INSURANCE
Traveling to South Africa for your hunting safari is straightforward with the right planning. This page provides all the details you need, from the best flight routes to arrival procedures and firearm import guidance.
WHY INSURANCE IS ESSENTIAL
FOR A HUNTING SAFARI
TYPES OF INSURANCE
Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance helps protect travelers financially when unexpected events force them to cancel or cut short their trips. It reimburses non-refundable travel expenses in certain covered situations.
TRIP CANCELLATION
& INTERRUPTION INSURANCE
TRIP CANCELLATION (Before Departure)
- Illness, injury, or death of traveler, family member, or travel companion
- Natural disasters or severe weather
- Airline, cruise line, or tour operator bankruptcy
- Jury duty or military deployment
- Terrorist attack at your destination
- Work-related issues (e.g., being laid off from a long-term job)
TRIP INTERRUPTION (After Departure)
- Medical emergencies during the trip
- Evacuation due to political unrest or natural disasters
- Airline strikes or unexpected flight cancellations
- A family emergency requiring you to return home
- Quarantine or travel restrictions
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS (Depending on Policy)
- Missed connections (e.g., if a delay causes you to miss a flight or cruise)
- Lodging and meals during unexpected trip interruptions
- Reimbursement for non-refundable bookings (hotels, flights, tours)
What does it cover?
- Trip Cancellation Insurance: Covers costs if you cancel your trip before departure due to a covered reason.
- Trip Interruption Insurance: Covers costs if you cut your trip short after departure due to a covered reason.
What’s the Difference Between Cancellation & Interruption?
- Canceling due to fear of travel (e.g., COVID-19 concerns without restrictions)
- Changing your mind or personal reasons
- Pre-existing medical conditions (unless covered by a specific plan)
- Events related to high-risk activities (e.g., extreme sports, unless specifically covered)
Not Included
- CFAR is an optional add-on that allows you to cancel for any reason, even if not covered under standard policies. However:
- It costs more than standard insurance (usually 40%-60% extra).
- It typically reimburses only 50%-75% of your trip costs.
- You must buy it within a specific window (e.g., within 14 days of booking your trip).
What is ‘Cancel For Any Reason’ (CFAR) Insurance?
- Usually 4%-10% of your total trip cost
- CFAR insurance can add up to 60% more
Example: If your trip costs $5,000, standard insurance might cost $200-$500, while CFAR coverage might go up to $800.
How Much Does It Cost?
- Compare providers (Allianz, World Nomads, Travel Guard, AXA, etc.).
- Check coverage details carefully (especially exclusions).
- Read reviews for claims process reliability.
- Buy insurance soon after booking (some benefits require early purchase)
How To Choose A Policy
Medical and emergency evacuation insurance ensures that travelers receive medical treatment abroad and, if necessary, are transported to a hospital or their home country in case of a serious emergency. This coverage is essential for international travelers, especially those visiting remote or high-risk areas.
Medical
& Emergency Evacuation
MEDICAL EXPENSES ABROAD
- Hospitalization, doctor visits, and emergency treatments
- Surgery, diagnostic tests, and prescription medications
- Intensive care and specialist consultations
- Dental emergencies (limited coverage)
EMERGENCY MEDICAL EVACUATION
- Transport to the nearest appropriate hospital if local facilities are inadequate
- Air ambulance or medically equipped flights
- Repatriation to your home country for further treatment
- Medical escort services (if required during transport)
REPATRIATION OF REMAINS
- Covers the cost of returning remains to the traveler’s home country if they pass away abroad
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS (Depending on Policy)
- Companion travel expenses (covering a loved one’s travel if you’re hospitalized for an extended period)
- Trip interruption due to medical reasons (compensation for lost travel expenses)
- 24/7 emergency assistance (hotline for medical help and coordination)
What does it cover?
- Routine checkups and pre-existing conditions (unless a waiver is included)
- High-risk activities (unless you purchase an adventure sports rider)
- Traveling against medical advice
- Elective procedures and cosmetic surgery
- Alcohol- or drug-related incidents
Not Included
- Travelers going abroad, especially to countries with expensive healthcare (e.g., U.S., Switzerland, Japan)
- Safari and adventure travelers (hunting, hiking, diving, etc.)
- Expats, digital nomads, and long-term travelers
- Cruise passengers (as onboard medical costs can be extremely high)
Who Needs it?
- Basic policies start at $50-$200 per trip, depending on the destination and duration.
- Annual plans for frequent travelers range from $200-$800.
- Adventure sports coverage costs extra (~20%-50% more).
How Much Does It Cost?
- Allianz Travel Insurance
- World Nomads (great for adventure travelers)
- GeoBlue (best for U.S. travelers abroad)
- MedjetAssist (focuses on medical transport and repatriation)
- IMG Global (offers comprehensive plans for long-term travelers)
Best Providers
- Check the medical expense limit ($50,000–$500,000 is ideal).
- Ensure emergency evacuation is covered (at least $100,000).
- Look for pre-existing condition waivers if applicable.
- Compare exclusions, especially for adventure activities.
How To Choose A Policy
Firearms & Equipment Insurance is designed to protect gun owners, hunters, competitive shooters, and collectors from financial losses due to theft, damage, loss, or liability associated with their firearms and related gear. This type of insurance is particularly important for professional hunters, outfitters, and international travelers transporting firearms.
