Travel Insurance for Africa
Travel advice for Americans visiting Africa
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At a glance
- World Nomads offers four travel insurance plans for your trip to Africa. Plans range from standard to higher-limit protections.
- Coverage may apply to popular activities in Africa like going on safari, horseback riding and trekking.
- Plans for Americans include protection for medical emergencies, trip interruptions and lost luggage.
From the wildlife-rich plains of Kenya and Tanzania to Morocco’s souks and desert landscapes, it’s easy to fall under Africa’s spell. Set out on safari in the Serengeti or Maasai Mara, where wildlife encounters on early morning game drives will take your breath away, or track gorillas through the forests of Rwanda and Uganda for an equally awe-inspiring experience. In Namibia, vast desert scenery stretches to the horizon, while in Egypt, ancient history unfolds along the Nile. Getting around can take time, but that’s part of the experience. Flights, guided tours and overland trips connect regions you’re unlikely to be able to visit all in one trip – but we’re guessing you’ll be back. While you don’t expect things to go wrong on vacation, it helps to know you’re covered in case they do.
Plan Comparisons
Choosing the right travel insurance coverage depends on your trip type and planned activities. We offer four plans – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual – each with different coverages or levels of coverage.
| Standard Plan | Explorer Plan | Epic Plan | Annual Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
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Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Covering the basics for your Africa trip. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available (not in NY). Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available (not in NY). Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
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Travel insurance for adventure activities in Africa
Tracking wildlife on foot or horseback in South Africa or Zambia adds an exhilarating edge to a classic safari, while in Tanzania and Kenya, hot air balloon rides deliver sweeping views at sunrise. If you’re up for a challenge, summit Mount Kilimanjaro or trek into the forests of Rwanda and Uganda to encounter mountain gorillas in the wild. Namibia’s vast deserts are made for sandboarding and 4WD adventures across the dunes, and in Botswana you can canoe the Okavango Delta. In and around the water, dive with sharks off South Africa’s coast, snorkel coral reefs in the Seychelles or raft sections of the Nile in Uganda.
Coverage for activities in Africa
- Scuba diving
- Mountain biking
- Surfing
- Bungee jumping
- Skiing
Common insurance considerations for Africa
Accidents and emergencies
No one likes imagining the worst, but if you do get seriously sick or have an accident that sends you to the hospital, you’ll be glad you purchased travel insurance before you left home. Had a car accident in Johannesburg? Fell off a horse on safari and ended up in the hospital? Ate dodgy biltong and got a bad bout of food poisoning? Emergency assistance is a phone call away. Also, all World Nomads plans include non-insurance services like portable health records. This enables medical staff to access your records 24/7. Having that information available may be critical if you experience an unexpected medical emergency while traveling.
Trip Cancellation
The best trips are often the ones you’ve planned months in advance, but you can’t predict the future and unexpected situations can sometimes happen before you even set off. Trip cancellation coverage is included in all single-trip and annual travel insurance plans offered by World Nomads and gives you the opportunity to cancel your trip before you depart – but only for covered reasons. Optional Cancel For Any Reason coverage allows you to cancel for any reason that’s not otherwise covered by your plan. Broke up with your partner? You can cancel your trip. Sick dog? You can stay home. Change your mind about traveling? There’s no judgment here. Just make sure you purchase Cancel For Any Reason insurance cover within 7 days of making your first trip payment (like booking a hotel or flight) and remember to cancel no later than two days before your departure date. Terms and conditions apply; not available to New York residents.
Emergency evacuation
If you get seriously sick or injured but you’re far from appropriate medical facilities, emergency evacuation and repatriation insurance can help get you the care you need. It may cover, up to the policy limits, the cost to get you to the closest appropriate medical facility or to your home province for further treatment. Under your World Nomads plan, emergency evacuation may be covered if it’s recommended by the attending physician and pre-approved by our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team. This benefit could include transportation costs and any related medical services or supplies.
