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Products & Services for Savvy Travellers

Your Complete Travel Companion

Travelstart offers more than just flights and hotels. From travel insurance and automated check-in to trip alerts and extra coverage, we’ve got you covered. Add these services during booking and travel confidently with the right insurance for your next trip.

Inbound Travel Insurance

Inbound Travel Insurance

Travelstart offers a protection service which covers residents and non-residents of South Africa visiting the country on holiday, against unexpected events that impact your trip. Valid for ages up to and including 70 years.

Why you need this:

Enjoy a hassle and worry-free vacation

Available on inbound international bookings

Covers medical expenses, baggage loss and more

How to add it to your booking:

Select your flight/s.

Select ‘Comprehensive Travel Insurance’ under Customise Your Trip.

Select payment method and complete booking payment.

Receive policy documentation via email.

Read your policy documents to ensure the product is appropriate.

Terms and conditions
  • This product must be purchased when you book your ticket. It is not possible to add it afterwards.
  • The product and processing fees are charged per person.
  • A processing fee per person will be payable upfront in order to process your refund.
  • RSA residents and non-residents travelling to RSA are eligible for the Inbound plan.
  • Please note that the processing time of your refund can take 6 – 8 weeks.

See a summary of the benefits, full terms and conditions and exclusions here.

10, 20, 30-Day Travel Insurance

Travelstart offers 10, 20 and 30-day one-way comprehensive insurance, provided you will be returning and not emigrating.

Why you need this:

All South Africa travellers intending to return South Africa qualify for this policy.

Ensure cover for medical expenses, delays, baggage loss and more.

Anyone under the age of 71 years old automatically qualifies.

How to add it to your booking:

Select your flight/s.

Select ‘Comprehensive Travel Insurance’ under Customise Your Trip.

Select 10/20/30-day insurance.

Select the duration you require.

Select payment method and complete booking payment.

Check your email for your policy documentation.

Terms and conditions
  • This policy is valid for residents of South Africa intending to return to RSA.
  • Travel may not exceed 365 executive days.
  • This product must be purchased at the time of booking, prior to departure from or into RSA.
  • Travellers may not exceed the age limit of 71 years, except Senior, which is 84 years – both inclusive.
  • Medically required treatment, testing and quarantine costs covered up to R100m
  • Cancellation and curtailment loss covered up to R40k
  • Theft, damage and delays of baggage covered up to R30k
  • You will not be covered for:
    • Travel against the advice of a Medical Practitioner
    • Travel with the intention of obtaining medical treatment or consultation abroad
    • Pregnancy and childbirth-related complications after the 26th week of pregnancy
    • Travel to or within countries with a sanction, prohibition or restriction under United Nations resolutions or the trade and economic sanctions, laws or regulations of the European Union, United Kingdom or the United States of America. This includes travel to or within the following sanctioned countries: Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Syria, Sudan and Crimea Region
  • Please note that the processing time of your refund can take 6 – 8 weeks.
  • Please use contact form to request a refund on your product.

See a summary of the benefits, full terms and conditions and exclusions here.

The underwriter and service providers.

This product is underwritten by GUARDRISK INSURANCE COMPANY LTD, a registered short-term insurer and financial services provider. Your intermediary services providers are HEPSTAR FINANCIAL SERVICES (PTY) LTD and TRAVELSTART ONLINE TRAVEL OPERATIONS (PTY) LTD, authorised financial services providers. Click here to view the full details of the service providers of this product.

Comprehensive International Travel Insurance (USA/Canada)

Travelstart offers a Comprehensive International Travel Insurance covering you for your trip to the US and Canada. Valid for ages up to and including 70 years.

Why you need this:

South African residents, as well as non-residents travelling inbound to South Africa, qualify.

Ensure cover for medical expenses, delays, baggage loss and more.

Anyone up to 70 years old automatically qualifies.

How to add it to your booking:

Select your flight/s.

Select ‘Comprehensive International Travel Insurance’ under Customise Your Trip.

Select payment method and complete booking payment.

Check your email for your policy documentation.

Take your policy document along when applying for a US/ Canadian visa.

