See you in South Africa

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TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR SOUTH AFRICA

Keen to spot a zebra on safari? Or take in the seaside from a Cape Town cabana? Whatever your South African holiday looks like, scroll on down for our handy guide on visas, getting around and the must-see spots. Zoom's South Africa travel insurance has you covered for any unexpected holiday hurdles. Cover includes medical expenses should you fall sick or become injured, as well as cover for trip cancellation, lost luggage, family emergencies and more! What are you waiting for? Zoom to it!

SOUTH AFRICA QUICK GUIDE

After a turbulant past, South Africa is emerging as one of Africa's most popular tourist destinations. With wonderous, diverse landscapes and wildlife, and an increasingly metropolitan cultural scene, there is something for everyone here.

No matter which kind of South African experience you're planning, Zoom can cover your trip with a range of plans.  You can minimise your costs with Medical Only cover, or choose to buy Comprehensive Travel Insurance for extra protection to cover things like travel delays and cancellation. Compare Zoom's Travel Insurance plans online today.

 

VISAS FOR SOUTH AFRICA

Aussies visiting for tourism purposes can stay visa-free for 90 days in South Africa. Kiwis are not so lucky - South Africa recently revoked the visa exemptions for New Zealanders, meaning that you will need a visa. The form is available from the South African High commission, with the application costing around $165NZD.

Regardless of where you are coming from, you will also need require proof of onwards travel - typically a return flight ticket - and a yellow fever immunisation certificate if you travel to South Africa through the yellow fever area of Africa or South America.

This information may change quickly, so check with your nearest South African Embassy, Consulate, or High Commission for details.

ON ARRIVAL

The two most frequented international airports into South Africa are O.R. Tambo International (Johannesburg) and Cape Town International. 

If you land at O.R. Tambo, you can catch the Gautrain high-speed rail between 5:15am and 10pm. There are also a number of shuttle buses that cover all the major towns and suburbs. If you're a first-time visitor and would like to be dropped straight to your door, there are accedited meter taxis that will go to most places in Johannesburg.

If you land at Cape Town, there is the airport MyCiTi shuttle, which goes to the Civic Centre in central Cape Town, other shuttle services to Cape Town and the western cape. If you go with a taxi, the safest option is Touch-Down Taxis, the service endorsed by the airport.

GETTING AROUND

Bus fares are comparatively cheap in the big urban areas like Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria and Johannesburg, with large networks, with Cape Town's MyCiTi and Durban's People Mover generally the more highly regarded networks for safety. South Africa's public transport system is generally poorly regarded by its citizens for its low coverage area, making private car use and taxis very common.
 

Minibuses and shared taxis run almost everywhere; in some areas, they may be the only way to get around. They're a good way to experience South Africa off the beaten track, but can also be a magnet for touts and people trying to take advantage of tourists. They often hold between 10 and 16 people, and generally don't leave until they are full, so you might be waiting a little while if you're headed somewhere remote.

Uber is also becoming increasingly popular in the big cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria and Durban. While this has produced some positive outcomes - the rates of drink driving have fallen significantly - tensions between Uber drivers and taxi drivers have become increasingly violent. So if your driver wants you to meet you a few blocks from the train station, or asks you to appear chatty and hug them before you get out of the car, that may be why.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

There is no bad time to visit South Africa - it is a year-round travel destination. A large country with a climate that varies across regions. Cape Town has hot, dry summers (December to March) and winter rain (June to August), while the more north-eastern regions experience heavy summer rain and dry winters.

So hit the beach in the south west for a summer beach holiday, or take advantage of the dry winters the north-eastern national park areas on safari, with Africa's unique wildlife tending to concentrate around water sources.

WHERE TO GO

A highlight of any trip to South Africa is the opportunity to see in their natural environment animals you've only see in films or at the zoo. For one of the most popular safari sites, visit Kruger National Park in South Africa's north east. Explore on your own through the vast network of roads, or choose guided tours to see the best sites. Other highly recommended national parks including iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Addo Elephant Park and Golden Gate Highlands. Most of these parks have accomodation on site, great if you want to do more than day-trip.

The Cango Caves in the western cape is the largest cave system in Africa. With formations which took millions of years to grow, it is one of the great natural wonders of the world.

Cape Town is one of South Africa's top destinations for tourists; it features the glorious Table Mountain, the Cape Camino walk and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. 

MUST KNOW TIPS

Safety is of significant concern for travellers in South Africa - it's hard to miss the razor wire and armed guards that decorate wealthy neighbourhoods. Avoid displaying wealths with jewellery, cameras or laptops. If you are subject to a mugging, do not argue with the muggers - objects can be replaced, you cannot. Report the theft immediately to police and cancel your cards.

