Travel insurance from USA to South Africa
USA travelers going to South Africa will embark on a journey of extraordinary diversity and natural beauty. From the captivating landscapes of Kruger National Park to the iconic Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa offers a wealth of experiences. Travelers can witness majestic wildlife on safari, explore vibrant cities like Johannesburg and Durban, and immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage. English is widely spoken, making communication easy for American visitors. South Africa's warm hospitality, delicious cuisine, and dramatic scenery promise an unforgettable and adventurous experience for USA travelers. Whether exploring the rugged coastlines of the Garden Route or delving into the history of Robben Island, South Africa will leave travelers with lasting memories of its unique charm and allure.
Travel insurance is highly recommended for US citizens traveling to South Africa whether by air or on a cruise. South Africa travel insurance provides coverage and protection in case of unforeseen events or emergencies during the trip. Given the dramatic weather changes around the globe resulting in disruptions in flights, travel insurance is really a necessity. The cost of travel insurance South Africa is around 5% of the trip cost and easily provides value worth more than its cost. Travel insurance from US for South Africa typically includes medical coverage for illnesses or injuries, trip cancellation or interruption coverage, baggage loss or delay coverage, and emergency assistance services. Compare different international travel insurance for South Africa on American Visitor Insurance and choose one that best suits your needs. Having travel insurance for South Africa from US ensures that you can enjoy their vacation with peace of mind, knowing they are financially protected and have access to support services if needed.
South Africa - General Information
Population
83.25 million
Location
Southern Africa
Currency
South African Rand
Best time to visit
May to September
Language
English, Southern Sotho, Swati
Capital
Cape Town, Bloemfontein, Pretoria
Vacation spots
Cape Town, Bloemfontein, Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, Knysna, Port Elizabeth, Sabi Sabi, Simon's Town, Oudtshoorn, Madikwe Game Reserve, Hout Bay, Mossel Bay, Skukuza.
Popular tourist destinations in South Africa
Kruger National Park
The park offers visitors to see the "Big Five": lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino, as well as an astounding diversity of other wildlife.
Cape Point
Spectacular scenery is a good reason to visit Cape Point, located at the very end of the Cape Peninsula. Cape Point is extremely picturesque with high boulders and stunning ocean views.
The Apartheid Museum
The Apartheid Museum graphically portrays the apartheid story through photos, artifacts, newspaper clippings, chilling personal accounts, and film footage.
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in nature, the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens offer a serene slice of wilderness on the edge of the city.
Popular tourist destination cities in South Africa
Cape Town
Cape Town is also known as the adventure capital of South Africa, Being home to iconic mountain ranges, stunning natural wonders.
Johannesburg
Johannesburg is also known as the City of Gold, It is the provincial capital and largest city of Gauteng.
Best travel insurance for African safari
Popular wildlife destinations in South Africa
Addo Elephant Park
The Addo Elephant national park is home to more than 350 Elephants, 280 Cape Buffalo, Black Rhino.
Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park, in northeastern South Africa, is one of Africa’s largest game reserves.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
It is a very large wildlife preserve located in the Kalahari Desert region of South Africa
American traveler insurance including trip cancellation coverage
US citizens are advised to consider purchasing trip protection insurance, particularly when traveling beyond their home state. Travel insurance for US citizens visiting Europe tailored for US vacationers offer coverage that includes the traveler's health and trip expense costs. Coverage benefits typically encompass trip cancellation, delay, Covid quarantine travel insurance, medical evacuation, injury of family member, travel companion or pet, theft of passport, traffic accident, inclement weather resulting in delay or cancellation of common carrier.
Travelers can also include the Cancel for Any reason (CFAR) insurance which gives travelers the option of cancelling their travel and recouping most of their non-refundable trip expenses. This insurance provides coverage in the following ways:- Non refundable cost of the trip.
- Unexpected medical expenses of the traveler.
- Loss or damage to the insured’s possessions.
Following are the best trip insurance plans:
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The trip insurance offered by IMG is a three-tiered series of plans: Travel Lite, Travel SE and Travel LX. These plans offer coverage for unexpected medical expenses dues to accident or sickness as well as insure your trip expense investment in case of a trip cancellation or delay.
