The Best Travel Insurance for Tanzania

This is the most common question. The answer has two parts:

For Mainland Tanzania (Safari/Kilimanjaro): No, the government of mainland Tanzania does not strictly require proof of travel insurance just to enter the country. However, it is highly, highly recommended by all travel experts and tour operators. Most high-quality safari companies will require you to show proof of your policy before you can begin your trip.

For Zanzibar: Yes. The revolutionary government of Zanzibar has stated that all international visitors must have valid health ZIC insurance for their stay on the island, and you need to buy from Zanzibar Insurance Corporation

This isn’t as complicated as it sounds. You do not need to buy a separate “Zanzibar Insurance” policy. Any good travel insurance plan that covers you for Tanzania will also cover you for Zanzibar. You just need to be sure you have one and can show proof of it if asked.

The Simple Answer: Yes, you must have travel insurance. It protects your health, your safety, and the large financial investment you’ve made in your safari.

Do not just buy the cheapest plan you can find. A cheap plan will not work for an African safari. Your policy must include four key pillars.

Pillar 1: High-Limit Medical & Emergency Evacuation

This is the single most important part of your policy. Your safari will take you to remote areas, far from any modern hospital.

• Emergency Medical Coverage: Look for a plan with a high medical limit. A good policy should have at least $100,000 USD in coverage. This covers costs if you get sick or injured and need to see a doctor or be hospitalized.

• Emergency Evacuation: This is non-negotiable. Your policy must include “Emergency Medical Evacuation.” This covers the cost of a helicopter or small plane to fly you from a remote airstrip in the Serengeti to a high-quality hospital (like in Arusha or Nairobi, Kenya).

Why is this so important? A medical evacuation flight can cost $10,000 to $50,000 USD. You do not want to pay this yourself. We recommend an evacuation limit of $500,000 USD or more.

Pillar 2: Activity & Adventure Coverage

A trip to Tanzania is an adventure! Your insurance policy needs to know that.

• For All Safaris: Check that your policy automatically covers “safari activities” or “wildlife viewing.” Most standard plans do, but you must check.

• Hot Air Ballooning: If you plan to take a balloon safari over the Serengeti, check if this is included. Sometimes it is considered an “adventure activity” and needs an extra add-on.

• For Kilimanjaro Climbers: This is a special case. A standard policy will NOT cover you. You must buy a special “add-on” or policy for “high-altitude trekking.” Make sure it covers you up to 6,000 meters (20,000 feet).

• For Zanzibar (Diving): If you plan to scuba dive, check that your policy covers it. Most will cover you if you are PADI-certified and stay within a certain depth (e.g., 30-40 meters).

Pillar 3: Trip Cancellation & Interruption

A Tanzania safari is a big investment. You likely paid thousands of dollars for it many months in advance. Trip cancellation insurance protects that money.

• Trip Cancellation: This helps you get your money back for your non-refundable flights and safari costs if you have to cancel before you leave. (Examples: you get very sick, there is a family emergency).

• Trip Interruption: This helps you if you have to cut your trip short while you are in Tanzania. It helps pay for a last-minute, one-way flight home and covers the “unused” parts of your safari.

Pillar 4: Baggage & Personal Belongings

• Lost or Stolen Bags: This covers your clothing and personal items. Camera gear is especially expensive, so check the “per-item limit” on your policy to make sure your camera is covered.

• Delayed Baggage: This is very important. If the airline loses your bag for 3 days, this policy gives you money ($200-$500) to buy new safari clothes and toiletries in Arusha so you don’t miss your trip.

You will hear many safari operators mention the AMREF Flying Doctors. This is an amazing service in East Africa.

What is it? AMREF is not full travel insurance. It is a medical evacuation service. For a small fee (often $20 – $30 per person), it covers you for an emergency flight from any remote airstrip in Tanzania to the high-quality hospital in Nairobi, Kenya.

Should I get it? Yes! Many good safari operators (like us) will include this as an option in your safari itinerary. It works with your main travel insurance. AMREF gets you to the hospital, and your travel insurance pays for the hospital bills. It is the best, most secure combination for peace of mind.

Finding the “best” company depends on your age, your home country, and the activities you have planned. The best plan for a 25-year-old Kili climber is different from a 65-year-old on a luxury safari.

However, some companies are very popular and well-known for providing excellent coverage for adventure travel in East Africa.

Popular & Well-Regarded Providers for Adventure Travel:

• World Nomads: Very popular with active travelers. Their plans are built for adventure and are known to cover hundreds of activities (like safari and trekking). You can even buy or extend your policy while you are already traveling.

• SafetyWing: A great, simple option, especially for “digital nomads” or long-term travelers. They offer good, subscription-based medical coverage that is valid all over the world (including Tanzania).

• Allianz Travel Insurance: One of the biggest names in the world. They offer a wide range of traditional, comprehensive plans that are great for covering high-cost safari packages (with good trip cancellation benefits).

• IMG: A good choice for a wide range of travelers, including seniors and those with pre-existing conditions. They offer many different types of plans.

• 1 Earth Travel Protection: the most popular travel insurance for African safari vacations includes trip cancellation, medical and baggage coverage, emergency evacuation, global assistance, and more.

What to do: Get a quote from 2 or 3 of these companies. Compare their coverage for the “4 Pillars” we listed above. Read the policy details and choose the one that best fits your trip.

Do not be surprised by the cost. Good insurance is not cheap, but it is worth it.

A good, comprehensive travel insurance plan for a 10-14-day Tanzania safari will typically cost between 5% and 10% of your total, non-refundable trip cost.

Example: If your safari and flights cost $7,000 USD per person, a good insurance plan might cost between $350 and $700 USD.

The price will change based on:

• Your Age: Travel plans become more expensive for travelers over 65.
• Your Trip Cost: The more expensive your safari, the more the “cancellation” part of the policy will cost.
• Your Activities: Adding “Kilimanjaro trekking” will add to the price.

Before you click “buy” on any policy, ask yourself these questions:

• Does this policy cover Tanzania (and Zanzibar)?
• Is my medical coverage at least $100,000 USD?
• Is my medical evacuation coverage at least $500,000 USD?
• Does it cover “safari” and “hot air ballooning”?
• (If climbing) Does it cover high-altitude trekking up to 6,000 meters?
• Does it include trip cancellation to protect my safari deposit?
• Does it include baggage delay so I can buy new clothes if my bag is lost?
• If you can check “yes” to all of these, you have found a great policy.

Your trip to Tanzania will be one of the most amazing experiences of your life. You want your memories to be of a Serengeti sunset or a Zanzibar beach, not of a medical bill.

Buying comprehensive travel insurance is the final, essential step in your planning. It is a small price to pay for complete peace of mind, ensuring that you and your investment are protected.

Ready to plan your safe and unforgettable safari? Contact our travel experts today. We can recommend the perfect itinerary and ensure you have all the information you need for a secure and spectacular journey! Read our TripAdvisor Reviews