The Best Travel Insurance Plans for South Africa in 2025
- The best travel insurance plans for South Africa
- Is it currently safe to travel to South Africa?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter South Africa?
- Why take out travel insurance for South Africa?
- What travel insurance for South Africa should cover
- The cost of travel insurance for South Africa
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to South Africa
- Your current insurance coverage in South Africa
- FAQ
Travel insurance for South Africa: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for South Africa covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and personal belongings.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory but is crucial due to high medical costs and limited rural facilities.
3. Healthcare cost: Private hospital care is expensive, potentially costing over CAD $1,000 per night for foreign visitors.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for South Africa typically costs between CAD $40 and $80.
5. Good to know: Ensure your policy includes medical evacuation, as it can be essential in remote or rural areas.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analyzing 41 travel insurance policies available in Canada, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for South Africa.
The best travel insurance plans for South Africa
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | CA$1.5M | High recommendation for South Africa for its strong coverage. - high medical limit - repatriation - clear claims process |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | CA$1.5M | Good for emergencies and smooth travel. - 24/7 helpline - no deductible - cancellation cover |
| Tourist Card | CA$800k | Suitable for tourism and city visits in South Africa. - solid medical cover - emergency assistance - affordable |
| Travel Pass Monde | CA$1.0M | Balanced coverage for explorers and longer stays. - hospital costs - repatriation - suitable for adventure trips |
| Globe Partner | CA$450k | Good for standard travel with key protections. - medical care - simple claims - civil liability protection |
| Globe Traveller | CA$800k | Attractive for flexible and lower-risk trips. - fast reimbursement - essential cover - moderate ceiling |
- high medical limit
- repatriation
- clear claims process
- 24/7 helpline
- no deductible
- cancellation cover
- solid medical cover
- emergency assistance
- affordable
- hospital costs
- repatriation
- suitable for adventure trips
- medical care
- simple claims
- civil liability protection
- fast reimbursement
- essential cover
- moderate ceiling
Is it currently safe to travel to South Africa?
As of June 2025, Global Affairs Canada advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in South Africa due to the significant risk of serious crime. Travel is allowed for Canadian citizens but increased vigilance is necessary in all regions.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: violent offences, including armed robbery and smash-and-grab attacks, are common in urban centres like Johannesburg and Cape Town. Avoid walking alone after dark and keep car doors locked when driving through city intersections.
- Health risks: malaria is present in parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga as well as Kruger National Park, and outbreaks of diseases such as typhoid and hepatitis A also occur. Healthcare is reliable in major cities but expensive and may require up-front payment, while facilities are limited in rural areas.
- Environmental challenges: widespread power outages (load shedding) affect daily life and can disrupt cell phone coverage, internet access and banking, especially in residential neighbourhoods and small towns.
- Legal requirements: visitors must have a passport valid for at least 30 days beyond their stay and two empty visa pages. A return or onward ticket is required at entry, and yellow fever vaccination proof is needed if arriving from an affected country.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by Global Affairs Canada, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in South Africa.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter South Africa?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for Canadian citizens to enter South Africa for tourist stays up to 90 days.
Travel insurance is still strongly recommended because private healthcare in South Africa is expensive and upfront payment is generally required. Medical facilities may be limited or unavailable in remote areas, and air evacuation could be necessary for serious illness or injury.
According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to South Africa. The high uptake is due to safety concerns and the significant cost of healthcare and emergency medical evacuation.
Why take out travel insurance for South Africa?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to South Africa.