Travel LX insurance has 'Cancel for any reason' benefit included and provides coverage up to $100,000. The Travel SE and Travel LX plans offer Trip Delay benefit up a maximum of $2,000 per person and $2,500 per person respectively which satisfy many countries Covid travel insurance quarantine requirements.
Compare IMG Trip insurance » -
Safe Travels Trip protection insurance plans for trip cancellation expenses from Trawick International offer coverage for non refundable trip expenses incurred when a trip is cancelled. These are popular plans for trip related expenses.
The Safe Travels Voyager insurance and SafeTravels Armor have an optional benefit that is the 'Cancel for any Reason' which is available as a rider at an additional cost.
The Safe Travels Voyager insurance and Safe travels Explorer insurance is quite popular as it offers Covid19 quarantine accommodation coverage.
Compare Safe Travels Trip Protection insurance » -
- Available for US citizens and residents traveling outside the United States
- Includes $2000 in travel delay benefits for Covid quarantine/lodging.
- Trip cancellation up to $50,000/Trip interruption up to 200% of trip cost
- Offers $500,000 medical for sickness and injury/$1,000,000 medical transportation
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The Trip Protection Series by Seven Corners offers plans with good, better, best plan with Trip Protection Basic and Trip Protection Choice. There is an additional cost for the number of days which exceed 30 days, but you can have a trip last up to 180 days.
Trip Protection Elite from Seven Corners offers cancel for any reason for residents of Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania and Washington travelling in the United States /internationally. you can have a trip last up to 90 days.
There is also the optional coverage for loss of ski days and equipment and lost golf rounds and rental. Note that insuring a trip for $0 to $500 gives the same, lowest rate available.
Compare Trip Protection insurance plans » -
Travel Insurance Select Insurance and Trip Care Complete Insurance from Travel Insurance Services, offers choice of three options to meet your needs and budget: Elite, Plus, and Basic. These plans includes coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip delay, medical expense, emergency evacuation, and baggage loss/delay coverage. Each option includes different features, benefits, and coverage limits.
Travel Insurance Select Plus and Elite plans offers "Optional cancel for any reason benefit" if purchased within 21 days of the date initial payment/deposit is received. (not available to residents of NY) and Trip Care Complete Insurance also offers "Optional cancel for any reason benefit" up to 75% of Trip Cost.
International travel health insurance from USA
Best travel insurance coverage for theft gear
American travel insurance coverage for theft gear often include coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings, which can include gear such as cameras, laptops, sports equipment, and other valuables. At American Visitor Insurance best travel insurance coverage for theft gear is offered by popular comprehensive plans from top rated insurance providers.
US citizen travel insurance for emergency medical evacuation
Travel insurance for US citizens visiting Europe with emergency medical evacuation coverage is crucial, particularly for those visiting areas with limited medical resources or engaging in high-risk activities. It's a vital feature of many travel insurance policies, providing essential aid and financial support in the event of a serious illness or injury that necessitates transportation to a medical facility or repatriation to the United States. The best travel insurance plans for medical evacuation cover the expenses of transferring you to the closest suitable medical facility when local care is insufficient.
American travel insurance for canceled flight
Flight cancellations can be a significant inconvenience, but having travel insurance can help mitigate the impact. When dealing with a canceled flight, it’s important to know your rights and how to claim compensation or seek reimbursement. Travel insurance can provide coverage for canceled flights, which is particularly useful if you encounter unexpected disruptions during your trip.
Best travel insurance cost 2025
The American travel insurance cost per month can vary depending on several factors like the age, trip duration, the coverage maximum, and any additional add-ons or options you select. On average, travel insurance costs for a US citizens can range from $50 to $200 for a week-long trip, which is between 5% to 8% of the trip cost. It is recommended to compare US citizens travel insurance quotes from different insurance providers on American Visitor Insurance.
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How much is trip cancellation insurance?
Trip insurance cost is based on several factors such as the age, trip length and trip cost. There are cheap trip insurance plans starting at $25 per month.
