The Best Travel Insurance Companies in South Africa

A travel plan would be incomplete without including that extra bit of security to protect yourself and your co-travellers from unexpected expenses. These expenses may arise due to medical emergencies, personal accidents, personal liabilities, hospitalization, cancelled or delayed flights, and more. One can easily get this with travel insurance in South Africa, especially considering the availability of various options. Nevertheless, choosing the best provider involves a wide range of variables. As a result, in today’s StarInsights, we review the best travel insurance providers in SA based on user reviews and ratings.

Market Overview

In a post-COVID world where travellers are more aware of the risks than ever, there is a greater understanding of the necessity of managing travel risks. Henceforth, this has increased the demand for travel insurance policies.

Over the past years, the travel insurance sector has witnessed growth. Accordingly, this can be attributed to rising disposable incomes, an increase in business trips, and the accessibility of online travel bookings and discounted package holidays. In fact, the market size was valued at USD 20.56 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 79.56 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 16.22% from 2023 to 2030. (Statista). Furthermore, with the aid of emerging technologies, insurers are expected to improve traditional travel insurance delivery platforms, in order to increase productivity and provide smooth user experiences.

Why Travel Insurance is Important

SA is a stunning nation with a vibrant past and present. Yet, if you’re travelling to some parts of SA, you should take certain safety measures to guard against potential risks. As exciting as travel is, it does hold some risks. 

Therefore, by taking out travel insurance you are essentially covering yourself against travel risks such as lost or stolen luggage, cancellation cover (should you not be able to travel due to unexpected medical or personal reasons) and most importantly, unexpected medical costs abroad. In reality, it’s extremely important to take out travel insurance, even if it tightens your budget a little. Your loss could be a lot greater should anything unforeseen happen. 

eKomi’s Review of Travel Insurance companies

With so many different policies available, selecting the right one depends on one’s particular needs. Several variables are to be considered, including customer reviews, offered coverages, exclusions, benefits, and so on. Generally, the best travel insurance policies are affordable, while still providing great coverage and high customer satisfaction ratings.

In today’s digital world, customers’ experiences with a travel insurer determine which company has a competitive edge over others. However, travel insurers can really try to stand out by offering a fantastic customer experience, and customers can gain insight into how they operate through evaluating reviews. Based on consumer comments and thoughts, insurers strive to not only provide a credible customer experience for their clients, but also to increase repeat business and improve their brand image.

To this end, eKomi has evaluated customer feedback in the form of reviews and ratings. The analysis curates a list of the best travel insurance companies in SA that have been earning rave reviews from satisfied consumers.

Top-rated Travel Insurers

Agency	Rating	Reviews
FNB Travel Insurance	5.0	3
Travel by Investec	4.3	23
Santam Travel Insurance	4.2	226
Hepstar Travel Insurance	4.0	44
Hollard Travel Insurance	3.8	17
Allianz Travel	3.8	11
Bryte Insurance Company Limited	3.6	156
Sanlam Travel Insurance	3.5	56
Travel Insurance Consultants	3.4	59
AIG South Africa	3.2	47
Discovery Group: Travel Insurance	3.0	326
Travel Safe	2.0	3

Most reviewed Travel Insurers

Agency	Reviews	Rating
Discovery Group: Travel Insurance	326	3.0
Santam Travel Insurance	226	4.2
Bryte Insurance Company Limited	156	3.6
Travel Insurance Consultants	59	3.4
Sanlam Travel Insurance	56	3.5
AIG South Africa	47	3.2
Hepstar Travel Insurance	44	4.0
Travel by Investec	23	4.3
Hollard Travel Insurance	17	3.8
Allianz Travel	11	3.8
FNB Travel Insurance	3	5.0
Travel Safe	3	2.0

With a rating of 5.0 stars, FNB Travel Insurance is at the top of our list as the top-rated insurer in South Africa. Followed by Travel by Investec with a 4.3-star rating and Santam Travel Insurance with 4.2 stars. The remaining travel insurance companies have lower ratings, which is disappointing. However, in terms of reviews, Discovery Group: Travel Insurance leads the pack with 326 reviews, making them the most reviewed insurer in SA. Santam Travel Insurance comes in second with 226 reviews, and in third place is Bryte Insurance Company Limited with 156 reviews.

Based on our findings, eKomi, compliments the owners of the top listed insurers in both categories for their excellent services. More reviews are obviously better. It gives a prospect a more complete picture of the company’s reputation and enables them to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the travel insurance provider according to other travellers.

Therefore, we urge all competitors in the industry to up their game and reach out to a review agency like eKomi.  Which works with an efficient team to produce reviews that are organic and credible. Ultimately, ratings and reviews are critical to the importance of a business and increase customer satisfaction and sales in the long run.

Travel insurance, recapped

Although unpredictability is one of the mind-opening joys of travel, travel insurance should contain no surprises. The time you spend understanding your options will be well worth the peace of mind you enjoy as you embark on your next adventure. Whether you’re seeking a single or long-term policy, each travel insurance option offers different strengths and weaknesses. As a result, choosing the right policy depends on your trip needs, your budget and how important various benefits are to you.