Tanzania Travel Insurance: Plans & Prices
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Key Takeaways
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As of Oct. 1, 2026, Tanzania requires American visitors to have state-sponsored travel insurance, with the required policy depending on whether you enter via the mainland or Zanzibar.
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If your Tanzania trip includes high-risk activities, such as safari excursions or Kilimanjaro trekking, you will likely need to buy specialized travel insurance designed for adventure travel.
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Tanzania ranks among the world’s 10 most expensive travel destinations, with an average trip cost of roughly $24,000, and state-sponsored policies don’t include trip cost protection
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Based on travel insurance policy sales over the past 12 months, Squaremouth found the best plans are offered by Travel Insured International, Tin Leg, and IMG.
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Try our online travel insurance comparison tool to get multiple Tanzania travel insurance quotes at once. For personal assistance, call our award-winning agents at 1-800-240-0369.
Is Travel Insurance Mandatory to Visit Tanzania?
Yes, as of Oct. 1, 2026, U.S. travelers are legally required to purchase travel insurance to visit Tanzania. Only Tanzania’s government-approved travel insurance policies are valid for entry, and cost roughly $44.
Which policy you need depends on where you plan to arrive:
- For trips starting in Zanzibar, the Tanzanian government requires policies sold by Zanzibar Insurance Corporation.
- For trips starting in the mainland, the Tanzanian government requires policies sold by National Insurance Corporation of Tanzania.
This new insurance requirement also states that visitors must purchase a state-sponsored policy, even if they already have travel insurance in place through a credit card or third-party insurance company.
That said, the current plans offered by Tanzania may not be enough to cover expensive trips like safaris that cost over $12,000 per person on average, so you may still benefit from purchasing additional coverage.
Is Tanzania’s Travel Insurance Any Good?
Publicly available information on policy coverage is currently limited, but from what we have been able to see from Tanzania’s mandatory inbound travel insurance policies, they offer limits that are much lower than Squaremouth’s traditional recommendations and don’t specify coverage for accidents and injuries related to adventure sports like safaris, hiking, and snorkeling.
Additionally, these policies do not cover trip cancellation or interruption costs, which leaves thousands of dollars on the line in a country where average trip costs run in the tens of thousands of dollars.
Here is a look at the coverage inclusions listed on Zanzibar’s official website:
| Coverage | Zanzibar Policy |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical | Up to $50,000 |
| Covid Coverage | Epidemics, pandemics & quarantine |
| Medical Evacuation | Actual costs, but only to mainland Tanzania or home |
| Accidental Death | $20,000 (on public transport only) |
| Adventure Activities | No coverage listed |
| Trip Cancellation | None |
| Trip Interruption | None |
| CFAR / IFAR | None |
| Baggage Loss | $400, only while bags are with the airline |
| Baggage Delay | $25/hour, up to $200 |
| Cost | About $44 |
Based on the table above, we recommend considering supplementary travel insurance policies that include full Trip Cancellation coverage, $100,000 of Emergency Medical protection, $250,000 of Emergency Medical Evacuation protection, and coverage for Action and Adventure Sports.
Top Options For Supplemental Travel Coverage
Based on travel insurance policy sales over the past 12 months, the best-selling Tanzania plans are:
Reasons to Consider Supplemental Travel Insurance for Tanzania
High Travel Costs
Tanzania is one of the most expensive destinations in the world, and Squaremouth data shows that the average trip involves $24,000 worth of prepaid flights, accommodations, guided tours, mandatory park fees, and domestic transportation. According to Africa Safari Home, higher-end safari trips can cost more than $10,000 per person, not including airfare. If you’re forced to cancel or interrupt your trip for reasons outside of your control, you could lose thousands in non-refundable trip expenses.
✅ Comprehensive travel insurance is designed to protect up to 100% of your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs through the Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefits. Some plans cover up to $100,000 in travel expenses per person, which is ideal if you’re planning a luxury bucket-list safari trip or a dreamy Zanzibar beach getaway and want peace of mind.
Wildlife & Adventure Risks
Safari Jeep accidents, hazardous wildlife encounters, and Mount Kilimanjaro trekking mishaps have been known to impact adventure-seekers visiting Tanzania and result in costly medical bills. Even if you book your guided tour through a reliable operator, there’s no guarantee of safety.
✅ Standard travel insurance typically excludes high-risk activities, like safari and Kilimanjaro trekking, from coverage. Fortunately, some travel insurance providers offer policies specifically designed to cover accidents that occur while participating in an adventure sport or activity. If your trip involves hazardous itinerary items, we recommend referencing our ‘Best Adventure Travel Insurance List’ to find a plan that includes the protection you need.
Medical Access & Evacuation
Outside of major cities such as Dar es Salaam and Arusha, access to high-quality medical care is extremely limited. This especially applies to safari regions and national parks, where hospitals equipped to handle serious injuries or medical emergencies may be hours or days away. In serious cases, medical evacuations to Kenya, South Africa, or back to your home country may be necessary to receive the treatment you need.
