Photo © Getty Images / Ph. Francesco Ciccotti

Safari Travel Insurance Plans

Affordable Safari Travel Insurance for Canadians

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At a glance:

  • All World Nomads plans cover safaris, with some plans that offer higher limits of benefits.
  • Coverage may include injuries and medical evacuation if you're seriously hurt while on a safari, as well as protection for your luggage and gear.
  • Choose from two travel insurance plans: Standard or Explorer—tailored to your trip style and level of adventure.
  • World Nomads plans also cover 250+ other adventure activities, from scuba diving and snorkeling to zip-lining and jungle trekking.

Canadian travellers heading to Africa for a safari face unique insurance needs—from costly medical evacuations to lost camera gear. World Nomads offers travel insurance tailored for Canadians, with safari coverage included in every plan. Whether you're planning an African safari to see the Big 5 in the Serengeti or watch zebras roam in Zambia’s Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, your adventure is sure to be unforgettable. But whenever you're overseas and surrounded by wildlife, you should be prepared for the unexpected.

Why should I consider travel insurance for my African safari?

From animal attacks to an unplanned case of malaria, unexpected issues can derail even the most carefully planned safari. Travel insurance for safaris may help you bounce back quickly with support for emergencies, delays, and disruptions. With coverage that is flexible to Canadian needs, it’s a smart way to travel confidently – whether you're looking for rhinos in Nepal or photographing elephants in Kenya.

Nomads tip: Each policy includes a '10-Day Right to Examine' period, giving you time after purchase to review the details, making sure the coverage works for you. If you decide that you are not satisfied with the policy, you may cancel it within 10 days and you will be given a full refund of the premium you paid, provided you have not started your trip and you do not want to make a claim or to exercise any other right under the policy.

What’s Covered in Our Safari Insurance for Canadians

As wildlife lovers ourselves, we’ve designed our plans to include travel insurance for safaris. We also offer coverage for more than 250 other sports, activities and experiences.

  1. Emergency Medical Expenses
    For broken bones, cuts, and sprains after a fall in the African bush

  2. Non-insurance Emergency Assistance
    Available 24/7 to assist in an emergency situation

  3. Baggage & Gear Coverage
    Protection for your stuff when you travel

  4. Trip Delays, Interruptions & Cancellations
    A money-saver if inclement weather keeps you from enjoying your safari.

Get a quote and compare the plans to see which level of coverage is right for you.

Choosing the Right Safari Travel Insurance Plan (Standard vs. Explorer)

World Nomads offers two plans for Canadian residents – the Standard and Explorer – each with different levels of coverage. 

  • Standard Plan – This is the most basic plan but includes safari travel insurance as well as up to $5,000,000 CAD in emergency medical expenses and up to $2,500 for trip cancellation for Canadian travellers.
  • Explorer Plan – This plan also covers safaris but has higher limits of coverage.

Even if your main goal is to go on a safari, you may want to do other fun things too, like bushwalking in Botswana or whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River. That’s totally fine, because there are over 250 other sports, activities and experiences that could be covered when you purchase travel insurance for Africa. When you purchase your policy, you’ll need to list safaris, and all of the other activities that you plan to participate in while on your trip. You won’t be able to add or remove activities after you make your purchase, so make sure you add them all at that time.  Costs may vary depending on the additional activities you list. 

If you are planning to participate in an activity that isn’t listed in our policy wording, you will need to contact us to determine if you will be covered. 

NOMADS TIP: Get a quote and choose your plan first, then the system will prompt you to add the activities you plan to do. Make sure you list them all; you won’t be able to make changes once on your trip.

Get a travel insurance quote

Simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.

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Giraffes in Botswana

What may not be covered when on a safari?

Some things we may not cover include:

  • Unattended baggage or personal items
  • Participation in other activities not listed as covered in your policy
  • Ignoring your doctor if they have explicitly advised you not to travel to a particular destination or go on a safari
  • Handling of big game or dangerous animals 
  • Not following government ‘Do Not Travel’ advisories issued by the Canadian government

