Travelling is one of life’s greatest joys, and forward planning is essential to ensure your trip is easier, safer and more enjoyable. Unfortunately one element that’s often overlooked when planning a trip is travel insurance – that’s why we’ve put together some insurance pointers to consider, so you won’t be sorry later. We’ll also give you some vehicle insurance tips for when you are travelling abroad.

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is best described as a financial product that assists travellers to cover medical and financial expenses as well as other losses incurred while travelling, either within one’s own country, or internationally. Many banks offer free travel insurance when paying for your air, bus or train ticket by credit card, but you’ll often need to top this up depending on your circumstance.

Why do you need travel insurance?

Travel insurance gives you piece of mind when travelling. Very few of us will be able to fund an emergency from our own pocket, especially if it’s in another currency. Travel insurance will cover you against unforeseen circumstances such as missed flights, lost baggage, medical emergencies, supplier defaults and cancelled trips. Most travel insurance policies also cover expenses related to a death, which can include cremation or burial. It also cover the transportation of your remains back to your country of residence.

Ensure your travel insurance includes medical cover

Medical costs abroad can be astronomical compared to South Africa. In some instances medical treatment can be withheld by the foreign country if a person has no proof of funds or travel insurance, so make sure that you carry this documentation with you.

Some South African medical aid plans automatically include travel medical insurance when travelling outside the county’s borders up to a certain amount for a certain period. It’s important to confirm the details of your medical coverage with your insurer as pre-existing medical conditions may require additional cover, and some insurance companies may refuse to insure you if the medical risk from your pre-existing medical condition is too high.

Tips to consider when purchasing travel insurance

  1. There are different types of cover available depending on your budget, and most insurers allow you to customise the policy to meet your specific needs.
  2. Speak to insurers about group or family discounts.
  3. Policies may contain some exclusions (for example, adventure sports) so consider this if it applies to you.
  4. Shop around for the policy that best suits you.
  5. Read the policy carefully to determine what excess costs are involved.

What to consider when driving outside of South African borders?

  • Speak to your vehicle insurance provider
    • It’s important to find out what you are covered for if you’re travelling across the South African border in your own vehicle. It is also advisable to inform your insurance provider of your trip just before you leave.
    • International driving permit
      • A South African driver’s license is recognised in all Southern African Development Community countries. For any other country an international driving permit is required, available from the AA.
      • Third party insurance
        • If you’re travelling outside of SA borders you’ll be required to have third party insurance in place in case you can be held liable for causing damage to another vehicle or injury to someone else.
  • Original and certified copies of your vehicle registration and vehicle insurance policy
    • When travelling in your own vehicle, you’ll be required to show these documents to border officials.