The Importance of Purchasing Travel Insurance

So, you have been looking forward to your holiday for months, your trip is booked and paid. All you need to do is pack your suitcase. But have you thought of one of the most important parts of purchasing travel arrangements?  Travel Insurance.

It is part of human nature to believe that bad things will never happen to us. Unfortunately it’s a scary world out there and you never know what mishap is just around the corner. It is always best to be prepared and top of your list when making your reservation should be travel insurance. The cost of a travel insurance policy is minimal compared to the cost’s you can incur if you are not sufficiently covered. Don’t you want to have that piece of mind?

Still not convinced? Here are some of the common objections we hear regarding travel insurance:

“I don’t need Travel Insurance..I am fit and healthy”

Did you know that at least 65% of MEDICAL CLAIMS are accident related?! We have claims such as Motor Vehicle Accidents, slips and falls, skiing accidents, bitten and scratched by animals such as : spiders, snakes, stone fish, monkeys, hippo, elephant tusk and dogs, assaults and so on.

So if you are fit and healthy any of the above can occur too, most claims are not illnesses but accidents. Regardless of age or medical condition, travel insurance is a must!

“I am covered on my credit card”

Excluding FNB, all major credit cards provide limited complimentary cover when the traveller has used the card to debit the full fare. The complimentary cover is limited medical cover between R200 000 and R2 million as well as some Accidental Death and Permanent Disability Cover (lump sum compensation in the event of death or disability due to accident). The complimentary cover is not enough to cover risks associated with overseas travel and additional cover should be considered. The traveller needs more medical cover, cancellation cover and luggage cover. (These are the 3 most important benefits on any travel insurance policy).

“I am covered by my medical aid”

Some medical aid organizations provide free international medical cover when their member travels. The cover and terms of the various companies vary widely depending on the medical aid company. Some require that the traveller submit claim on return to SA, some use the savings limit (foreign currency claims are much higher than local claims), some don’t have a 24 hour help line and so on

Please check with your medical aid, what the exact details and terms are before you solely rely on this cover.

Some Real Life Stories:

Did you know that the average GP consultation costs GBP 150.00 in the UK. That’s already nearly R 3000.00 before you have even been diagnosed.

Here are some of the stories from traveller’s who had unfortunate incidents whilst they were abroad but were covered by TIC travel insurance.

Case 1:

James suffers from a pre-existing heart condition. When he travels overseas on a holiday cruise in the Caribbean, he suffers a mild heart attack and has to be rushed off to hospital. He stays in hospital for five days, and when he is released, his medical expenses have totalled R450 000. Fortunately, James had taken out a Leisure Comprehensive policy before he went on holiday, and he is covered up to R500 000 for pre-existing medical conditions. So although he suffered a heart attack on holiday, fortunately James didn’t have to suffer financially.

Case 2:

Anoop and Nadia save for two years for their dream holiday to India. They pay their travel agent in advance for their trip to the amount of R 45 000, which includes their return flights, their hotel accommodation in Mumbai, as well as a hire car which they plan to pick up at the airport when they arrive. Unfortunately three days before their scheduled departure, Nadia falls and breaks her ankle, and she and Anoop have to cancel their holiday. Because the trip is cancelled at such a late date, the travel agent informs Anoop and Nadia that their money is non-refundable. Fortunately, however, the couple had bought a Leisure Comprehensive policy, which includes cancellation cover, and the cost of their holiday is refunded to them in full.

Case 3:

John travels to London on a business trip, but is caught up in a terrorist bomb attack on the tube he’s travelling on. He is injured in the attack and rushed to hospital, where his case is reported to TIC’s assistance company, after it has been ascertained by the medical staff that he has a Business policy from TIC. John’s leg is badly injured and he receives emergency surgery. He recuperates in hospital for five days before flying back home to South Africa. His medical expenses come to R500 000.

 

Sure Travel 24-7 offers a range of travel insurance policies through TIC.  Travel Insurance Consultants (TIC) is the market leader in travel insurance in South Africa. TIC was formed in 1988 and is the only

specialist travel insurance underwriting company in South Africa.

Ask us for more information on travel insurance when booking your trip. TIC covers a range of travel such as business, leisure, youth and groups. There is something to suit the needs of any traveller at any age.

