Travel Insurance for Safari Tours
Explore how travel insurance can support Americans on a safari.
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For information relating to policies purchased prior to October 23 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For plans purchased after October 23 2024, please see below.
- Should I consider travel insurance for a safari?
- What other activities does travel insurance cover?
- What else is covered by travel insurance?
- What are some things trip insurance would not cover?
- Tips for preparing for your safari adventure
Some people like to go wild when they are traveling, and some people like to go into the wild. If your version of wild involves searching for the Big 5 in the Serengeti or Maasai Mara, you’re our kind of person.
Imagine bouncing around in your rugged 4x4 jeep as you trek through Kruger National Park in South Africa… Will today be the day you see a herd of elephants crossing the Sabie River or a lioness out on a hunt with her cub?
You’re then quickly shaken from your daydream by a loud thud on the hood of your jeep. You make eye contact with a leopard before he leaps off and runs into the bush. It’s a memory that you’ll be bragging about for years to come.
It’s also that moment where you realize just how unpredictable wildlife can be and wonder if you have a travel insurance* plan that covers safaris.
Should I consider adventure travel insurance for a safari?
There is such an allure of seeing wild animals in their natural habitat, but you have to remember - these majestic creatures can sometimes display erratic behavior. If you’re on a safari with an experienced guide, the chances of something happening are minimal. When you’re dealing with wildlife though, anything can happen.
There are rare incidents of being ambushed by a hippo or trampled by an elephant.
If you get injured, your health insurance may not always cover you in destinations outside of your network or plan. However, World Nomads travel insurance may help reimburse you for expenses like x-rays, medications, a hospital stay, or other emergency medical needs you may have if you get hurt on your safari.
What other activities does travel insurance cover?
While in Zambia on a mission to see zebras roaming freely at Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, you may also decide to hike the Boiling Pot trail near Victoria Falls or go whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River.
World Nomads offers adventure travel insurance that covers more than 250 activities for US residents, covering you for more adventures, such as hiking, biking and whitewater rafting.
We offer four plans – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual – each with different levels of coverage. When you get a quote, you can compare the plans, which offer coverage up to 180 days per single trip. And if you plan to take numerous trips during the year, the Annual Travel Insurance Plan could be best for you; it offers protection for 12 months but with a maximum individual trip length of 45 days.
Terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions apply. Read the insurance plan documents carefully to choose the right plan for your safari adventure. If you have any questions, just ask us.
What else is covered by travel insurance?
In addition to emergency medical coverage, travel insurance for safaris may help with several other unexpected emergency situations you may encounter. For US residents, World Nomads may also offer coverage for:
- Baggage and Gear: If you checked baggage carrying your safari gear and it gets lost or damaged, or stolen after your arrival, you may get reimbursed for its current value (which factors in depreciation) or the cost of replacement, up to a per item and total maximum limit. You must report the loss as soon as possible to the carrier and ensure you get an official report in writing. If the airline delays your baggage, our non-insurance service Blue Ribbon Bags will track and expedite its return. Simply report your lost airline bags and Blue Ribbon Bags will take it from there.
- Trip Interruption and Cancellation Insurance: If your trip is cancelled, interrupted, or delayed due to an unforeseen event like an illness or injury, you may be able to recover your nonrefundable, prepaid travel expenses through our trip cancellation, trip interruption or trip delay coverage.
- Evacuation: If you’re going on a safari, there’s a good chance you may be in a remote destination where there aren't nearby medical facilities. If something happens and you need immediate medical care, the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team could help get you transported to a place that offers the level of care you need.
- Cancel for any reason: If you’re concerned about a scenario not covered here, you may want to consider the optional ‘cancel-for-any-reason' benefit. If you have an Explorer or Epic plan, by adding this benefit (for an additional charge), you can cancel your trip for any reason. You must purchase your plan within the time sensitive period of 7 days.
What are some things trip insurance would not cover?
If you have too many glasses of South African wine at lunch and then try to sneak up to a sleeping lion to grab a selfie, you won’t be covered if that goes terribly wrong. Travel insurance won’t cover you if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol while you are on your safari. It’s also important that you follow the guidance of your safari guide at all times and view wild animals from a safe distance. Some other things that are not covered include:
- Any medical bills related to a pre-existing condition, unless you purchased the Epic or Explorer plan during the time-sensitive period were medically able to travel at the time of purchase.
- Ignoring your doctor if they have explicitly advised you not to travel to a particular destination or go on a safari.
- Participation in other activities not listed as covered in your policy.
Tips for preparing for your safari adventure
One thing our team at World Nomads definitely recommends is making sure your camera stays fully charged at all times. You never know what you may see at any given moment. It’s also a really good idea to bring an extra camera battery along. You don’t want to miss the money shot!
Here are our tips for a fun and safe safari:
- Do your research and book with an accredited tour operator.
- Follow your guide’s instructions at all times and view wildlife from a safe distance.
- Wear boots and socks when walking around in the bush.
- 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 is recommended or check if the CDC recommends anti-malarial medication or other vaccines before traveling to your destination. Depending on the medication, you may need to start this prior to your trip.
- Consider using our non-insurance service partner Runway Health for pre-trip medical support to get travel medicines, like malaria pills, delivered to your door before you leave on your trip.
- Enroll your trip with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate by signing up for the US Department of State’s STEP Program (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program).
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Protection
Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.
- Standard Plan: $2,500
- Explorer Plan: $10,000
- Epic Plan: $15,000
- Annual Plan: $5,000
Trip Protection
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We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Insurance
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
- Standard Plan: $125,000
- Explorer Plan: $150,000
- Epic Plan: $250,000
- Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
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We’ve got your back.
Emergency Evacuation
We'll provide assistance to get you to the hospital or home quickly.
- Standard Plan: $400,000
- Explorer Plan: $500,000
- Epic Plan: $700,000
- Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Evacuation
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Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Covers the loss, theft or damage of your bags, tech and gear.
- Standard Plan: $1,000
- Explorer Plan: $2,000
- Epic Plan: $3,000
- Annual Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
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Help starts here.
The amounts listed represent the maximum benefit amount.
Protect your health
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance Help Line
- Emergency Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Evacuations
- Bedside Companion Travel
- Emergency Medications
Protect Your Trip
- Trip Cancellation
- Optional Cancel for Any Reason (Explorer or Epic)
- Trip Delay & Trip Interruption
- Missed Connection (Explorer or Epic)
- Rental Car Damage (Explorer, Epic or Annual)
Protect Your Stuff
- Baggage Delay
- Passport and Visa Loss
- Lost or Stolen Bags
- Personal Tech, Equipment & Gear
- Baggage Return After Evacuation
Non-Insurance Services
- Medical & Non-Medical 24/7 Emergency Assistance Line
- Translators Available
- Runway Health
- FootprintID
- Blue Ribbon Bags
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical or dental assistance or advice, emergency evacuation or travel assistance, our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Wherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact Generali Global Assistance:
Telephone:
+1 954-334-8143 (Collect outside the US)
+1 877-289-0968 (Toll-free in the US and Canada
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.