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TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR SOUTH AFRICA
Keen to spot a zebra on safari? Or take in the seaside from a Cape Town cabana? Whatever your South African holiday looks like, scroll on down for our handy guide on visas, getting around and the must-see spots. Zoom's South Africa travel insurance has you covered for any unexpected holiday hurdles. Cover includes medical expenses should you fall sick or become injured, as well as cover for trip cancellation, lost luggage, family emergencies and more! What are you waiting for? Zoom to it!
SOUTH AFRICA QUICK GUIDE
After a turbulant past, South Africa is emerging as one of Africa's most popular tourist destinations. With wonderous, diverse landscapes and wildlife, and an increasingly metropolitan cultural scene, there is something for everyone here.
No matter which kind of South African experience you're planning, Zoom can cover your trip with a range of plans. You can minimise your costs with Medical Only cover, or choose to buy Comprehensive Travel Insurance for extra protection to cover things like travel delays and cancellation. Compare Zoom's Travel Insurance plans online today.
VISAS FOR SOUTH AFRICA
Aussies visiting for tourism purposes can stay visa-free for 90 days in South Africa. Kiwis are not so lucky - South Africa recently revoked the visa exemptions for New Zealanders, meaning that you will need a visa. The form is available from the South African High commission, with the application costing around $165NZD.
Regardless of where you are coming from, you will also need require proof of onwards travel - typically a return flight ticket - and a yellow fever immunisation certificate if you travel to South Africa through the yellow fever area of Africa or South America.
This information may change quickly, so check with your nearest South African Embassy, Consulate, or High Commission for details.
Regardless of where you are coming from, you will also need require proof of onwards travel - typically a return flight ticket - and a yellow fever immunisation certificate if you travel to South Africa through the yellow fever area of Africa or South America.
This information may change quickly, so check with your nearest South African Embassy, Consulate, or High Commission for details.
ON ARRIVAL
The two most frequented international airports into South Africa are O.R. Tambo International (Johannesburg) and Cape Town International.
If you land at O.R. Tambo, you can catch the Gautrain high-speed rail between 5:15am and 10pm. There are also a number of shuttle buses that cover all the major towns and suburbs. If you're a first-time visitor and would like to be dropped straight to your door, there are accedited meter taxis that will go to most places in Johannesburg.
If you land at Cape Town, there is the airport MyCiTi shuttle, which goes to the Civic Centre in central Cape Town, other shuttle services to Cape Town and the western cape. If you go with a taxi, the safest option is Touch-Down Taxis, the service endorsed by the airport.
If you land at O.R. Tambo, you can catch the Gautrain high-speed rail between 5:15am and 10pm. There are also a number of shuttle buses that cover all the major towns and suburbs. If you're a first-time visitor and would like to be dropped straight to your door, there are accedited meter taxis that will go to most places in Johannesburg.
If you land at Cape Town, there is the airport MyCiTi shuttle, which goes to the Civic Centre in central Cape Town, other shuttle services to Cape Town and the western cape. If you go with a taxi, the safest option is Touch-Down Taxis, the service endorsed by the airport.
GETTING AROUND
Bus fares are comparatively cheap in the big urban areas like Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria and Johannesburg, with large networks, with Cape Town's MyCiTi and Durban's People Mover generally the more highly regarded networks for safety. South Africa's public transport system is generally poorly regarded by its citizens for its low coverage area, making private car use and taxis very common.
Minibuses and shared taxis run almost everywhere; in some areas, they may be the only way to get around. They're a good way to experience South Africa off the beaten track, but can also be a magnet for touts and people trying to take advantage of tourists. They often hold between 10 and 16 people, and generally don't leave until they are full, so you might be waiting a little while if you're headed somewhere remote.
