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Medical emergencies
Travel with peace of mind-be prepared for unexpected medical emergencies.
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Travel insurance for medical emergencies
Medical emergencies can strike at any time, often when you're far from home. Whether it’s a sudden illness or an unexpected injury, dealing with health issues abroad can be stressful and costly. With the right travel insurance, you’ll be covered for any unplanned medical expenses, so you can focus on what matters most - getting the care you need and staying safe, wherever your trip takes you.
Summary of important conditions related to emergency medical and related expenses.
If you need medical help while traveling, we're here for you! Just remember to get in touch with us or our assistance company for authorisation before any expenses are incurred. This allows us to ensure that your claim is fully covered. If prior authorisation isn't obtained, coverage may be limited to R10,000 or the amount our assistance team would have covered directly, whichever is lower.
While this policy isn't a substitute for medical aid, it's designed to provide prompt emergency medical assistance to obtain the immediate care needed to stabilise you. Once you're feeling better and are cleared to fly, we'll arrange for your safe trip back home, where you can continue any further treatment if necessary.
Why is travel insurance so important for medical emergencies
Up to R120 million cover for medical and related expenses (illness or injury).
Cover for returning a traveller's remains home in the event of death due to a medical emergency.
Hospitalisation coverage for sudden, unexpected, or acute onset of a pre-existing condition (for travellers up to age 69).
Direct settlement of bills with hospitals and doctors.
What's covered
- Pregnancy related emergencies up to the first day of your 26th week.
- Compassionate emergency visit.
- Repatriation of children.
- Repatriation of travel companion.
- Burial, cremation, or return of mortal remains.
- Emergency medical treatment due to a leisure sporting activity.
- Cover for reasonable and customary dental expenses up to the limit on your schedule.
- Daily hospital cash benefit.
- Quarantine expenses
- Emergency medical treatment due to accidental bodily injury, illness, or disease while travelling internationally.
- Hospitalisation cover for pre-existing medical conditions (for travellers up to 69 years).
What's not covered
We will not pay claims arising from:
- Pregnancy or childbirth from the 1st day of the 26th week of pregnancy onwards, as determined by a medical practitioner.
- Pre-existing medical conditions other than the cover provided for Pre-Existing Emergency Medical and Related Expenses limited to travellers up to the age of 69 years.
- Treatment - that you or your medical advisors know you will need during the international trip - including routine consultations, planned or scheduled procedures, and any consequences thereof.
- Travel when a medical practitioner has advised against it.
- Procedures relating to oral hygiene, for example teeth cleaning services.
- Investigatory treatment that is not specified as immediately necessary by a medical practitioner that we appoint.
- Physiotherapy or chiropractic treatment costing more than R3 000, unless you receive treatment whilst in hospital or it is authorised by the assistance company.
- Renewing prescriptions or scripts.
- Medical treatment and associated costs incurred within your country of residence.
- Cardio vascular or cerebro vascular disease for travellers aged 70 and over.
*Note: a formal quote will provide comprehensive details on benefits, limits, cover terms, conditions, and exclusions.
Summary of benefits of our travel insurance for medical emergencies
Compassionate emergency visit
In case of a family emergency, TIC covers travel expenses for a loved one to visit you if you're hospitalised abroad, ensuring you have support during critical moments.
Medical referral services
If you need a specialist while abroad, TIC's assistance service helps connect you to qualified medical professionals or specialists in your area for the care you need.
Transportation of minors
If you're hospitalised during your trip and traveling with minors, TIC covers the costs of sending them back home with appropriate supervision, ensuring their safety.
Quarantine expenses
Covers additional accommodation and related expenses if you are required to quarantine unexpectedly during your trip.
Emergency medical evacuation
Arranges and covers emergency medical transportation to the nearest suitable facility or back to your home country.
Daily hospital cash benefit
Provides a daily cash allowance if you're hospitalised during your trip, helping with incidental expenses while you recover.
Emergency dental treatment
Covers urgent dental treatment required to restore dental function while travelling.
Vascular, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular cover
Emergency cover for travellers under 69 with vascular, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular conditions (not pre-existing), in eligible policies.
Emergencies as a result of leisure sporting activities
Leisure and competitive sporting events and activities are automatically covered by your policy
How to buy travel insurance
Get started:
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Fill in your details:
Provide a few quick details about your trip.
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Secure your cover:
Purchase your travel insurance safely and securely, up to 12 months in advance.
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Discover how our travel insurance has made a difference for others - hear directly from our happy customers.
Location: Democratic Republic of Congo
Paid amount: R400 000
Mr F
Location: Lusaka, Zambia
Paid amount: R235 000
Mr B
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Accepted by all VISA authorities, including SCHENGEN
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Help and FAQ's
If you have any questions or queries, please visit our Contact us page
If you are experiencing an emergency, click here
Direct
Tel: 0860 100 484 (RSA) or +27 (0)11 521 4000
E-mail: helpdesk@tic.co.za
Claims and emergency
Tel: +27 (0)11 521 4000
Policy-related FAQs for Medical Emergencies
Does TIC cover emergency medical expenses abroad?
Yes, TIC covers emergency medical expenses, including hospitalisation, doctor visits, and treatments needed while you're travelling due to unexpected illness or injury.
Are pre-existing medical conditions covered under TIC travel insurance?
Certain policies make provision for pre-existing illness cover; please take note of applicable age restrictions.
Does TIC provide coverage for emergency medical evacuation?
Yes, TIC includes cover for emergency medical evacuation, ensuring you're transported to the nearest suitable medical facility or repatriated back to your home country if necessary.
Are routine medical check-ups or elective treatments covered?
No, TIC's travel insurance policies do not cover routine medical check-ups or elective (non-emergency) treatments. Coverage is limited to emergency medical situations.
Is pregnancy-related medical care covered by TIC?
TIC covers emergency medical complications related to pregnancy up to a certain gestation period (usually around 26 weeks). Normal childbirth or pregnancy after that period is typically excluded.
Service-related FAQs for Medical Emergencies
How do I get emergency medical assistance while travelling?
TIC provides 24/7 emergency assistance. In case of a medical emergency, you can call the emergency hotline for help with finding a nearby hospital, arranging transportation, and authorising medical care.
What documentation do I need to file a medical emergency claim?
You will need to provide medical reports, hospital bills, and receipts for treatment received. TIC may also request proof of travel and your policy information to process the claim.
How long does it take to process a medical emergency claim?
TIC processes claims as quickly as possible, but the exact time can vary based on the complexity of the case. To avoid delays, ensure all required documents are submitted promptly.
Can TIC arrange medical evacuation if needed?
Yes, TIC's 24/7 emergency assistance team can arrange medical evacuation if necessary, including air ambulance or other transportation to the nearest suitable medical facility.
What should I do if a hospital asks for payment upfront?
Contact TIC's emergency assistance service immediately. They can help coordinate payments directly with the hospital or recommend an alternate supplier. Be sure to keep all receipts for reimbursement if payment is required upfront.
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