DEPARTURE LOUNGE // SUMMER 2019
Travel Cover
Think you’ll save big on a trip by foregoing the travel insurance “you’ll never use”, or by opting for
the cheapest coverage without provisions for medical evacuation or repatriation in the event of a
worst-case scenario? Not so fast. Even the most common of illnesses or injuries can set you back
thousands – or millions – of rands if you’re unlucky enough to run into trouble abroad. Here are some
stats and stories that show why it’s smart to make sure you’re always properly covered when travelling.
ALWAYS READ THE FINE PRINT | Complimentary
insurance that comes with credit cards or medical aid is a nice addition
but often doesn’t cover cancellations, loss or damage to baggage and
just about every other claim besides injury or a medical emergency.
R3 000 000
THE COST OF AN AIR AMBULANCE REPATRIATION FROM CHINA
SOUTH AFRICAN
TRAVEL STATS | 30% of South African
holiday travellers and 60% of southern African
business travellers travel to tropical destinations
in Africa, the Indian Ocean islands or Southeast
Asia. Their most frequent travel insurance
claims? Treatment for gastric ailments – i.e.
the infamous “Delhi belly” – and malaria.
MEDICAL EVACUATION
OR REPATRIATION | Cost can typically vary from a
minimum of R250 000 to R3 million depending on the type of
evacuation, the severity of illness/injury and the distance to travel.
Medical evacuation or repatriation can be done by:
• An upgrade to Business Class with a medical escort
• An air ambulance (a helicopter or aircraft specifically fitted and
used for medical emergencies)
• Less commonly, an intensive care unit (ICU) pod on a
commercial airline.
ANNUAL CLAIMS AT TRAVEL INSURANCE CONSULTANTS (TIC)
| Calculated from the company’s
average annual claims:
70%
MEDICAL (OF THESE, 50% ARE ACCIDENT OR INJURY RELATED)
12.5%
CANCELLATIONS
Most common claim is food
poisoning (or gastroenteritis).
Each case costs the company
between R5 000 and
R200 000
20 // MAKE MEMORIES FOR LIFE
12%
LOST LUGGAGE
5.5%
OTHER