Uber is also becoming increasingly popular in the big cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria and Durban. While this has produced some positive outcomes - the rates of drink driving have fallen significantly - tensions between Uber drivers and taxi drivers have become increasingly violent. So if your driver wants you to meet you a few blocks from the train station, or asks you to appear chatty and hug them before you get out of the car, that may be why.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
There is no bad time to visit South Africa - it is a year-round travel destination. A large country with a climate that varies across regions. Cape Town has hot, dry summers (December to March) and winter rain (June to August), while the more north-eastern regions experience heavy summer rain and dry winters.
So hit the beach in the south west for a summer beach holiday, or take advantage of the dry winters the north-eastern national park areas on safari, with Africa's unique wildlife tending to concentrate around water sources.
So hit the beach in the south west for a summer beach holiday, or take advantage of the dry winters the north-eastern national park areas on safari, with Africa's unique wildlife tending to concentrate around water sources.
WHERE TO GO
A highlight of any trip to South Africa is the opportunity to see in their natural environment animals you've only see in films or at the zoo. For one of the most popular safari sites, visit Kruger National Park in South Africa's north east. Explore on your own through the vast network of roads, or choose guided tours to see the best sites. Other highly recommended national parks including iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Addo Elephant Park and Golden Gate Highlands. Most of these parks have accomodation on site, great if you want to do more than day-trip.
The Cango Caves in the western cape is the largest cave system in Africa. With formations which took millions of years to grow, it is one of the great natural wonders of the world.
Cape Town is one of South Africa's top destinations for tourists; it features the glorious Table Mountain, the Cape Camino walk and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
The Cango Caves in the western cape is the largest cave system in Africa. With formations which took millions of years to grow, it is one of the great natural wonders of the world.
Cape Town is one of South Africa's top destinations for tourists; it features the glorious Table Mountain, the Cape Camino walk and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
MUST KNOW TIPS
Safety is of significant concern for travellers in South Africa - it's hard to miss the razor wire and armed guards that decorate wealthy neighbourhoods. Avoid displaying wealths with jewellery, cameras or laptops. If you are subject to a mugging, do not argue with the muggers - objects can be replaced, you cannot. Report the theft immediately to police and cancel your cards.
The best way to travel South Africa as a woman is with a friend or two. Avoid travelling on your own, and don't consider shared taxis or hitchhiking after dark.
The best way to travel South Africa as a woman is with a friend or two. Avoid travelling on your own, and don't consider shared taxis or hitchhiking after dark.
ZOOMING ELSEWHERE?
Are you planning to zoom somewhere else on your holidays? If South Africa is a stopover on your trip to Europe, we've got plenty of helpful advice on other popular travel destinations to check out. What are you waiting for? Zoom to it!WHY BUY WITH ZOOM
medical cover
Relax knowing that your hospital expenses are covered with Zoom's unlimited medical coverage. Zoom to top notch cover!
Travel delays
Setbacks on your sojourn are never much fun. Cover your South Africa travel disruptions in a flash with Zoom travel cover. We keep things zippy!
LUGGAGE COVER
Your stuff is precious and we get that. Take off on your adventure in South Africa knowing your luggage is protected with Zoom.
Family emergencies
Had to rush home or cancel your trip due to a family emergency? We'll cover your non-refundable deposits so you can focus on the rest.
Adventure activities
Hiking Table Top Mountain or Surfing in Capetown? Zoom to great cover with our adventure pack.
rental car excess
Driving in South Africa? Our rental vehicle excess add-on is a must for roadtripping travellers.
easy claims
We've done away with lengthy forms and have kept our claims process simple. We guarantee to assess fully documented claims in a flash.
Peace Of Mind
Zoom to Zen. You can sit back and relax on your holiday knowing that you’re covered by award winning travel insurance.
