Travel insurance isn't on the UK's visa checklist, so many South Africans skip it. But the NHS isn't free for visitors, and a hospital stay can cost far more than the trip itself.

Is travel insurance required for a UK visitor visa?

No. The UK doesn't require travel insurance for a Standard Visitor visa, unlike a Schengen visa, which does. Your visa application won't be refused for not having it.

The NHS still advises visitors staying under 6 months to have personal medical insurance for their trip.

What NHS care is free for South African visitors?

ServiceCost for visitors
A&E (emergency department)Free
Hospital treatment after you're admittedCharged at 150% of the NHS rate
GP visits (registering as a temporary patient, 24 hours to 3 months)Free, if a practice accepts you
Treatment for most infectious diseasesFree
Prescriptions, dental treatment, eye testsSame charges as UK residents

A&E is free, but being admitted isn't. If you're treated in A&E and then admitted to a ward or need an operation, that care is charged at 150% of the NHS rate. That's where travel insurance matters.

Is your bank card's free travel insurance enough?

Many South African credit cards include automatic travel insurance when you buy your plane ticket with the card. It can be enough for a short, simple trip, but check these before you rely on it:

CheckWhy it matters
Did you pay for the ticket with the card?Cover usually only applies if you did
Do you need to activate it?Some banks require you to register the trip first, or a claim can be refused
Medical limitCard cover limits are often lower than standalone policies
Maximum trip lengthOften capped at 30–90 days
Age limitTravellers over 70 are often excluded or need separate cover
Who's coveredSome cards only cover the main cardholder, not your partner or children
Pre-existing conditionsUsually excluded, or covered for emergency stabilisation only
Cancellation, delays, luggageOften not included unless you buy a top-up

Phone your bank before you fly and ask for the policy wording for your card. Find out the medical limit, whether your family is covered, and whether you need to activate it.

What should you look for in a travel insurance policy?

  • A high medical limit. A hospital stay in Europe can cost more than R500,000, and medical evacuation back to South Africa can run into the millions.
  • Emergency evacuation and repatriation to South Africa.
  • Cover for pre-existing conditions you've declared, if you have any.
  • Trip cancellation, especially if you've booked non-refundable flights and accommodation.
  • 24/7 emergency assistance you can phone from the UK.
  • Cover for your whole trip, if you're staying longer than your card's limit.

Do you need travel insurance if you're moving to the UK?

Not for healthcare once you arrive. If you're moving on a work, Ancestry, family or study visa, you pay the Immigration Health Surcharge with your visa, which gives you NHS hospital care much like a UK resident. You may still want cover for the journey itself: flights, luggage and delays.