Plan Name Trip cancellation Cost # Safe Travels Flex Trawick International 100% of Trip Cost (Up to a Max. of $45,000) $25 Safe Travels Protect Trawick International 100% of Trip Cost (Up to a Max. of $14,000) $32 iTravelInsured Travel Lite IMG 100% of Trip Cost $42 Trip Protection Economy Seven Corners 100% of Trip Cost (Up to a Max. of $20,000) $43 iTravelInsured Choice IMG 100% of Trip Cost $50 SafeTravels Armor Trawick International 100% of Trip Cost (Up to a Max. of $15,000) $55 Trip Protector Preferred HTH worldwide 100% of Trip Cost (Up to a Max. of $50,000) $70 iTravelInsured Travel LX IMG 100% of Trip Cost $106 # Approximate cost of Trip insurance plans is for a 40-year-old traveler, 15 days trip length and $1K trip cost.
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Travel medical insurance offers coverage for expenses from doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency. It ensures access to necessary care and financial protection against high medical costs abroad, with plans starting as low as $53 for one month.
Plan Name Maximum coverage Deductible Cost # Atlas International Insurance WorldTrips $50,000 $250 $53 Patriot International Lite Insurance IMG $50,000 $250 $54 Safe Travels Outbound Insurance Trawick International $50,000 $250 $75 Intermedical Insurance Travel Insure $50,000 $250 $71 VisitorSecure Insurance WorldTrips $50,000 $100 $33 Voyager Essential Insurance GeoBlue $50,000 $0 $72 # Approximate American travel insurance cost for a 40-year-old for a duration of 1 month.
How much does travel insurance cost for a week? How much does travel insurance cost for 2 weeks?
Travel insurance costs typically ranges between $5 to $40 for a week and $9 to $80 for two weeks. You can compare quotes using American Visitor Insurance trip insurance cost calculator. The price depends on factors such as coverage type, trip destination, and total trip cost. Basic plans are more affordable, while comprehensive options, including trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and baggage protection, tend to cost more.
How much does travel insurance cost for 6 months?
For a 40-year-old traveler, the cost of travel insurance for a 6 month trip typically ranges around $122 to $1,050, based different coverage options on American Visitor Insurance. The price depends on factors such as coverage levels, the destination, and the type of policy selected.
Visa free travel countries for US citizens
Trip Cancellation Insurance
Highlights of trip cancellation insurance coverage benefits
Compare travel Insurance with cancel for any reason benefit.
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Best trip cancellation insurance with quarantine coverage.
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Rental car Insurance for damage, theft, repair of rented cars.
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Trip cancellation insurance for trip expenses if the trip is cancelled.
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Trip interruption insurance for travel expenses when a trip is Interrupted.
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Travel insurance coverage due to lost, damaged, delayed or stolen luggage.
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Emergency medical evacuation travel insurance coverage.
Know more »Best Trip cancellation insurance for South Africa from USA
Annual vacation that is once in a lifetime experience could be very expensive. Planning a vacation involves expenses from booking air tickets, cruise reservations, hotel bookings which is done months in advance. As life is not certain, we cannot predict what can happen in the future which can resulting in cancelling an expensive vacation or trip or making other trip arrangements.
Sometimes while on a trip an emergency medical situation may arise which can result in hospitalization and huge medical bills. Other risks involved maybe baggage loss, flight delay, trip interruption, loss of passport which can cripple your life savings. Buying Trip protection insurance for South Africa can be a life and money saver which will cover most of the trip investment expenses and expenses arising from emergency travel and medical expenses.
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Travel insurance for US citizens to South Africa
Short term travel medical Insurance
- For short term travel vacations ranging from a few weeks to few months (less than a year).
- This covers all catastrophic health care expenses, but does not include coverage for preventive care and has limited cover for pre-existing conditions.
Long term visitor health Insurance
- Ideal for expats working overseas and for US pensioners living outside the US.
- These plans offers comprehensive coverage for preventive-care, pre-existing conditions, mental health, dental and vision benefits.
US expatriate insurance
Health insurance for U.S. expats is essential for providing access to quality healthcare while living abroad. Expatriates often need coverage that goes beyond what their domestic U.S. health insurance provides because most U.S.-based health insurance plans do not cover medical expenses incurred outside the United States.
Get quote »Travel insurance for US seniors with Medicare coverage
US senior citizens with Medicare need international travel insurance as Medicare offers limited or no coverage outside USA. Traveling overseas involves risks especially for older travelers and costs of medical evacuation and health care outside the United States is expensive. Buying Medicare Supplemental international Travel insurance coverage for older US travelers is strongly recommended.