Terms and conditions
  • This policy is valid for RSA residents and non-RSA residents travelling inbound to RSA.
  • Travel may not exceed 365 executive days.
  • This product must be purchased at the time of booking, prior to departure from or into RSA.
  • Travellers may not exceed the age limit of 70 years, except Senior, which is 84 years – both inclusive.
  • You will not be covered for:
    • Travel against the advice of a Medical Practitioner
    • Travel with the intention of obtaining medical treatment or consultation abroad
    • Pregnancy and childbirth-related complications after the 26th week of pregnancy
    • Travel to or within countries with a sanction, prohibition or restriction under United Nations resolutions or the trade and economic sanctions, laws or regulations of the European Union, United Kingdom or the United States of America. This includes travel to or within the following sanctioned countries: Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Syria, Sudan and Crimea Region
  • Please note that the processing time of your refund can take 6 – 8 weeks.
  • Email help@travelstart.com to request a refund on your product.

See a summary of the benefits, full terms and conditions and exclusions here.

The underwriter and service providers.

This product is underwritten by GUARDRISK INSURANCE COMPANY LTD, a registered short-term insurer and financial services provider. Your intermediary services providers are HEPSTAR FINANCIAL SERVICES (PTY) LTD and TRAVELSTART ONLINE TRAVEL OPERATIONS (PTY) LTD, authorised financial services providers. Click here to view the full details of the service providers of this product.

Comprehensive International Travel Insurance

Travelstart offers Comprehensive International Travel Insurance that is Schengen and UK compliant, covering unexpected events that may impact your trip. Valid for travellers up to and including 70 years of age.

Why you need this:

Enjoy a hassle and worry-free vacation

Available on any international booking

Covers medical expenses, baggage loss and more

How to add it to your booking:

Select your flight/s.

Select ‘Comprehensive Travel Insurance’ under Customise Your Trip.

Select payment method and complete booking payment.

Receive policy documentation via email.

Read your policy documents to ensure the product is appropriate.

Take your policy documents to the embassy when you apply for a Schengen Visa.

Terms and conditions
  • This product must be purchased when you book your ticket. It is not possible to add it afterwards.
  • This product is only available on international flights booked with Travelstart travelling to cities that require a Schengen visa.
  • The product and processing fees are charged per person.
  • A processing fee per person will be payable upfront in order to process your refund.
  • Residents of South Africa (main home in RSA) are eligible for this product.
  • Travellers may not exceed the age limit of 70 years, except Senior, which is 84 years – both inclusive.
  • You will not be covered for:
    • Travel against the advice of a Medical Practitioner
    • Travel with the intention of obtaining medical treatment or consultation abroad
    • Pregnancy and childbirth-related complications after the 26th week of pregnancy
    • Travel to or within countries with a sanction, prohibition or restriction under United Nations resolutions or the trade and economic sanctions, laws or regulations of the European Union, United Kingdom or the United States of America. This includes travel to or within the following sanctioned countries: Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Syria, Sudan and Crimea Region
  • Please note that the processing time of your refund can take 6 – 8 weeks.

See a summary of the benefits, full terms and conditions and exclusions:

Airline Liquidation Protection

Get a full refund of airfare and taxes if the airline you are flying with is liquidated prior to departure.

Why you need this:

Get a full refund of airfares and taxes

Book your flight with peace of mind

Available on any international booking

How to add it to your booking:

Select your flight/s.

Select ‘Airline Liquidation Protection’ under Customise Your Trip.

Select payment method and complete booking payment.

Submit a refund request if the airline cancels due to liquidation.

Terms and conditions
  • This product must be purchased when you book your ticket. It is not possible to add it afterwards.
  • The product and processing fees are charged per person.
  • A processing fee per person will be payable upfront in order to process your refund.
  • If you have booked tickets with an airline that unexpectedly cancels their flights due to liquidation (according to South African legislation or equivalent processes with other government jurisdictions), submit a refund request form or contact our refunds department as soon as possible.
  • If the airline you are flying with is liquidated before departure, your airfare and taxes will be reimbursed in full.
  • If the airline is liquidated during your journey you will be reimbursed for the cost of your unflown flights with the liquidated airline.
  • Should you be refunded, we will only refund the airfare and taxes. We will not refund any extra costs from your booking.
  • Please note that the processing time of your refund can take 6 – 8 weeks, from the date of the final winding down order is granted.
  • To request the refund claim please use our contact form Contact Form. Select category: Airline Liquidation Policy Claim.

