Insurance may be an afterthought when planning a trip. It often comes after the packing list, hotel bookings, and sightseeing itinerary. In the build-up to our holiday, it’s rarely featured in social media posts as one of the top reasons we’re excited. Most of us only start looking for the the best travel insurance quote because it’s recommended, not because we recognise its importance.
The reality is that unexpected events—like medical emergencies, personal situations requiring you to cancel your flight, or lost luggage — can happen to anyone. Customers who’ve had to make a claim often say that having the right policy gave them peace of mind and financial protection when they needed it most.
Hepstar draws on over 10 years of experience in the travel industry to provide clear, accessible information about your travel insurance options. In this article, we’ll explain what travel insurance typically covers, what to expect in a quote, and how to choose the best travel insurance online for your unique needs. We’ll also walk you through Hepstar’s range of insurance offerings, so you can see exactly what each plan provides and which one aligns best with your travel style and budget.
What Is Travel Insurance & Why Do You Need It?
Travel insurance is a safety net created to protect you financially and provide reassurance during your journey. Having the right policy ensures you’re covered for unexpected setbacks, whether you’re travelling for business, leisure, or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Typical benefits of travel insurance include:
- Medical cover for illnesses or accidents abroad
- Trip cancellation or interruption due to unforeseen circumstances
- Lost or delayed luggage protection
- Emergency evacuation and repatriation
- 24/7 assistance services wherever you are
These costs can run into thousands of rands without cover. By taking just a few minutes to buy travel insurance online, you’ll have comfort and confidence before you even step onto the plane.
Hepstar’s Insurance Plans: Which Is Best For You?
Hepstar offers several travel insurance plans, each designed to suit different travel needs, budgets, and levels of protection. Below is a comparison of our main products, so you know what to expect when you choose travel insurance with us.
| Plan | Benefits | What Makes This Plan Different | Things to Take Note Of |
| Comprehensive Travel Insurance | Cover up to R50 million for emergency medical treatment or evacuation. Includes pre-existing medical conditions and listed adventure sports injuries. Trip cancellation/postponement cover up to R50,000 under certain conditions (e.g., illness, visa denied, burglary). Baggage protection up to about R30,000 for lost, stolen or damaged items. Reimbursement for costs incurred during travel delays (e.g., lounge access, meals). | Competitive premium. Ideal for travellers seeking broad protection, participating in adventure activities, or travelling to remote/high-risk regions. Also suitable if you have a pre-existing medical condition. | Some conditions apply for certain sports. For longer stays, consider one-way cover options (up to 30 days). Cover does not apply for immigration purposes or work abroad. |
| Budget Travel Insurance | Emergency medical cover & repatriation up to R2 million. Baggage protection up to R5,000. Reimbursement for essential items if your baggage is delayed outside South Africa for over 24 hours. A lump sum of up to R100,000 for accidental injuries during your trip. | Budget plan satisfies the minimum cover requirements for Schengen visas, making it a great choice for European trips. Essential cover for smart savings: Keep costs low while still having essential protection in place. | Excludes cover for pre-existing medical conditions, adventure sports, trip cancellation and flight delays. |
| Top-Up Travel Insurance | Designed to supplement existing coverage (e.g., via credit card or medical scheme). In case your current plan lacks cover for specific risks, the Credit Card Top-Up plan ensures you’re still protected (against trip disruptions and baggage loss, or additional protection for medical evacuation). | Tailored to complement your existing credit card insurance. You only pay for the extra cover you actually need. | Make sure you understand what your existing credit card insurance already covers, so you avoid paying for overlapping benefits. |
| Inbound Travel Insurance | For non-South African residents visiting South Africa. Covers emergency medical expenses, including hospitalisation and repatriation up to R15 million. Assistance services like accommodation, emergency travel arrangements, and 24-hour trauma support. | A good choice if you’re visiting South Africa and want peace of mind with extensive medical cover and round-the-clock support throughout your trip. | Must make sure the policy dates and travel details match your itinerary. Some local conditions/exclusions may apply. |
What to Consider When Choosing Travel Insurance
When comparing travel insurance options, focus on the benefits that best match your travel needs. For instance, if you’re applying for a visa such as a Schengen visa, your policy may need to meet specific minimum coverage requirements, particularly for medical expenses and emergency assistance.
Look at the overall coverage limits, including medical, trip cancellation, and baggage protection. Consider whether the policy includes benefits relevant to your trip, such as emergency medical evacuation or coverage for specific activities.
Equally important is the credibility of the insurer and the strength of their support network. Hepstar partners with Europ Assistance, a globally recognised provider, to offer 24/7 emergency assistance and multilingual support, ensuring you can access help whenever you need it most.
Finding the Right Travel Insurance with Hepstar
At Hepstar, we make it easy to buy travel insurance online. Here’s how we deliver value:
- A broad range of plans – from Budget to Comprehensive, so you can choose the level of protection that fits your trip and risk tolerance.
- Competitive premiums – fair pricing that ensures you’re not paying for coverage you don’t need.
- Visa compliance – including Schengen requirements, so your policy meets embassy and visa office requirements.
- Comprehensive support – 24/7 emergency assistance through Europ Assistance, plus dedicated help for claims and policy questions.
Top Tips for Getting the Best Travel Insurance Quote
These practical tips can help you get the most value and protection from your travel insurance:
✅Buy early – The sooner you purchase your policy, the sooner your cover begins. This is especially important for benefits like trip cancellation, which only apply if you’re covered before an issue arises.
✅Be specific about your trip – Your destination, travel dates, and planned activities all influence your quote. High-risk activities or remote locations may increase your premium, so accuracy matters.
✅Compare like-for-like – Don’t just choose the cheapest option. Compare policies with similar coverage levels to understand what you’re getting. A lower premium might mean limited benefits or higher excesses.
✅Check for visa requirements – If you’re applying for a visa, such as a Schengen visa, make sure the policy meets the minimum coverage criteria required by the destination.
✅Consider pre-existing conditions – Check whether any pre-existing medical conditions are covered and whether you need to disclose them when applying.
✅Understand what’s included – Before buying, review the policy wording to understand exclusions, limits, and how to claim if something goes wrong.
Final Thoughts
Travel insurance protects you against unexpected events during your trip, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, or travel delays. It helps you avoid financial stress and ensures you can access support wherever you are.
Getting the best travel insurance quote isn’t just about price. It’s about balancing cost with the right protection for your travel style, destination, and risk level. Hepstar offers a range of plans—including Comprehensive, Budget, Top-Up, Inbound Travel Insurance—so there’s an option to suit every traveller.
Take a few moments to compare quotes, check what’s covered (and excluded), and ensure your policy gives you peace of mind. Buy your travel insurance online with confidence, clarity, and the knowledge that you’re protected when it matters most.
Ready to find your cover? Get your tailored travel insurance quote today. Travel smart. Travel safely. Travel with peace of mind.