Meet Taryn of Sure Travel 24-7

The Sure Travel Group has been running a get to know your agency segment on their Blog.



They interviewed one of our Senior Consultants, Taryn.

This is what she had to say about her travel experiences and the Sure Travel 24-7 Team.

This week’s Q&A interview with just one of the friendly faces you could meet at your local Sure Travel agency… say hello to Taryn Classens, Senior Travel Consultant at Sure Travel 24-7 in Boksburg.







Tell us a little about yourself? I love to travel (obviously!), have been in the travel industry for 9 years, am a crazy animal lover, love sport and spend every Sunday on the soccer pitch. I really enjoy trying new things, whether it is food or activities, I am up for the challenge.

What do you love most about your job? The great people I get to work with. As well as the opportunities to visit countries I otherwise would not have had a chance to see.

Less well-known attractions in your area? My favourite place to visit has to be the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve. Not only do you get to interact with Lion, Cheetah and Tiger cubs but they also do great conservation work. A great day out for the whole family! For those interested in a night out on the town or a great restaurant, then Greenside is the place to visit.

What would you tell a tourist to do? Soweto day tour, a visit to the Union buildings, for the thrill seekers a day at Gold Reef City. If they are looking for even more culture then a visit to the Maboneng district or even the Cradle of Humankind is a must. A visit to Joburg also isn’t complete without a ride on the Gautrain and some shopping at Sandton City.

First time you ever travelled abroad? My first ever overseas trip was with family friends to Spain. That really opened my eyes to what a big world there is out there and made me determined to see as much of it as possible.

Favourite destination to travel to? I am most definitely an island girl. Sun, sea and sand is where I am happiest.

 

 

If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go? Maldives or Bora Bora. Sunshine and peace!

Next place on your travel bucket list? New York. A must see.

Most treasured travel memory? Arriving in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland. The absolutely breathtaking scenery of this town, situated in a valley in the Alps, is something I will never forget. To this day, I still tell people that I have never seen a more beautiful place.




Funniest travel experience? Every trip you are bound to have a funny experience but there are always those that still make you giggle years later. My first trip to Europe was an eye opener and you could say I was slightly naïve (an understatement). All excited, off I went to the Moulin Rouge, but somehow I missed the whole idea of the show. Well you should have seen my face when all the dancing ladies came out onto stage…topless!!

 

What advice would you give to someone travelling? Venture away from your resort or hotel and explore the local surroundings. This is the only way to discover some real gems and make some fantastic memories.

Something most people don’t know about you? I am a proper nerd at heart and have started a travel magnet collection. My fridge has a magnet from every country I have ever visited.

What is Sure Travel 24-7’s story? Sure Travel 24-7 started 9 years ago in owner, Debbie Joubert’s, tiny spare bedroom. We have come a long way from our humble beginnings and now operate from lovely spacious offices, with 3 Senior Consultants. Starting out as a small independent agency, within 2 years we had our own IATA license, joined ASATA and have been operating as a Sure Travel agency for the past 6 years.

Debbie Joubert (Owner/Manager), Taryn Classens (Travel Consultant), Rona McCracken (Travel Consultant)

Why should a client visit Sure Travel 24-7? We offer personalised, friendly service and our consultants go the extra mile to make sure your trip goes smoothly from start to finish. We have varied knowledge of most destinations so can assist with all travel arrangements for both corporate and leisure travel.

Contact Sure Travel 24-7:
9 Orkes Road, Sunward Park Ext 1, Boksburg.
Call:  011 896 5295
Email: taryn@travel24-7.co.za
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Rona's Nambia Educational

Rona, one of our Senior Consultants, recently visited Namibia on an Educational. Read on to find out what she got up to.