Flexible Travel Dates

Travelstart offers you a Flexible Travel Dates option that allows you one date change to your flight without paying any airline penalty fees. This is valid up to 24 hours prior to departure of the original ticket.

Why you need this:

Enjoy the freedom of changing the date across all airlines whether domestic or international.

Each passenger in the booking is entitled to one date change.

We’ll help you choose the most affordable alternative flight.

How to add it to your booking:

Select your flight/s.

Select ‘Flexible Travel Dates’ under Customise Your Trip.

Select payment method and complete booking payment.

Terms and conditions
  • If the price of your rebooked ticket is higher, you will be required to pay the difference in airfare and taxes.
  • For international travel, you will only receive one date change. All changes must be done PRIOR to the original departure date on the ticket.
  • For domestic travel, you will receive one date change for your outbound flight and one for your inbound flight. Changes must be done PRIOR to the departure of outbound or inbound travel.
  • You can change your travel to any date within the validity of your ticket (can vary between 1 – 6 months). The validity of your ticket is determined by the airline’s policy.
  • This product only covers date changes and may not be used for traveller name changes, rerouting stopovers and class upgrades.
  • Changes to origin/destination airports and airlines are not permitted.
  • Date changes must be requested at least 24 hours PRIOR to departure.
  • If you are departing in more than 48 hours, date changes will be processed during normal office hours from Monday to Friday 08:30-17:00 and Saturdays 09:00-13:00.
  • If you are departing in less than 48 hours, emergency requests will be processed seven days a week from 07:00-01:00.
  • The new date requested must be more than 24 hours from the time your request is submitted.
  • Flights must be used in the order they were originally booked.
  • Please note that this is a Travelstart product and can only be used by contacting us directly.

Medical Cancellation Refund

Get a full refund of airfare and taxes in the event of sudden illness, death or hospitalisation of yourself or a close relative prior to departure.

Why you need this:

Get a guaranteed full refund of airfare and taxes in the event of sudden illness, hospitalisation or death.

Protect yourself against unforeseen and unwanted expenses.

Protect yourself with low processing fees.

How to add it to your booking:

Select your flight/s.

Select ‘Medical Cancellation Refund’ under Customise Your Trip.

Select payment method and complete booking payment.

Terms and conditions
  • You will only be covered in the event of sudden illness, death or hospitalisation of yourself or a close relative. (We use the term “close relative” to refer to a husband, wife, partner, child or grandchild, brother, sister, parent or grandparent.)
  • The product must be purchased at the time of booking your ticket. It is not possible to add it afterwards.
  • The product and processing fees are charged per person.
  • A processing fee per person will be payable upfront in order to process your refund
  • The product is only valid for flights cancelled before outbound travel has commenced. You will not be covered if you wish to cancel a flight during your journey, or after a flight has already been flown.
  • To qualify for the full refund of airfare and taxes due to medical cancellation, official proof (in the form of at least 1 required document listed below) must be provided to Travelstart within 1 week of cancellation.
  • Proof of medical condition is required:
    • Doctor’s note stating you (or any other passenger in the booking) are unable to fly over specified travel dates
    • Hospital admission or discharge form stating you (or any other passenger in the booking) are unable to fly over specified travel dates
    • Death certificate
  • We also need proof of relation (in the form of a certified affidavit) should the last name of the traveller not correspond with the ill person.
  • Should you be refunded, we will only refund the airfare and taxes. We will not refund any extra costs from your booking.
  • Please note that the processing time of your refund may take up to 6 – 8 weeks.
  • This service does not cover airline cancellation, liquidation/suspension, car or hotel reservations.

