Domestic travel insurance claims in South Africa have seen a dramatic surge, driven by a combination of increased travel activity and a broader range of travel disruption. According to the Bryte Travel Index, domestic claims have almost tripled from R1,2 million to R3,3 million in 2024.
Bryte attributes the increase to a notable rise in travel volumes, which correlates with a broader range of travel disruptions. “Domestic trips typically have a shorter average duration (14 days) but higher frequencies, making them more susceptible to common incidents such as baggage theft and mishandling, as well as travel delays and cancellations,” says Anriëth Symon, Head of Travel at Bryte.
The data reveals that the most common domestic claims are for trip cancellations and postponements, followed by travel delays and baggage-related issues.
While travel insurance has traditionally been associated with international trips, Symon says there has been a noticeable shift towards purchasing cover for domestic travel. The shift is driven by increased domestic travel activity and a heightened awareness of potential travel risks, even on shorter trips. “The affordability of domestic travel insurance has also made it accessible to more travellers,” Symon concludes.
