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Travel Insurance for South Africa
Travel Insurance for South Africa
Written by
Rachel Gregg
Edited by
Ellie Garran
Reviewed by
Adrian BennettEasily compare Travel Insurance
Save time and effort by comparing a range of travel insurance policies with iSelect
Do I need travel insurance for South Africa?
Long story short
Short trips don’t need a visa
As long as your passport is valid and you’ve got a ticket home, Aussies can visit South Africa for up to 90 days without needing to organise a visa.
Travel insurance won’t empty your wallet
A basic travel insurance policy averages at about $54 for a week-long trip, just a touch more than it costs to get into Kruger National Park.
Safety risks are something to consider
From petty theft to road hijacks and hazards, South Africa comes with its own set of risks. Insurance can help protect you from the costs that might come with these safety issues.
Do I need travel insurance for South Africa?
You don’t have to purchase travel insurance to be able to get into South Africa, but Smartraveller does highly recommend it. Sure, you might expect smooth sailing, but if your bag or passport vanishes or a storm messes with your flight, travel insurance can help you recoup the costs. And with no reciprocal healthcare agreement between Australia and South Africa, you’ll be even more glad to have it packed in your bags if a medical emergency springs up.
With travellers advised to exercise a high degree of caution in some parts of the country, getting comprehensive travel insurance before you leave might be not just a smart move, but a sanity-saving one.
What popular activities in South Africa can travel insurance cover?
Spot the ‘big five’ on safari
Seeing the ‘big five’ roam the savannah is on many people’s bucket list. South Africa has an enormous expanse of national reserves, including the world-renowned Kruger National Park in the north-east. This means you’ve got a great chance to watch lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo in action. If you become ill or get injured on a remote safari, travel insurance can help cover emergency medical care and medical evacuation costs.
Surf famous breaks
South Africa is legendary for its surf, with Jeffreys Bay considered one of the world’s best spots for right-hand breaks. Some swells are gentle enough for beginners, while others are wild and dangerous. And, while you’d have to be unlucky, there’s the added risk of shark attacks. If you’re planning on chasing barrels in South Africa, travel insurance can help protect against injury in case you get wiped out on the water.
Dive with sharks
South Africa is known as the home of great white sharks. That means for thrill-seekers looking to get up close and personal with these terrifying creatures, there’s no better place to be. Many tour operators offer cage dives in hotspots like Cape Town to get you face-to-fin with the world’s largest predatory fish. Just make sure your policy will cover you for shark diving before you dive head first into the cage.
Enjoy regional wine
South Africa produces delicious wine, particularly its signature Pinotage variety. While the rep of this red wine grape didn’t use to be high up on the wine lover ladder, its standing has soared thanks to its unique complexity and depth of flavour. It also pairs perfectly with braai (South African barbecue). But remember to drink sensibly, as travel insurance often won’t cover alcohol-related incidents.
‘You can’t visit South Africa without visiting Kruger National Park; seeing wild lions and elephants up close is unforgettable (just maybe not from a tent in lion country). The country is also filled with wine regions, like Stellenbosch near Cape Town.
If you’re visiting Cape Town, I highly recommend visiting Table Mountain. It overlooks the city, and it’s a great starting point for a drive down to the southernmost tip.‘
Kate Barratt
Customer Insights Manager, iSelect
What does travel insurance for South Africa typically cover?
South Africa is bursting with adventure, but it’s not uncommon for things to go awry. Here are some of the things your policy might or might not cover.
Medical issues
Travel insurance can cover hospital costs, ambulance and emergency medical evacuation fees, dental treatment, and more up to the limit stated in your policy.
Personal liability
If you injure someone or damage property while you’re in South Africa, then this cover could be beneficial.
Cancellation fees and lost deposits
If you need to cancel or rearrange your trip due to things outside your control, your policy could reimburse you.
Lost or delayed luggage
If your luggage is lost or delayed, this cover can help you buy replacement clothes, toiletries, and other belongings.
Travel delays and cancellations
If your travel plans are disrupted, you could be reimbursed for the expenses of additional meals and accommodation.
Rental vehicle excess
If you get into an accident with your rental car, your policy should help cover the rental company’s insurance excess payment.
Undeclared pre-existing medical conditions
If you don’t declare any pre-existing medical conditions when taking out a policy, any related claim could be denied.
Risky adventures not included in your policy
If you plan to take part in risky adventure activities, like handling animals or outdoor rock climbing, you might need to purchase additional cover, otherwise your claim could be rejected.
Stolen belongings
If you’ve had something stolen after leaving it in a public space or your hire car, your insurer might not cover the cost of your stolen items.
Breaking the law or being under the influence
Illegal activities or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol likely mean your claim won’t go through.
Travelling against safety considerations
If you travel somewhere listed as ‘do not travel’, your insurance policy might not cover any claims that you make.
Medical issues
Travel insurance can cover hospital costs, ambulance and emergency medical evacuation fees, dental treatment, and more up to the limit stated in your policy.
Personal liability
If you injure someone or damage property while you’re in South Africa, then this cover could be beneficial.
Cancellation fees and lost deposits
If you need to cancel or rearrange your trip due to things outside your control, your policy could reimburse you.
Lost or delayed luggage
If your luggage is lost or delayed, this cover can help you buy replacement clothes, toiletries, and other belongings.
Travel delays and cancellations
If your travel plans are disrupted, you could be reimbursed for the expenses of additional meals and accommodation.
Rental vehicle excess
If you get into an accident with your rental car, your policy should help cover the rental company’s insurance excess payment.