COMPARE SOUTH AFRICA TRAVEL INSURANCE
COMPARE PLANS(Benefits are per adult) Expand to see benefits & limits in detail
|
Medical Only | Standard | Comprehensive |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Emergency
|
included | included | included |
| 24/7 Emergency Assistance Service | included | included | included |
| 24 Hour emergency medical assistance services, access to trained medical advisers, medical evacuation, hospital expense guarantees, ambulance fees, messages to family, and funeral arrangements. | |||
|
Medical
|
unlimited | unlimited | unlimited |
| Overseas Emergency Medical & Hospital ExpensesSO | unlimited | unlimited | unlimited |
| Provides cover for unexpected overseas medical and hospital expenses incurred if you are injured or become sick overseas. | |||
| Dental ExpensesO | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Cover for unexpected dental treatment required overseas for the relief of sudden and acute pain to sound and natural teeth. | |||
| Repatriation Of RemainsO | $25,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Cover for a funeral or cremation overseas, or repatriation of your remains back to Australia. | |||
| Hospital Cash AllowanceSO | $2,500 | $5,000 | |
| An allowance of $50 per day if you are hospitalised for more than 48 continuous hours whilst overseas. | |||
| Permanent DisabilityO | $25,000 | ||
| A lump sum benefit if you suffer a total permanent disability as result of an accidental injury during your trip (no excess applies). | |||
| Loss of IncomeSO | $10,400 | ||
| Weekly payment you received if you become disabled within 30 days of an injury you sustained during your journey, and you are unable to work in your usual occupation for more than 30 days after returning to Australia. (no excess applies) | |||
|
Luggage & Personal Items
|
$5,000 | $10,000 | |
| Travel Documents & Transaction CardsO | $2,000 | $5,000 | |
| Reimburses you for the cost of lost or stolen travel documents including passports and credit cards. This includes costs incurred due to fraudulent activity on your credit card not already covered by the financial institution. | |||
| Luggage & Personal EffectsAS | $5,000 | $10,000 | |
| Cover for your own personal effects that are lost, stolen or accidentally damaged during your journey. This includes items such as cameras, laptops, tablets and mobile phones. | |||
| Theft of CashPO | $250 | ||
| Reimburses you for cash, bank notes, currency notes, or money orders stolen whilst on your person during your journey. | |||
| Luggage & Personal Effects Delay ExpensesASO | $500 | ||
| Cover to purchase essential clothing and personal items if your luggage and personal effects have been delayed, misdirected or misplaced by your carrier for more than 12 hours.<br/> <br/> $250 if your luggage is delayed for less than 7 days. $500 if your luggage is delayed for more than a week. (no excess applies)<br/> | |||
|
Cancellation & Delay
|
chosen limit | chosen limit | |
| Pre-Departure Cancellation Fees & Lost DepositsPS | chosen limit | chosen limit | |
| Cover for cancellation fees and lost deposits for pre-paid travel arrangements if you cannot travel due to unexpected events which are outside your control, such as sickness, injuries, strikes and natural disasters. | |||
| Pre-Departure Amendments to JourneyA | $2,000 | ||
| Cover for additional travel expenses that you incur and cannot recover when you need to amend your journey due to illness or injury, hospitalisation of a relative, or your scheduled or connecting transport is cancelled or delayed due to weather, strikes, riots, or a natural disaster. | |||
|
On-trip Disruption
|
chosen limit | chosen limit | |
| On-trip Cancellation Fees & Lost DepositsPS | chosen limit | chosen limit | |
| Cover for your pre-paid travel arrangements if your trip is cancelled or cut short due to one of the unexpected events covered by the policy, such as illness, accidents and extreme weather. | |||
|
Additional Accommodation & Travel Expenses — Family Emergency — Emergency Companion CoverAS |
$10,000 | $25,000 | |
| Reimburses you for your additional accommodation and travel expenses if your trip is disrupted by an event covered by the policy. For example, injury or illness, lost passport, or your scheduled or connecting transport is cancelled or delayed due to extreme weather, strikes, riots, or a natural disaster.<br> <br> There is no provision to claim Family Emergency for relatives living outside of Australia or relatives aged 85 or over. (no excess applies) | |||
| Travel Delay ExpensesS | $2,000 | ||
| Cover for reasonable meal and accommodation expenses if your journey is disrupted for more than 6 hours due to circumstances beyond your control. (no excess applies) | |||
| Special Event Transport ExpensesO | $2,000 | ||
| Reimburses you for additional travel expenses to reach a special event (wedding, funeral, prepaid conference, concert, music festival, sporting event, or a tour lasting more than two consecutive nights) on time. | |||
|
Other
|
$2,500,000 | $2,500,000 | $5 million |
| Personal LiabilityP | $2,500,000 | $2,500,000 | $5 million |
| Protection for you being legally liable for unintentionally injuring other people or causing damage to their property, including legal defence costs (with our prior consent). | |||
Medical Only
Show Benefits-
Emergency included
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance Service included
- 24 Hour emergency medical assistance services, access to trained medical advisers, medical evacuation, hospital expense guarantees, ambulance fees, messages to family, and funeral arrangements.
