| Africa is a land of adventure and diverse | | | | your travel insurance covers you in every |
| experiences. If you are looking to embark on a | | | | country you are planning to visit, as often |
| safari holiday in Tanzania or to go scuba diving off | | | | decisions to travel elsewhere in Africa can be |
| the coast of Egypt it is fair to say that your | | | | made when you are already there but your policy |
| holiday might involve a greater degree of risk in | | | | could become void. Also, it is unlikely that your |
| comparison to a camping tour around France or a | | | | policy will cover you at all if your belongings (or |
| visit to Buckingham Palace, but isn't that what | | | | yourself) become damaged as a result of an |
| makes the adventure more worthwhile? For | | | | alcohol-related mishap. |
| many Africa is the destination of choice because | | | | Personal items such as gadgets (mobile phones |
| of the excitement of travelling to a land that is | | | | and laptops for example) and travel documents |
| largely untainted by the mark of westernization. | | | | should be specifically considered by anyone |
| Consequently, being sure that you have suitable | | | | travelling to Africa. Unique holidays may call for |
| and comprehensive travel insurance is sensible in | | | | unique accessories and these might be worth |
| the least, but often a complete necessity if, for | | | | specialist insurance cover just in case they go |
| example, you are hoping to volunteer in a | | | | missing or become damaged on your journey. Be |
| conservation or rehabilitation programme. | | | | sure to examine the small print when it comes to |
| Therefore, it is first important to have some idea | | | | items that you significantly care for - or depend |
| of what kind of activities you may wish do when | | | | upon. |
| you get to Africa. For example, students who are | | | | Travelling to, and from Africa, as well as on the |
| visiting the continent on their gap year might be | | | | continent itself will be likely to involve a significant |
| more eager to try extreme sports and activities, | | | | amount of flying. Be aware that should the airline |
| such as surfing in Morocco or bungee jumping in | | | | you are travelling with go into administration, you |
| South Africa, and will have to choose their travel | | | | are unlikely to be covered unless you specify that |
| insurance accordingly. Be sure to check whether | | | | you require airline failure insurance. Subsequently, |
| you are covered if you injure yourself whilst doing | | | | this may be worth thinking about should you |
| specific extreme sports or activities, as each | | | | come to the conclusion that you may be very |
| company will vary in exactly what they consider | | | | dependent on air travel during your time away. |
| 'extreme'. It is also important to be aware of | | | | Therefore, who you purchase your travel |
| whether the policy you are considering will cover | | | | insurance from will bear significantly on how much |
| more expensive medical bills due to injury or | | | | you will end up spending. Certain companies will |
| illness. | | | | specialize in activity holidays, others may target |
| Additionally, it is also wise to understand whether | | | | specific age groups. Many travellers initially consult |
| your travel insurance covers repatriation or the | | | | their existing brokers whom they have already |
| cost of early or emergency flights home should | | | | purchased their home or car insurance from. This |
| you need them. Illness is also worth particular | | | | is a good idea in order to discern a benchmark |
| consideration as it is a common misconception | | | | price, but it is wise to not take your first offer. |
| that travel insurance will cover you if you have an | | | | The insurance industry is notoriously competitive |
| already established condition such as diabetes or | | | | and so online comparison of insurance companies |
| asthma. Typically in these circumstances you will | | | | is a logical way to get the best travel insurance |
| need to specify such cover. | | | | deal for your needs - and to have peace of mind |
| Another important point that may concern | | | | as you embark on the journey of a lifetime. |
| students and young people particularly is whether | | | | |