Day 1

My trip began on the morning of 13 April 2014 with a flight on Air Namibia from Johannesburg, OR Tambo Airport to Windhoek International Airport.The service on board Air Namibia was good and friendly. We had a smooth touchdown when we landed at Windhoek Airport.After we collected our luggage we then our tour guide for our trip, Alberto Zardi from Namibia Travel Connections. We were taken to our Kombi which would be our trusted vehicle for the next few days.We drove from the airport through Windhoek and stopped off at a shop to get some snacks, drinks and local Sim cards for our cellphones so that we could stay in touch with our loved ones left at home.Windhoek has had a lot of rain the last few months so the city was very green and had lots of trees, not how you image Namibia, you think of rolling sand dunes but that was not the case with Windhoek.We drove 420km from Windhoek to Swakopmund.  The scenery that we passed along the road was green grass but gradually changed to short bushy grass then to sand and later dunes as we came nearer to Swakopmund.Upon arriving in Swakopmund we went to an Italian restaurant called 22 Degrees South, I would definitely recommended this as the Pizza was delicious.  The Namibian Dollar is 1 to 1 exchange with the South African Rand. Our pizza and a cool drink cost about N$65.00. The weather was perfect, sunny and blue sky. Our guide kept telling us that this is very unusual weather for Swakopmund as usually it’s cool and cloudy, but we weren’t complaining. 

Swakopmund

After lunch we drove around Swakopmund and had a few hotel inspections.  First inspection was Swakopmund Sands. This is a 3 star hotel with a modern touch. The hotel has 3 room types. Single rooms, Double / Twin rooms and family rooms. The rooms only have showers.It is within walking distance to Swakopmund town. I would not recommend this hotel for families as there are no baths in the rooms. Please note that the rooms at Swakopmund Sands do not have air conditioners.Our next inspection was at the Alte Bruecke Resort.

This is a 3 Star resort that caters mostly for the self-catering clientele. The chalets have a full kitchenette, bathroom and bedroom /s. Most of the chalets can accommodate between 2 adults and 2 children or 4 adults and some can accommodate 6 adults.  There is also a camping site available for the more adventurous travellers.  At the camping site you have a chalet with a braai area, electricity port and lockable bathroom with shower facility. None of the chalets have air conditioners. There is a breakfast room for the people who would prefer to have breakfast included in the rate.

We then proceeded to Hotel Zum Kaizer were we stayed the night.  

This is a very neat, clean and central hotel. I would recommend this hotel for families and business travellers as you can walk to the town or down to the beach, sea and pier. The hotel does not have sea-view rooms as there is a building next to it. The rooms have air conditioners and tea & coffee making facility. Big bathrooms with bath and shower.

Hotel Zum Kaizer

Hotel Zum Kaizer Bedroom

It was a Sunday evening and not much was open you so you either went to Kucki’s Pub or The Tug Restaurant for supper.   The Tug Restaurant is very popular and bookings for this are made days in advance and weeks in advance during peak season.  The food is definitely worth it though and you get the most incredible Sunset views, so definitely worth a visit.  The Tug was fully booked so we went to Kucki’s Pub, they were extremely busy but good food and value for money.    

Day 2 

On the morning of 14 April we had breakfast at Hotel Zum Kaizer   Breakfast was tea, coffee and 2 types of fruit juices. You could then have a selection of cereals, pastries, cold meats and a hot breakfast which had to be ordered with the waitress. We then made our way to Walvis Bay which is 30km from Swakopmund.  Here you have the amazing but contrasting views of the desert on one side and the ocean on the other. We went on a catamaran cruise, out to Walvis Bay harbour then out to sea.  We had some seals jump into the catamaran and fed them fish, also went past Pelican Point, saw the lighthouse and the seal colony as well as oyster farms.  We had a light lunch of oysters, fish and champagne or soft drinks on board the catamaran. I would recommend wearing sun screen as the cruise is about 4 hours long and we had a very hot day. 

Pelican Bay Seals

Later in the afternoon we went to Moon Valley, lunar landscape eroded over many, many years. We experienced a beautiful sunset and a big, bright moon rising. 

Moon Valley Lunar Landscape

Sea Breeze Guesthouse

We stayed over at Sea Breeze Guesthouse which is outside of Swakopmund so you have to drive into town as it is too far to walk.  Sea Breeze Guesthouse is run by a South African who is very friendly and accommodating. The property is very secure, neat and tidy as it is in a suburb of Swakopmund. I would recommend Sea Breeze Guesthouse to families, couples and tourists. No sea view rooms. The rate includes Breakfast but the Sea Breeze Guesthouse also has 2 self- catering units available. I had a room which was on the first floor and looked out on to the parking area which can be a bit noisy with people packing their vehicles and leaving the property.The rooms have an en suite bathroom with a shower. No air conditioners in the rooms but they do have small fans.   