Undeclared pre-existing medical conditions
If you don’t declare any pre-existing medical conditions when taking out a policy, any related claim could be denied.
Risky adventures not included in your policy
If you plan to take part in risky adventure activities, like handling animals or outdoor rock climbing, you might need to purchase additional cover, otherwise your claim could be rejected.
Stolen belongings
If you’ve had something stolen after leaving it in a public space or your hire car, your insurer might not cover the cost of your stolen items.
Breaking the law or being under the influence
Illegal activities or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol likely mean your claim won’t go through.
Travelling against safety considerations
If you travel somewhere listed as ‘do not travel’, your insurance policy might not cover any claims that you make.
How much does travel insurance for South Africa usually cost?
Prices differ between travel insurance providers, but comparing policies from iSelect’s range as of August 2025, basic travel insurance for a week in South Africa is around $55, with comprehensive cover at about $121.1Indicative pricing based on a 30-year-old solo traveller with no extra coverage needed. Comparison conducted via the iSelect website, August 2025. Just remember, your policy price could change depending on your age or any pre-existing medical conditions you need to declare. And if you want extra cover for specific activities on your itinerary, expect the premium to cost double or more.
Travel tips for South Africa
South Africa is a thriving destination for travellers, but it’s important to consider certain risks before you arrive.
Safety
Crime is a serious issue in South Africa, with assault, food or drink spiking, robbery, kidnapping, and carjacking all common. Criminals are known to target tourists near popular landmarks like Kruger National Park, as well as in major cities and townships after dark. Travellers, and their bags, can also be targeted at airports, public transport, or at traffic lights (smash and grabs are a thing). It’s also recommended that you travel on main roads and use a direct route to and from the airport to avoid on-road attacks.
Health
Yellow fever, malaria, HIV, and cholera are all present health concerns in South Africa. There are vaccinations available for some of these diseases, and it’s worth considering them before leaving Australia. Drinking water is safe in most urban areas, but bottled water is wiser in rural parts of the country. If you do fall sick, travel insurance can help cover emergency medical expenses.
Road safety
The landscapes of South Africa are beautiful, and hiring a rental car can be a great way to get around, but taking to the road doesn’t come without risk. You should avoid driving at night and watch for poor road conditions and speeding drivers. You should also be prepared for some delays, since planned power outages happen pretty often. You’ll also need a valid Australian driver’s license to be able to drive your rental car around.
Visa requirements
If you’ve only planned to visit South Africa for less than 90 days, then you can skip the visa step. As long as you come with an Australian passport (valid for a month beyond departure) and proof of onward travel, you can enjoy a visa-free trip. But just note that leaving and re-entering South Africa won’t automatically give you an extra 90 days. If you plan on exploring for more than 90 days, or for reasons outside of tourism, you’ll need to apply for a visa.
Frequently asked questions
Which companies offer travel insurance for South Africa?
South Africa might be home to the ‘big five game’, but when it comes to travel insurers, you’ll have more choice than that. Some insurers that iSelect can help you compare include:
- Fast Cover
- Huddle Insurance
- Insure4less
- InsureandGo
- ReadySet Travel Insurance
- Southern Cross Travel Insurance
- Tick Travel Insurance
- Travel Insurance Saver
- Travel Insuranz
- Travel Protect
- WAS Insurance
- World2Cover
- Zoom Travel Insurance
Other travel insurers in the market include:
- 1Cover
- Allianz
- Blue Insurance
- Budget Direct
- Bupa Travel Insurance
- Cover-More
- Everyday Travel Insurance
- Medibank
- Nib
- RACV Travel Insurance
- Travel Insurance Direct
Note: iSelect does not compare all travel insurance providers in the market, or all products offered by our partners in your area.
What travel insurance do I need for South Africa?
No two trips will be the same, so it’s likely that your insurance policies won’t be either.
South Africa might be one stop of many on your year-long backpacking across the globe. If that’s the case, you might only want a medical-only or basic policy, since this gives you some form of insurance protection without having to put aside too much of your dwindling travel budget. But if you’ve got lots of prepaid tours and exciting fun planned, like safaris and shark cage diving, then a comprehensive policy could suit you better. That way, you won’t have to lose those prepaid deposits if things start to go sideways. The choice really depends on your trip and needs.
Does my travel insurance for South Africa cover COVID-19?
Many providers now include COVID-19 coverage in their travel insurance policies but be sure to review the details since not all policies are the same. For instance, you might have to pay out of pocket for medical expenses incurred after you return to Australia.
Compare travel insurance policies with iSelect
Searching for a travel insurance policy doesn’t have to be as hard as spotting a cheetah on the savannah. Travel insurance can help yousoak up South Africa’s epic wildlife, beaches and wine without stressing over the what-ifs. Start comparing from a range of travel insurance policies with iSelect to stay protected on your trip.
Easily compare Travel insurance quotes
Save time and effort by comparing a range of travel insurance policies with iSelect
iSelect does not compare all travel insurers or policies in the market. Travel insurance is only available through our website and not all policies are available at all times or in all areas. Not all policies available from our partners are compared by iSelect and due to commercial arrangements and customer circumstances not all policies compared by iSelect will be available to all customers. Click here to view iSelect’s range of providers.
iSelect General Pty Limited ABN 90 131 798 126, AFS Licence Number: 334115. Any advice provided by iSelect is of a general nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You need to consider the appropriateness of any information or general advice iSelect gives you, having regard to your personal situation, before acting on iSelect’s advice or purchasing any policy. You should consider iSelect’s Financial Services Guide which provides information about our services and your rights as a client of iSelect. iSelect receives commission for each policy sold.