✅ Most travel insurance plans on Squaremouth come standard with Emergency Medical coverage to protect you from unexpected hospital bills, ambulance rides, doctor visits, and prescription medication. Medical Evacuation is another common benefit that covers emergency evacuation and repatriation expenses if you are critically ill or injured while in Tanzania.
Malaria & Health Risks
According to the World Malaria Report 2025 released by the World Health Organization (WHO), Tanzania remains one of the hardest-hit nations in terms of malaria cases. Travelers face additional risks from yellow fever, dengue, and food- or water-borne illnesses. Preventive medications, vaccinations, and strict food and water precautions are essential. Illnesses contracted during your trip may result in trip interruptions, extended hospital stays, or emergency evacuations.
✅ Travel insurance can cover medical expenses if you contract malaria or other illnesses during your time in Tanzania. If you’re forced to end your trip early, comprehensive travel insurance will also reimburse any unused travel expenses, such as airfare, lodging, and tour bookings.
Theft & Petty Crime
While violent crime against tourists is relatively rare, petty theft does occur, especially in busy markets, airports, and popular tourist areas. Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and hotel room theft are the most common issues for U.S. citizens visiting Tanzania. It’s important to follow basic precautions and keep your expensive cameras, phones, safari gear, and other valuables out of view.
✅ Baggage Loss protection is included in most trip insurance policies, and can reimburse you for lost, damaged, or stolen personal items. Your policy’s 24-Hour Emergency Assistance services can also help you replace any stolen travel documents, such as a passport or visa.
More Details on the Best Tanzania Travel Insurance Plans
Most Popular Plan
Medical / Med Evac Coverage
$100,000 / $500,000Cancellation / Interruption Limits
100% / 150% of trip cost
Accounts for roughly 25% of all Tanzania travel insurance policy sales on Squaremouth over the past 12 months
Includes up to $1,000,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage, which is among the highest reimbursement limits found in a comprehensive plan and ideal for remote safari sites
Provides numerous ways to enhance your coverage through policy upgrades and add-ons like Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) and Interruption For Any Reason (IFAR) coverage.
Best for Safari & Adventure Coverage
Medical / Med Evac Coverage
$500,000 / $500,000Cancellation / Interruption Limits
100% / 150% of trip cost
Comes standard with up to $500,000 in Emergency Medical, greater than almost every other comprehensive plan on the market
Covers more than 250 unique adventure sports and activities, including safari tourism and trekking above 7,000 meters
Provides primary medical coverage with no deductible, making the claims process as straightforward as possible
Best Evacuation Coverage
Medical / Med Evac Coverage
$100,000 / $500,000Cancellation / Interruption Limits
100% / 150% of trip cost
Includes up to $500,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage and $100,000 in Non-Medical Evacuation coverage, ensuring you’re financially protected if you require emergency transportation services during your trip
Offers up to $1,000 in Baggage Loss protection that can reimburse you for lost, missing, or damaged items throughout your Tanzania adventure
Provides coverage for pre-existing conditions if you purchase your policy within 21 days of your initial trip payment
How Much Does Tanzania Travel Insurance Cost?
The average cost of Tanzania travel insurance is $49 per day.
This is based on internal sales data from travelers who used Squaremouth to protect a trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar over the last 12 months. The average traveler spent $782 on their coverage with an average trip length of 16 days.
As a rule of thumb, comprehensive travel insurance costs 4-10% of your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs. Other factors that providers consider include your age, trip length, policy type, and coverage needs.
Here are sample prices for the most popular Tanzania travel insurance plans. These quotes below are for a 50-year-old couple purchasing travel insurance for a 14-day, $24,000 Safari to Tanzania:
| Provider | Plan Name | Plan Cost | Cost Per Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Insured International | FlexiPAX | $790 | $56 |
| Tin Leg | Gold | $1,198 | $86 |
The above prices are intended to give a general idea of how much travel insurance will cost for your trip to Tanzania, and can vary depending on your upcoming trip details. Prices can vary by state of residence.
Most Important Travel Insurance Coverage for Trips to Tanzania
According to the Tanzania Tourism Board, you should focus on plans that include medical, baggage, and evacuation coverage. At Squaremouth, we recommend that Tanzania visitors purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes the following types of protection:
Trip Cancellation and Interruption Coverage
As previously mentioned, after taking into account airfare, lodging, guided tours, and excursions, Tanzania is one of the world’s most expensive destinations. Based on Squaremouth sales data, the average trip to Tanzania costs roughly $24,000, more than 2.5 times higher than the global average. If you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason, such as an unexpected illness or injury, you stand to lose all of your non-refundable trip costs.