-
Medical unlimited
- Overseas Emergency Medical & Hospital Expenses unlimited
- Provides cover for unexpected overseas medical and hospital expenses incurred if you are injured or become sick overseas.
- Dental Expenses $1,000
- Cover for unexpected dental treatment required overseas for the relief of sudden and acute pain to sound and natural teeth.
- Repatriation Of Remains $25,000
- Cover for a funeral or cremation overseas, or repatriation of your remains back to Australia.
-
Other $2,500,000
- Personal Liability $2,500,000
- Protection for you being legally liable for unintentionally injuring other people or causing damage to their property, including legal defence costs (with our prior consent).
Standard
Show Benefits-
Emergency included
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance Service included
- 24 Hour emergency medical assistance services, access to trained medical advisers, medical evacuation, hospital expense guarantees, ambulance fees, messages to family, and funeral arrangements.
-
Medical unlimited
- Overseas Emergency Medical & Hospital Expenses unlimited
- Provides cover for unexpected overseas medical and hospital expenses incurred if you are injured or become sick overseas.
- Dental Expenses $1,000
- Cover for unexpected dental treatment required overseas for the relief of sudden and acute pain to sound and natural teeth.
- Hospital Cash Allowance $2,500
- An allowance of $50 per day if you are hospitalised for more than 48 continuous hours whilst overseas.
- Repatriation Of Remains $25,000
- Cover for a funeral or cremation overseas, or repatriation of your remains back to Australia.
-
Luggage & Personal Items $5,000
- Travel Documents & Transaction Cards $2,000
- Reimburses you for the cost of lost or stolen travel documents including passports and credit cards. This includes costs incurred due to fraudulent activity on your credit card not already covered by the financial institution.
- Luggage & Personal Effects $5,000
- Cover for your own personal effects that are lost, stolen or accidentally damaged during your journey. This includes items such as cameras, laptops, tablets and mobile phones.
-
Cancellation & Delay chosen limit
- Pre-Departure Cancellation Fees & Lost Deposits chosen limit
- Cover for cancellation fees and lost deposits for pre-paid travel arrangements if you cannot travel due to unexpected events which are outside your control, such as sickness, injuries, strikes and natural disasters.
-
On-trip Disruption chosen limit
- On-trip Cancellation Fees & Lost Deposits chosen limit
- Cover for your pre-paid travel arrangements if your trip is cancelled or cut short due to one of the unexpected events covered by the policy, such as illness, accidents and extreme weather.
- Additional Accommodation & Travel Expenses<br/>— Family Emergency<br/>— Emergency Companion Cover $10,000
- Reimburses you for your additional accommodation and travel expenses if your trip is disrupted by an event covered by the policy. For example, injury or illness, lost passport, or your scheduled or connecting transport is cancelled or delayed due to extreme weather, strikes, riots, or a natural disaster.<br> <br> There is no provision to claim Family Emergency for relatives living outside of Australia or relatives aged 85 or over. (no excess applies)
-
Other $2,500,000
- Personal Liability $2,500,000
- Protection for you being legally liable for unintentionally injuring other people or causing damage to their property, including legal defence costs (with our prior consent).
