Going on a safari is one of the most thrilling sports you can engage in. Wandering through the wilderness and hunting with guns or bows is one of the most primitive forms of sport, but adventure seekers still love to indulge in it even today.
There are a few risks involved in this activity. Nevertheless, with safari travel insurance, you can try out this amazing sport with complete peace of mind about medical costs if you are injured while on safari.
Travel Insurance for Safaris
While travelling to places like Africa or South America, where safaris and hunting are permitted, make sure you have the appropriate travel insurance.
Since safari is mostly considered as a leisure activity, some travel insurance plans may not provide coverage for it. In such cases, you can buy additional coverage so that the activity is insured.
Do not go for a safari without prior planning. If you are not comfortable around wild animals, or if you are not used to the wilderness, then the sport is not for you. Do not decide to hunt with guns and bows in the spur of the moment if you are not experienced enough to handle them.
If you are a novice and you try to bring down a game with inexperienced hands, it could lead to dangerous situations. You might end up hurting yourself or others, or you might only provoke the animal without killing it. It could then charge you and injure you.
Do your research, and get all the necessary permits before going on a hunting safari. If you are sure you want to engage in the activity, then you should purchase safari hazardous sports travel insurance to be sure you’re covered against unexpected accidents or injuries.
Since safaris are mostly conducted far from civilization, you might need emergency medical evacuation if you are injured on a safari trip. The best travel insurance for safaris will include this benefit.
Types of Coverage for Safaris
When embarking on a safari, having comprehensive travel insurance is vital to ensure you’re protected against unexpected risks. Here are the key coverage types to look for in safari travel insurance:
- Trip Cancellation and Interruption
These benefits provide reimbursement for non-refundable trip costs if unforeseen events force you to cancel or cut your safari short. Covered reasons may include personal illness, severe weather, or emergencies at home. Some plans even offer “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage, providing greater flexibility. - Emergency Medical Coverage
Safaris often occur in remote areas, where access to medical care can be limited. Emergency medical coverage ensures you’re reimbursed for hospital stays, ambulance services, and treatments if you’re injured or fall ill. Experts recommend a minimum of $100,000 in emergency medical coverage. - Medical Evacuation Coverage
If you need to be airlifted to the nearest medical facility or back home, medical evacuation coverage can handle the potentially exorbitant costs. A recommended minimum of $250,000 ensures peace of mind for high-cost scenarios. - Travel Delay and Missed Connection
Delays can disrupt safari itineraries. This coverage reimburses expenses like accommodations and meals during delays or helps you rejoin your group if connections are missed. - Baggage and Personal Item Loss
Losing your luggage during a safari can be highly inconvenient. Baggage coverage compensates for lost or delayed items, enabling you to replace essentials.
By selecting a plan that includes these benefits, you can explore the wilderness with confidence, knowing you’re protected from financial risks and emergencies.
How much does Safari Travel Insurance Cost?
The cost of safari travel insurance varies based on factors like the length of your trip, destination, and the coverage limits you select. On average, travel insurance typically costs 4-10% of your total trip cost. For example, if your safari costs $10,000, you can expect to pay between $400 and $1,000 for a comprehensive policy.
Additional factors influencing the price include your age, pre-existing medical conditions, and whether you opt for add-ons like “Cancel for Any Reason” or higher medical evacuation coverage. Travelers venturing to remote safari locations may need higher limits for emergency medical and evacuation coverage, increasing the premium.
To get the best value, compare plans from multiple providers, ensuring the policy meets your specific needs. While the upfront cost of travel insurance may seem significant, the protection it provides can save you from overwhelming financial burdens in case of an emergency.
Going on a Safari
During a safari, you are required to travel through the wilderness on foot or in a vehicle like a van or a jeep. There are many countries in Africa and South America that not only organize safaris but allow hunting with bows and guns.
You have to acquire permission to hunt from the proper authorities. You have to make sure that your pieces of equipment are registered and that you have your license and other documentation showing proof of possession on your person.
While hunting, you have to make sure that you only hunt in the designated places and only the animals you are permitted to hunt. You must also take as much care as possible not to disturb the wildlife around you.
Risks of Safaris
Going on a safari has its share of risks. You will be at nature’s mercy in a jungle or other similar woodlands, surrounded by wildlife.
The environment in a safari park or the jungle can be very unpredictable. Depending on what game you are after, you could be herded by wild animals and become the hunted instead of the hunter.
Try to not engage with the wildlife unnecessarily, and do not provoke any wild animals. Make sure your guns or bows are fully functional and that they will do their job when you are face-to-face with your quarry.
You should also be careful of poisonous insects and animals during the safari. Make sure you are wearing protective boots. Do not go into the shrubs or undergrowth after dark.
If you are mauled by a wild animal, it could lead to acute bleeding, fractures, and even permanent disfigurement. Make sure you are always travelling with a companion so that someone is present to assist you in case of an emergency.
With hazardous sports travel insurance for safaris, the insurance company can help provide coverage for the expenses of treatment if you are injured because of these risks.