The Best Travel Insurance Plans for South Africa in 2025
- The best travel insurance plans for South Africa
- Is it currently safe to travel to South Africa?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter South Africa?
- Why take out travel insurance for South Africa?
- What Travel Insurance for South Africa Should Cover
- What is the cost of travel insurance for South Africa?
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to South Africa
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in South Africa?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for South Africa: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for South Africa covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and personal belongings.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory but is strongly recommended due to high crime rates and medical risks.
3. Healthcare cost: Private hospital care is expensive, potentially costing over AUD 1,000 per day for foreign visitors.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for South Africa typically costs between AUD 50 and AUD 100.
5. Good to know: Be extra cautious near national parks, as criminals are known to target tourists in these areas.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for South Africa.
The best travel insurance plans for South Africa
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | AUD 1.65M | Strong choice for South Africa’s medical and security risks. - high medical cover - repatriation included - baggage and personal liability protection |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | AUD 1.65M | Excellent for active travellers. - 24/7 emergency assistance - cancellation cover - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | AUD 825k | Great value for tourists. - solid medical cover - emergency assistance - attractive pricing |
| Travel Pass Monde | AUD 1.15M | Good blend of price and benefits. - repatriation covered - hospital and specialist costs - wide territorial scope |
| Globe Partner | AUD 495k | Reliable for extended stays. - essential medical care - repatriation - covers civil liability |
| Globe Traveller | AUD 825k | Affordable for short or low-risk trips. - essential limits - prompt reimbursement - straightforward, basic cover |
- high medical cover
- repatriation included
- baggage and personal liability protection
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- cancellation cover
- no deductible
- solid medical cover
- emergency assistance
- attractive pricing
- repatriation covered
- hospital and specialist costs
- wide territorial scope
- essential medical care
- repatriation
- covers civil liability
- essential limits
- prompt reimbursement
- straightforward, basic cover
Is it currently safe to travel to South Africa?
As of June 2025, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in South Africa due to ongoing risks of violent crime and public disturbances.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: crime remains a significant concern, especially in urban areas like Johannesburg and Cape Town. Incidents such as express kidnappings can occur in Gauteng, and driving at night or using isolated ATM machines increases your vulnerability.
- Health risks: the prevalence of HIV/AIDS is among the highest globally, and malaria is present in regions including the Kruger National Park. Public hospitals may offer limited care, and high-standard treatment is often only available in private clinics at a high cost.
- Legal obligations: Australian-South African dual nationals must enter and leave South Africa using their South African passport. Yellow fever vaccination is required if you transit through high-risk countries, and border officials check for at least two blank passport pages.
- Environmental and infrastructure: power cuts, known locally as load-shedding, frequently disrupt security systems, traffic lights, and communications, particularly in major cities. These outages may increase crime and make emergency services harder to access.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in South Africa.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter South Africa?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for Australian citizens to enter South Africa for tourism or short stays.
While not required by law, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Australian government to cover medical emergencies, hospital care, and repatriation. Healthcare system access can be limited, and private care or medical evacuation is often expensive.
According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to South Africa. This high percentage reflects the risks linked to crime and costly health care for visitors.
Why take out travel insurance for South Africa?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to South Africa.
