Travel Insurance for Safari Tours I World Nomads
Heading out to search for the Big 5? In addition to the perfect binoculars, you may also want to consider travel insurance for your next safari adventure.
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- Should I consider travel insurance for a safari?
- Does travel insurance cover other adventure activities I might participate in during my trip?
- 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.
Just imagine-you’re 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. However, it is also at that moment where you realize just how unpredictable wildlife can be.
You also start to think about all of the what-ifs and wonder if you should have considered a travel insurance plan with adventure sports coverage.
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 have 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.
You’ve surely heard about the rare incidents of people being ambushed by a hippo or trampled by an elephant. If you get injured, your health insurance may not always cover you when you are traveling to destinations outside of your network or plan. However, travel insurance could help reimburse you for expenses like x-rays, prescription medications, a hospital stay, or other emergency medical needs you may have if you get hurt on your safari.
Does travel insurance cover other adventure activities I might participate in during my trip?
You may be going to Zambia on a mission to see zebras roaming freely at Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, but you may also decide to hike the Boiling Pot trail near Victoria Falls or go whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River while you are there.
World Nomads offers adventure travel insurance that covers more than 200 activities for US residents- you can have coverage for activities like whitewater rafting and hiking up Mt. Satima. When you get a quote, you can easily compare our Standard and Explorer travel insurance plans side by side. The Explorer plan has higher limits and sub-limits of coverage, and also includes more activities.
Check out both options, because only you can decide the best travel insurance for your needs. If you aren’t sure if something is covered, contact our customer service team and then can help explain what each policy includes.
What else is covered by travel insurance?
In addition to emergency medical coverage, international travel insurance may help with several other unexpected emergency situations you may encounter on your safari. For US residents, World Nomads may also offer coverage for:
- Baggage and Gear: If the airline lost the bag that held your binoculars, baggage insurance may help reimburse the cost to replace them. If your baggage is delayed for more than 12 hours on your way to your destination, you may also be reimbursed for things like toiletries and a change of clothes to tide you over until you are reunited with your bag. Check the policy wording for per-day and maximum benefit limits.
- Trip Interruption and Cancellation Insurance: If your travel buddy gets severe food poisoning from something he ate, it may put a screeching halt to your plans. If something unexpected happens and you need to cancel or interrupt your trip, you may be able to recover your unused, prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses.
- 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 to get immediate medical care, the World Nomads 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team could help get you transported to a place that offers the level of care you need.
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 pre-existing medical condition(s) as explained in the policy wording
- Ignoring your doctor if they have blatantly told you not to travel to a particular destination or go on a safari-and you go anyway
- 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. Trust us on this one-you don’t want to miss the money shot!
It’s also important to stay safe on your safari adventure because you don’t want it to get cut short. Here are a few of our tips:
- 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. Depending on the medication, you may need to start this prior to your trip.
- Check to see if the CDC recommends anti-malarial medication or other vaccines before traveling to your destination.
- 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).
This is not a full list of what is and isn’t covered, so please check your policy for a full list of terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that may apply to your specific plan. Any example scenarios provided above are not a guarantee of coverage. All claims are subject to review, require documentation and are considered individually. If you have any questions about what is and is not covered, please reach out – we’re happy to help.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Protection
Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.
- Explorer Plan: $10,000
- Standard Plan: $2,500
Trip Protection
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Emergency Medical Insurance
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
- Explorer Plan: $100,000
- Standard Plan: $100,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
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Emergency Evacuation
We'll provide assistance to get you to the hospital or home quickly.
- Explorer Plan: $500,000
- Standard Plan: $300,000
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Protect your gear
Covers the loss, theft or damage of your bags, tech and gear.
- Explorer Plan: $3,000
- Standard Plan: $1,000
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- Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expense
- Repatriation of Remains
- Trip Cancellation
- Trip Interruption
- Trip Delay
- Baggage & Personal Effects
- Baggage Delay (outward journey only)
- Rental Car Damage – where permissible
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment
- Generali Global Assistance 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Generali Global Assistance Non-Medical Emergency Transportation Services
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
Travel insurance. Simple & flexible.
Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.
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