Indianapolis based International Medical Group (IMG) offers GlobeHopper Senior travel health insurance as affordable overseas travel medical insurance for US senior citizens and US permanent residents 65 years and older.
The GlobeHopper Senior plan is available either as the GlobeHopper Single-Trip plan for coverage from 5 days to 365 days, or as a GlobeHopper Multi-trip plan which covers 12 months with a maximum of 30 days per each overseas trip. The GlobeHopper Senior plan is very popular since it provides coverage of $1 million up to the age of 79 years and $100,000 for travelers more than 80 years old. The plan includes $2,500 cover for sudden unexpected recurrence of a pre-existing condition and $25,000 for emergency medical evacuation.
Know More »Travel insurance to South Africa from USA - FAQ's
01. Do I need travel insurance for South Africa? Does South Africa require travel insurance?
If you are a US citizen or have the nationality which does not need the Schengen visa, then travel insurance to South Africa is not mandatory. However travel insurance for Italy from USA is mandatory if one need’s a Schengen visa or if you want to stay over 90 days in Europe. However, given the high cost of health care in South Africa, the fact that US domestic health insurance provides little coverage in South Africa and that international travel has become more uncertain with disrupted flights, the Israel-Hamas conflict and pandemic restriction, it is strongly recommended that international travelers buy the best South Africa travel health insurance.
Given the relatively low cost of travel medical insurance for South Africa, it is prudent for international travelers to buy the best travel insurance for South Africa which can actually save significant money in the event of any adverse medical or travel related situation.
02. Which is the best travel insurance for South Africa from USA?
Excellent question and we work hard to find the best answer to this question! Given the unique needs of different US travelers there is no single South Africa travel insurance plan that always works best for everyone. If you are a traveler with concerns about an existing medical conditions, then you will be looking at different plans as opposed to a different traveler without any life-threatening pre-existing condition.
We endeavor to give US travelers as much relevant information as possible so they can find the best medical coverage when traveling in South Africa. Our Travel insurance for South Africa from US quote comparison tool helps US travelers compare different German visa travel insurance plans based on price and coverage in an objective manner. If you want some more guidance, our licensed agents are here to help you with your choice!
03. Do US citizens need travel insurance for South Africa from USA?
The regular US health insurance including Medicare provide little to no health insurance coverage outside US borders. International travel insurance provides health coverage and financial protection in case of unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations or interruptions, lost baggage, or travel delays typically. Given that travel insurance usually costs only around 5% of the total trip cost, it is very logical for US citizens traveling overseas to buy the best travel insurance for South Africa. Healthcare costs can be high in South Africa, and travel insurance ensures that you have medical evacuation if needed and access to good medical assistance and treatment.sed on price and coverage in an objective manner. If you want some more guidance, our licensed agents are here to help you with your choice!
04. What does international travel insurance to South Africa from USA cover?
The travel insurance coverage will vary depending on the policy and insurance provider, but it typically includes
- Medical expenses: Coverage for emergency medical and dental treatment, hospital stays, and medical evacuation.
- Trip cancellation or interruption: Reimbursement for non-refundable expenses if the trip is cancelled or cut short due to covered reasons, such as illness, injury, or unforeseen circumstances.
- Baggage loss or delay: Compensation for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage, as well as reimbursement for essential items if your baggage is delayed.
- Travel delays: Reimbursement for additional expenses incurred due to delayed flights or other travel disruptions.
- Emergency assistance: 24/7 travel assistance services, including access to a helpline for emergencies, coordination of medical services, and help with lost documents.
05. How much does South Africa travel insurance from USA cost?
The cost of travel insurance can vary depending on several factors, including the duration of your trip, your age, the level of coverage you choose, and any additional add-ons or options you select. On average, travel insurance for a US citizen visiting South Africa can range from $50 to $200 for a week-long trip, which is between 5% to 8% of the trip cost. It is recommended to obtain quotes from different insurance providers on American Visitor Insurance to compare prices and coverage options.
06. Are pre-existing medical conditions covered by travel insurance to South Africa from USA?
Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions can vary depending on the insurance policy. Some travel insurance plans offer coverage for acute onset of a pre-existing conditions, while others may exclude them. It is important to carefully review the policy details and any exclusions or limitations related to pre-existing conditions using the comparison facility available on American Visitor Insurance.