Visa Assessment

Travelstart empowers you to secure your visa effortlessly through our trusted third-party visa assessment service. Rely on the expertise of visa professionals for all your travel document needs.

Why you need this:

Rest assured that your travel plans are meticulously organized and compliant with the latest travel regulations.

Our Visa provider will have access to your travel arrangements, making the rest of your visa application process even simpler.

This product is an assessment, you may receive a quote directly from the provider to get assistance with the visa application.

After purchasing the product, Travelstart will share your travel and contact details with Visa box directly, Visa box will then make contact with you regarding the outcome of assessment. Expected turnaround time: Within 48 working hours (Mon-Fri 8am-4pm being the working hours excl public holidays)

How to add it to your booking:

Select your flight/s.

Under Add-ons, select ‘Visa Assessment’.

Select payment method and complete booking payment.

Terms and conditions

Introduction:

You acknowledge and agree that you are aware that certain Countries throughout the world may have visa requirements which obligates any passenger to have a valid visa issued in the name of each traveler prior to being granted entry into a particular country. To assist You, Travelstart Online Travel Operations (Pty) Ltd (“Travelstart”) has partnered with Visa Box to, (a) assess whether You require a visa as part of your travels, and (b), the type of visa You require (“Visa Inquiry”). Once the visa assessment has been completed, Visa Box (with Your consent) will assist You with the relevant Visa Application (“Visa Application”). The visa services (mentioned above) will be provided independently of Travelstart and will be at an additional charge to You.

  1. Travelstart renders the services of hosting an online search and booking portal, with its primary focus on the travel and accommodation industries. As part of this offering, Travelstart has partnered with Visa Box to provide the aforementioned Visa Inquiry Services as well as Visa Application services.
  2. It is ENTIRELY THE CLIENT’S RESPONSIBILITY to ensure that all passports and visas are current, valid, obtained on time, have sufficient blank pages, are applicable to your travel destination and will be valid for six months on return to their home country.
  3. Where You have purchased Visa Assistance Services through Visa Box (whether the Visa Inquiry or the Visa Application) Travelstart will refer You to Visa Box in order for Visa Box to be in contact. In doing this, You acknowledge that Travelstart, in referring your information to Visa Box acting as an Agent for and on behalf of Visa Box (The Principal), who will at all times be responsible for the provision of Visa related services. For the avoidance of doubt, any Personal Information shared with Visa Box, will only be shared upon You agreeing to purchase the applicable Visa Services.
  4. For Visa Box to provide You with Visa Services (in response to you selecting this product), you acknowledge that Travelstart will be required to share your Personal Information with Visa Box in order for Visa Box to provide you with the relevant Visa Services and/or information. In this regard, Travelstart will share the following Personal Information of Yours:
    • Name and Surname;
    • Date of Birth
    • Phone Number and/or Cellphone Number; and
    • Email addresses.
    • (For the purpose of these terms and conditions, the above information shall hereinafter be referred to as “Personal Information”)
    • At all times throughout Your engagement, both Travelstart and Visa Box will process your Personal Information utilising security and technologies in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 3 of 2013 (“POPIA”). For more information in this regard please refer to the Travelstart Privacy policy: Travelstart Privacy Policy.
    • By requesting the services of Visa Box, You agree to and confirm that you have been advised of the need for Travelstart (as the Responsible Party) to share Personal Information with Visa Box for You to receive their services; and
    • At any time throughout the booking process, You may withdraw your consent for your Personal Information to be shared with Visa Box. However, in doing this, Visa Box will not be able to render the required Visa services as required by You.
  5. Because Travelstart acts as an intermediary between You and Visa Box (Agent/Principal) You agree that any claim You may have (in regard to Visa Services or information provided by Visa Box) will be solely against Visa Box and not against Travelstart.
  6. In the event of you changing your travel date (which results in such new travel dates falling outside the validity of any VISA) You will be responsible for any costs and/or loss incurred as a result of the change in dates. You shall have no claim against neither Travelstart nor Visa Box in so far as You are required to obtain a new Visa.
  7. You acknowledge that the issue of any Visa (issued by Visa Box) will be subject to the following conditions:
    • The sole discretion in regard to the issue of any visa will be subject to the relevant embassy.
    • It is advised that:
      • You ensure that there is sufficient time (from booking your trip to the date of departure) for any Visa to be issued by Visa Box. It is advised that any application for Visa Services is made at least 6 weeks prior Your date of Departure. For the avoidance of doubt, You are advised that the turnaround time for the issue of the applicable Visa is subject to the turnaround time of the relevant Embassy. You agree that neither Travelstart nor Visa Box will be liable for any delay which is caused as a result of any action which is beyond the control of Travelstart and/or Visa Box; and
      • You will take FULL responsibility for the accuracy of any Personal Information provided to Visa Box in regard to Your Visa application. The outcome of any Visa Application may be impacted negatively by incorrect Personal Information provided to Travelstart and Visa Box, as such You agree to hold harmless or indemnify both of the above-mentioned parties against any and all loss incurred by You (as a result of incorrect information provided).
  8. The terms and conditions of this third party product offering will be incorporated into any and all agreements concluded between You and Travelstart Online Travel Operations (Pty) Ltd as if same forms part of such agreement. In the event of any conflict, the terms and conditions contained above will prevail to the extent of the conflict. For more information, please refer to the Travelstart Terms and Conditions.