 

Sea Breeze Guesthouse Bedroom

Day 3

Most of the day of 15 April we drove from Swakopmund to Sossusvlei, the drive was 400kms. We stopped along the way to have a look at some of the view points and a packed lunch.  When we finally reached Sossusvlei we had a site inspection at Sossusvlei Desert Camp, if you prefer self -catering accommodation this is the place for you. If you would prefer to have meals included in your rate at Sossusvlei Desert Camp you can but for Breakfast and supper you have to travel to Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. For braai’s you can order the meat with Desert Camp and they will have everything delivered to your tent by 16:00 that afternoon. Stunning views!

Sossusvlei Desert Camp

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

Three kilometers down the road from Sossusvlei Desert Camp was our accommodation for the evening, Sossusvlei Desert Lodge.  Upon arrival at the Sossusvlei Desert Lodge you are greeted with a cold face cloth and a welcome drink. We had a site inspection and then shown to our tents as this Lodge is a tented camp, very well organized and stunning views.  Your tent has an en suite bathroom with a shower and a bedroom. The tents all have air conditioners but also have windows which have a canvas covering that can be unzipped to let natural air through the tent and zipped up again at night or left open but no mosquitoes can get in. Dinner is usually served at the outside restaurant and is a buffet meal. Here you can experience wild meat, Warthog, kudu, etc or for the less adventurous, chicken, lamb or steak. Salads and bread is also available with the meal.You can recommend this lodge to families and couple or groups of friends. There is also a swimming pool at the Lodge.

Day 4 

We left Sossosvlei Desert Lodge early morning to join the queue to go into the Namib Naukluft Park to experience Dune 45 and Dead Valley.  Trust me you do not want to try climbing Dune 45 at midday as you will melt as it gets extremely hot.  Do make sure you have lots of water with you.  We reached the top of Dune 45 at about 09:00, you have amazing views of the entire desert. We then drove onto Dead Valley, you have to park your vehicle if you do not have a 4x4 and go to Dead Valley on a shuttle that runs every 15 minutes. 

Above Dead Valley

Above Dune 45

Dune 45

On our way out of the park we stopped at Sesriem Canyon.Sesriem Canyon derives its name from the fact that early Afrikaners trekkers had to use six (ses) leather thongs (a thong is a “riem”) so that their buckets could reach water far below. The canyon begins as an almost imperceptible but nevertheless deep cleft in level, stony ground, and then widens until it finally flattens out onto the plain.

Sesreim Canyon

Sesreim Canyon

In the afternoon we stopped off at Desert Homestead for a site inspection.  At Desert Homestead you can go on a 1 night horse riding safari. The rooms are rondavels with thatched roofs which keep the chalets cool. The breakfast and dining area is in a large house with a stoep (balcony) area where you can sit and look at the spectacular views while enjoying a cocktail or a cup of tea or coffee. The Desert Homestead has recently been brought over and is undergoing slight upgrades to the rondavels.  The Desert Homestead is about 30 minutes drive from Sossusvlei.  

Desert Homestead Bedroom

Desert Homestead

We continued our drive to overnight at Corona Guest Farm. The drive from Sossosvlei to Corona Guest Farm was 350km. Corona Guest Farm is amidst rolling green hills, you could have mistaken the area for Scotland not Namibia. Scrumptious 3 course meal for supper. The rooms are large and open plan, you have a lounge area and the bedroom with an en-suite bathroom with a bath and shower. The house is very eclectic as the owner has travelled extensively and has a range of his collectables (chairs, masks, Figureens, etc) around the guest house.  

Day 5

Our last day in Namibia was 17 April, we had our breakfast at Corona Guest Farm which comprised of tea, coffee and fruit juice, cereals and a hotel breakfast, I had an omelette with bacon and toast. We took a leisurely drive back to Windhoek.  We drove past the Parliament buildings, the city gardens, the Sand stone Christian Church and the train station in Windhoek.  We had lunch and then went to Windhoek Airport to check in for our flight home back to Johannesburg.

I would recommend a visit to Namibia especially the desert, it is a vast open area and very quiet so recharging your soul and making you slow down to enjoy the peace and quiet the area has to offer.