Travel Insurance for Tanzania: 2025-2026 Safari & Zanzibar Guide (What You Really Need)

Planning a trip to Tanzania is exciting. The wildlife, culture, and landscapes create memories that last a lifetime. However, before you fly, you must understand one critical part of your preparation: travel insurance for Tanzania.

This guide explains everything you need. You will learn what insurance is required, what is recommended, and how rules differ between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. We also cover safari activities, medical coverage, evacuation, delays, and the optional upgrades travelers often forget.

By the end, you will know exactly which insurance works best for your Tanzania safari and beach holiday.

Why You Need Travel Insurance for Tanzania

Travel insurance protects you from unexpected costs during your trip. Tanzania is safe, but travel always comes with uncertainties. Flights may delay, luggage may get lost, and accidents can happen. Medical care is available, yet high-level treatment or emergency evacuation can be expensive.

Because of this, every traveler should have strong insurance before entering the country — especially if you plan a safari, climbing Kilimanjaro, or visiting Zanzibar.

Is Travel Insurance Mandatory in Tanzania?

Here’s the Question We Get Most — and the answer has two parts:

For Mainland Tanzania(Safari & Kilimanjaro): Recommended but Not Fully Mandatory (Yet)

Travel insurance is not officially mandatory on mainland Tanzania. However, authorities and safari operators strongly recommend it.

Why?
Because medical emergencies, evacuation from national parks, and flight disruptions can cost thousands of dollars. Travel insurance helps you avoid unexpected financial stress.

There are also discussions by government agencies about making travel insurance compulsory nationwide in the future. But for now, mainland rules remain recommended, not enforced.

For Zanzibar Island(Beach Excursion): Travel Insurance Is Mandatory

Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, but it has its own administrative system. Since October 2024, Zanzibar introduced a mandatory travel insurance policy for all international visitors.

This policy covers basic medical needs while you are on the island. However, it does not replace normal travel insurance. It also does not include evacuation from remote areas or cover safari-related injuries.

When you land in Zanzibar, the mandatory insurance fee is usually included in your entry process. Some airlines or online portals already integrate it during ticketing.

Even with this requirement, you still need your own private travel insurance, because the Zanzibar coverage is limited.

What Your Travel Insurance Must Cover (Minimum Requirements)

To stay safe and fully protected during your Tanzania trip, your policy should always include these four essential areas.

1. Medical Treatment – At Least $50,000 USD

Hospitals in Arusha, Moshi, and Dar es Salaam offer good care. Yet advanced treatment may require flying to Nairobi or South Africa. This is why high medical coverage is important.

2. Emergency Evacuation – Minimum $100,000 USD

Safari parks are remote. If something serious happens, evacuation may require:

• A medical flight

• Long-distance ambulance

• AMREF Flying Doctors

Evacuation without insurance can be extremely expensive. With insurance, it becomes simple and stress-free.

3. Trip Cancellation & Interruption

Your insurance should cover:

• Flight delays

• Bad weather interruptions

• Lost travel days

• Illness before you travel

• Family emergencies

This helps you recover money if plans change unexpectedly.

4. Baggage, Electronics & Personal Items

Bags sometimes delay on long routes. Camera equipment and personal items are valuable. Always select a policy that covers:

• Delayed baggage

• Lost baggage

• Stolen items

Safari travelers carry gear, so this is especially important.

Do Safari Activities Require Special Insurance?

Yes. Safaris involve unique conditions, so make sure your policy includes:

• Wildlife viewing activities

• Safari jeep adventures

• Bush walks (if included)

• Hot-air balloon safaris

• Domestic flights between parks

If you climb Kilimanjaro or do scuba diving in Zanzibar, choose a policy that covers these activities specifically.

Travel Insurance for Zanzibar: What You Must Know

Because Zanzibar has its own mandatory policy, many travelers get confused. Here is what you must understand:

1. The Zanzibar Mandatory Insurance Is Basic

It covers general outpatient care. It does not cover:

• Full emergency evacuation

• Serious injuries

• Lost baggage

• Trip interruption

• Safari activities

2. You Still Need Your Own Private Travel Insurance

Even if you have Zanzibar’s mandatory policy, you must purchase your personal travel insurance before your trip. This ensures proper protection for the whole safari experience.

3. If You Start in Zanzibar

Buy full travel insurance before arrival. Then, add Zanzibar’s mandatory component at the airport or through your airline.

How Much Does Travel Insurance for Tanzania Cost?

The cost depends on:

• Your country of residence

• Age

• Trip length

• Level of coverage

• Activities included

Most travelers spend 5–10% of the trip cost on insurance.

For example:

• A $3,000 trip → $150–$300 insurance

• A $5,000 trip → $250–$500 insurance

Balloon safaris, Kilimanjaro climbs, and long trips may raise the premium slightly.

Who Offers Good Travel Insurance for Tanzania?

Popular global providers include:

• World Nomads

• SafetyWing

• Allianz

• IMG Travel Insurance

• AXA

• Travel Guard

These companies offer strong medical coverage, evacuation, and safari-friendly policies.

When choosing, always compare:

• Coverage limits

• Adventure activity options

• Exclusions

• Customer services

• Price flexibility

How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance for Your Safari

Use this simple checklist:

• Is the medical coverage above $50,000?
•  Does it include emergency evacuation?
•  Are adventure activities covered?
•  Does it cover flight cancellations?
•  What is the baggage protection amount?
•  Are electronics included?
•  Does it cover delayed or missed flights?
•  Does it include 24/7 support?

If the answer is “yes” to most of these, you are choosing the right policy.

FAQ – Quick Answers for Travelers

Is travel insurance required for Tanzania?

Not on mainland Tanzania, but highly recommended.

Is travel insurance mandatory for Zanzibar?

Yes. Zanzibar requires a mandatory basic insurance policy for all foreign visitors.

Can I enter Tanzania without travel insurance?

Yes for mainland, but not recommended. For Zanzibar, you will pay the mandatory insurance on arrival.

Does insurance cover wildlife incidents?

Yes, if you choose a policy with safari activity coverage.

Do I need insurance for domestic flights?

Yes. It covers delays, cancellations, and lost baggage.

Thoughts From Our Experts: Your Safety Comes First

Travel insurance is not just a document. It gives you peace of mind during your safari and beach holiday. Tanzania offers incredible experiences, but the best journeys happen when you travel confidently and safely.

At Tanzania Timeless Safaris, we guide our guests through every step of the planning process. We can help you review your policy to ensure it covers your safari activities, domestic flights, and Zanzibar requirements.

Start Your Journey With Confidence

If you are planning a safari with Tanzania Timeless Safaris, we will help you prepare everything — from routes and accommodations to travel insurance recommendations. For assurance please read our SafariBookings and TripAdvisor Review

Your adventure deserves to be safe, memorable, and timeless. Let Us Help You Plan