The best way to travel South Africa as a woman is with a friend or two. Avoid travelling on your own, and don't consider shared taxis or hitchhiking after dark.

ZOOMING ELSEWHERE?

Are you planning to zoom somewhere else on your holidays? If South Africa is a stopover on your trip to Europe, we've got plenty of helpful advice on other popular travel destinations to check out. What are you waiting for? Zoom to it!
 

WHY BUY WITH ZOOM

Medical cover

medical cover

Relax knowing that your hospital expenses are covered with Zoom's unlimited medical coverage. Zoom to top notch cover!

travel delays

Travel delays

Setbacks on your sojourn are never much fun. Cover your South Africa travel disruptions  in a flash with Zoom travel cover. We keep things zippy!

luggage cover

LUGGAGE COVER

Your stuff is precious and we get that. Take off on your adventure in South Africa knowing your luggage is protected with Zoom.

Family emergencies

Family emergencies

Had to rush home or cancel your trip due to a family emergency? We'll cover your non-refundable deposits so you can focus on the rest.

kids go free

kids go free

Family holiday to Africa? Save your rand with all dependants under 19 included under your policy at no additional cost.

Car Hire Excess

rental car excess

Driving in South Africa? Our rental vehicle excess add-on is a must for roadtripping travellers.

easy claims

easy claims

We've done away with lengthy forms and have kept our claims process simple. We guarantee to assess fully documented claims in a flash.

Car Hire Excess

Peace Of Mind

Zoom to Zen. You can sit back and relax on your holiday knowing that you’re covered by award winning travel insurance.

SOUTH AFRICA TRAVEL INSURANCE FAQs

Got some curly questions in regards to your South Africa travel insurance cover?
Be in the the know before you go with answers to the most common queries below.

  • Am I covered medically while holidaying in South Africa?

  • Yes, all our policies cover for unlimited medical coverage. Zoom provides cover for your overseas medical expenses including hospital stays, surgery, doctor visits, emergency evacuation and repatriation home if required. We can provide written guarantees of payment of reasonable expenses directly with your hospital in emergency situations. Phew!

  • What happens if I need medical assistance in South Africa?

  • Have complete peace of mind on your adventure to South Africa. Zoom provides immediate support through our emergency assistance provider, First Assistance. Help is just a phone call away any time of day 365 days a year. This includes access to medical advisors, medical transfers and emergency evacuation if required. We also assist with passing on messages to family and returning unsupervised dependants back to Australia.

  • How do alcohol and drugs affect my cover?

  •  When it comes to alcohol we advise you to drink in moderation. One mahewu too many could see you jeopardizing your cover. Please note that we may exclude any claims where excessive drugs or alcohol have been involved.

  • I have high value items; how much can I insure them for?

  • If you have an expensive item that you just can’t leave behind you can insure it separately for up to $5,000. Please note that high value item cover is only available under our comprehensive plan.

  • Am I covered for pickpocketing in South Africa?

  • Yes, you’re covered for muggings, provided of course you were acting with reasonable care (i.e. did not leave your belongings unattended). If you’re the victim of a pickpocket, you’d be covered for loss, theft and damage to your luggage and personal effects. If you are robbed, it’s important that you get a police report and contact us as soon as possible.

  • What age limits apply to Zoom travel insurance policies?

  • You must be under the age of 85 to buy a policy with Zoom. Those under 79 years can purchase a policy for a maximum trip duration of 365 days. Those aged between 80-85 years can purchase a policy for a maximum trip duration of 184 days only. You must also be under the age of 69 to purchase our add-on ski or adventure packs.

  • Can I reduce my excess with Zoom products?

  • Yes you can reduce the standard excess of $200 by paying a excess reduction fee within the payment process. 

  • What is a dependant?

  • This means your dependant children or grandchildren under the age of 19 at the date of policy issue who are travelling with you.

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Zoom

Zoom travel insurance offers simple, flexible travel insurance for maximum peace of mind no matter where you're zooming to.

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"Zoom Travel Insurance" is a registered Business name of the Insurance Geeks Limited, Company No. 5904999 (a NZ company). We are a Registered Financial Service Provider FSP505566. This site contains general guidance only on insurance products available to you and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before you buy a policy, please read the Policy Wording to determine if the product suits your needs giving consideration to your personal circumstances. This insurance is underwritten by HDI Global Specialty SE – New Zealand.
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