Travel Insurance

Kilisa Tours and Safaris recommends that you buy travel insurance to protect yourself and the money you've put into your trip.

Look for travel insurance that covers:

• Trip Cancellation
• Trip Interruption
• Emergency Medical Expenses
• Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation of Remains
• Trip Delay
• Baggage & Personal Effects
• Baggage Delay and more

Travel Insurance for Tanzania: What You Need to Know

Whether you're planning a safari in the Serengeti, a climb up Kilimanjaro or a beach break on Zanzibar, it's worth preparing for the unexpected. Travel insurance is more than a box to tick: it protects you from big costs if something goes wrong, from a medical emergency to a cancelled trip. Here's a simple guide to what travel insurance covers, why you need it and how to choose a plan.

Why You Need Travel Insurance for Tanzania

Tanzania's remote parks are exciting, but they come with some risks:

• Medical emergencies: U.S. health insurance usually doesn't cover you abroad, and healthcare in Tanzania is limited outside cities like Dar es Salaam. A twisted ankle on a game drive or malaria in the bush could mean big bills or an evacuation flight.
• Trip costs: Safaris and Kilimanjaro treks aren't cheap. If you have to cancel because of illness or weather, you could lose non-refundable deposits.
• Zanzibar rule: Since October 1, 2024, all visitors to Zanzibar must buy local insurance from Zanzibar Insurance Corporation ($44 USD for 90 days). It's required even if you already have another policy.

What Should Your Travel Insurance Cover?

A good plan for Tanzania should include:

• Medical cover: You'll be a long way from home, so you may need treatment while you're here.
• Emergency evacuation: If you're injured in Katavi or on Kilimanjaro, a helicopter or plane to a hospital could be essential.
• Trip cancellation/interruption: Pays back prepaid costs (flights, tours, lodges) if you cancel or cut your trip short for covered reasons, such as illness or a family emergency.
• Baggage loss/delay: Covers lost gear (cameras, clothes) or delayed bags, which is useful since safari vehicles don't take hard suitcases well.
• Activity cover: Safaris, trekking and hot air balloon rides carry some risk. Check that your policy includes them; some exclude "adventure sports" unless you add them.

Tanzania-Specific Tips

• Yellow fever: If you're coming from, or have spent more than 12 hours in transit in, a risk country (like Kenya), you need a vaccination certificate. Insurance won't cover related problems if you skip it.
• Malaria: Common in Tanzania. Bring tablets (ask your doctor) and bug spray. Your medical cover should pay for treatment if you catch it.
• Zanzibar add-on: The $44 ZIC policy covers medical care, lost luggage and evacuation, but it's basic. Combine it with a comprehensive plan.