FNB Travel Insurance

FNB Travel Insurance: Your Complete Guide

Free travel cover for South African FNB cardholders

Last updated: November 2025

Quick Facts

  • Free cover for 90 days when you buy tickets with FNB card
  • Up to R10 million medical cover internationally
  • Available for ages 0 to 74 (special cover for 75-85)
  • Must activate cover before you travel
  • Emergency help available 24/7 worldwide

What is FNB Travel Insurance?

FNB gives you free travel insurance when you travel internationally. You get this cover when you buy your return flight tickets using your FNB card. The insurance protects you if you get sick or injured while abroad.

FNB works with Travel Insurance Consultants (TIC) to provide this cover. It is a proper insurance policy that covers you for 90 days. This is not just basic cover – it includes emergency medical help worth millions of Rands.

💡 Important: This insurance is completely free if you have a qualifying FNB card. You do not pay extra for it. It starts the moment you use your card to buy your tickets.

The cover applies to trips starting from South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, or Eswatini. You must return to one of these countries. One-way tickets do not qualify. Emigration trips are also excluded.

✅ Who Qualifies for Free Cover?

Age Requirements

The free cover is for people aged 0 to 74 years. If you are 75 to 85 years old, FNB offers special seniors cover. You need to buy this separately. It costs more but still offers good protection.

Residence Requirements

You must be a permanent resident of South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, or Eswatini. The policy covers people who live in these countries full-time.

Qualifying FNB Cards

The following FNB cards qualify for free travel insurance:

  • FNB Credit Cards (Classic, Gold, Platinum)
  • FNB Debit Cards
  • FNB Fusion Cards
  • FNB Premier Cards
  • FNB Private Clients Cards
  • FNB Private Wealth Cards
  • RMB Private Bank Cards
  • FNB Business Credit Cards

Who Gets Covered

The cardholder gets automatic cover. Your immediate family members also get covered if they travel with you. This includes your spouse, children, and travel companions. Up to 8 people can travel on one cardholder’s policy.

💡 Pro Tip: Your card account must be in good standing. This means no arrears or suspensions. You must also use your card regularly for the benefit to remain active.

What Does FNB Travel Insurance Cover?

Emergency Medical Expenses

This is the most important part of your cover. If you get sick or injured while travelling, FNB pays for:

  • Doctor visits and consultations
  • Hospital stays and treatment
  • Emergency surgery
  • Prescription medicines
  • Ambulance services
  • Emergency dental care (up to R2,000)

Medical Evacuation and Repatriation

If you need to be moved to a better hospital, FNB pays for this. If you need to come back to South Africa for treatment, they pay for this too. This includes air ambulance services if needed.

Accidental Death Cover

If you die in an accident while travelling, your family gets a payout. The amount depends on your card type. It ranges from R100,000 to R250,000.

Permanent Disability Cover

If an accident causes permanent disability, you get compensation. This can be up to R750,000 depending on your card type and the severity of the disability.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

FNB covers emergency treatment for pre-existing conditions. This is limited to R500,000. You must be hospitalised for at least 48 hours to claim.

Quarantine Costs

If you are forced to quarantine due to an infectious disease, FNB pays R3,000 per day. The maximum total is R30,000. An excess of R500 applies to these claims.

Family Support Benefits

If you are hospitalised for 5 days or more, FNB pays for a family member to visit you. This includes their flight and hotel in a 3-star hotel. If your children are left stranded, FNB arranges and pays for their return home.

⚠️ What’s NOT Included in Basic Cover

The free cover does not include trip cancellation, lost luggage, or travel delays. You need to buy top-up cover for these extras. Top-up cover costs between R300 and R550 for 30 days.

Coverage Amounts by Card Type

Card Type Medical Cover (International) Medical Cover (Local)
Classic Credit Card R5 million R175,000
Gold Credit Card R5 million R175,000
Platinum/Premier Cards R10 million R175,000
Private Clients/Wealth R10 million R175,000
Card Type Accidental Death Permanent Disability
Classic Credit Card R100,000 R350,000
Gold Credit Card R100,000 R400,000
Platinum/Premier Cards R250,000 R750,000
Private Clients/Wealth R250,000 R750,000

✅ How to Activate Your FNB Travel Cover

This is very important: Your cover does not start automatically. You must activate it before you travel. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Buy Your Tickets

Use your qualifying FNB card to pay for your departure and return flight tickets. You must pay the full amount with your FNB card. Part payment does not qualify.