Top safety tips we recommend for your safari

  • Do your research and book with an accredited and eco-friendly tour operator
  • Make sure your guide has a first-aid kit. It doesn’t hurt to have a small one in your backpack too. 
  • Follow your guide’s instructions at all times and view wildlife from a safe distance. 
  • Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. Don’t be afraid to ask if the water is safe to drink when you are in remote locations.  
  • Talk to your doctor to see if prescription antimalarial medication or other vaccinations are recommended. Depending on the medication, you may need to start it prior to your trip.  
  • Wear long sleeves and long pants to help protect you from bug bites. 
  • Don’t wear open toed shoes when walking around in the bush. 
  • Check with the Public Health Agency of Canada to see if they have issued any travel health notices for your destination.  
  • Register with Canadians Abroad to stay updated on emergency situations. 
  • Don’t try to handle big game or dangerous animals. 
  • Don’t walk around alone at night. 
  • Take along a copy of the documents showing proof of your safari travel insurance. You may even want to save a copy in your phone so it is easily accessible. 

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for safari. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team

  • Are safaris covered under World Nomads Travel Insurance?

    Yes, safaris are covered under both plans offered by World Nomads Travel Insurance, but make sure you list this as an activity you’ll be participating in when you purchase your policy. Safaris are considered a Level 1 activity and they are automatically covered, but you’ll still need to list this as an activity when you purchase your safari travel insurance policy. However, you’ll need to pay an additional premium to be covered for any Level 2 and Level 3 activities like zip lining and hang gliding. If you aren’t sure if something is covered, we suggest you contact us to ask.

  • What types of incidents are covered while on a safari?

    If your trip is cancelled, delayed, or interrupted due to an unforeseen event, you may be able to recover your non-refundable, prepaid travel expenses (up to the policy limits), and this could include unused, pre-paid, non-refundable safari tours that you paid for in advance. If your safari jeep gets in a wreck and you require medical assistance, emergency medical coverage could come in handy in the case of an unexpected injury. You could also be covered for unplanned situations such as lost bags or Canadian government travel advisories advising travellers not to travel to a destination on your itinerary. 

Need destination inspiration for your next safari?

Not sure where your next safari adventure should take you? Check out some of our favorite safari locations around the world and get destination-specific travel insurance tips to help you plan with confidence.

Kenya Safari Tips: Where to Go and How to Stay Safe

How Travelers Can Stay Safe on Safari in Botswana

Nepal Safaris: The 5 Best Places to See Wildlife 

Why Akagera is Rwanda’s Most Unique Safari Destination

This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions of the policy. It is important you read and understand your policy as it contains benefits, conditions, exclusions and pre-existing condition exclusions. If you do not understand your coverage, or if you have questions, just ask us.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.

  • Explorer Plan: $5,000
  • Standard Plan: $2,500
Trip Protection
  • Work emergency?
  • Weather delay?
  • Travel companion sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Insurance

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

  • Explorer Plan: $10 million
  • Standard Plan: $5 million
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?
  • Need a hospital?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation

We’ll get you to hospital or home quickly.

  • Explorer Plan: $500,000
  • Standard Plan: $500,000
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Ambulance transfers
  • Medevac flights
  • Medical escort services

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Covers the theft, damage or delay of your bags, tech and sports gear.

  • Explorer Plan: $3,000
  • Standard Plan: $1,000
Protect your gear
  • Stolen I.D.s
  • Checked-in sports equipment
  • Damaged luggage

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Medical Expenses
  • Emergency Dental for Injury or Sickness
  • Bedside Companion Travel and Subsistence
  • Emergency Professional Services
  • Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Return of Travel Companion/Dependent Children
  • Return to Your Trip Destination
  • Return of Remains
  • Travel Accident
  • Flight Accident
  • Trip Cancellation
  • Trip Interruption
  • Trip Delay
  • Baggage and Personal Effects Theft or Damage
  • Baggage and Sporting Equipment Delay
  • Travel Documents Theft or Damage
  • Sporting Equipment Theft or Loss by a Common Carrier
  • Covered Adventure Sports listed in Policy
Assistance Services Included
  • LiveTravelTM Emergency Assistance
  • Worldwide Travel Assistance
  • Adventure Travel Hotline
  • 24/7 Security
  • Travel Medical Assistance
  • Bag Trak
This is a general summary for Canadian residents only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans described. Coverage may not be available for residents of all provinces. Check the Travel Insurance Policy for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical or dental assistance or advice, emergency evacuation or travel assistance, our team 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?

Telephone +1 866 878 0192 (toll-free from Canada and the Continental U.S.) or +1 416 646 3723 (collect from anywhere else in the world)

Contact the team