-
Cruise unlimited
- Onboard Medical Expenses unlimited
- Cover for reasonable onboard emergency medical, and other necessary treatment expenses you incur while on a cruise if you become ill or injured.
-
Rental Vehicle Excess chosen limit
- Rental Vehicle Insurance Excess chosen limit
- Covers for the excess payable on your rental vehicle insurance that you have with your car hire company.<br> <br> You can choose your level of cover up to $5,000 or up to $10,000.
Comprehensive
Show Benefits-
Emergency included
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance Service included
- 24 Hour emergency medical assistance services, access to trained medical advisers, medical evacuation, hospital expense guarantees, ambulance fees, messages to family, and funeral arrangements.
-
Medical unlimited
- Overseas Emergency Medical & Hospital Expenses unlimited
- Provides cover for unexpected overseas medical and hospital expenses incurred if you are injured or become sick overseas.
- Dental Expenses $1,000
- Cover for unexpected dental treatment required overseas for the relief of sudden and acute pain to sound and natural teeth.
- Hospital Cash Allowance $5,000
- An allowance of $50 per day if you are hospitalised for more than 48 continuous hours whilst overseas.
- Repatriation Of Remains $25,000
- Cover for a funeral or cremation overseas, or repatriation of your remains back to Australia.
- Permanent Disability $25,000
- A lump sum benefit if you suffer a total permanent disability as result of an accidental injury during your trip (no excess applies).
- Loss of Income $10,400
- Weekly payment you received if you become disabled within 30 days of an injury you sustained during your journey, and you are unable to work in your usual occupation for more than 30 days after returning to Australia. (no excess applies)
-
Luggage & Personal Items $10,000
- Travel Documents & Transaction Cards $5,000
- Reimburses you for the cost of lost or stolen travel documents including passports and credit cards. This includes costs incurred due to fraudulent activity on your credit card not already covered by the financial institution.
- Theft of Cash $250
- Reimburses you for cash, bank notes, currency notes, or money orders stolen whilst on your person during your journey.
- Luggage & Personal Effects $10,000
- Cover for your own personal effects that are lost, stolen or accidentally damaged during your journey. This includes items such as cameras, laptops, tablets and mobile phones.
- Luggage & Personal Effects Delay Expenses $500
- Cover to purchase essential clothing and personal items if your luggage and personal effects have been delayed, misdirected or misplaced by your carrier for more than 12 hours.<br/> <br/> $250 if your luggage is delayed for less than 7 days. $500 if your luggage is delayed for more than a week. (no excess applies)<br/>
-
Cancellation & Delay chosen limit
- Pre-Departure Cancellation Fees & Lost Deposits chosen limit
- Cover for cancellation fees and lost deposits for pre-paid travel arrangements if you cannot travel due to unexpected events which are outside your control, such as sickness, injuries, strikes and natural disasters.
- Pre-Departure Amendments to Journey $2,000
- Cover for additional travel expenses that you incur and cannot recover when you need to amend your journey due to illness or injury, hospitalisation of a relative, or your scheduled or connecting transport is cancelled or delayed due to weather, strikes, riots, or a natural disaster.
-
On-trip Disruption chosen limit
- On-trip Cancellation Fees & Lost Deposits chosen limit
- Cover for your pre-paid travel arrangements if your trip is cancelled or cut short due to one of the unexpected events covered by the policy, such as illness, accidents and extreme weather.
