FriscoHeavy wrote:

So, who would you recommend for Health Insurance while we are abroad in South Africa for the approximate 10 days we will physically be in South Africa? I'm looking for a company that would be the most response and easiest to deal with. We are located in the USA.

eastafspot wrote:

FriscoHeavy wrote:

So, who would you recommend for Health Insurance while we are abroad in South Africa for the approximate 10 days we will physically be in South Africa? I'm looking for a company that would be the most response and easiest to deal with. We are located in the USA.

Assuming you've paid partially or totally the trip with a credit card, are some of these (even basic) insurances not already included?
In France the Visa Classic offers limited insurances for the entire family (wife/husband+ kids below 18yo) for a travelling period of up to 90 days.
- Medical expenses up to €12000/year
- Medical repatriation
- Legal advice H24

That's not a lot but better than nothing. How does it work in the US?

Chemist wrote:

In the US, go to insuremytrip.com and check coverages. They compare many insurance providers.
I've used TravelGuard, Allianz, and a couple of others before. But have not had a claim, yet.

teachpdx wrote:

I second insuremytrip. Used them multiple times on travel abroad to Europe, Oceania, and Asia. The rates are affordable and it’s very easy to see what is and is not included. It’s so nice to get one price for a 2 month trip with 26 flights, three rental cars, and serious off-the-grid adventures.

FriscoHeavy wrote:

Good day,

My wife and I will be going to South Africa for about 10 days in February. Most of the time will be spent in/around Cape Town, with another two days out on a safari/reserve.

Now, we aren't ones to ever purchase any type of insurance when we travel internationally. If we are in Europe or Asia or what have you, and we needed to get home right away, splurging on a plane ticket home will not kill us.

With that said, I am interested in purchasing International Health Insurance (our domestic health insurance wouldn't suffice) for our travel to South Africa. If God forbid, one of us got ill and so forth, I want to be able to be treated (and evacuated if necessary) without having to worry about exorbitant out of pocket expenses. I'm just being very cautious on this trip given how remote we'll be for a couple of days.

So, who would you recommend for Health Insurance while we are abroad in South Africa for the approximate 10 days we will physically be in South Africa? I'm looking for a company that would be the most response and easiest to deal with. We are located in the USA.

Thank you for your feedback.

flyingclrs727 wrote:

FriscoHeavy wrote:

Good day,

My wife and I will be going to South Africa for about 10 days in February. Most of the time will be spent in/around Cape Town, with another two days out on a safari/reserve.

Now, we aren't ones to ever purchase any type of insurance when we travel internationally. If we are in Europe or Asia or what have you, and we needed to get home right away, splurging on a plane ticket home will not kill us.

With that said, I am interested in purchasing International Health Insurance (our domestic health insurance wouldn't suffice) for our travel to South Africa. If God forbid, one of us got ill and so forth, I want to be able to be treated (and evacuated if necessary) without having to worry about exorbitant out of pocket expenses. I'm just being very cautious on this trip given how remote we'll be for a couple of days.

So, who would you recommend for Health Insurance while we are abroad in South Africa for the approximate 10 days we will physically be in South Africa? I'm looking for a company that would be the most response and easiest to deal with. We are located in the USA.

Thank you for your feedback.

Travel insurance isn't that expensive. I typically get $1million insurance for my wife for about $130 when she visits friends and family. It's not just the cost of a return trip you should be worried about. What if you need need a special medical evacuation flight to return to the US? That could be over $60,000.

Chemist wrote:

In the US, go to insuremytrip.com and check coverages. They compare many insurance providers.
I've used TravelGuard, Allianz, and a couple of others before. But have not had a claim, yet.

debonair wrote:

Chemist wrote:

In the US, go to insuremytrip.com and check coverages. They compare many insurance providers.
I've used TravelGuard, Allianz, and a couple of others before. But have not had a claim, yet.

I have no idea about the US market, however I can't recommend Allianz and their affiliates. With the Allianz Group, although in Germany, I had in the past quite a lot of trouble. After a small claim, they cancelled all future contracts. Not the best in customer service.

I have a yearly travel insurance, much cheaper than for just one trip. But I don't know if this is available in the US...

debonair wrote:

However, I can't recommend Allianz and their affiliates. With the Allianz Group, although in Germany, I had in the past quite a lot of trouble. After a small claim, they cancelled all future contracts. Not the best in customer service.

jetwet1 wrote:

My company insurance covers me on work trips, however, I do have a supplemental through Blue Cross/ Blue Shield to cover personal trips and just the peace of mind should anything go pear shape, I pay $200 a year, it gives me $1m coverage with a zero deductible.

FriscoHeavy wrote:

jetwet1 wrote:

My company insurance covers me on work trips, however, I do have a supplemental through Blue Cross/ Blue Shield to cover personal trips and just the peace of mind should anything go pear shape, I pay $200 a year, it gives me $1m coverage with a zero deductible.

What company is that with?

Do you have the name of the policy/product?

eastafspot wrote:

Also, Air France has just teamed up with Allianz Travel recently. For a 2h delay, insurance that refunds immediately €50 without asking (along with other little gimmicks)..... Just a question, since French Railways are doing similar, is it the same in Germany, for LH, EW or DB?
Are some surcharges worth the extra spend?

melpax wrote:

FriscoHeavy wrote:

Good day,

Now, we aren't ones to ever purchase any type of insurance when we travel internationally. If we are in Europe or Asia or what have you, and we needed to get home right away, splurging on a plane ticket home will not kill us.

Interesting the differences between Americans & Australians when we travel overseas. Most Australians would not dream of travelling overseas without insurance, especially to the US with it's astronomical medical costs.

Also bear in mind that you may not always be able to 'jump on a plane home' if sick or injured.

A former boss broke her back while riding a quad bike on a friend's farm while on holiday in the US. She was helicoptered to hospital & spend time in ICU after surgery & had to spend an extended period in the US recovering before she could fly home. Total bill in the end was around $150K, which her travel insurer picked up.

It's no suprise that most insurers here now exclude activities such as riding motor bikes of any sort on their standard policies.......

flipdewaf wrote:

Maybe this is a cultural difference but is it not just the standard to go and check on a comparison website and check cost vs coverage vs reviews for what you require and then cough up? Maybe its like mailing cheques to pay for mortgage.

Fred