Baggage and Cancellation Insurance

Travel with confidence on your domestic trip. You’ll be covered for cancellation, interruptions and delays for listed reasons, as well as loss, theft or damage to your checked-in baggage. This insurance is offered by Travelstart and underwritten by Hepstar Travel Insurance.

Why you need this:

Protect yourself against loss of baggage and/or equipment.

Protect yourself against theft and/or damage to baggage and/or equipment.

Protect yourself against personal accidents and trip interruptions.

How to add it to your booking:

Select your flight/s.

Select ‘Baggage and Cancellation Insurance’ under Customise Your Trip.

Select payment method and complete booking payment.

Terms and conditions
  • Accidental loss of baggage or items is only covered if you can provide proof of the incident (e.g. affidavit) and proof of ownership or purchase.
  • Theft must be reported to a local police station within 24 hours of the incident
  • Please note that the processing time of your refund can take 6 – 8 weeks.

See a summary of the benefits, full terms and conditions and exclusions here.

My Trip Alerts

Travelstart offers personalised trip alerts to help you stay informed during your travels.

Why you need this:

Have peace of mind with instant updates across multiple devices for your trip

Keep up to date with your flight departure, arrival and boarding status

Stay informed of changes to your flight, boarding gate and travel times on the go

Which alerts will you receive?

Check-In Reminders

Flight Departure Updates

Flight Landing Updates

Boarding Gate Status

Landing Terminal Updates

Delays & Changes

Flight Cancellations

Baggage Claim Info

Where will you receive your alerts?

SMS

WHATSAPP

EMAIL

How to add it to your booking:

Select your flight/s.

Select ‘My Trip Alerts’ under Add-On’s.

Select payment method and complete booking payment.

Check your email for your policy documentation.

  • This Product is aimed at providing You (as the Passenger) with peace of mind during your travels, as Travelstart aims to keep You informed up to 24 hours before departure, during the flight and upon landing.

WHY?

This Product offers you personalised travel updates throughout your journey. Get check-in reminders, flight updates, weather alerts, and more (“the Services”). Stay up to date on the go with notifications via SMS, WhatsApp, and your email.