- Additional Accommodation & Travel Expenses<br/>— Family Emergency<br/>— Emergency Companion Cover $25,000
- Reimburses you for your additional accommodation and travel expenses if your trip is disrupted by an event covered by the policy. For example, injury or illness, lost passport, or your scheduled or connecting transport is cancelled or delayed due to extreme weather, strikes, riots, or a natural disaster.<br> <br> There is no provision to claim Family Emergency for relatives living outside of Australia or relatives aged 85 or over. (no excess applies)
- Travel Delay Expenses $2,000
- Cover for reasonable meal and accommodation expenses if your journey is disrupted for more than 6 hours due to circumstances beyond your control. (no excess applies)
- Special Event Transport Expenses $2,000
- Reimburses you for additional travel expenses to reach a special event (wedding, funeral, prepaid conference, concert, music festival, sporting event, or a tour lasting more than two consecutive nights) on time.
-
Other $5 million
- Personal Liability $5 million
- Protection for you being legally liable for unintentionally injuring other people or causing damage to their property, including legal defence costs (with our prior consent).
-
Cruise unlimited
- Onboard Medical Expenses unlimited
- Cover for reasonable onboard emergency medical, and other necessary treatment expenses you incur while on a cruise if you become ill or injured.
-
Snow unlimited
- Emergency Rescue unlimited
- Medical transfer or evacuation if you injure yourself whilst on the ski slope
- Snow Pack $750
- Cover for the value of any unused ski pass, ski hire or tuition fees following loss or theft of your ski pass or you being unable to ski following accident or illness.
- Resort Closure $1,000
- Cover for the cost of transport to the nearest resort and the cost of additional ski passes if all lift systems are closed as a result of not enough snow, bad weather or power failure in your pre-booked holiday resort.
- Winter Sports Equipment Cover $1,500
- We will reimburse the winter sports equipment hire excess or the cost of repairing the equipment, whichever is lesser, if the winter sports equipment you have hired is damaged or stolen due to an event covered under this policy.
- Winter Sports Equipment Hire $1,000
- Cover for the cost of hiring alternative Snow Skiing Equipment following the loss, theft or or breakage of your equipment, or if your equipment has been misdirected or delayed for more than 24 hours
-
Rental Vehicle Excess chosen limit
- Rental Vehicle Insurance Excess chosen limit
- Covers for the excess payable on your rental vehicle insurance that you have with your car hire company.<br> <br> You can choose your level of cover up to $5,000 or up to $10,000.
-
Bicycle Pack $15,000
- Bicycle Cover $15,000
- Designed specifically for cyclists, we offer cover if your bicycle is lost, stolen or damaged (no cover whilst in use).
Benefits shown are a summary of cover only. Sub-limits may apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for full terms, conditions, limits, excess payable and exclusions; and consider the Target Market Determination to determine whether our travel insurance is right for you.
A Limits are per adult traveller. For accompanying dependants, the policy benefits are shared with the adult traveller.
S Sub-limits apply.
P Limits are per policy regardless of the number of persons the claim relates to.
O There is no cover while travelling in Australia.
SOUTH AFRICA TRAVEL INSURANCE FAQs
Got some curly questions in regards to your South Africa travel insurance cover?
Be in the the know before you go with answers to the most common queries below.
-
Am I covered medically while holidaying in South Africa?
-
Yes, all our policies cover for unlimited medical coverage. Zoom provides cover for your overseas medical expenses including hospital stays, surgery, doctor visits, emergency evacuation and repatriation home if required. We can provide written guarantees of payment of reasonable expenses directly with your hospital in emergency situations. Phew!
-
What happens if I need medical assistance in South Africa?
-
Have complete peace of mind on your adventure to South Africa. Zoom provides immediate support through our emergency assistance provider, First Assistance. Help is just a phone call away any time of day 365 days a year. This includes access to medical advisors, medical transfers and emergency evacuation if required. We also assist with passing on messages to family and returning unsupervised dependants back to Australia.
-
How do alcohol and drugs affect my cover?
-
When it comes to alcohol we advise you to drink in moderation. One mahewu too many could see you jeopardizing your cover. Please note that we may exclude any claims where excessive drugs or alcohol have been involved.