07. Is travel insurance mandatory for travel to South Africa from USA?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for US citizens visiting South Africa. However, even if not mandatory, travel insurance for South Africa is highly recommended so as to have adequate coverage in case of unexpected travel or health related emergencies. Without travel insurance, you may be personally responsible for covering the costs associated with medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost belongings, which can be significant.
08. How do I choose the right travel insurance for my trip to South Africa?
When choosing travel insurance for your trip to South Africa, consider the following factors
- Coverage: Look for a policy that provides comprehensive coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellations, baggage loss, and travel delays.
- Policy limits: Ensure that the policy limits are sufficient to cover potential expenses, such as medical treatment or emergency evacuation.
- Exclusions: Carefully review the policy's exclusions and limitations, particularly regarding pre-existing conditions and high-risk activities.
- Cost: Compare the prices of different insurance providers while considering the coverage and benefits they offer.
- Customer reviews and reputation: Research the insurance provider's reputation, customer reviews, and claim handling process to ensure reliability and customer satisfaction.
When buying travel health insurance for South Africa, it is important to compare travel insurance policies from multiple providers to find the best coverage at the best price. This is achieved with ease at American Visitor Insurance, where prices and benefits of the different plans are displayed in an user friendly comparison tool. As a traveler, you should also carefully review the policy's brochure and understand the exclusions that are not covered.
09. What are the South Africa travel insurance requirements?
If you are applying for the South Africa visa, the consular authorities can ask you to have adequate travel insurance for South Africa. However, even if not for being issued a visa, the fact that your domestic health insurance including US Medicare provides little coverage in South Africa, it is important for international travelers to buy South Africa travel health insurance.
Best US travel insurance for travelers to South Africa
Best travel insurance for cruises
Going on a cruise vacation is truly exciting, however one must take suitable action to ensure that the cruise vacation is not a disappointment. Vacationers are likely to book for the cruise well in advance of the actual travel dates, and it is possible that one is not able to make the cruise as planned.
Best Cruise trip insurance ensures that vacationers can vacation investment should there be a disruption and one cannot make the cruise. Most cruises offers Cruise protection, but that is not the same as trip insurance for cruises.
A cruise protection usually gives vouchers for the traveler if they miss the cruise, but getting money back is not the norm, which is what trip insurance for cruises offer.
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Trip vs Travel health coverage vs Global medical insurance
Confused whether to buy trip, travel or global health insurance? Understand the differences
Click here to read more »Steps to buy
Travel insurance for South Africa online
1: Finding the available international travel insurance plans
Complete the travel insurance quote form by providing traveler details and the insurance requirements.
2: Compare the different travel insurance options
Compare price and the benefits of the different travel insurance options to identify what fits your needs best.
3: Buy the travel insurance USA you like best and review documents
Buy the plan that fits your needs and budget by using a credit card and completing the online application.
4: Review the travel insurance plan documents received by email
Review the travel insurance policy documents received by email for coverage details and relevant contact numbers.
Group Travel Insurance
Quite often groups travel overseas together. The groups could be traveling for varied reasons such as employees on training, groups of tourists holidaying, members of a missionary organization, groups of students attending a sporting or academic event. Since the regular domestic health insurance will usually not cover you outside your home country you can buy cheap Group travel health insurance for visiting South Africa. The group travel plans are cheaper when compared to individual travel medical insurance. There is usually a discount of about 10% or more in group travel policies when compared to individual visitor health insurance for the same destination.
Embassy of the USA in South Africa
US Embassy in Pretoria
877 Pretorius Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, South Africa
Phone
+27-12-4314000
Fax
+27-12-3422299
Email
consularjohannesburg@state.gov
US Embassy in Munich
2 Reddam Ave, Westlake 7945, Cape Town, South Africa
Phone
+27-21-7027300
Fax
+27-21-7027493
Email
consularcapetown@state.gov
Annual travel insurance
Best travel insurance South Africa
Travel Insurance for South Africa FAQ
FAQs about travel health insurance for South Africa travelers.
Click here to read more »South Africa Travel Insurance Blog
Blog about travel health insurance South Africa travelers.
Click here to read more »Travel Insurance to South Africa Forum
Customer Queries for USA travelers to South Africa travelers.
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