In South Africa, medical care for foreigners is mostly provided in private hospitals such as Netcare Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg or Life Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, where costs can be significant. Public hospitals often lack resources, and quality of care in rural areas may be limited.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Australia in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in South Africa.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Netcare Milpark Hospital | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | ZAR 35 000 (AUD 2 900) | up to AUD 1 000 000 |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | ZAR 28 000 (AUD 2 320) | up to AUD 1 000 000 |
| I need to be repatriated | ZAR 350 000 (AUD 29 000) | up to AUD 1 000 000 |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | ZAR 120 000 (AUD 10 000) | up to AUD 1 000 000 |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What Travel Insurance for South Africa Should Cover
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries and emergency dental care for accidents or illness. Minimum recommended limit: AUD 500,000 |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Pays for emergency repatriation to Australia or transfer to a better facility if needed. Recommended: AUD 250,000 |
| 🛏️ Hospitalisation | Includes inpatient care, tests, surgery, and prescription drugs. Choose a policy with hospitalisation up to AUD 500,000 |
| 💊 Medication | Refunds for prescription drugs provided during your stay. Cover at least AUD 3,000 |
| ✈️ Travel interruption | Covers costs if your trip is cut short, such as flights, accommodation, and bookings missed. Recommended: AUD 15,000 |
| 🧳 Lost/stolen baggage | Reimbursement for delayed, lost, or stolen luggage and important personal items. At least AUD 3,000 |
| 🚗 Personal liability | Protects against claims if you injure someone or cause property damage. Recommended: AUD 1,000,000 |
| 👨👩👦 Family assistance | Support for family member travel or early return for emergencies. Recommended: AUD 15,000 |
Minimum recommended limit: AUD 500,000
Recommended: AUD 250,000
Choose a policy with hospitalisation up to AUD 500,000
Cover at least AUD 3,000
Recommended: AUD 15,000
At least AUD 3,000
Recommended: AUD 1,000,000
Recommended: AUD 15,000
Travel insurance from local banks or standard credit cards often includes low coverage limits and many exclusions. For your safety and peace of mind, choose a trusted insurer with comprehensive protection. Compare leading plans on HelloSafe and subscribe online for immediate certification.
What is the cost of travel insurance for South Africa?
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | AUD 40 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | AUD 75 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | AUD 110 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | AUD 220 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of your travel insurance for South Africa is based on several key factors: your age, trip length, level of cover, any pre-existing medical conditions, and planned activities. Given the current travel advisory, it’s crucial to consider these to ensure you have adequate protection for your trip and avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to pay less for your travel insurance to South Africa
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to South Africa while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🗓️ Duration of stay | Longer trips increase cost as premiums are based on total days insured. | Select the exact dates of travel and avoid overestimating your trip length. Pay only for days needed. |
| 👤 Traveller's age | Age significantly affects premium, especially for seniors. | Compare quotes. Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. Shop around for senior-friendly options. |
| 🛄 Type of coverage chosen | More comprehensive cover increases cost, but some add-ons may not be relevant for all travelers. | Choose only the protections necessary for your trip, such as basic health, baggage, liability. |
| 🗺️ Zone of coverage | Worldwide cover is more expensive. South Africa is not in the same risk group as the USA. | Select regional cover limited to Africa if you are only visiting South Africa. |
| 👨👩👧 Group or family policies | Family bundles or group cover can be cheaper than buying individual insurance for each person. | Request a family or group quote to see if discounts apply for travellers on the same policy. |
| 💳 Payment and currency fees | Foreign payment or currency conversion fees can add to your total cost. | Pay in AUD when possible and use cards that do not charge international purchase fees. |
| 🔄 Excess and deductibles | Higher excess reduces premium, but increases out-of-pocket costs in a claim. | Choose a higher excess only if you can afford to pay it should you need medical or baggage reimbursements. |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in South Africa?
It is completely legitimate to wonder if your existing insurances such as public or private health insurance, or even credit card coverage, will be enough for your trip to South Africa. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in South Africa? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare) | Never | Emergency care only in Australia, no overseas coverage for health, evacuation, or private hospitals. | Travel insurance provides up to AUD 500,000 - 1,000,000 for hospital, evacuation, repatriation, and includes theft, accidents and delays. |
| Private health insurance (AHM, Bupa, Medibank) | Limited coverage | Some policies reimburse emergencies but with low limits (max AUD 500 - 2,000), but no repatriation cover. | Travel insurance covers full health costs, repatriation, and loss of baggage—much higher limits and worldwide support. |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, ANZ Low Rate) | Limited coverage | Trip delays (AUD 200), lost baggage (AUD 250), but usually excludes health and evacuation. | Travel insurance offers medical, repatriation, legal and high-value baggage cover. No limits that low on essentials. |
| Premium credit card (ANZ Platinum, Westpac Black) | Limited coverage | Some health (AUD 10,000), missed connection (AUD 500), short trip (max 30-45 days), but many exclusions. | Travel insurance gives up to AUD 1,000,000 for health or medical evacuation, and valid for longer or multi-country trips. |
Example
While driving near Kruger Park, Liam was carjacked and seriously injured. The private hospital bill was AU$50,000. His CommBank Platinum card's travel insurance had a AU$5,000 limit, and Medicare provided no cover. Without proper travel insurance, he was left with a devastating AU$45,000 bill for his recovery.