Trip interruption
No matter how good of a time you’re having, things can happen that mean you have to finish your trip early or you’re unable to participate in your full planned itinerary. If you get severely injured or sick while you're traveling, or you get a call from back home and learn that an immediate family member has unexpectedly passed away, you may not be able to complete the rest of your planned trip. World Nomads offers trip interruption coverage that may help you get reimbursed for prepaid, non-refundable travel costs if your plans change for a covered reason.
Tips for traveling to Africa
- Use reputable guides and operators for safaris and remote travel, particularly in national parks and wilderness areas
- Keep valuables secure and stay aware in busy cities, as petty theft can occur
- Drink bottled or filtered water unless advised otherwise, and be cautious with food hygiene
- Follow local advice on wildlife safety – keep a safe distance and never approach animals on foot unless with a guide.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for Africa. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.
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Do Americans need a visa to visit Africa?
Visa requirements vary by country. Some destinations offer visa-free entry or visas on arrival, while others require you to apply in advance. Check the requirements for each country on your itinerary before you travel.
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Is Africa safe for travelers?
Safety varies widely by country and region. Many popular destinations are safe to visit with the right precautions, but it’s important to research specific areas, follow local advice and stay aware of your surroundings. Follow US Department of State travel advisories on the countries you plan to visit in Africa.
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What vaccinations do I need for Africa?
Vaccination requirements depend on where you’re traveling. Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into some countries, and others may recommend vaccines such as hepatitis A, typhoid or malaria prevention. All World Nomads plans for US residents include additional non-insurance services like access to pre-trip medical support. A telehealth consultation can help you with a customized medical plan based on your destination. This may help you prepare for health concerns before you go and the best ways to avoid things like altitude sickness, malaria, yellow fever and traveler’s diarrhea.
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What is the best time to visit Africa?
It depends on the region. East and southern Africa are popular during the dry season (generally June to October) for wildlife viewing, while North Africa is best in spring and autumn when temperatures are milder.
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Can I drink tap water in Africa?
Tap water is not generally recommended for drinking in many African countries. Stick to bottled or filtered water unless advised otherwise.
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What currency is used in Africa?
There is no single currency – each country has its own. US dollars are widely accepted in some destinations, particularly for tours and safaris, but it’s useful to carry local currency.
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Do I need travel insurance for Africa?
Travel insurance isn’t mandatory, but it’s strongly recommended. Cover for accidents, medical emergencies, cancellations, delays and lost luggage can help protect you against unexpected costs. Whether you’re in a major city or off adventuring in a more remote location, it’s reassuring to know you can get the help you need – especially when it comes to an accident or sudden illness.
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What if my bags are lost or stolen?
Travel insurance benefits for lost, damaged, destroyed, stolen or delayed bags are included in all World Nomads plans and our non-insurance service included in every plan assists with tracking and delivering missing checked bags.
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How do I make a travel insurance claim?
You can make a claim online 24/7. Have your documents and receipts handy to upload, and get started. If you get stuck, you can call us collect on +1 416 646 3723 or send an email to worldnomads@travelguard.com and we will assist you with your claim.
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What do I do if I need emergency assistance?
No matter where you are in the world, our 24/7 Emergency Assistance partners at Travel Guard are ready to help – 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Whether it’s a medical emergency, stolen gear, missing bags, or a natural disaster, they’re the first call to make. Need a translator? They can help with that too.
When you call, you’ll be asked if you are experiencing a travel emergency. If you are having a medical emergency, you’ll be connected with Emergency Assistance right away. If your situation is not urgent and you are calling outside of normal business hours, you’ll be able to leave a message and be called back.
The contact information for medical emergency assistance is:
Phone: +1 866 878 0192 (toll-free from the Continental US); or
Phone: +1 416 646 3723 (collect from anywhere else in the world)
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
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
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
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
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
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
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
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
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
- Pre-Departure Telehealth Services
- Portable Health Records
- Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.