Travel Insurance & Medical Evacuation

Travel insurance is one of those things you hope never to use, but Namibia is a country where having the right cover can make a very real difference.

Many travellers spend part of their holiday far from Namibia’s main towns, hospitals and emergency services. A serious illness or injury in a remote area may require transport over a long distance or, in some cases, medical evacuation to Windhoek, South Africa or another centre with more specialised facilities.

What should your travel insurance cover?

At a minimum, look for a policy that covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation and medical evacuation. Depending on your trip, it is also worth considering cover for trip cancellation, lost luggage, missed connections, vehicle-related incidents and activities such as hiking, cycling or adventure travel.

If you are planning to drive yourself through Namibia, read the policy wording carefully. Some policies contain exclusions relating to off-road driving, certain types of vehicles, remote travel or accidents involving rental cars.

Medical evacuation matters in Namibia

Namibia is vast and sparsely populated. Medical facilities are concentrated in the larger towns and cities, while many of the places travellers most want to visit are several hours away from advanced medical care.

If you become seriously ill or are injured in a remote area, evacuation by road or air may be required. These costs can be substantial, which is why medical evacuation should be specifically included in your travel insurance rather than assumed.

Do hospitals accept travel insurance?

Not always directly. Private medical facilities may ask for payment, a deposit or a credit-card guarantee before treatment is provided, even if you have comprehensive travel insurance.

Some hospitals may also not have a direct billing arrangement with your insurer. In that case, you may need to pay the account yourself and claim the amount back afterwards.

Before travelling, check whether your insurance provider has recognised medical partners in Namibia and what procedure you should follow if you need treatment.

Keep your insurer’s details with you

Save the insurer’s emergency-assistance number somewhere you can access it easily, and carry your policy number with you while travelling.

If you are admitted to hospital or referred for specialist treatment, contact your insurance provider as soon as practical. They may need to approve treatment, arrange direct payment or coordinate an evacuation.

Pre-existing conditions

If you have an existing medical condition, are pregnant or require regular medication, confirm in writing what your policy covers before travelling.

Never assume that a standard policy automatically covers every pre-existing condition or every activity on your itinerary.

Remote travel deserves a little more planning

Travelling through Namibia’s quieter regions is one of the great pleasures of the country, but distances are long and immediate assistance is not always close at hand.

Good insurance does not replace sensible planning, but it gives you far more options if something serious happens.