Table of Contents
8-9 10 12 14 7
TNA EATS @ Rawdons Hotel
Navigating Visa Challenges Travelling Within Africa as an African Passport Holder Travel Insurance
Q and A with Dr Atcha Essential Vaccines: for African Travellers Exploring the Continent
Travel Insurance
The importance when travelling internationally (Don’t be left stranded)
Embarking on international travel is thrillingnew cultures and unforgettable experiences. However, the unpredictability of travel, especially across borders, brings risks that can turn a dream trip into a nightmare. From medical emergencies to lost luggage, there are a number of unexpected challenges that can arise. This is where travel insurance becomes indispensable. For travellers exploring our beautiful continent or venturing globally, travel insurance is not just a safety net but a critical tool for peace of mind.
Why Travel Insurance Matters
Travel insurance provides financial protection and support for a range of scenarios that can disrupt your journey. Here’s why it’s a must-have for international travellers:
1. Medical Emergencies Abroad
Healthcare systems and costs vary widely across countries, and many don’t offer free treatment to foreigners. A sudden illness or injury - like food poisoning in Morocco or a sprained ankle on a safari in Tanzania - can lead to exorbitant medical bills. Travel insurance typically covers:
•Emergency medical treatment and hospitalisation.
•Evacuation to a better-equipped facility or repatriation to your home country.
•24/7 assistance in finding reputable hospitals.
2. Trip Cancellations or Interruptions
Life is unpredictable - family emergencies, political unrest, or natural disasters can force you to cancel or cut your trip short. Without insurance, you could lose non-refundable expenses like flights, hotels, or tours. Travel insurance reimburses:
Prepaid, non-refundable costs if you cancel for covered reasons (e.g., illness, death in the family).
Additional costs if your trip is interrupted, such as rebooking flights.
3. Lost, Stolen, or Delayed Luggage
Lost luggage or theft is common, especially during multi-country travel with connecting flights. Replacing essentials or dealing with delayed bags can be costly and stressful. Travel insurance covers:
•Replacement of lost or stolen personal belongings, including passports or electronics.
•Reimbursement for essentials (such as clothing and toiletries) if bags are delayed beyond a specified period (often 12-24 hours).
4. Flight Delays or Missed Connections
Flight delays due to weather, technical issues, or strikes are common in international travel. These can lead to missed connections, extra accommodation costs, or lost prepaid activities. Travel insurance offers:
•Compensation for delays exceeding a set time.
•Coverage for rebooking fees or alternative transport.
5.
Personal Liability and Legal Protection
Accidents happen, and you could unintentionally cause damage or injury abroad – such as breaking a hotel’s property as an accident or causing a minor accident. Travel insurance may cover:
•Personal liability for third-party damages or injuries.
•Legal expenses should you face a lawsuit abroad.
6. Protection During Crises
International travel can expose you to risks like political unrest, terrorism, or natural disasters. Travel insurance can provide:
•Evacuation or relocation support in case of riots, coups, or earthquakes.
•Coverage for trip cancellations due to unforeseen crises in your destination.
Why Travellers Need Travel Insurance
For all travellers, whether exploring the continent or venturing further, travel insurance is particularly crucial due to:
Variable Healthcare Access: Many African countries have limited or expensive healthcare for non-residents. For instance, private hospitals in South Africa or Kenya can charge thousands for emergencies.
Frequent Travel Risks: Long-haul flights, regional airlines, and remote destinations increase risks of delays, lost luggage, or accidents.
Visa Requirements: Some countries mandate travel insurance with minimum medical coverage (e.g., €30,000) as a visa condition.
Economic Considerations: Losing prepaid travel costs or facing medical bills abroad can be financially devastating, especially for travellers from lower-income countries.
Choosing the Right Travel Insurance Policy
Not all travel insurance policies are created equal. Here’s how to select one tailored to your needs:
1.Assess Your Itinerary:
Destination: Ensure coverage for all countries you’ll visit. Some policies exclude high-risk areas.
Activities: If you’re hiking Kilimanjaro or diving in Zanzibar, confirm coverage for adventure activities.
Duration: Choose a policy that covers your entire trip, or opt for annual multi-trip insurance for frequent travellers.
2.Check Coverage Limits:
Medical coverage: Aim for at least $50,000-$100,000 for international travel.
