Travel Insurance for a trip to Africa
The African continent is ready for adventure.Check out these travel insurance tips so you can push your exploration to the limit.
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Known as the cradle of civilization, Africa has a winning combination of culture and nature, with urban art galleries, traditional art and diverse cultures, as well as jaw-dropping natural wonders, including 19,341-ft-high (5,895 meters)ice-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, the mountain jungles of Rwanda and the chance to see lions, elephants, cheetahs and more.
But as with any safari in the African bush, it helps to have a professional to guide you. World Nomads is here to assist, with travel insurance tips to keep in mind as you explore this diverse and fascinating continent… BYO binoculars!
Medical emergencies
Soaring over the Masai Mara grasslands in a hot-air balloon or walking over the Victoria Falls knife-edge bridge are unforgettable thrills, but they’re not exactly risk-free. A stubbed toe or a bout of malaria can feel worse when it happens in a remote place – such as a far-flung water hole, or a small village.
If you’re a World Nomads policy holder, you’ll have support from a team of like-minded people who know what it’s like to be an independent traveler. Your policy can help cover emergency accidents and illness when the worst happens (like a twisted ankle that stops your walking safari through Botswana’s Okavango Delta in its tracks). You also have access to our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team, which could come in handy when you need to translate your Ugandan doctor’s advice or find the nearest quality hospital. If you’ve had an accident and need help, follow our guide on what to do.
Trip cancellation for terrorist incidents
Unfortunately, no place is immune to terrorist activity. Governments across the globe have their eye on some parts of Africa as hotbeds of terrorist activity. The U.S. State Department is warning visitors not to travel to some regions due to terrorism.
When you have a World Nomads policy and one of these events takes place in your destination within 30 days of your departure date, you may be able to make a claim if you need to cancel your trip up to the benefit limits.
Keep in mind that all our plans are different, depending on your Country of Residence and the plan you've selected. Conditions and exclusions apply. Read the policy wording carefully to choose the right plan for your trip. If you have any questions about your cover, you can contact us.
Weather-related trip delay, trip interruption and trip cancellation coverage
Not-so-fun fact: weather patterns across Africa can range from the unusual (such as the snowstorms in South Africa that had elephants, giraffes, and rhinos wandering in a de-facto snow globe) to the downright dangerous (monsoons and whipping winds in equatorial areas).
At its best, such extreme weather can lead to unexpected days indoors spent hunkering down at your lodge. At its worst, you could endure safety concerns, delayed tours or canceled flights. If you have a World Nomads policy, you can breathe a little easier knowing you may have some trip cancellation, trip interruption or trip delay coverage for some of these situations, depending on your Country of Residence and the policy you’ve chosen. Read your policy for more details on cover for natural disaster. You can always contact us if you have any questions.
Carjacking, pickpocketing and other crimes
Be sure to check for your government’s travel advisories regarding advice for traveling to Africa or to reconsider visiting parts of Africa that are currently experiencing civil unrest, violent crime and kidnapping.
If you are robbed during your travels, you may be reimbursed the loss of your belongings up to your depreciated value, depending on your Country of Residence and plan chosen. Don’t forget to keep your police report and make a copy to submit with your claim. Keep in mind that cash, currency and credit cards aren’t replaceable, so you’ll want to only carry what you need for the day (enough for some sugary South African fried koeksisters, for example).
Now, with these tips in mind, the only thing you need to worry about is making sure your safari guides have your favorite tipples in the jeep for your sundowner. If you haven’t organised travel insurance for your African Odyssey yet, get an online quote 24/7.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you*
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Are you or your family sick or injured?
- Natural disaster or terrorist attack where your'e going?
- Called to active service?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need medication?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Hurt abroad?
- Need to get to a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Video camera gone?
- Laptop lost?
- Sports gear stolen?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the team
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.