Step 2: Activate Online

Visit www.tic.co.za/fnb before you travel. Complete the activation form. You need your ticket details and FNB card number. This gives you a policy number.

Step 3: Download Your Documents

After activation, download your policy document and schedule of benefits. Take copies with you when you travel. You need the policy number to make claims.

Step 4: Save Emergency Contacts

Save these numbers in your phone before you travel:

  • Medical Emergency (24/7): +27 11 521 4575 (reverse charges accepted)
  • Global Travel Help Desk: 0861 490 100
  • Alternative Help Desk: +27 11 521 4111

🚨 Critical Warning

If you do not activate your cover before departure, you may not be able to claim. Do not wait until you need help. Activate immediately after buying your tickets.

⚠️ What’s Not Covered

Understanding what is not covered helps you avoid disappointment when claiming. Here are the main exclusions:

Travel-Related Exclusions

  • Trip cancellation or curtailment
  • Lost or stolen luggage
  • Travel delays or missed connections
  • One-way tickets or emigration
  • Trips longer than 90 days

Activities Not Covered

  • Motorcycles over 500cc
  • Quad bikes or jet skis over 500cc
  • Professional sports or competitions
  • Hazardous activities without added cover
  • Scuba diving without proper certification

Medical Exclusions

  • Treatment you planned to get abroad
  • Routine check-ups or vaccinations
  • Cosmetic procedures
  • Self-harm or suicide attempts
  • HIV/AIDS-related claims over R500,000
  • Claims caused by drug or alcohol misuse

Other Common Exclusions

  • War or terrorism acts
  • Nuclear incidents
  • Travelling against medical advice
  • Claims from riots or civil unrest
  • Travelling to banned destinations
💡 Pro Tip: If you need cover for luggage, cancellations, or high-risk activities, buy top-up cover. Call 0861 490 100 or visit the TIC portal before you travel.

How to Make a Claim

For Medical Emergencies While Travelling

Call the Medical Services Organisation (MSO) immediately: +27 11 521 4575. This number works 24/7. You can reverse the charges. Give them your policy number and explain your situation.

The MSO will help you find a doctor or hospital. They can arrange payment directly with the hospital. Do not wait to call. Get help as soon as you need it.

For Claims After You Return Home

If you paid for medical treatment yourself, you can claim back the money. Here is what you need:

  • Your policy number and documents
  • Original receipts for all expenses
  • Medical reports from the doctor
  • Proof of your travel (boarding passes)
  • Police report (if needed for theft or loss)

Submit your claim within 30 days of returning home. Contact the Global Travel Help Desk on 0861 490 100. You can also email them or submit claims online through the TIC portal.

Excess Payments

You must pay some costs yourself. This is called an excess. Common excess amounts are:

  • Dental claims: R350
  • Quarantine claims: R500
  • Medical emergency claims: R2,000

Claim Processing Time

Most claims are processed within 30 days. Complex claims may take longer. FNB will contact you if they need more information. Always keep copies of everything you submit.

💡 Important Contact Numbers
  • Medical Emergency (24/7): +27 11 521 4575
  • Global Travel Help Desk: 0861 490 100
  • FNB Insurance Claims: 087 736 7773 (option 2)
  • Email: fnbclaims@fnb.co.za

🚨 Travel Scams to Avoid

South Africans travelling abroad face many scams. Some scams also happen when booking travel insurance. Protect yourself by knowing what to watch for.

Fake Travel Insurance Offers

Scammers send emails or SMS claiming to be from FNB or TIC. They ask you to click links or pay for “activation fees”. FNB never charges activation fees. The cover is free. Do not click links in suspicious messages.

⚠️ Red Flags:
  • Emails asking you to pay to “activate” your insurance
  • Messages with spelling mistakes or poor grammar
  • Links that do not go to fnb.co.za or tic.co.za
  • Urgent demands for personal information
  • Offers that sound too good to be true

Fake Travel Bookings

Some scammers create fake travel booking websites. They take your money but never buy your tickets. Always book through reputable travel agents registered with ASATA (Association of South African Travel Agents).