Healthcare costs can be significant in South Africa, especially for foreigners. In cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town, private hospitals such as Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital require upfront payment, and expenses can quickly add up if specialized care or emergencies arise. Public hospitals may lack resources and are not recommended for complex treatments.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Canada in case of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in South Africa.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 28,000 ZAR (CA$2,000) | up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 10,500 ZAR (CA$750) | up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | 295,000 ZAR (CA$21,000) | up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 56,000 ZAR (CA$4,000) | up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What travel insurance for South Africa should cover
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers hospital stays, emergency care, and doctor fees. Recommended minimum reimbursement limit: CA$200,000. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Pays for airlift or ambulance transport to a well-equipped hospital or back to Canada. Recommended minimum: CA$200,000. |
| 🦴 Personal liability | Covers injury or damage accidentally caused to others. Minimum recommended limit: CA$1,000,000. |
| 🛫 Repatriation | Covers costs to return you to Canada for medical reasons or following death. Recommend 100% of actual expenses. |
| 🧳 Lost or delayed bags | Reimburses loss, theft or late delivery of luggage. Minimum: CA$2,500. |
| ❌ Trip cancellation | Refunds non-refundable expenses if you must cancel for a covered reason. At least CA$5,000 per person. |
| 💊 Prescribed medication | Reimburses costs for medication needed in case of treatment or hospital admission. Minimum: CA$1,000. |
| 🦟 Infectious disease | Covers diagnosis and treatment for risks such as malaria or hepatitis in endemic areas. Minimum: CA$10,000. |
Recommended minimum reimbursement limit: CA$200,000.
Recommended minimum: CA$200,000.
Minimum recommended limit: CA$1,000,000.
Recommend 100% of actual expenses.
Minimum: CA$2,500.
At least CA$5,000 per person.
Minimum: CA$1,000.
Minimum: CA$10,000.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards is often limited, with low reimbursement limits and numerous exclusions. It is safer to select a trusted insurer with complete coverage. Compare the top options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for South Africa
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | CA$40 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | CA$75 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | CA$105 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | CA$230 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The price of travel insurance for South Africa depends on several factors: your age, trip duration, desired coverage for high medical costs, and options like trip cancellation. Given the country's specific risks, it's vital to consider these elements to ensure you have adequate protection and avoid unexpected expenses during your travels.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to pay less for your travel insurance to South Africa
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to South Africa while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🗓 Trip duration | Premiums rise with longer trips. South Africa’s diverse regions make exact dates even more important. | Buy coverage only for your travel dates to avoid paying for unused days. |
| 🚶 Traveller’s age | Older travellers may pay more. Most Canadian plans factor age directly in the premium. | Compare options if you are over 62; Heymondo does not increase its prices after that age. |
| 🏥 Level of coverage | Higher medical limits prevent large bills, especially as private care is expensive and evacuation may be needed. | Choose only medically necessary cover and skip excessive extras to limit cost. |
| 🧍♂️ Number of travellers | Family or group policies often provide lower rates per person for group travel to South Africa. | Combine policies for families/groups to get better value than buying individual contracts. |
| ⛑ Activities covered | Adventure or safari activities in South Africa often require specific coverage, which can be added or removed. | Only add activities cover if you plan such experiences, avoiding unnecessary extra cost. |
| ✈️ Cancellation options | Non-refundable flights or prepaid tours may require stronger cancellation cover, impacting price. | If plans are flexible, choose basic options to keep costs down, especially on short trips. |
| 💳 Payment method benefits | Some CA credit cards offer built-in travel coverage valid in South Africa, but often with strict limits. | Check your card’s protection first and only top up what’s missing to avoid double payment. |
Your current insurance coverage in South Africa
It is completely legitimate to wonder whether your existing coverage—such as credit card insurance or your public health system—can protect you during a trip to South Africa. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in South Africa? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (provincial/territorial health care) | Never | No medical costs, hospitalization, air ambulance, or repatriation coverage outside Canada. | Travel insurance covers up to CA$1,000,000+ for medical care, emergency evacuation, and provides 24/7 support worldwide. |
| Private health insurance (group benefit plans, employer health insurance) | Limited coverage | Some medical fees, possibly doctor visits abroad, typically excludes air ambulance, repatriation, and ongoing care in South Africa. | Travel insurance offers up to CA$1,000,000+ in hospital and emergency cover, with evacuation options and trip protection. |
| Classic credit card (CIBC Classic Visa, RBC Classic Visa, Scotiabank Value) | Limited coverage | May pay medical costs up to CA$15,000, little or no baggage/trip cancellation, no evacuation in remote areas. | Travel insurance extends cover to CA$1,000,000+, adds trip cancellation (about CA$5,000), and covers more types of emergencies. |
| Premium credit card (TD Aeroplan, RBC Avion Visa Infinite, BMO World Elite MC) | Limited coverage | Medical expenses up to CA$100,000, trip delay/baggage loss below CA$2,000, exclusions for adventure or rural travel. | Travel insurance reaches CA$1,000,000+, covers adventure trips, air evacuations, and emergency support beyond credit card limits. |
Example
After a car crash near Cape Town, Sarah's emergency surgery for multiple fractures cost CA$40,000. Her RBC Avion card's insurance had a low limit, and her provincial plan covered almost nothing. Without specific travel insurance, she faced a massive bill, turning her dream vacation into a financial nightmare.