Comprehensive plans include Trip Cancellation coverage that can reimburse your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs if you’re forced to cancel your trip due to a covered reason. This type of plan typically comes with Trip Interruption coverage, too, which can reimburse your unused trip costs if you’re forced to end your trip early due to a covered reason. For additional flexibility, you can opt for a plan that offers the CFAR add-on, which can provide partial reimbursement if you need to cancel your trip for any reason not already covered by your plan.
Medical Coverage
Getting sick or injured while overseas is a foreign concern among international travelers. This is especially true for destinations like Tanzania, where a combination of limited medical resources and numerous health hazards can result in costly treatment for travelers. According to the U.S. Department of State, medical evacuations and repatriation services can cost U.S. travelers more than $250,000 in extreme cases.
Fortunately, most travel insurance plans include Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation coverage. To be on the safe side, only consider plans with the following coverage limits:
- Emergency Medical: At least $100,000
- Medical Evacuation: At least $250,000
Adventure Sports Coverage
Standard travel protection generally doesn’t cover high-risk activities. Given that millions of travelers visit Tanzania every year to participate in a guided safari or Kilimanjaro trek, it’s vital that you purchase an adventure travel insurance policy that includes protection for these specific types of activities. This way, if you get injured while on a guided tour, you have peace of mind that your travel insurance policy will cover the resulting medical costs.
When searching for a plan, be sure to include your intended itinerary items within the Squaremouth quote filters. You can access the full list of activities with the Sports & Activities dropdown, located under the ‘Trip-Specific Coverage’ section. Applicable selections may include Safari (Wildlife/Tourist) and Kilimanjaro (Trekking ascent).
Adventure Sports Coverage
Your journey to Tanzania will likely include multiple legs, as there are no direct, non-stop flights from the United States to Tanzania. When dealing with long-haul trips that involve layovers, a delay of any extent could result in a missed flight connection or tour departure.
Fortunately, most plans include Trip Delay and Missed Connection coverage that will reimburse you for meal and accommodation coverage if your trip is significantly delayed, as well as cover costs to catch up to your trip if you miss a connecting flight or tour departure due to a covered delay. If an airline mishandles your luggage, your insurance plan’s Baggage Delay may reimburse you for a change of clothes, toiletries, and other essentials while you wait for your luggage to arrive at your final destination.
What Isn’t Covered by Tanzania Travel Insurance?
All travel insurance plans come with exclusions. Understanding what’s not covered by your Tanzania travel insurance plan can help you avoid denied claims down the road.
When comparing plans, be mindful that the following situations are typically not covered by travel insurance:
- Government Travel Advisory: Tanzania currently has a level 3 travel advisory. If the U.S. issues a travel ban, most standard travel insurance plans will not cover related disruptions.
- Change of Mind: If you choose to cancel your trip due to a change of plans, conflicting schedule, or fear of travel, your policy coverage will not apply.
- Unfavorable Weather Conditions: While inclement weather is often covered by travel insurance, you are not able to cancel your trip due to poor weather forecasts that do not impact travel conditions.
- Pre-Existing Conditions: Flare-ups of an existing medical condition are not typically covered by travel insurance unless you purchase a policy that includes a pre-existing condition waiver.
- High-Risk Activities: Specialized adventure coverage is often necessary if you’re planning a safari trip, Kilimanjaro hike, or other hazardous activities.
FAQs: Tanzania Travel Insurance
How Much Coverage Do I Need When Visiting Tanzania?
For trips to Tanzania, we recommend a comprehensive travel insurance plan that includes at least $100,000 in Emergency Medical coverage and at least $250,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage. This is higher than our general recommendations for international travel due to the unique health risks posed by Tanzania and the limited medical facilities in remote parts of the country.
Do I Still Need Coverage If I Purchase Tanzania’s Mandatory Policy?
Yes, the coverage offered by local travel insurance providers is generally limited in terms of benefits and reimbursement rates. Most government-approved plans are cheap and only provide basic medical coverage, rarely covering your travel expenses.
Will My Tanzania Tour Operator Require Travel Insurance?
No, the majority of tour operators in Tanzania do not require travel insurance. However, it’s always recommended to check your tour operator’s specific travel requirements before departing for your trip to be safe.
When Should I Purchase Tanzania Travel Insurance?
You should purchase travel insurance as soon as you make your initial payment towards your Tanzania trip. In most cases, this will be your airfare or tour booking.
Purchasing travel insurance early will increase your chances of qualifying for time-sensitive benefits like CFAR, IFAR, and Pre-Existing Condition coverage. If you opt for comprehensive coverage, purchasing early can also protect you from unexpected events, such as weather-related hazards or tour operator issues, that may disrupt your trip.
Is Tanzania Safe?
Tanzania is generally considered a safe destination for U.S. citizens, with over 2 million tourists visiting Tanzania each year without incident. With that said, Tanzania currently holds a Level 3 travel advisory from the U.S. Department of State due to unrest, crime, and terrorism. It’s recommended to travel as part of a reputable organized tour for the duration of your visit to avoid potential dangers.