Travel insurance is beneficial in providing tourist’s indemnities against certain emergencies during the trip. Available for families, frequent travellers and others, travel insurance primarily covers loss of luggage, cancelled or delayed flights and medical emergencies during the trip to South Africa.
Due to unforeseen events, accidents can occur in various locations of South Africa. Apart from natural disasters like tsunamis and earthquakes, accidents can also occur due to road blockages or during aquatic and adventure sports.
To cover the risks of such accidents, accident insurance is helpful. Medical or health insurance further, assures reimbursement of expenditure during medical emergency on the trip.
Apart from medical emergencies, travel insurance covers expenses of cancellation or curtailment of holiday. The trip cancellation insurance also provides cash back in case of flight cancellation and even, delayed flights.
Travel insurance also proves to be beneficial at the time of loss, theft or damage of luggage and personal belongings. Documents like tickets, visas and passports can also be insured against loss or theft.
All types of travel insurance are available to travellers for a period of 5 days to as long as 365 days. The benefits provided by different policies are subjected to certain terms and conditions, depending upon the purpose of travel and type of insurance cover. Several firms provide instant insurance that is of use to travellers, who have suddenly planned the tour or taken the policy at the last minute.
It is very easy to file an application for travel insurance. Applications can be filed online. Alternatively, tourists can also choose to visit the centres of travel insurance companies in person for filing the application. The policy details and schedule of the cover should be read carefully before selection.
Before claiming the travel insurance, tourists are required to check the coverage provided by the policy. One should then, follow the claims procedure as prescribed by the company. The insurance can be claimed within 28 to 31 days after return. With the submission of claim, it is mandatory to provide a written notification from airlines, hospital, police or respective authorities.
Insurance Providers
Catering to the requirements of individuals, insurance companies in India feature various policies, most of which provide coverage against medical emergencies like accident and sickness. Other predicaments covered by the insurance provided by Indian companies include loss, damage or theft of passport and trip delay.
TATA AIG Insurance is one of the nation's leading companies providing travel insurance for South Africa. Global protection policy offered by this company is valid for single as well as annual multi-trips. Three types of policies are available for single trips, namely silver, gold and platinum. For annual multi-trips, one can avail either of the latter two.
Cholamandalam MS General Insurance is another Indian organisation offering insurance for short term and corporate travel to South Africa. To suit all travel needs, two cover options are available, namely silver and gold. Other policies provide adventure sports cover, senior citizens cover and various multi-purpose covers.
ICICI Lombard General Insurance is another company, providing travel insurance for South Africa. The policies offered by this company are applicable for single and multi trips. The gold and platinum covers are suitable for people below 70 years of age while those between 71 and 85 years can avail the salt and pepper policy.
Emergency contact numbers in South Africa: Police: 10111 Ambulance: 10177
Major Hospitals in South Africa:
Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Johannesburg
R - 68 Old Potchefstroom Road
P O Bertsham
Johannesburg – 2013 Tele: +27-011-933-8000, +27-011-933-9111 Fax: +27-011-938-1005 E-mail: prbara@mweb.co.za
Netcare Unitas Hospital, Pretoria
76 Maude Street, corner West Street
Sandton – 2196 Tele: +27-011-301-0000, +27-011-301-0499 E-mail: customer.service@netcare.co.za Website: www.netcare.co.za
Insurance
