Travel Insurance for High-Risk Regions Like Africa

Posted on: Jun 25, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Travel Insurance for High-Risk Regions Like Africa

An international travel medical insurance policy is handy when you visit high-risk regions like central Africa. Apart from offering the invaluable travel-related coverage, such a plan also offers medical insurance, which proves to be invaluable at difficult times. Several dangerous diseases and illnesses are known to originate and breed in this region, so you need added protection, which, thankfully, a good travel medical insurance international policy offers. Read on to know more.

Why is Central Africa a high-risk region for travel?

Africa is very beautiful and has a lot to offer. However, it is also a bit risky to travel to this region because:

1. Lots of tropical diseases

Central Africa is home to a lot of tropical diseases, such as tuberculosis and schistosomiasis. These are extremely dangerous and contagious diseases that can have long-term health implications. Sadly, these diseases are rampant in the Central African region, so you need to be adequately protected due to this. Getting a good travel health insurance plan helps.

2. Extremely vulnerable weather

The region’s weather is very vulnerable, and the place often sees floods, storms and droughts. This leads to several health-related problems as the food supply chain and other important facilities are often impacted due to the weather conditions.

3. Unsatisfactory healthcare system

A major reason for the widespread illnesses in the region is an unsatisfactory healthcare system. The Central African region is not the most developed part of the world, and there is widespread poverty as well. The healthcare facilities are quite poor, and you don't find good doctors and hospitals that allow for early detection and proper treatment, leading to large disease outbreaks.

4. Civil wars

Civil wars have torn through Africa, and this region is no exception. Apart from diseases, the risk of injuries is also high due to wars and unrest in this part of the world.

You may need to travel to this region for some work, and cannot avoid it. Understand the medical and travel related covers provided by your travel insurance policy, and you will be able to keep yourself safe.

The best insurance plans for high-risk regions like Central Africa

As stated, you need a very good international travel medical insurance policy when going to Central Africa. The policy you choose must include the following features:

1. Adequate health cover

First and foremost, you need adequate health insurance coverage. As you can see, it is quite risky to travel to the Central African region, where there are many threats to your health and wellness. Keep this in mind when you get travel insurance. If a health issue takes place while you are there, your health insurance policy should be able to pay for the health care expenses, guaranteeing a healthy recovery for you.

2. Coverage for pre-existing disorders

Choose a travel health insurance plan that covers pre-existing disorders. Whether you have diabetes or hypertension, your coverage should be wholesome and well-rounded so that any further health problems do not spiral out of control while you travel.

3. Accident coverage

The region is quite unstable, and wars and unrest are quite widespread. Hence, you require proper accident coverage to ensure you stay safe while there. If your basic policy does not offer sufficient coverage, look for add-on coverage. You may have to pay slightly more, but it will be beneficial in the long run.

4. Evacuation coverage

As stated, the region does not have the best healthcare facilities. If you fall sick while in the Central African region, you may need to be taken to another country or brought back to India for better treatment. Choose a travel medical insurance international policy that offers evacuation coverage to ensure you get safely transported for better care when needed.

5. Basic travel coverage

You need health coverage, but you also need travel coverage. Do not forget to look at the travel-related clauses when getting the policy. The plan must have adequate coverage for missed flights, lost baggage, hotel cancellations and so on.

6. Documentation coverage

Thefts are common in this region, and travellers often find their handbags and luggage gone in a flash. If you fall victim to such an attack, you may end up losing not just your belongings, but also your important documents such as your passport. Get a travel insurance plan that helps you replace your lost documents, as this is one of the most crucial covers you need when travelling to a high-risk region.

7. Repatriation coverage

If, for any reason, you end up losing your life in a risky region like Central Africa, your family will have a tough time getting your mortal remains back to India. At such a time, they will need the support of a good insurance company. Hence, choose a good insurance provider that offers repatriation coverage.

Tips to choose the best travel medical insurance international policy

Here are some handy tips to help you find the best plan:

1. Understand the requirements

You need to thoroughly understand your requirements before you finalise the insurance plan. For this, analyse your trip duration, your existing health conditions, the healthcare facilities of the country you are visiting, and so on. It is crucial to have the coverage you need to be able to make use of your insurance plan when needed.

2. Look for greater coverage (no compromise)

You have to opt for a high coverage amount when travelling to a high-risk region like Central Africa. Do not compromise on this, as you will need the greatest level of protection, keeping all the risks mentioned above in mind.

3. Choose a good insurer.

Get your travel health insurance plan from a reputed insurance provider like HDFC Ergo, which will be by your side when you need assistance. The insurer should have a good customer support team, should have an easy claim process and must be approachable at all times.

4. Look for digital access.

Last but not least, choose an insurance company that has an excellent digital presence. You may not be able to make phone calls all the time when you are in Africa, so you should have access to your travel health plan at your fingertips, on your phone or laptop, at all times.

To wrap it up

Whether you are on a holiday or a business trip, you need adequate travel medical insurance with international coverage when you tour a high-risk region like Central Africa. It is a crucial requirement as it protects you from several issues. There are many good travel insurance plans available from several top-rated insurance providers, so do your research and get the best policy at the best rate. Keep all the points mentioned above in mind and make a wise decision.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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