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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
Australians taking short trips won’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
From iSelect’s range as of May 2026, a standard travel insurance policy can cost on average $84 for a week-long trip for a 30 year old traveller.
Safety risks are something to consider
From petty theft to road hijacks and hazards, insurance can help protect you from the costs that might come with these safety issues.
Do I need travel insurance for South Africa?
Travel insurance isn’t required to enter South Africa, but Smartraveller highly recommends it. And with no reciprocal healthcare agreement between Australia and South Africa, it’ll be even more valuable if a medical emergency happens mid trip.
With travellers advised to exercise a high degree of caution in some parts of the country, getting comprehensive travel insurance before you leave might not just be a smart move, but also a sanity-saving one. Sure, you might expect smooth sailing, but if your personal belongings or passport are stolen or a storm messes with your flight, travel insurance can help you recoup the costs.
What popular activities in South Africa can travel insurance cover?
When travelling to South Africa, you might want to make sure that your travel insurance will cover activities like safaris, surfing, shark cage adventures, winery hopping and more. Most travel insurance policies will include medical care, cancellation and general protection against some low-risk activities, but it’s important to check beforehand, especially if your activities are considered adventure activities, which could need extra coverage.
Spot the ‘big 5’ on safari
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. But you’ll want to make sure your policy covers cancellations and has enough emergency medical coverage to protect you if you become ill or get injured on a remote safari.
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, which is why it’s important to check if you’ll be covered or if you need extra coverage on your travel insurance. This could save your day, especially if you consider the added risk of shark attacks. If you’re planning on chasing barrels in South Africa, just make sure your policy can 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, as long as you’ve got adventure coverage on top of your travel policy. 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 headfirst into the cage.
Enjoy regional wine
South Africa produces delicious wine, particularly its signature Pinotage variety. While the reputation 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?
Travel policies for South Africa will typically include coverage for medical costs, cancellations and delays. Typical exclusions include breaking the law, travelling against Australian Government recommendations, and undeclared pre-existing medical conditions.
Typically included
Medical issues: You can be covered for hospital costs, ambulance and emergency medical evacuation fees, dental treatment and more.
Personal liability: If you injure someone or damage property, your policy could cover any related costs.
Cancellation fees and lost deposits: Cancellations or lost prepaid deposits for reasons outside your control could be reimbursed.
Lost or delayed luggage: Lost or delayed luggage coverage can help cover any replacement costs.
Travel delays and cancellations: If your travel plans are disrupted, this could cover expenses for any additional meals or accommodation.
Rental vehicle excess: If you have an accident with your rental car, this could cover any excess payments.
Not typically included
Undeclared pre-existing medical conditions: Claims related to undeclared pre-existing medical conditions could be denied.
Risky adventures not included in your policy: Claims for activities that need extra coverage, like skydiving, could be rejected.
Stolen belongings: Personal items stolen from public spaces or hire cars might not be covered under your policy details.
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: Travel against Smartraveller advice to a ‘Do not travel’ destination means you won’t be able to claim.
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 May 2026, standard travel insurance for a week in South Africa for a 30 year old traveller can cost on average $84, with comprehensive cover at around $109.1Comparison conducted via the iSelect website, May 2026 based on a 30-year-old solo traveller with no pre-existing medical conditions, $200 policy. Prices are indicative only. Just remember, your trip 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
When travelling to South Africa, it’s important to check that you meet the visa requirements before you leave if you’ve got a trip planned for more than 90 days. Always stay vigilant for crimes that may target travellers. You’ll also need to be cautious while driving a rental car, since road conditions aren’t always great. You should also check that you’ve gotten any vaccinations before travelling to prevent you from getting sick or contracting any insect-borne illnesses.
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.
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?
A large majority of Australian travel insurers, like Fast Cover, Budget Direct, Insure4less and Cover-More, will offer policies for South Africa. These policies will include cover for common travel issues like travel delays, medical cover, luggage limits, cancellation cover and selected extra coverage. Some brands 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?
Most Australians need a comprehensive single-trip travel insurance policy for their trip to South Africa. This policy will cover you for common travel issues like medical assistance or hospitalisation, trip cancellation, lost travel documents and other unexpected events. With a comprehensive policy, you’ll also have the option to add on extra cover for things like adventure sports and cruises, for added protection on your trip.
The exact type of international travel insurance you need depends on your travel needs. South Africa might be one stop of many on your year-long backpacking across the globe from the Middle East to Southeast Asia. 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 level of cover could suit you better. That way, you won’t risk losing those prepaid deposits if things start to go sideways. The choice really depends on your trip needs and how much peace of mind you want.
Does my travel insurance for South Africa cover COVID-19?
Some travel insurance policies include COVID-19 coverage, but the exact benefits they cover could change from one insurer to another. For instance, you might have to pay out of pocket for medical treatment 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 you soak up South Africa’s epic wildlife, beaches and wine without stressing over the what-ifs. Start comparing from a range of travel brands and plans with iSelect to find a great travel insurance policy to help 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.