Airport Scams

When you arrive at airports abroad, watch for these scams:

  • Fake taxi drivers who overcharge or rob tourists
  • People claiming to be “tourist police” who demand money
  • Offers to “help” at ATMs while stealing your card details
  • Accommodation scams where your booking does not exist

Credit Card Fraud While Travelling

Card skimming is common in tourist areas. Only use ATMs inside banks or shopping malls. Never let waiters take your card out of sight. Be careful when paying at hotels or restaurants.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Only activate insurance on official FNB or TIC websites
  • Never pay cash for travel insurance “activation”
  • Use official FNB contact numbers only
  • Save emergency numbers before you travel
  • Keep copies of your policy documents safe
  • Report suspicious activity to FNB immediately
📞 Report Scams:

If you suspect fraud, contact FNB Fraud Line on 087 575 9405 or email fraudhelp@fnb.co.za. You can also report to the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC).

✅ Top-Up Cover Options

The basic free cover is good for medical emergencies. But you may want extra protection. FNB offers top-up cover for additional needs.

What Top-Up Cover Includes

  • Lost or stolen luggage
  • Trip cancellation and curtailment
  • Travel delays and missed connections
  • Higher medical limits
  • Extended trip duration (beyond 90 days)
  • Cover for high-risk activities

Top-Up Cover Costs

Prices vary based on your age and trip length:

  • 30 days cover: R300 to R550
  • 90 days cover: R750
  • Seniors (71-85 years): R350 to R750

To buy top-up cover, visit the TIC portal or call 0861 490 100. Do this before you travel. You cannot add top-up cover after departure.

💡 Pro Tip: If you travel often, consider an annual multi-trip policy. This is cheaper than buying cover for each trip separately.

⚠️ Special Information for Seniors (Ages 75-85)

If you are between 75 and 85 years old, the free automatic cover does not apply to you. However, FNB still offers you travel insurance. You need to buy it separately.

Seniors Cover Details

  • Available for ages 75 to 85
  • Covers the same basic medical benefits
  • Must be purchased before travel
  • Higher premiums due to increased risk
  • Pre-existing conditions may have limits

How to Get Seniors Cover

Contact the Global Travel Help Desk on 0861 490 100. They will explain the options and costs. You need to provide information about your health and travel plans.

Seniors cover costs between R350 and R750 depending on trip length and health conditions. This is still much cheaper than most standalone travel insurance policies.

Our Final Recommendations

FNB Travel Insurance is excellent value for money because it is free. If you have a qualifying FNB card, always use it to buy your international tickets. The medical cover is comprehensive and reliable.

The most important step is activation. Do not forget to activate your cover at www.tic.co.za/fnb immediately after booking your tickets. Save the emergency contact numbers in your phone. Take your policy documents with you when you travel.

Consider buying top-up cover if you need protection for luggage, cancellations, or high-risk activities. This adds valuable protection for a small extra cost. Better safe than sorry when travelling abroad.

Remember that travel insurance only helps if you use it properly. Report medical emergencies immediately. Do not wait. Keep all receipts if you pay for treatment yourself. Follow the claims process correctly to ensure you get your money back.

Important Contact Numbers

Medical Emergency (24/7)

+27 11 521 4575

Reverse charges accepted

Global Travel Help Desk

0861 490 100

Or +27 11 521 4111

FNB Insurance Claims

087 736 7773

Option 2 for claims

FNB Fraud Line

087 575 9405

Report suspicious activity

Activation Website: www.tic.co.za/fnb

Claims Email: fnbclaims@fnb.co.za

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and was last updated in November 2025. Travel insurance terms, coverage amounts, and contact numbers may change. Always verify current information with FNB or Travel Insurance Consultants before making decisions.

FNB Travel Insurance is underwritten by Travel Insurance Consultants (TIC), a division of Santam Limited. This guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by FNB or TIC. For official information, visit www.fnb.co.za or call the numbers listed above.

For complaints about FNB services, contact the FNB Complaints Resolution Department on 087 575 9408 or email care@fnb.co.za. For insurance complaints, contact the FAIS Ombud on 012 470 9080 or visit www.faisombud.co.za

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