Photo © Getty Images / Ph. Francesco Ciccotti

Safari Travel Insurance Coverage

Explore How U.S. Travelers Can Protect Their African Safari Adventures

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At a glance:

  • All World Nomads plans cover safaris, with some plans that offer higher limits of benefits.
  • Coverage may include reimbursement for 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 protection plans: Standard, Explorer, Epic, or Annual—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.
  • Plus, optional Cancel for Any Reason upgrade available on some plans

Whether you're planning an African safari to see the Big 5 in the Serengeti or watch zebras roam in Zambia’s Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, your adventure is sure to be unforgettable. But whenever you're overseas and surrounded by wildlife, you should be prepared for the unexpected. Our travel protection plans include a range of travel insurance benefits and non-insurance services for safaris that may help with everything from stolen bags to unexpected medical expenses.

Why should I consider travel insurance coverage for my safari trip?

To being diagnosed with malaria from a mosquito bite to having a monkey steal your passport , unexpected “monkey business” can derail even the most carefully planned safari. Travel insurance and non-insurance services designed for safaris may help you bounce back quickly with support for emergencies, delays, and disruptions. With coverage that is flexible to your needs, it’s a way to travel confidently, no matter where the journey takes you.

What travel insurance benefits may protect safari trips

As wildlife lovers ourselves, we’ve designed coverage for losses resulting from safaris while traveling. We also offer coverage for losses related to more than 250+ other sports, activities and experiences.

  1. Emergency Medical Expenses
    For broken bones, cuts, and sprains after a fall in the African bush

  2. Non-insurance Emergency Assistance
    Available 24/7 to assist in an emergency situation

  3. Baggage & Gear Coverage
    Protection for your stuff when you travel

  4. 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.

Terms, conditions, and limitations apply to all mentioned coverages.

All plans include travel insurance coverage for safaris, as well as several additional non-insurance services that may support you both before and during your trip. These include delayed or lost baggage tracking and delivery, portable health records, and pre-departure telehealth services.

What level of travel insurance coverage for my safari do I need?

World Nomads offers four plans for U.S. residents – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual – each with different levels of coverage. 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 you may be covered for more than 250+ other sports, activities and experiences when you purchase travel insurance coverage for Africa.

  • Standard Plan – This is the most basic plan, but includes travel insurance coverage for incidents while on a safari, including up to $125,000 in emergency medical expenses and up to $2,500 for trip cancellation. 
  • Explorer Plan – This is for those trips you’ll be talking about for years to come! It covers more activities, including hot air ballooning and shark cage diving to 165 feet/50 meters. It also has higher limits of coverage for most benefits.
  • Epic Plan – This plan covers everything the Explorer plan covers, plus even more activities – including bouldering up to 26,247 feet/8,000 meters and cliff diving. It also has the highest benefit limits of coverage. 
  • Annual Plan – Weekend warriors, digital nomads, world explorers… this plan is for you. Just buy once and stay protected all year. It includes travel insurance coverage for safaris, as well as all of the other activities covered in the Standard Plan. 

NOMADS TIP: For even more trip cancellation flexibility, check out the optional ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ benefit. It can be added to Explorer and Epic plans. Available at an additional cost for U.S. residents, except in New York. Full terms apply.

Get a travel insurance quote

Simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.

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Giraffes in Botswana

What may not be covered by travel insurance plans for safaris?

Some things we may not cover include:

  • Unattended baggage or personal items
  • Not following ‘Do Not Travel’ warnings issued by the U.S. government prior to departure
  • Participation in other activities not listed as covered in your policy
  • Ignoring your doctor if they have advised in writing that you are not medically fit to travel.

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 – just in case. 
  • 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.  
  • Take advantage of the pre-departure medical consultation included in your non-insurance services and see if prescription antimalarial medication or other vaccinations are recommended for your destination. 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 U.S. Department of State to see if they have issued any travel advisories for your destination. 
  • Enroll in the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) 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 travel insurance coverage for safari tours. 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

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

    If you get hurt while on a safari, contact local authorities as soon as you’re able to do so for immediate attention. World Nomads Travel Insurance may help reimburse the cost of medical treatment, hospital stays, or even emergency medical evacuation if needed (subject to approval.) Access to a 24/7 Non-Insurance Emergency Assistance team is also included for support anytime, anywhere when you purchase a travel protection plan that includes travel insurance coverage for safaris. 

  • Do I get my money back if I cancel a trip?

    Trip cancelation coverage is offered by all plans offered by World Nomads, and you may be reimbursed for pre-paid, unused, non-refundable expenses like flights, safari tours and accommodations if your trip is cancelled for a covered reason. U.S. residents (except those that live in New York) also have the ability to add additional cancel for any reason coverage when certain World Nomads plans are purchased. 

  • What happens if my bags are delayed?

    When you purchase travel insurance coverage for safaris, baggage delay coverage is also included. If your checked-in bags are delayed more than 12 consecutive hours on the way to your destination, your plan may reimburse you for reasonable essential items like toiletries and a change of clothes until you and your bag are reunited. Your coverage also includes a non-insurance service that can help track down your bag and get it delivered to you.

Need destination inspiration for your next safari trip?

Not sure where your next safari adventure should take you? Check out some of our favorite safari locations 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

20250818-4750020. This is not a full list of what is and isn’t covered, so please check your plan document for a full list of maximums, terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that may apply to your state specific plan. Any example scenarios provided above are not a guarantee of coverage. All claims are subject to review, require documentation and are considered individually. Exclusion applies to Adventure or Extreme Activities.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Protection

Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.

  • Standard Plan: $2,500
  • Explorer Plan: $10,000
  • Epic Plan: $15,000
  • Annual Plan: $5,000
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.

  • Standard Plan: $125,000
  • Explorer Plan: $150,000
  • Epic Plan: $250,000
  • Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?
  • Need a hospital?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Evacuation

We'll provide assistance to get you to the hospital or home quickly.

  • Standard Plan: $400,000
  • Explorer Plan: $500,000
  • Epic Plan: $700,000
  • Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Evacuation
  • Ambulance transfers
  • Medevac flights
  • Medical escort services

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

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

  • Standard Plan: $1,000
  • Explorer Plan: $2,000
  • Epic Plan: $3,000
  • Annual Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
  • Stolen I.D.s
  • Checked-in sports equipment
  • Damaged luggage

Help starts here.

The amounts listed represent the maximum benefit amount.

Protect your health

  • 24/7 Emergency Assistance Help Line
  • Emergency Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Evacuations
  • Bedside Companion Travel
  • Emergency Medications

Protect Your Trip

  • Trip Cancellation
  • Optional Cancel for Any Reason (Explorer or Epic)
  • Trip Delay & Trip Interruption
  • Missed Connection (Explorer or Epic)
  • Rental Car Damage (Explorer, Epic or Annual)

Protect Your Stuff

  • Baggage Delay
  • Passport and Visa Loss
  • Lost or Stolen Bags
  • Personal Tech, Equipment & Gear
  • Baggage Return After Evacuation

Non-Insurance Services

  • Medical & Non-Medical 24/7 Emergency Assistance Line
  • Translators Available
  • Pre-Departure Telehealth Services
  • Portable Health Records
  • Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery
This is a general summary for US residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefits limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the plan documents for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical or dental assistance or advice, emergency evacuation or travel assistance, 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 assistance right now?

Contact 24/7 Emergency Assistance:
Telephone: +1 954-334-8143 (Collect outside the US)
+1 877-289-0968 (Toll-free in the US and Canada

Contact the team