Do I need travel insurance to go to Africa for a week?
I’m going to Africa over break for a week. Someone told me I *need* travel insurance. I’ve never had it before when traveling, since I never get sick etc. Do I actually need to get it for South Africa? And about how much would it cost for a week?
Yes you definitely need it as quality private health care is very expensive here and you may have an accident or other medical emergency.
You may get free cover if you book your trip with a credit card (find out) otherwise you will need to contact a travel agent or an insurance company such as AIG for quotes (see http://www.aigtravel.com).
I don’t think the premium is very expensive, and it is worth your peace of mind.
It’s strongly advised that all travelers take out travel insurance when they plan to go overseas no matter how long a stay they are intending to go for. It is a precaution in the event of any emergencies or health issues that may effect people whilst on their trip as hospital stays and medical treatment in a foreign country other than your own can be very expensive without cover. In the event of anything happening and not having the money to pay the costs, you could be in a very difficult situation.
If you take out travel insurance, you can be sure that you will be covered for anything that may happen.
Talk to your travel consultant (if you booked your trip with an agency) about it if they have not already mentioned it to you. It’s compulsory for all travel agencies to ask their clients if they would like insurance and if the client declines, they need to sign a waiver. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
When you travel anywhere abroad without travel insurance, you take a risk. If you had an accident or got sick, who would pay your medical costs, and possible repatriation iof you need a special flight home?
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Always get travel insurance, so yes.