  • The information that either Party receives from You (to provide travel updates) may include ‘personal information’ (“PI”) as defined in the Protection of Personal Information Act 2013 (“POPI”), including the names, email addresses and/or telephone numbers (Cell and WhatsApp). In this regard Travelstart agrees to take reasonable steps to ensure any third party undertakes to only use or ‘process’ (as such term is defined in POPI) to the extent necessary for the purposes of performing its obligations in terms hereof, which may include sharing your Personal Information outside the borders of the Republic of South Africa. In light of the above, each Party agrees to –
    • process Personal Information in a manner that is reasonable, adequate, relevant, non-excessive, purpose-specific and non-infringing of the relevant individual’s privacy;
    • secure the integrity and confidentiality of Personal Information in its possession or under its control by taking appropriate, reasonable technical and organisation measures to prevent (a) loss of, damage to or unauthorised destruction of PI and (b) unlawful access to or processing of Personal Information;
    • have due regard to generally accepted information security practices and procedures which may apply to it generally or be required in terms of specific industry or professional rules and regulations; and
    • if there are reasonable grounds to believe that any Personal Information has been accessed or acquired by an unauthorised person, immediately notify the other Party thereof.
  • By proceeding with the booking of this Product, You agree to receive transaction (information shared as part of this Product) and promotional communications from Travelstart and/or its thyroid Party service provider. Through each communication provided to You, You will be provided with an opportunity to opt out from being contacted in the future by Travelstart. The Personal Information will NOT be used for any other Purpose other than to provide You with the services herein without your prior informed consent.

For more information, please refer to the: Travelstart Privacy Policy

How?

  • In order for Travelstart to not only provide you with the freedom to move but also the peace of mind while doing so, we insist that this product must be purchased when you book your ticket. It is not possible to add it afterwards.
  • The Product and processing Fee are charged per Reservation. The notification will be sent to the contact provided as the booker of the reservation.
  • This Product is a non-refundable and non-transferable product, i.e., it cannot be moved or transferred from Passenger to another.

Your Attention is drawn to the following:

  • Travelstart cannot guarantee the availability of your selected notification services, as such notification services are subject to the offerings of Amadeus. While Travelstart will try its best to keep you informed of a particular airline’s notification service offering, Travelstart cannot be held liable for Amadeus inability to provide such Service.
  • All notifications are subject to the information being provided by Amadeus, for which Travelstart has no control over. You agree to indemnify and hold Travelstart harmless against any loss, damage, injury (however arising) incurred by You in response to the content of the information in so far as its accuracy is concerned, provided to you through Travelstart by Amadeus. Please double check that your Personal information provided is correct.
  • Travelstart is not responsible for any overbooked, canceled or delayed flights (which are beyond Travelstart control).
  • By purchasing the Product, you give authority to Travelstart’s customer support agents, from the moment of purchase, to accept all airline online check-in terms and conditions on your behalf. These terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, confirming that travelers do not have any dangerous goods (articles or substances which are capable of posing a risk to health, safety, property or the environment).

Contact Travelstart

  • If you have any questions or concerns arising from this privacy & personal information policy or the way in which we handle personal information, please contact us at: io@travelstart.com.
  • For more information, please refer to the Travelstart terms and conditions: Travelstart Terms and Conditions, which will be deemed to form part of these terms and conditions by reference thereto.
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FAQs: Extras for longer trips

When it comes to international travel, it’s better to have insurance. Longer distances mean more room for risk so it makes sense to get coverage. This way, you can fly in peace (the whole night), knowing that your trip and your belongings are covered by a reputable company.

These are some of our most frequently asked questions for new or first-time insurers. Can’t find what you’re looking for here? You can always get in touch with us if you want to know more.

What can I insure?

Any personal item and gadget from headphones to other travel accessories and standard luggage and personal items such as body wash, face masks, hand sanitizer, and even a good pair of sunnies. However, insurance extends beyond personal items to cover everything from your trip to your hotel room.

What kinds of claims are excluded?

There will be times when you can’t claim on your travel insurance. Some examples: if you have a pre-existing medical condition, whether you know about it or not, natural disasters, dangerous professions or working conditions, or in a pandemic. In these cases, your claim might be excluded so it’s important to understand the rules before you go through the claim process.

The best travel accessory is a travel insurance plan

No matter your destination, it pays to insure your things. Most hotels provide safes or locks for your most valuable stuff but every item matters from smaller accessories to bags and suitcase contents. Get coverage on everything from the trip itself to the things you pack, at only a small additional cost.

Are there budget options?

The 10, 20 and 30-day insurance packages are already budget options and provide value to travellers up to 70 years old. These are some of the top picks when it comes to cost-effective travel insurance for one way trips.

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