It’s hard to think of a place more exciting, and potentially nerve-wracking, to visit than Africa. It’s famous for plains filled with animals, dense jungles and mighty deserts – a perfect place for an epic adventure.
For all the memorable sights to see in Africa, there are also plenty of dangers; but you don’t need to let them ruin your trip, or your bank balance, if you have travel insurance.
In this guide, we cover:
Let’s begin.
While some parts of Africa have quality medical facilities, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) notes that other parts may not have adequate medical care available.1 This means that you might be some distance from aid if you become sick or injured.
This is where 24/7 emergency assistance comes in.
Many travel insurance providers offer emergency assistance along with cover for hospitalisations and medical bills. With emergency assistance, your insurer will make sure you receive the medical care you need, even by sending out their own team or arranging for a medical evacuation back home to Australia if required.
DFAT also notes that diseases and outbreaks are common in some countries within Africa.2
All of this means that medical expenses and emergency assistance is great to have in your travel insurance policy when you’re headed to Africa.
Adventure awaits those who journey to Africa. Depending on where you go, you can experience:
While there’s much to see and do, it’s important to note that not all sports and activities are covered by travel insurance. Not all insurance providers cover the same physical activities either. You may also be able to purchase cover for additional adventure sports and activities as well.
It’s important to know what is and isn’t covered, as any incidents related to an activity that isn’t covered could mean your insurer might not provide a payout for any insurance claims.
* Due to geopolitical conflict the borders of African nations and the number of recognised countries in Africa may continue to change in the future.
Assaults, mugging, carjacking and other crimes are common in Africa, with some regions having a higher risk than others, as noted by DFAT’s Smartraveller website.4 While you should take action to protect yourself and your belongings, travel insurance can cover the cost of repairing or replacing stolen and damaged belongings.
Travel insurance companies won’t cover everything. While the exact exclusions will differ based on a policy’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), the following events are generally not covered:
Travel vaccinations can help prevent you getting sick from certain diseases, which could derail your travel plans and potentially be life-threatening. The cost of getting vaccinated beforehand far outweighs the cost of getting a foreign illness.
While you may meet many friendly people, it’s important not to attract the attention of thieves and criminals who target tourists. Consider the following:
There are a few things to consider when it comes to what you should bring and what you should plan for. A bit of prior research can go a long way.
For example, what will the season be when you arrive at your destination? Will you need to bring warm, cool or waterproof clothing? If you’re travelling long distances at a time, you should endeavour to carry enough food and water along with you as it might be a while before you arrive at another town to resupply.
Another factor is time. If you’re catching buses or waiting for a tour, it’s important to consider that they might not actually start on time. It can be helpful to add extra time into your day to plan for delays.
Also, don’t forget to pack your insect repellent!
To avoid accidentally offending the locals and learn more about the people you’ll meet, it’s best to brush up on local manners, customs and laws. For example, is it considered rude to show a bit of skin? If so, it may be wise to dress modestly.
Same-sex couples in particular will want to check if the nation they are visiting has any laws that could make being romantic with your partner problematic. Even if there are no specific laws against same-sex activity or relationships, Smartraveller notes that societal views may not be as accepting as back home, so you might need to avoid public displays of affection.5
Perhaps our biggest travel tip for Africa (besides getting travel insurance before you go) is to visit DFAT’s Smartraveller for each country you wish to visit. Smartraveller has guides that include the latest travel warnings, risks, plus information about local laws and customs, safety, health risks, travelling within a particular country and who to contact if you get into trouble.
Before you experience the beauty, joy and heart of Africa we can make getting travel insurance a piece of cake. We compare a number of travel insurance providers available in Australia.
Simple use our online comparison tool to tell us a few details about your trip and you’ll be weighing up providers side-by-side in minutes, all for free! Our service makes it easy to weigh up available policies by price, coverage, plus policy excess options and other features.
Simples!
1 Sudan. Smartraveller, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian Government. 2021.
2 Kenya. Smartraveller, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian Government. 2021.
3 The Great Serengeti Migration. Tanzania Tourist Board, Tanzanian Government. 2021.
4 Niger. Smartraveller, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian Government. 2021.
5 Advice for LGBTI travellers. Smartraveller, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian Government. 2021.