Travel Insurance for Tanzania: Safari, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar

Travel insurance is essential for any trip to Tanzania, and our bookings require it. Safari parks and Kilimanjaro are far from major hospitals, so the most important part of any policy is medical cover and emergency evacuation.

What your policy should cover

• Medical treatment, with a high limit.
• Emergency evacuation and repatriation, including by air.
• Trip cancellation and curtailment, for illness, family emergencies or flight disruption.
• Baggage and personal belongings, including cameras and binoculars if they are valuable.
• Activities you plan, such as walking safaris, balloon flights, snorkelling or diving.

Kilimanjaro: check the altitude

Many standard policies exclude trekking above a certain altitude, often 2,000 to 4,000 metres. For Kilimanjaro you need cover for trekking up to 6,000 metres, including helicopter rescue. Read the small print or ask the insurer directly. Read altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro.

Zanzibar’s insurance requirement

Since October 2024, Zanzibar requires visitors to hold travel insurance through a government scheme, bought online before arrival. Your own policy is still important, as the Zanzibar cover is limited. Check the current price and rules before you travel. Read is Zanzibar safe.

Evacuation services

Air ambulance services, such as the Flying Doctors (AMREF) and others, operate in East Africa. Some offer short-term memberships for visitors that cover evacuation to a hospital in Nairobi or Dar es Salaam. These are a useful addition, not a replacement for full insurance.

Before you buy

• Declare any medical conditions.
• Check the excess and the claims process.
• Keep the emergency number and policy number with you, and give a copy to your guide.
• Buy cover when you book, so cancellation is covered from the start.

Read is Tanzania safe and vaccinations for Tanzania.

Frequently asked questions

Written by

Janel Safaris