Expert advice
Bank cards and provincial health plans often exclude key situations like trip interruption for a family emergency. Always read your policy's fine print to avoid costly surprises abroad. In all cases, purchasing dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip is the safest and most reassuring option.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to South Africa?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days in South Africa. Upon arrival, you will receive a temporary resident visa valid for up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended departure and have at least two blank pages for entry stamps.
How do I purchase travel insurance for South Africa?
First, use the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to compare options and find a plan that fits your needs and budget. Next, carefully check cover and exclusions, especially for activities and medical care specific to South Africa. Purchase your chosen policy online. You will then receive your insurance certificate via email.
What health risks should I be aware of when visiting South Africa?
South Africa has some health risks, including malaria in certain regions, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies, and waterborne diseases like schistosomiasis. Private medical care in major cities is good, but facilities are limited in remote areas, where medical evacuation may be necessary. Travel insurance should include coverage for emergencies, evacuation, and infectious diseases.
Is travel insurance accepted at South African hospitals?
Most private hospitals in South Africa recognize international travel insurance from Canada and can work directly with your insurer for emergency admission and payments. Always carry your travel insurance certificate and emergency contact numbers. Some smaller clinics or public hospitals may require upfront payment, which you can later claim from your insurer.
How much does travel insurance for South Africa usually cost for Canadians?
For Canadian travelers, a basic travel insurance policy for South Africa costs around CA$50 to CA$100 for a two-week stay, depending on your age, length of trip, and desired level of coverage. Plans offering additional benefits such as extreme sports coverage, high medical limits, or zero deductibles may cost more.
Does travel insurance cover power outage or crime-related incidents in South Africa?
Standard travel insurance may not cover daily power outages (load shedding), but it often includes protection for trip cancellations, theft, loss, or damage of baggage, and some forms of robbery. Always check your policy’s exclusions and limits. For coverage of electronics or valuables, consider adding optional insurance for personal belongings or electronics.
Do I need a visa to travel to South Africa?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days in South Africa. Upon arrival, you will receive a temporary resident visa valid for up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended departure and have at least two blank pages for entry stamps.
How do I purchase travel insurance for South Africa?
First, use the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to compare options and find a plan that fits your needs and budget. Next, carefully check cover and exclusions, especially for activities and medical care specific to South Africa. Purchase your chosen policy online. You will then receive your insurance certificate via email.
What health risks should I be aware of when visiting South Africa?
South Africa has some health risks, including malaria in certain regions, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies, and waterborne diseases like schistosomiasis. Private medical care in major cities is good, but facilities are limited in remote areas, where medical evacuation may be necessary. Travel insurance should include coverage for emergencies, evacuation, and infectious diseases.
Is travel insurance accepted at South African hospitals?
Most private hospitals in South Africa recognize international travel insurance from Canada and can work directly with your insurer for emergency admission and payments. Always carry your travel insurance certificate and emergency contact numbers. Some smaller clinics or public hospitals may require upfront payment, which you can later claim from your insurer.
How much does travel insurance for South Africa usually cost for Canadians?
For Canadian travelers, a basic travel insurance policy for South Africa costs around CA$50 to CA$100 for a two-week stay, depending on your age, length of trip, and desired level of coverage. Plans offering additional benefits such as extreme sports coverage, high medical limits, or zero deductibles may cost more.
Does travel insurance cover power outage or crime-related incidents in South Africa?
Standard travel insurance may not cover daily power outages (load shedding), but it often includes protection for trip cancellations, theft, loss, or damage of baggage, and some forms of robbery. Always check your policy’s exclusions and limits. For coverage of electronics or valuables, consider adding optional insurance for personal belongings or electronics.
