Going on an African safari can be a wild experience! But merely booking a safari does not guarantee that you will actually be on one as planned, and most safari operators insist that you purchase insurance, including trip cancellation insurance, to tide over the uncertainties inherent in safaris.
Trip cancellation insurance is not the only insurance that you will need when planning an African safari. You will also require a plan that covers medical expenses, should the occasion arise. Safari operators may extend coverage when a trip is booked, but it is important to check that their coverage is adequate and costs are reasonable.
Generally, trip cancellation insurance offers other benefits such as baggage safety against loss or theft, in addition to safari cancellation and rescheduling. African airports are notorious for thieves targeting the baggage of foreigners, so this coverage is not merely a formality.
Safaris can/could be cancelled due to the weather, the lack of enough participants for the safari, or baggage problems. Other reasons for the cancellation or postponement of a safari include the lack of the optimum number of participants on the safari, and baggage delay. Trip cancellation insurance can be extremely handy in such a situation.
Usual and necessary medical coverage includes coverage for all sudden medical issues. Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of mortal remains are also usually included. You might be able to save costs if trip cancellation insurance is purchased together with the medical insurance. Shop around for plans until you receive a suitable trip cancellation and medical insurance plan that works for an African safari.
Trip cancellation insurance usually covers those costs related to travel that are not refunded. These may include hotel reservations, airfare, and other tickets purchased. To make a successful claim, the trip cancellation insurance company will require you to display proof that you have indeed lost that money—with the help of receipts and proof of the actual reservation.
While taking out medical insurance, you must ensure that the expenses will actually be paid for in a safari situation. Most of the plans will require that you pre-approve or organize the evacuation through the insurance company, and most safari emergencies will likely occur in places where communication with the outside may be impossible. The trip cancellation and travel insurance company selected must be able to still accept claims.
To get the best deals, you must purchase your travel cancellation insurance no later than a week from buying your tickets. Many travel cancellation plans have this clause built in, and some others cover pre-existing conditions only if the plan is purchased within the time limit.