Choosing some of the best Travel Insurance options in South Africa
There is a lot of research and consideration that goes into travelling abroad. We decide on flights, visas, hotels, itineraries, and budgets. It gives us a feeling of control when all the boxes are ticked and you’re ready to enjoy a blissful trip. The truth is things can go wrong on holiday. A flip-flop failure on a hot expanse of sandy beach. A scratch on the coral while snorkelling. Or an all-you-can-eat buffet and daiquiri-induced stomach ailments. But what if things go really wrong and your luggage is lost or, even worse, you or a family member has to go to hospital? That’s where Travel Insurance comes in and why it should be on your holiday checklist.
What is Travel Insurance?
Travel Insurance is completely optional yet often recommended before you travel to another country. It protects you against those unforeseeable events that can turn your dream holiday into a nightmare, leaving you out of pocket in a foreign currency.
Who needs Travel Insurance?
As South Africans, we have a serious case of wanderlust. When we’re not exploring our own beautiful country, we love a trip beyond our borders, particularly over our Dezembah peak period. Stats SA recorded 667,890 departures by South African residents in December 2025 by air, road and sea.
What does Travel Insurance cover?
Each short-term Travel Insurance policy is different but usually includes a combination of (or all) of the below for when there’s trouble in paradise.
| Cover type | What it helps with | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency medical* | Doctors, hospital, tests, meds | Limits, exclusions, pre-existing conditions |
| Evacuation and repatriation | Moving you to proper care or an emergency flight home | If included, consider any caps that may apply. |
| Cancellation or trip cut short | You can’t go, or must come home early | Reason list, documentation required |
| Baggage and valuables** | Lost/stolen/delayed luggage | Sub-limits for phones/laptops |
| Delays leading to missed connections | Meals, accommodation, new transport options | Waiting periods, proof needed |
| Personal liability | You injure someone / damage property | Limit + exclusions |
*Schengen visa rules require travel medical insurance valid across member states, covering the whole stay, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
**Airlines still mishandle bags at scale. IATA cites 6.3 mishandled bags per 1,000 passengers (33.4 million in 2024).
What would “optimal” Travel Insurance cover?
Once your trip is planned, take a moment to think through what could realistically go wrong once you’re at your chosen destination and what it might cost you to sort it out. In other words, match your cover to your actual risks like healthcare costs, distance from home, activities planned, and how strict your bookings and cancellations are.
Core cover should include: emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, evacuation/repatriation, trip cancellation/curtailment, baggage loss/delay, travel delays, and personal liability.
Optional but useful add-ons: infectious disease, adventure sports, rental car excess, and 24/7 emergency assistance services.
What’s the real value, beyond the payout?
It provides peace of mind when travelling.
Depending on the policy and circumstances, the assistance provider may help with:
- Coordinating hospitals.
- Guaranteeing payment for services.
- Ensuring appropriate care is received.
- Arranging flights home if necessary.
How much can Travel Insurance cost* with Hippo’s partner - Hepstar?
*The comparison below is illustrative only and is not a recommendation. Benefits differ by policy and underwriting terms.
| Hepstar offering | Who it is for | Medical cover and evacuation | Trip disruption cover | Baggage cover | Pre-existing and adventure sports |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Travel Insurance | SA residents under 71 | Medical emergencies up to R50 million includes repatriation, emergency treatment or evacuation | Trip cancellations up to R50,000, travel delays for flights delayed more than 2 hours (lounge access, meals, refreshments) | Up to R30,000 for stolen, damaged, or lost luggage, plus ability to buy essentials while claim is processed | Includes inpatient treatment for pre-existing medical conditions, includes listed adventure sports injuries (per their plan description) |
| Budget Travel Insurance | SA residents under 71 | Medical emergencies up to R2 million incl repatriation, plus “actual expenses” repatriation if arranged by them | Baggage delay essentials if baggage delayed outside SA for over 24 hours, personal accident up to R100,000 | Up to R5,000 for stolen or damaged luggage | Excludes pre-existing medical conditions, adventure sports, trip cancellation, and flight delays |
| Inbound Travel Insurance | Non-South African residents visiting South Africa | Emergency medical expenses including hospitalisation and repatriation up to R15,000,000 | Includes assistance services such as emergency travel arrangements, accommodation, cash advance, 24-hour trauma support | ||
| Credit Card Top-Up Travel Insurance | Travelers who already have cover via credit card or medical scheme and want to add more | Medical emergencies up to R15 million including repatriation, plus hospital cash benefit for longer stays | Trip cancellations up to R30,000, travel delays cover for delays over 2 hours (lounge access, meals, refreshments) | Baggage protection up to R30,000 | Pre-existing inpatient treatment up to R1 million; listed adventure sports injuries up to R500,000 |
***At time of publication
Pre-trip Travel Insurance checklist
Hippo covers a range of Travel Insurance options to save you the bother of having to get hold of call centres or do too much research. Here’s a handy Hippo checklist for what to consider when considering suitable Travel Insurance for your trip.
- Medical cover limit that is realistic for your destination
- Evacuation and repatriation included
- Cancellation cover matches for what you’ve paid for (flights + accommodation + tours)
- Excess (your out-of-pocket) expense is affordable
- Pre-existing conditions are declared
- Activities covered (skiing, hiking, scooter hire, scuba diving, etc.)
- Valuables and electronics limits understood (phones/laptops/cameras)
- Know the emergency number or app and how to contact the insurer 24/7
- Know what proof you’ll need for reimbursement (receipts, doctors' letters, police reports)
Hippo as your trip advisor on Travel Insurance
When you’re ready to find the right Travel Insurance cover, Hippo helps you find better.
- Find better cover at a better price
- Cover suited to your travel requirements and destination.
- It takes a few minutes and is absolutely free.
- No obligations.
- We never share your information or data.
- Compare competitive quotes from top insurers side-by-side.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or medical advice. Coverage terms, pricing, and availability may vary. Always review policy documents carefully and confirm current pricing with providers before making any decisions.
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