Firearms
& Equipment Insurance
THEFT, LOSS & DAMAGE
- Firearms (rifles, shotguns, handguns, antique and collectible guns)
- Scopes, optics, and accessories
- Ammunition and reloading equipment
- Gun safes and storage cases
- Hunting gear (binos, knives, GPS devices, etc.)
FIREARM TRANSIT & TRAVEL
- Protection against airline, shipping, or customs-related firearm loss
- Coverage for international hunting trips and safaris
- Firearms lost in transit or stolen from vehicles
ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE & NEGLIGENCE
- Firearms dropped, cracked, or damaged during use
- Water, fire, or weather-related damage
- Mistaken confiscation by authorities (some policies)
LIABILITY COVER
- Coverage for accidental injury or property damage caused by a firearm
- Legal defense costs in case of a lawsuit
- Coverage for hunting accidents involving others
What does it cover?
- Illegal firearm use or possession
- Wear and tear, corrosion, or mechanical breakdown
- Use of firearms for criminal activities
- Acts of war or civil unrest (unless specified in the policy)
Not Included
- Hunters & Hunting Outfitters (especially those traveling internationally)
- Professional Guides & Safari Operators
- Firearms Collectors & Dealers
- Competitive Shooters & Sport Shooters
- Gun Owners Traveling with Firearms
Who Needs it?
- Policies typically start at $100-$300 per year for basic coverage.
- High-value firearms and collections may require appraisal-based policies ($1,000+ per year).
- International firearm travel coverage can add 10-30% more to a policy.
How Much Does It Cost?
- Gun & Trophy Insurance (designed for hunters & collectors)
- Sportsman’s Insurance Agency (offers firearm and gear coverage)
- Lockton Affinity Outdoor (custom policies for hunters and guides)
- USCCA (United States Concealed Carry Association) (great for liability protection)
- NRA Gun Insurance Program (covers theft, loss, and transit damage)
Best Providers
- Check if it covers international travel & airline losses
- Look for liability protection, especially if guiding hunts
- Consider replacement cost vs. actual cash value coverage
- Ensure policy covers theft from vehicles or hunting camps
- Read exclusions carefully (e.g., some policies exclude high-value optics)
How To Choose A Policy
Personal Liability & Accident Insurance protects individuals from financial losses related to accidental injuries, property damage, or legal claims against them. This type of coverage is especially important for travelers, hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and business owners operating in high-risk environments.
PERSONAL LIABILITY
& ACCIIDENT Insurance
PERSONAL LIABILITY COVERAGE (Protects You from Lawsuits)
- If you accidentally injure someone (e.g., hunting, driving, sports accidents)
- If you damage someone else’s property (e.g., accidentally shooting livestock, breaking rental property items)
- Legal defense costs if someone sues you for damages
- Medical bills for others if you cause bodily harm
PERSONAL ACCIDENT COVERAGE (Protects You from Injury & Medical Costs)
- Emergency medical expenses due to accidental injury
- Hospitalization & surgery costs
- Permanent disability compensation (if an accident leaves you disabled)
- Accidental death benefits (payout to family if the insured person dies in an accident)
- Rehabilitation & lost income coverage (for long-term injuries)
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
- Adventure sports & hunting accidents
- Coverage while traveling internationally
- Emergency evacuation & repatriation
- Coverage for dependents or family members
What does it cover?
- Intentional harm or reckless behavior
- Accidents under the influence of alcohol/drugs
- Professional sports or extreme-risk activities (unless covered under a specific policy)
- Pre-existing conditions or illnesses
- Acts of war, terrorism, or civil unrest
Not Included
- Hunters & Outdoor Enthusiasts (hunting, shooting, off-roading, hiking)
- Safari Operators & Hunting Outfitters (to protect against guest accidents or lawsuits)
- International Travelers (accidents abroad can be costly)
- Business Owners & Professionals (especially those working in high-risk industries)
- Sport Shooters & Gun Owners (accidental injury protection)
Who Needs it?
- Basic liability-only policies start at $100-$300 per year.
- Comprehensive accident coverage ranges from $300-$1,500 per year, depending on risk level and payout limits.
- Hunting or high-risk activity add-ons may cost 20-50% more.
How Much Does It Cost?
- Lockton Affinity Outdoor (tailored for hunters, outfitters, and gun owners)
- Global Rescue (great for outdoor travel and evacuation services)
- USCCA (United States Concealed Carry Association) (best for firearm-related liability)
- Allianz Travel Insurance (for general liability and accident coverage abroad)
- Sportsman’s Insurance Agency (covers hunting accidents and liability)
Best Providers
- Check liability limits (coverage should be at least $500,000-$1 million for serious incidents).
- Ensure it covers international claims (especially for safaris or guided hunts).
- Look for coverage on high-risk activities (hunting, shooting, ATV use, etc.).
- Consider personal injury add-ons (hospitalization, disability, or death benefits).
How To Choose A Policy
WHERE TO GET SAFARI INSURANCE
We strongly recommend purchasing safari-specific insurance from providers experienced in hunting travel.
We’re committed to excellence in every aspect of your trip experience, especially when it comes to safety. That’s why we are a Global Rescue Safe Travel Partner. Global Rescue is an industry leader, providing medical and security advisory and evacuation services to travellers around the world. Global Rescue offers field rescue from the point of your injury or illness. With operations centers staffed 24/7/365 by experienced personnel, when you call Global Rescue you speak to a real person on the first call to get you the help you need.
GLOBAL RESCUE
Boss Safaris is a Global Rescue Safe Travel Partner.