This blog is a little different from our usual dose of Africa-inspired wanderlust—but bear with us, because it’s something rather important (and, dare we say, essential).
Travelling to Africa is the adventure of a lifetime—filled with golden savannahs, unexpected wonders, and stories you’ll tell forever. We believe in making your journey seamless and joyful, but even in the wild, it pays to plan for the unexpected. That’s why travel insurance is always on our packing list—right next to sunscreen, safari hats, and a good dose of curiosity.
While we’d much rather be talking about lion sightings and sundowners, we also want you to feel informed and prepared. Your African journey is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—make sure it’s protected, so all you have to focus on is the thrill of the wild, the beauty of the land, and the incredible memories you’ll carry home.
What Could Go Wrong? (But Hopefully Won’t!)
- Your luggage decides to holiday in Dubai instead of the Serengeti.
- You twist your ankle dancing with the Maasai.
- A sudden change in weather delays your light aircraft transfer.
- A global hiccup (hello, volcano ash clouds!) shuts down flights.
These are rare, but they do happen—and insurance means they don’t derail your dream safari.
What If… Your Bags Took a Safari of Their Own?
Imagine this: You’ve just landed in Nairobi, heart racing with excitement for your very first safari. But at baggage claim… no suitcase. Somewhere between Heathrow and Kenya, your luggage decided to take the scenic route.
Cue a small panic—until you remember you’ve got travel insurance. While reimbursements may take a little time, you’re covered, and your Ahnasa team swings into action. They help you pick up a few essentials, lend you a kikoi or two to stay stylish and comfortable, and before long, your bag is tracked and rerouted to meet you in the bush.
Crisis softened, spirits lifted—you’re back to focusing on what really matters: spotting your first elephant, not your missing socks.
The Ahnasa Travel Insurance Checklist
✔️ Medical evacuation
✔️ Trip cancellation or interruption
✔️ Lost or delayed luggage
✔️ Emergency medical expenses
✔️ COVID-19 cover (still relevant in some cases)
✔️ Adventure activity coverage (e.g., bush walks, hot air ballooning)
Ahnasa Has You Covered:
At Ahnasa, your safety is just as important as your sense of wonder. That’s why we include emergency medical evacuation cover for all our guests (for East Africa Travel)—because in remote places, quick access to care can make all the difference.
If something unexpected arises, you can count on us for:
Emergency evacuation cover to get you swiftly from the bush to the nearest hospital
Responsive support from our team, who are ready to assist and guide you every step of the way
Coordination with your insurer, ensuring claims and next steps are handled with care
The Ahnasa App, giving you seamless access to your travel documents, emergency contacts, and itinerary updates wherever you are
We can’t always predict the wild—but we can promise you’ll never face it alone.
Quick Tips: Insurance Made Easy
- Buy it as soon as you book your trip – We cannot stress this enough!
- Read the fine print—especially for exclusions
- Save a digital and printed copy of your policy and upload it onto your personal Ahnasa guest portal.
- Let someone at home know who to contact in case of emergency
- We highly recommend ‘Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) cover
The Difference between Medical Evacuation Cover and Travel Insurance:
Medical evacuation coverage is not travel insurance. There are some travel insurance companies offering policies with medical evacuation coverage. However, it’s up to the individual to find an evacuation service, pay for it and submit a claim for reimbursement. True medical evacuation services, like Global Rescue, are sold as a membership.
Not sure where to start?
Ahnasa partners with Global Rescue which offers travel protection services, including medical and security evacuation, but it’s not traditional travel insurance. While travel insurance focuses on financial protection for trip cancellations, lost luggage, and medical expenses, Global Rescue specializes in emergency evacuation and rescue services, offering peace of mind through their expert teams and 24/7 support, with no claims to file.
Global Rescue memberships include emergency field rescue from the point of illness or injury worldwide. The costs associated with the emergency ground or air transportation are taken care of: There’s no deductible or co-pay. Membership also includes direct traveller assistance to help with local health care systems, visa and passport issues, translation, legal locators and real-time event alerts.
Global Rescue’s Key Features:
- Emergency Evacuation:
They provide evacuation and transportation services for medical or security reasons, including from remote locations. - No Claims:
Unlike traditional insurance, Global Rescue doesn’t require claims filing. They mobilize their services directly when needed. - Expert Teams:
Global Rescue’s operations are supported by medical and security experts, including veterans, paramedics, and physicians. - 24/7 Support:
Their operations centers are staffed around the clock to provide immediate assistance. - Membership-Based:
Global Rescue operates on a membership model, with various options for individuals, families, and students. - Additional Services:
They also offer services like travel advisories, destination reports, and security extraction. - Complementary to Travel Insurance:
While not a substitute for travel insurance, Global Rescue can be a valuable addition for those seeking comprehensive travel protection.