Cancellation coverage: Ensure it matches your prepaid costs for items such as flights or tours.
Personal belongings: Verify limits for high-value items like cameras or laptops.
3.Understand Exclusions:
Pre-existing conditions: Disclose medical history, as undisclosed conditions may void coverage.
Risky activities: Some policies exclude extreme sports or alcohol-related incidents.
Crises: Confirm coverage for civil unrest or natural disasters.
4.Compare Providers:
Research reputable insurers, especially those familiar with African travel. Check reviews for claim processing speed and customer support.
5.Read the Fine Print:
Understand claim procedures, emergency contact numbers, and documentation requirements.
Verify if upfront payment is required for medical treatment, with reimbursement later.
6.Consider Regional Options:
Some African insurers offer policies tailored for intra-African travel, often cheaper than global providers.
Tips for African Travelers
Buy Insurance Early: Purchase your policy as soon as you book your trip to cover cancellations before departure.
Carry Proof: Keep a digital and physical copy of your insurance policy and emergency contact details.
Know Your Destination: Research healthcare facilities and risks to ensure your policy covers them.
Declare Health Conditions: Be honest about preexisting conditions to avoid claim denials.
Travel insurance is not an optional extra - it’s a vital safeguard for international travel. It offers protection against the financial and logistical challenges of medical emergencies, cancellations, lost belongings, and so much more. Whatever your reason for travel, a comprehensive travel insurance policy ensures you can focus on the journey and not the risks. Before your next adventure, take the time to choose a policy that fits your needs, read the terms carefully, and travel with confidence knowing you’re covered.
“Travel far, but never without a safety net. Insurance turns detours into adventures, not disasters.”
Jesse Morris News Correspondent
Dr Atcha Q and A with
When travelling through Africa, ensuring you have the appropriate vaccines is critical for your health and safety. We ask the questions for you.
1.Can you tell us what vaccines are required for travel to different countries in Africa?
There are a variety of vaccines available for use for an entire array of infectious diseases. These can be broken up broadly into mandatory and recommended.
For mandatory vaccines, the main one that comes up is the Yellow Fever vaccine. It is mandatory for entry into many African (mainly central African) and South American countries, or if you are arriving from an endemic country/region.
There are other vaccines that are requirements to other continents when travelling from certain African countries (eg. Meningitis vaccine for travel to Saudi Arabia from certain countries).
Recommended vaccines encompass a broader approach; these are not mandatory but always recommended for travel for safer journeys and peace of mind. I will list some below:
Hepatitis A & B vaccine: recommended for travel to most African countries due to transmission risks
Typhoid fever: recommended for travel to more rural areas
Tetanus: always recommended in the case of certain injuries sustained
Rabies: recommended for areas with high rates of rabies, with long stays and potential animal encounters being indicators
Meningitis: recommended for travel to the ‘Meningitis Belt’ countries in Africa
Polio: advised for travel to countries with active transmission (eg. Somalia)
Cholera: usually for aid workers in high-risk areas
It is always recommended to consult a travel health practitioner 4-6 weeks prior to travel to assess all travel requirements and to formulate a plan regarding fulfilment of these requirements.
2.Do the vaccines required differ in adults and children?
Certain vaccines differ between adults and children with regards to the dosing and timing of these vaccines. There are also some age limitations for certain vaccines, so it is always important to have tailored advice for everyone.
3.Are vaccines safe?
Travel vaccines are tested rigorously for safety and efficacy purposes. Side-effects are not uncommon but are usually mild and can be managed. Severe side effects are very rare.
4.What are the risks of not getting vaccinated?
Not vaccinating can put you at risk of contracting severe and often life-threatening infections. Which can also potentially place others around you at further risk. You may also be denied access into certain countries that require specific proof of vaccination as part of their legal requirements.
5.If a person has a chronic disease, is it still safe or important to be vaccinated?
With many chronic diseases, it becomes even more important to have these vaccines. Conditions that affect the lungs (like asthma), the heart, and other multiorgan conditions (like diabetes) may result in severe complications from these infections, which means that the vaccine may help to prevent these complications. With that, there are also certain medical conditions that may pose risks with certain types of vaccines and as a result are contraindicated in these groups of individuals. This only emphasises the need for a personalised approach from a trained medical professional.
