An African safari is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Safaris, however, are dependent on many factors, and your safari operators often require you to be prepared for changes in the schedule of the safari, with appropriate trip cancellation insurance.
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. While most safari operators will offer some trip cancellation insurance and medical insurance plans, coverage may not be adequate.
Generally, trip cancellation insurance offers other benefits such as baggage safety against loss or theft, in addition to safari cancellation and rescheduling. Baggage safety remains a major problem at African airports.
While most African safaris are held on time, it is not rare for the weather to necessitate change in the safari schedule. 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.
In case of medical insurance, ensure coverage for all major medical problems, as well as emergency evacuation and repatriation benefits. Usually, trip cancellation insurance can be bundled together with travel medical insurance. Shop around for plans until you receive a suitable trip cancellation and medical insurance plan that works for an African safari.
The safari is not the only thing that your trip cancellation insurance will cover. The non-refundable portions of your travel tickets, accommodation, and any other travel-related expenses are also covered. 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.
One of the hitches in the emergency medical evacuation clause is the fact that most areas that safaris cover are remote and not well connected by phone. So when an emergency actually occurs, getting prior permission or organizing it through the insurance company may not be an option. 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. Carefully check the plan you have chosen, it might feature the one-week purchase limit as a prerequisite for coverage, or as a prerequisite for extra benefits.
Dan Miller often writes about travel insurance.