South African Travellers Plan Smarter And Insure Better As Risk Awareness Rises In 2026

South African travellers have not been deterred by ongoing geopolitical tensions or tough economic conditions. Instead, they are planning more proactively and seeking travel insurance options that address the real-world risks, according to the Bryte Travel Index 2026.

The index, which analysed travel behaviour, claims data, and insurance patterns from 2022 to 2025, revealed that more South Africans are travelling but are balancing this with heightened awareness of global uncertainty.

Travel trends

Claims data highlighted different risk factors and claims rates among various age groups. 

While young adults continue to generate high claim volumes, travellers over 60 years of age account for the largest financial impact, driven by long-haul trips and more complex medical needs. 

Insurance patterns from 2025 highlighted destinations such as Turkey, Mauritius and the UK as firm favourites. Insurance for travel to the US stood out for their longer stays and higher exposure to travel risks, reflecting a blend of travel purposes such as study, work and family visits.

“As travel continues to evolve, so must the way we think about risk,” said Khulekani Nokweni, Travel Underwriting Manager at Bryte Insurance Company Limited. “When travellers approach risk with purpose, they make better decisions, protect their experiences, and return home with memories instead of mishaps.”