those unexpected costs and unnecessary stress.

Our Standard and Explorer plans can offer cover (up to the policy limits) for:

  • Family coverage: Traveling with your crew? Our plans (both Single and Annual Multi-Trip) can cover two adults and up to six dependents under one policy (provided dependents are under 18 at the time of policy purchase).
  • Medical emergencies: A bad fall on Table Mountain or a stomach bug from that questionable roadside braai? Our travel insurance for overseas medical could cover you for up to £5,000,000 (Standard Plan) or £10,000,000 (Explorer Plan), including overseas medical treatment, hospital stays, and prescribed medication. And our Emergency Medical Assistance Team is available 24/7 to help with medical emergencies,
  • Evacuation & repatriation: If the worst happens and you need medical evacuation or repatriation back to the UK, we may cover the costs.
  • Lost, delayed, or stolen baggage: Whether it’s a pickpocket in Cape Town or a baggage mishap at Heathrow, we may help replace the essentials (think socks, jocks, and a brush for the ole’ teeth).
  • Trip interruption & cancellation: Flights get delayed. Plans change. A last-minute emergency back home in the UK forces you to cut your trip short. We cover trip interruptions and cancellations for specific insured events, so you’re not left out of pocket.
  • Adventure activities: Whether you’re cage diving with great whites in Gansbaai or bungee jumping off Bloukrans Bridge, our policies cover over 150 adventure sports and activities - so you can chase the thrills without worrying about the fine print.

Dive into your policy details for the full scoop, and if anything's unclear, contact us.

Air Doctor: When You Need a Doctor, But Not a Hospital

A mild case of food poisoning from a dodgy Durban curry? A run-in with some unfiltered tap water in Johannesburg? Not every medical issue warrants a hospital visit, and that’s where Air Doctor comes in.

With Air Doctor, British travellers can connect with a doctor virtually or find one nearby, so you don’t have to stress about navigating South Africa’s mix of public and private healthcare systems. Whether you need a quick consult, a prescription refill, or minor treatment, Air Doctor helps you get sorted quickly so you can get back to your adventure - minus the downtime.

Ready to explore the wild plains of Africa? Grab your travel insurance quote here.

Annual Multi-Trip (AMT) Policy

If you’re a Brit with a serious case of wanderlust, our Annual Multi-Trip (AMT) policy is designed to keep up. Whether you’re hopping to Spain for a weekend, jetting off to South Africa for a safari, or chasing winter sun in Thailand, AMT covers your baggage, medical emergencies, and trip disruptions across multiple trips - without the hassle of buying a new policy every time you travel.

A Single Trip policy might be better if you’re sticking around South Africa for a longer stretch. Not sure which suits you best? Compare Annual Multi-Trip vs Single Trip Travel Insurance.

What’s not covered?

While World Nomads travel insurance has your back for many unexpected mishaps, there are limits. Here’s what isn’t covered, so you know before you go:

  • Unattended valuables: Left your phone on a café table in Cape Town or your backpack unlocked at a hostel? If your valuables go missing while unattended, they won’t be covered.
  • Reckless behaviour: Had one too many Castle Lagers and got into trouble? Alcohol - or drug-related incidents aren’t covered - so keep it responsible.
  • Extreme adventure activities: Shark cage diving? Covered. BASE jumping off Table Mountain? Not so much. If you have the incorrect level of activity cover or it is specifically excluded, it's out of bounds.
  • Ignoring medical advice: If your doctor (or our Emergency Medical Assistance Team) tells you to take it easy, but you ignore them and make things worse, that’s on you.
  • Cold feet: Changing your mind about travelling isn’t a covered event - so make sure you're set on your South Africa plans before you book!

5 Key Safety & Travel Tips for UK Travellers in South Africa

  1. Stay street-smart in cities: Petty crime is common, especially in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Avoid flashing valuables, use ATMs inside banks or malls, and take Uber or Bolt instead of street taxis - especially at night.
  2. Keep your car doors locked: Whether self-driving or in a taxi, keep windows up and doors locked, particularly at traffic lights. Carjackings can happen, so stay alert and avoid stopping in isolated areas.
  3. Tap water? It depends. It’s generally safe in major cities but stick to bottled or filtered water in rural areas. Avoid ice cubes in smaller towns and be mindful when brushing your teeth.
  4. Don’t be that tourist: Self-driving through Kruger? Stay in your vehicle when on safari tours. Tempted to feed a monkey for a photo? Don’t - those little guy’s bite. Wildlife is unpredictable, and you’re in their territory.
  5. Know the common scams: Watch out for fake "helpful locals" at ATMs, taxi drivers claiming your hotel is “fully booked,” and overpriced souvenir shops where guides get a kickback. Trust your instincts and book activities through reputable sources.

Look for more South Africa inspiration? We’ve written a heap of articles on this awe-inspiring destination!

  • Never travel without insurance. This was the first time I ever purchased travel insurance and I am so glad I did. A few days into my trip to Spain I twisted my foot heading down to the metro. Thanks to World Nomads I was able to get medical attention in Spain and since, as luck would have it, I had a fracture that required surgery, they got me a flight home the next day. Filing a claim was surprisingly easy and when the claim was finally processed, I was reimbursed for all of my expenses including things like the extra week in the hotel I didn't get to take advantage of.
    L.D.
    U.S. resident in Spain
  • I recently had a serious injury traveling on my own & the team was amazing. Being confused with a brain injury they took care of everything. Claiming was no problem, they were on the phone constantly to see if all was OK. I can't recommend them enough. Absolutely fantastic & l will always travel with World Nomads Insurance. Thanks guys for getting me home safely.
    A.B.
    Australian in Thailand
  • I was bitten by a monkey at the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur. I went to a nearby clinic and they gave me a rabies shot, antibiotics to take for 4 days, pain medicine, and anti-inflammatory medicine.
    T.R.
    Canadian in Malaysia

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Protect your trip from unexpected cancellation.

  • Explorer Plan: £5,000
  • Standard Plan: £3,000
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Been made redundant?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Abroad Medical Expenses

Take the pain out of medical costs while traveling abroad.

  • Explorer Plan: £10 million
  • Standard Plan: £5 million
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transport

Expenses included in Emergency Medical limits.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Cover your lost, stolen or damaged gear and tech.

  • Explorer Plan: £3,000
  • Standard Plan: £1,500
Protect your gear
  • Luggage lost?
  • Passport pilfered?
  • Tech trashed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Medical Expenses
  • Baggage & Personal Belongings
  • Cancellation
  • Trip Curtailment
  • Personal Accident
  • Loss of Passport or travel documents
  • Personal Liability
  • Legal Expenses (Personal Liability)
This is a general summary for United Kingdom residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the plan documents for full details.
Pre-existing medical conditions

You are not eligible to buy a policy if you travel against medical advice, travel with the intention of receiving medical treatment, or have a terminal illness. World Nomads policies cannot cover claims due to Pre-Existing Medical Conditions (PEMC), regardless of whether the condition is serious or not. You can still purchase a World Nomads policy, but the PEMC exclusion cannot be removed, and you will be responsible for any related costs.

For information on travel insurance providers that offer cover on PEMC, visit Money Helper or call 0800 138 7777.

24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance

If you need medical assistance or emergency medical evacuation our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Wherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.

Are you in need of Emergency Medical Assistance right now?

For policies purchased on or after 27 June 2024
+44 (0) 144 444 2021 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)

For policies purchased before 27 June 2024:
Phone: +44 (0) 203 093 1750 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)

Contact the team