- The best travel insurance plans for Tanzania
- Is it currently safe to travel to Tanzania?
- The legal requirement for travel insurance to enter Tanzania
- Why take out travel insurance for Tanzania?
- What should travel insurance for Tanzania cover?
- The cost of travel insurance for Tanzania
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Tanzania
- Can you rely on your current insurance to cover you in Tanzania?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Tanzania: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Tanzania covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost personal belongings.
2. Warning: Australia advises against travel to the Mozambique border region due to terrorism and kidnapping risks.
3. Key protection: Insurance is mandatory for Zanzibar but not for mainland Tanzania. However, it is vital for the mainland due to limited healthcare.
4. Healthcare cost: Medical facilities are limited; medical evacuation can cost over AUD $100,000 without insurance.
5. Good to know: For Zanzibar, you must buy specific inbound insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC).
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Tanzania.
The best travel insurance plans for Tanzania
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | AUD 1.6M | Recommended for travel to Tanzania. - high reimbursement for medical emergencies - includes evacuation and repatriation - global support |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | AUD 1.6M | Good for comprehensive risk in Tanzania. - round-the-clock medical helpline - no deductible - covers cancellations |
| Tourist Card | AUD 800k | Suitable for tourism with strong basic cover. - solid medical limits - emergency assistance available - simple claim process |
| Travel Pass Monde | AUD 1.1M | Balanced for extensive trips or combined regions. - repatriation included - robust medical ceiling - clear terms |
| Globe Partner | AUD 480k | Reliable option for international stays in Tanzania. - core health care - medical evacuation - personal liability included |
| Globe Traveller | AUD 800k | Well suited for short and low-risk visits. - covers essentials - quick settlements - limited reimbursement level |
- high reimbursement for medical emergencies
- includes evacuation and repatriation
- global support
- round-the-clock medical helpline
- no deductible
- covers cancellations
- solid medical limits
- emergency assistance available
- simple claim process
- repatriation included
- robust medical ceiling
- clear terms
- core health care
- medical evacuation
- personal liability included
- covers essentials
- quick settlements
- limited reimbursement level
Is it currently safe to travel to Tanzania?
As of June 2025, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Tanzania, due to the ongoing risks of violent crime and isolated threats of terrorism, particularly near borders and in the Mtwara region.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: violent and petty crime are significant concerns in urban centres such as Dar es Salaam and Arusha, where armed robbery and bag-snatching incidents are reported. The Mtwara region and coastal areas south of Kisiju are particularly dangerous and should be avoided.
- Health risks: disease outbreaks are common, including malaria, mpox, dengue, and cholera. Access to high-quality medical care is limited outside major cities and evacuation may be required for serious conditions.
- Entry and insurance requirements: Australians need a visa and are subject to strict entry requirements, including mpox screening. Travel insurance is legally mandatory for all visitors to Zanzibar and must be purchased from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation before arrival.
- Transport and scams: only use registered taxis as attacks on tourists using unlicensed vehicles have been reported. Avoid walking after dark and always remain alert to your surroundings.
Travel insurance is legally mandatory to enter Zanzibar, Tanzania. It must cover at minimum medical care and repatriation costs, as these expenses can be significant in case of illness or accident during your stay.
The legal requirement for travel insurance to enter Tanzania
For mainland Tanzania, travel insurance is not mandatory for Australian travellers.
For Zanzibar, travel insurance is legally mandatory for all foreign visitors, including Australians. Travellers must purchase a policy from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation before arrival. The ZIC insurance is basic, so it is strongly recommended to take out additional comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation, hospitalisation, and repatriation.
For both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, travel insurance remains important due to a limited health infrastructure and high risks of disease, violence, and medical evacuation costs.
Why take out travel insurance for Tanzania?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Tanzania.
In Tanzania, medical facilities such as Aga Khan Hospital in Dar es Salaam and Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre often require full payment up front. Public hospitals may not have modern equipment, and serious cases may need expensive evacuation to Nairobi or even South Africa. This makes healthcare costs especially high for foreign travellers.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Australia in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Tanzania.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Aga Khan Hospital | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | TZS 3,200,000 (approx. AUD 1,940) | up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | TZS 4,000,000 (approx. AUD 2,420) | up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | TZS 110,000,000 (approx. AUD 66,500) | up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | TZS 11,000,000 (approx. AUD 6,650) | up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What should travel insurance for Tanzania cover?
