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Travel insurance for tanzania: What You Need to Know

Confused about the new Mandatory Zanzibar Insurance? We explain the mandatory fee, the difference between ‘Flying Doctors’ and standard insurance, and what your policy must cover.

A safari is a significant financial investment. Between the park fees, lodges, and flights, you want to ensure your trip is protected.

However, insurance in Tanzania works a little differently than in Europe or the USA. There are three “layers” of protection you need to understand:

  1. Your Standard Travel Insurance (Cancellation & Medical).
  2. The “Flying Doctors” (Emergency Evacuation).
  3. The Mandatory Zanzibar Insurance (New for 2025/2026).

Here is the simple breakdown to ensure you are fully covered.

1. The New Rule: Mandatory Zanzibar Insurance

  • Status: MANDATORY for all visitors to Zanzibar.
  • Requirement: Mandatory for eligible Zanzibar visitors.
  • Validity: 92 Days.

If your itinerary includes Zanzibar (even for just 2 nights), you must purchase this specific insurance from the Zanzibar Government.

  • Does my personal insurance count? No. Even if you have comprehensive insurance from home (like Allianz or AXA), the Zanzibar government still requires you to buy this local policy to enter the island.
  • Where to buy: Only purchase this through the official portal: visitzanzibar.go.tz.
  • When: Buy this online before you board your flight to avoid long queues at Zanzibar airport.

2. The "Bush Taxi": AMREF Flying Doctors

This is arguably the most important “add-on” for a safari, and we recommend it to every Kilinyota guest.

What is it? AMREF is not “medical insurance.” It is “evacuation insurance.” If you have a medical emergency in the middle of the Serengeti (remote bush), a regular ambulance cannot reach you. AMREF sends a light aircraft to the nearest airstrip, picks you up, and flies you to a major hospital in Nairobi or Dar es Salaam.

Why do I need it? Without it, emergency medical flight costs can be very high and may be payable upfront.

  • Kilinyota Safaris can arrange AMREF cover for you and add it to your invoice. Just ask us!

3. Your Personal Travel Insurance (From Home)

While the Zanzibar insurance and AMREF cover logistics, you still need your own comprehensive policy from your home country.

What must it cover?

  1. Medical Bills: Once AMREF drops you at the hospital, your personal insurance must pay the actual hospital bills.
  2. Cancellation: If you get sick two days before your trip and can’t fly, safari deposits are often non-refundable. Cancellation cover is vital to protect your money.
  3. High Altitude (For Climbers): If you are climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, you must check the fine print. Many standard policies only cover hiking up to 3,000m. Kilimanjaro is nearly 6,000m. You need a policy that specifically covers “High Altitude Trekking.”

Summary: The "Safety Trio"

To be 100% safe, your checklist should look like this:

Insurance Type Purpose Mandatory?
1. Personal Policy Pays hospital bills & cancellation refunds. Highly Recommended
2. AMREF Flying Doctors Air rescue from the bush to the hospital. Highly Recommended
3. Zanzibar Inbound Entry requirement for the island. MANDATORY (If visiting Zanzibar)

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