Johannesburg, also known as Joburg, is the largest city in South Africa. With a population of 11 million, the city is a study in contrasts with an economically diverse population, and the world's largest urban forest. It is also the economic hub of sub-Saharan Africa, providing employment to millions.

Art galleries, trendy markets, posh apartments - Johannesburg is a treat for the traveler even before you venture into the wilderness of Kruger National Park - a five-hour drive. Situated in the Southern Hemisphere, Johannesburg celebrates Christmas in the summer.

Before you embark on your adventure to Johannesburg, it's important to buy travel medical insurance or travel insurance. Doing so can help protect your wallet in case of an illness, injury or mishap on your trip.

Johannesburg Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs

As South Africa is a developing nation, it may not have the kind of public healthcare resources you're used to. If you do fall ill, you'll likely have to seek private medical care. Private facilities can be prohibitively expensive, so it's extremely important to purchase travel medical insurance to protect your finances.

Do I need travel medical insurance for Johannesburg?

As of June 24, 2022, South Africa has ended all COVID-19 testing and vaccination requirements. Tourists are free to visit the country just as they did prior to the pandemic. There is no legal requirement for travel medical insurance to visit South Africa. 

Why buy travel medical insurance for Johannesburg?

Johannesburg can be exhilarating. At the same time, risks exist that could cause you to seek urgent medical care. A diagnosis of yellow fever or other vector-borne illness could keep you in hospital for a month. That is why you must remember to buy travel medical insurance before visiting Johannesburg.

Johannesburg Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs

Trip cancellation is heartbreaking. Months of planning and huge expectations can slip away at a moment's notice. However, if you're suddenly unable to travel due to an illness, family emergency or other unavoidable circumstance, you may have no choice. To compensate, buy trip cancellation insurance so you can be compensated for your nonrefundable, prepaid expenses.

Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Johannesburg?

Most of the expenses of a vacation are paid in advance. You have invested in hotel rooms and airline tickets. An unfortunate incident could lead you to cancel the trip, leading to a big financial loss. To recover from this setback, make sure you have a trip cancellation insurance policy.

What all is covered under trip cancellation insurance for Johannesburg?

In addition to trip cancellation coverage, your Johannesburg travel insurance can offer benefits such as:

• Flight delay coverage
• Trip interruption for a covered reason
• Loss of baggage or baggage delays
• Repatriation of remains

Planning a trip to Johannesburg can be a big investment. To help protect that investment, it's essential to add travel insurance to your trip-planning checklist.

Things to Do for Travelers in Johannesburg

Johannesburg boasts a vast amount of cultural diversity. No matter what you prefer, there is plenty to experience. It is a dynamic and vibrant city with a beating heart, ready to show you all it has in store. If you're looking for a few ideas to get you started, read on.

The Apartheid Museum

The pain and struggle of Apartheid is honestly displayed at this incredible museum. The lives of Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Oliver Tambo and other leaders who provided guidance and direction to the nonviolent struggle are depicted through newspaper clippings, films and artifacts.

The open architecture is a welcome change from the stuffiness of museums elsewhere. The displays include poignant photographs and installation art that make the museum come alive with sentiment and emotion.

Constitution Hill

Constitution Hill is a prison complex overlooking Johannesburg. Once, it was known as Old Court Prison, and incarcerated the likes of Gandhi and Mandela. In 1995 it was the site of the post-apartheid trials. The former prison is now a museum that serves as a stark reminder of the past.

It is an apt spot to learn about how a new nation is transitioning to a promising future. Places such as Constitution Hill are held in high regard in the country as they educate future generations about the struggles of those who came before them.

Gold Reef City

After the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill's somber tour, head to Gold Reef City for undiluted fun.

Located at the edge of the city, it is a theme park based on gold mining and the prospectors who used Johannesburg as a staging point before diving into Zimbabwe and Botswana. The principal exhibit is the abandoned Crown Gold Mine, once one of Africa's richest gold depostits. There are rides and roller coasters galore to entertain you. Afterwards, there are several restaurants and a bowling alley if you're looking forward to kicking off your shoes and sipping a beer in comfort.

Maboneng Precinct

Maboneng, located on the eastern fringes of Johannesburg, is a shining example of reformation through urban renewal. In local dialect, the name means "a place of light." This has indeed come true as out of the struggles of the past, an attractive bohemian neighborhood has emerged. Replete with coffee shops, retail outlets and art galleries, Maboneng is a shining beacon of the future.

Lion & Safari Park

If you want to get up close with big game without traveling to Kruger, Lion & Safari Park is the ideal location for you. Spread across 1,500 acres, there's a vast open-air zoo that plays host to 800 lions. Other residents include leopards, hyenas, giraffes, warthogs and several species of antelope. It is an incredible vista with green plains and plenty of fresh air. There are guided tours to ensure you are able to watch lions safely. After your visit, drop in at the Bull and Buck Grill for a sumptuous meal.

Travel Risks for International Travelers in Johannesburg

Johannesburg is a beautiful destination, but there are always risks involved when traveling to somewhere new. Follow these tips to enjoy a more stress-free vacation:

• Be mindful of scams. When booking a tour, make sure it's through a licensed tour operator. Impostors have been known to book tours for low prices in advance, only to vanish before it begins.
• Take utmost care during safaris. Never forget that animals in the wild are unpredictable, and can be dangerous. It is best to admire them from a very safe distance.
• Check your surroundings. In any major city it's advisable not to walk alone at night. It's preferable to rent a car or call a cab when returning to your hotel in the evening.
• Be careful of street food. No matter how adventurous your appetite is, unfamiliar food prepared in a questionable way could lead to an illness. Stick to restaurants instead.
• Don't leave your drink unattended. Johannesburg has a vibrant nightlife. To ensure you have a fun, safe evening out, it's always suggested that you keep watch over your cocktail.

Before You Travel to Johannesburg - Do This

Enjoy your days in Joburg, but remember this advice:

• Always maintain your travel documents in a separate folder and keep it nearby.
• Have fun but exercise caution at all times.
• Be careful not to overdo any activity or stretch your luck.
• Buy travel medical insurance or travel insurance before you depart.

DISCLAIMER: The information within this article is intended as a broad summary of benefits and services and is meant for informational purposes only. The information does not describe all scenarios, coverages or exclusions of any insurance plan. The benefits and services of an insurance plan are subject to change. This is not your policy/certificate of insurance. If there is any discrepancy between the information in this article and the language of your policy/certificate wording, the language of the policy/certificate wording will prevail.

The insurance plans available on this website are not specifically targeted towards the destination mentioned in this article. They can provide coverage while traveling away from home, according to the terms and conditions and geographic restrictions applicable to the specific plan.