Africa is a continent full of contrast, colour and unforgettable experiences. Perfect whether you’re setting off on your first big adventure or chasing something a little more off the beaten track. With a bit of planning and a travel insurance policy you can rely on, you’re free to focus on the good stuff and make it a trip to remember.
Holiday Extras travel insurance for Africa includes cover for essentials such as emergency medical treatment, trip cancellations and personal belongings. With bronze, silver and gold options available, you can pick the level of protection that fits your trips and individual needs.
Do I need travel insurance for Africa?
Travel insurance isn’t a legal requirement for visiting Africa, but it’s one of those things you’ll be glad you sorted before you go. Many countries don’t have a healthcare agreement with the UK, so if you need medical treatment while you’re away, it usually means paying for it privately, and those costs can add up quickly.
That’s where having cover that you can count on makes all the difference. From emergency medical care to lost luggage, unexpected illness or delayed travel plans. So instead of worrying about the “what ifs”, you can relax and enjoy every moment of your trip.
Always read your policy documents for the full details of what's covered and what's not.
Is travel insurance to Africa expensive?
The cost of travel insurance for Africa can vary depending on a number of factors. These include your age, the length of your trip and the level of cover you choose.
If you have medical conditions, these can also affect your policy premium. If you are travelling with a medical condition, insurers may see this as a higher 'risk', potentially making your policy cost more. For more information on this, take a look at our page dedicated to Holiday Insurance with Pre-Existing Medical Conditions.
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Compare travel insurance cover levels
Choose from three different levels of cover, each with its own cover limits. Ranging from a simpler 'Bronze' plan to a higher level 'Gold' plan, you can tailor your policy to suit your needs. Browse the key benefits below, or see the full breakdown in our cover-level table and Policy Documents.
Bronze
| £15,000,000 | Emergency medical and repatriation expenses |
| £1,000 | Cancellation & Cutting your trip short |
| £2,000 | Personal belongings |
| £500 | Personal money |
| £500 | Gadget Cover |
Silver
| £20,000,000 | Emergency medical and repatriation expenses |
| £2,500 | Cancellation & Cutting your trip short |
| £3,000 | Personal belongings |
| £750 | Personal money |
| £500 | Gadget Cover |
Gold
| Unlimited | Emergency medical and repatriation expenses |
| £5,000* | Cancellation & Cutting your trip short |
| £5,000 | Personal belongings |
| £1,000 | Personal money |
| £750 | Gadget Cover |
*Or as specified on your schedule
Does Africa travel insurance include activities?
Africa is full of incredible experiences - from spotting wildlife on safari to trekking through deserts or snorkelling in clear waters. Whatever your trip looks like, it’s worth checking your travel insurance covers everything you’ve got planned.
Some activities are included as standard, while others, especially more adventurous ones, may need a little extra cover. Once that’s sorted, you’re all set to dive in and enjoy every moment with confidence.
Water sports
Snorkelling in Zanzibar or diving in Egypt’s Red Sea? Many water sports across Africa may be covered as standard under your policy. If you’re planning something more adventurous, such as jet skiing or white-water rafting, you may need to add extra or extended cover.
Extended Risk add-on
Planning to take things up a level? If you’ve got more adventurous activities in mind for your trip to Africa, our Extended Risk add-on can help keep things covered. It’s designed for higher-risk sports and experiences, and you can easily add it on when you’re choosing your extras before checkout, so you’re all set for whatever’s on your itinerary.
Use our handy activity checker to see whether your chosen activity or sport is covered as standard, or if you’ll need to add extra cover.
Where to go in Africa
Marrakech, Morocco - Wander through colourful souks, explore historic palaces and unwind in a traditional riad. All with your Africa travel insurance in place.
Egypt (Cairo & the Red Sea) - Discover the Pyramids of Giza, cruise the Nile or head to the Red Sea for world-class snorkelling and diving.
Zanzibar, Tanzania - White sandy beaches and a rich cultural heritage make this island perfect for both relaxation and exploration.
Kenya - Experience iconic wildlife safaris, open savannah landscapes and unforgettable national parks like the Maasai Mara.
Botswana - Explore the Okavango Delta, where waterways, wildlife and remote lodges offer a truly immersive safari experience.
Namibia - Think vast desert dunes, dramatic coastlines and unique wildlife in one of Africa’s most striking landscapes.
Whether you’re spotting wildlife, unwinding by the coast or diving into centuries of history, Africa gives you endless ways to fill your days. With the right travel insurance in place, you can enjoy it all, knowing your plans are in safe hands if anything unexpected comes along.
What are the benefits of buying a Holiday Extras insurance policy?
- Flexible cover levels - Pick from bronze, silver, or gold policies to suit your trip plans and budget. Whether you're going all out, or keeping things simple.
- Support for pre-existing conditions - Most medical conditions are considered, with a quick and easy online screening process.
- Medical support abroad, made easy - Every policy includes free access to AnywhereGP, a 24/7 virtual medical support service for non-urgent help while you’re away.
- Extra cover, if you want it - Add-ons are available for gadget protection and winter sports so you can tailor your policy to your plans.
- Award-winning protection - We've been voted Best Insurance Provider for 16 years in a row.
Over 40 years experience in travel services.
Voted Best Insurance Provider 16 years running – since 2009.
A choice of cover levels and add-ons to help you pick the policy that suits your trip
£10.4 million paid in 2025, providing reliable support when it matters most.
Let us answer your questions
Do I need medical insurance for my Africa trip?
In many African countries, UK travellers won’t have access to free or reduced-cost healthcare, so you may need to pay for treatment privately. Costs like emergency medical care, hospital stays or even emergency evacuation can add up quickly. Having the right cover in place means you can travel with confidence, knowing you’re supported if anything unexpected comes up.
What if I have a pre-existing medical condition?
When you book, remember to let us know of any pre-existing medical conditions you may have, so we can tailor a suitable policy with these conditions in mind. It's important to note that, if you have not declared any pre-existing medical conditions when booking your policy, any subsequent claims may be invalidated by failing to do so.
What vaccinations do I need to travel to Africa?
As well as your routine vaccinations (MMR, Polio, Diptheria, Meningitis) you should also make sure to get yourself vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B as well as Tetanus, Typhoid and Rabies. Your doctor will be able to give you specific advice. It's always wise to consult them about this, or any other questions or concerns you may have.
Can I take medication into Africa?
If you’re planning to take medication with you to Africa, it’s important to check the rules for the country you’re visiting before you travel. Some medications that are available over the counter in the UK may be restricted or require documentation elsewhere. It’s a good idea to carry your medication in its original packaging, along with a copy of your prescription or a doctor’s note. This can help avoid any issues at the border and ensure you have what you need for your trip.
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Holiday Extras Travel Insurance is sold and administered by Holiday Extras Cover Limited, registered office address: Ashford Road, Newingreen, Hythe, Kent CT21 4JF.
Holiday Extras Cover Limited is an insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, registration number 828848. You can check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting: http://register.fca.org.uk
Holiday Extras™ is a Trading Name of Holiday Extras Cover Limited. The insurance is underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited. Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is a company incorporated in England and Wales with company number 13436330 and whose registered office address is 1 Fen Court, London, United Kingdom, EC3M 5BN.
Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Firm Reference Number 955859. You can check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting: http://register.fca.org.uk
Our flight delay cover is underwritten by Astrenska Insurance Limited and serviced by Collinson Insurance Services Limited.