Trip/Travel Insurance??

[Linkerman]

Good day all, I will be booking my June 2027plains game safari in the next 30 days. I do have a question/s about travel/trip insurance.

First, any good reccomendations for who to use?

How far in advance can I get this or when do I purchase it? Departing approximantly June 3, 2027 for twelve days.

What information will i need to provide to the provider of the insurance?

Approximant cost?

Thank you!!

 

[RLD]

I think that depends on what you are planning to insure. Are you talking about trip cancellation insurance or something more?

Many good credit cards give you this is you pay for the travel on them, you might want to check that first.

 

[375Fox]

Is this your first safari? I really don’t think trip insurance is worth it. It’s generally around 10% of hunt cost. One of the biggest benefits of hunting Africa is outfitters usually have very generous rescheduling policies compared to North America. You can typically reschedule that season on shorter notice or reschedule the next season with maybe 6 months notice. With a medical issue I’d expect most quality outfitters would be even more generous. Most airlines give you a 1 year credit on your flights if you have to cancel. Hunting Africa isn’t like hunting an elk or a mule deer where you are locked into your 1 week of a short season. Also Africa, especially PG hunts, are generally a very small deposit to hold dates. I’d really think if you actually need trip cancellation insurance. I think the money is better spent on more hunting.

 

[375Fox]

I also don’t know if anyone has been paid on trip cancellation insurance for a cancellation. I’ve only seen it offered through agent booked hunts. I always declined coverage.

 

[Joedad]

More important than trip insurance.
Check out your medical insurance out the county. Also for older hunters Medicare doesn’t cover you out of the country.

 

[steve white]

Has anyone ever had travel insurance ACTUALLY PAY OFF? I haven't.

 

[Surgeon1]

Evacuation insurance is nearly a must in most countries. If you are injured the cost will be far more than
virtually any hunt will cost. Whether it is for medical reasons or civil unrest having insurance that will
coordinate a rescue and evacuation with skilled people is the best investment you can make. Medical costs will be very expensive and likely you will have no coverage until you reach home. Cost to get you to the US via airflight medical care will be in excess of $200,000. Even to get your body home will cost your family tens of thousands. Take it or leave it but don't live to regret it!

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Good day all, I will be booking my June 2027plains game safari in the next 30 days. I do have a question/s about travel/trip insurance.

First, any good reccomendations for who to use?

How far in advance can I get this or when do I purchase it? Departing approximantly June 3, 2027 for twelve days.

What information will i need to provide to the provider of the insurance?

Approximant cost?

Thank you!!

@Linkerman
My wife's philosophy is book your travel insurance the same day you book your plane tickets and hunt.
Reason anything can happen between now and then so better to cover your arse than lose money.
Fortunately we have never needed it but recently our son lost a shit ton of stuff during a hold over and was glad to have it or he would have been out of pocket over five grand.
Bob

 

[atrious]

I’ve used AIG and received a refund for travel interruption costs. I’ve used Allianz more recently. Related aside: Japanese customs not only asked if I had coverage, but specifically asked about Covid hospitalization coverage...

 

[Philip Glass]

It depends! What part of the trip do you want to insure? I'd recommend just the flight. For my groups we tend to book flights early and you only have a year from purchase to use a credit if you have to rebook. As @375Fox states most outfitters will rebook you at no charge. In populated areas (RSA) I don't think medical evac policies are necessary whereas in a true wilderness area I would buy them. Ripcord and Global Rescue have travel /medical evac policies for little more than a standard travel policy. You may have to search for them as they want to sell you a membership.

 

[dlmac]

Has anyone ever had travel insurance ACTUALLY PAY OFF? I haven't.

I had a vacation cancelled due to covid and the insurance paid off. I think that was a complete different set of circumstances as it was basically a global issue.

 

[375Fox]

I had a vacation cancelled due to covid and the insurance paid off. I think that was a complete different set of circumstances as it was basically a global issue.

Just as a reference. I had 3 hunts interrupted due to Covid. A Spanish stag hunt in 2020, a polish roe deer hunt in 2021, and a lord derby eland hunt in 2021. I was able to reschedule all 3. I lost $500 for outfitter to transfer a permit from my name to his for mountain stag then I think $400 flight cancellation fee. The insurance payments would have been significantly higher. Even the travel agency credited my fee to a future year.

 

[Linkerman]

Greetings to all and I appreciate all of the information. This is my first safari therefore I am just looking to make certain that I have covered all bases and leave no stones unturned. Great group of guys here and appreciate the willingness of each of you sharing your knowledge and experience. Thank you!!