6.Have there been any disease outbreaks recently?
There have been several recent outbreaks at the time of completion of this interview (April 2025).
Notably:Cholera- In Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia Malaria- In Zimbabwe Marburg virus- In Tanzania Yellow fever- In Central and West Africa
7.How far in advance should I get vaccinated?
Ideally, 4-6 weeks in advance allows for vaccines that require multiple doses and vaccines that take longer to confer full protection. There are specific accelerated schedules that are applicable for certain vaccines but seeing a travel practitioner sooner rather than later is always better.
8.How do I prove to border control that I have the relevant vaccines required for travel?
When you vaccinate, you will receive a ‘yellow card’ or International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, which is accepted at international borders worldwide.
9.What can I do if I am heading to a malaria prone area?
While there’s no vaccine (except for some pilot programs for residents), you can protect yourself by:
•Taking malaria prophylaxis (over the counter)
•Using insect repellent with DEET
•Sleeping under mosquito nets (and ensuring places of stay have window nets installed)
•Wearing long sleeves and pants, especially at dusk and dawn
10.Where can I get reliable vaccine information or information on hospitals or clinics in the countries I’m visiting?
Below, you will find some websites that have lots of information regarding travel to specific countries
• WHO (World Health Organization) – www.who.int
• CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) – www.cdc.gov/travel
• South African Society of Travel Medicine (SASTM) – www.sastm.org.za
• Travel clinics and doctors trained in travel medicine
Essential Vaccines: for African Travellers Exploring the Continent
Travelling brings the opportunity to explore all that the continent has to offer, however, health precautions are crucial to ensure a safe journey, especially when crossing borders. Vaccine requirements and recommendations vary across the 54 African countries on the continent. These are influenced by disease prevalence, regional health policies, and your travel itinerary.
Why Vaccines Matter for Intra-African Travel
Travelling within Africa can expose you to diseases like yellow fever, malaria, and even meningitis, all of which are endemic in certain regions. Vaccines are there to not only protect you, but also to prevent the spread of diseases across borders as well as reduce the risk of outbreaks, especially in areas with lower vaccination rates. There are a number of countries that will require proof of vaccination for yellow fever, as part of the condition of entry.
Let’s explore some of the more common Vaccines required for travelling throughout Africa:
MANDATORY VACCINE - YELLOW FEVER:
What is it? Yellow fever is a viral disease spread by infected mosquitoes, causing fever, jaundice, and, in severe cases, organ failure. It’s endemic in many African countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
Why is it important? Many African countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry, especially if you’re travelling from or transiting through a country with a risk of transmission. A single dose, administered at least 10 days before travel provides lifelong protection.
Countries Requiring Yellow Fever Vaccination:
The following African countries mandate proof of yellow fever vaccination for travellers aged 1 year and older arriving from countries with risk of transmission:
Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Togo, Uganda.
South Africa: Requires a yellow fever certificate for travellers from risk countries, including Zambia and Tanzania, or those transiting >12 hours through risk areas.
Tanzania: Mandatory for travellers from yellow fever risk countries or those staying >24 hours in an endemic country.
Note: Even countries without mandatory requirements, like Ethiopia or Zimbabwe, may require a certificate if you’ve recently visited a risk country. It is always recommended to check with embassies for updates.
Exemptions: If you cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons (People older than 60 or who are pregnant), a medical exemption letter may be accepted, but you may face a quarantine period.
Then there are a number of vaccines that are not always mandatory but are strongly advised based on disease prevalence and specific travel plans:
RECOMMENDED VACCINES:
1.Hepatitis A
What is it? A viral liver infection spread through contaminated food or water, common in areas with poor sanitation.
Why get it? Hepatitis A is highly prevalent in Africa, with the continent having the world’s highest incidence. Two doses provide lifelong immunity.
Recommended for: All African countries, especially rural areas or destinations with variable food safety.
2.Typhoid
What is it? A bacterial infection from Salmonella typhi, spread through contaminated food or water, causing fever and diarrhoea.
Why get it? Typhoid is endemic across most of Africa, with a 10% mortality rate if left untreated. The vaccine is available as both an oral and injectable vaccine.
Recommended for: Developing countries like Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and Ghana, especially for extended stays or rural travel.