Expert advice
Be aware that your bank card or health insurance often excludes crucial cover, like trip interruption for a family emergency. Always check the policy details to avoid nasty surprises abroad. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to South Africa?
Australian citizens can visit South Africa for up to 90 days for tourism without a visa. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 30 days beyond your planned stay and contains at least two blank pages for stamps. Check for any updated entry requirements before you travel.
How do I purchase travel insurance for South Africa?
First, use the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to review available options. Next, carefully check coverage details and exclusions, focusing on South Africa’s specific risks. Purchase your chosen policy online and, upon payment, receive your insurance certificate immediately by email—ready for your trip documentation.
What medical risks should I be aware of when travelling to South Africa?
South Africa has a very high HIV/AIDS prevalence, and malaria is present in parts of the country such as Kruger National Park. There are also risks of cholera, tuberculosis, rabies, and mpox. Take precautions like mosquito protection, safe food and water practices, and ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date.
What is typically excluded from travel insurance policies for South Africa?
Common exclusions include incidents related to high-risk activities (unless specifically covered), pre-existing medical conditions, loss due to unattended baggage, and participation in riots or civil unrest. It is important to review exclusions in your policy so you understand what circumstances are not covered.
Can I buy travel insurance for South Africa after arriving?
Most insurers require you to purchase coverage before you leave Australia. Some may allow you to buy a policy after departure, but coverage might not begin immediately or may be limited. Always check with the insurer for their specific rules before you travel.
What should I do if I need emergency assistance in South Africa?
If you encounter a medical emergency or serious incident, contact your insurer’s emergency helpline as soon as possible. They can provide support with local medical providers and help arrange guarantees for hospital admission. You should also have the contact details for the Australian High Commission in Pretoria in case you need consular help.
Do I need a visa to travel to South Africa?
Australian citizens can visit South Africa for up to 90 days for tourism without a visa. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 30 days beyond your planned stay and contains at least two blank pages for stamps. Check for any updated entry requirements before you travel.
How do I purchase travel insurance for South Africa?
First, use the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to review available options. Next, carefully check coverage details and exclusions, focusing on South Africa’s specific risks. Purchase your chosen policy online and, upon payment, receive your insurance certificate immediately by email—ready for your trip documentation.
What medical risks should I be aware of when travelling to South Africa?
South Africa has a very high HIV/AIDS prevalence, and malaria is present in parts of the country such as Kruger National Park. There are also risks of cholera, tuberculosis, rabies, and mpox. Take precautions like mosquito protection, safe food and water practices, and ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date.
What is typically excluded from travel insurance policies for South Africa?
Common exclusions include incidents related to high-risk activities (unless specifically covered), pre-existing medical conditions, loss due to unattended baggage, and participation in riots or civil unrest. It is important to review exclusions in your policy so you understand what circumstances are not covered.
Can I buy travel insurance for South Africa after arriving?
Most insurers require you to purchase coverage before you leave Australia. Some may allow you to buy a policy after departure, but coverage might not begin immediately or may be limited. Always check with the insurer for their specific rules before you travel.
What should I do if I need emergency assistance in South Africa?
If you encounter a medical emergency or serious incident, contact your insurer’s emergency helpline as soon as possible. They can provide support with local medical providers and help arrange guarantees for hospital admission. You should also have the contact details for the Australian High Commission in Pretoria in case you need consular help.