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers doctor visits, hospital care and medicines for illness or injury. We recommend a reimbursement limit of AUD 300,000 or higher. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation and repatriation | Pays for emergency transport to Australia or advanced care abroad. Ensure your policy covers at least AUD 250,000 for evacuation and repatriation. |
| 🧳 Baggage loss and theft | Compensates for stolen, damaged or lost luggage and belongings. Choose a limit of AUD 5,000 or more per traveller. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation and curtailment | Reimburses for non-refundable costs if you must cancel or cut your trip short. Look for coverage of at least AUD 10,000 per trip. |
| 👩⚕️ Personal liability | Protects if you injure someone or damage property. Select a limit of AUD 1,000,000 minimum. |
| 🦟 Infectious disease cover | Includes hospitalisation or treatment if you contract malaria, dengue or similar illnesses. Seek AUD 40,000 or more for tropical disease care. |
| 🦷 Dental emergencies | Provides for urgent dental problems, not routine care. A limit of AUD 1,000–2,000 is advisable. |
| 💰 Money and passports | Covers theft or loss of cash and essential travel documents. Guarantee at least AUD 1,000–2,000 reimbursement. |
We recommend a reimbursement limit of AUD 300,000 or higher.
Ensure your policy covers at least AUD 250,000 for evacuation and repatriation.
Choose a limit of AUD 5,000 or more per traveller.
Look for coverage of at least AUD 10,000 per trip.
Select a limit of AUD 1,000,000 minimum.
Seek AUD 40,000 or more for tropical disease care.
A limit of AUD 1,000–2,000 is advisable.
Guarantee at least AUD 1,000–2,000 reimbursement.
Travel insurance from local providers or via some bank cards often includes low limits and many exclusions. For true peace of mind, choose a trusted insurer offering full coverage. Compare leading options on HelloSafe and get certified instantly online.
The cost of travel insurance for Tanzania
| Trip duration | Traveller’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | AUD 65 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | AUD 110 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | AUD 185 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | AUD 340 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of your travel insurance is influenced by several key factors: your age, the length of your trip, your destination, the level of cover you choose, and any pre-existing medical conditions. Considering these will help you find the right policy for your trip to Tanzania, ensuring you're properly covered without overpaying.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to pay less for your travel insurance to Tanzania
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Tanzania while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🧑🤝🧑 Number of travellers | Covering couples, families or groups together often reduces the per-person cost, especially for organized tours in Tanzania. | Choose a family or group policy as it usually offers better overall value than purchasing individual plans. |
| 🌍 Geographical coverage | Worldwide insurance is more expensive. Tanzania-specific or regional policies are usually cheaper and tailored to local risks. | Select East Africa or Africa-only coverage to save, unless you plan to visit other continents. |
| 🩺 Level of coverage | Higher limits for medical, evacuation, and loss increase policy price. Tanzania's major costs are usually hospital treatment or medical evacuation. | Opt for health cover around AUD 200,000–300,000, as this covers most realistic situations without overpaying. |
| 💵 Excess amount | Choosing a higher excess (deductible) reduces your premium but means you'll pay more if you need to claim. | Raise the excess thoughtfully but never above what you could easily pay out yourself for a small medical need. |
| 📅 Trip duration | The longer you stay, the more expensive insurance becomes, as costs are calculated per day for Tanzania. | Insure only for your precise travel dates; avoid buying extra days you do not need for your itinerary. |
| 🦓 Optional activities | Safaris or adventure sports may require extra cover. Excluding high-risk activities from your plan will reduce cost if you do not need them. | Exclude activities not planned such as climbing Kilimanjaro, scuba diving, or ballooning to lower your premium. |
| 👴 Traveller’s age | Prices usually increase with age, but some insurers do not raise premiums after a certain age. Tanzania does not pose unique age-related risks. | Compare options and note Heymondo does not increase prices for those over 62—a useful feature for older travellers. |
Good to know
Travel insurance is required by law for all travellers visiting Zanzibar. You must purchase inbound insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation before arrival. This covers only basic situations, so consider extra private cover for medical evacuation and valuables.
Can you rely on your current insurance to cover you in Tanzania?
It is entirely reasonable to check if your existing insurance, such as credit card coverage or the Australian public health system, is enough for travel in Tanzania. Unfortunately, these options very often provide little or no overseas protection. Only travel insurance will fully cover the risks you may face. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Tanzania? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare) | Never | No overseas reimbursement. No cover for hospitalisation, evacuation, or major incidents. | Travel insurance can reimburse up to AUD 10,000,000 for overseas medical care, evacuation, and emergency assistance. |
| Private health insurance (Bupa, Medibank, nib) | Limited coverage | Sometimes covers emergencies abroad, capped at AUD 200–500. No baggage, delays, or extended medical. | Travel insurance covers medical emergencies, repatriation, and includes lost luggage, trip disruption up to AUD 10,000,000. |
| Classic credit card (Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ) | Limited coverage | Some trip or baggage cover if paid by card, usually capped up to AUD 1,000–2,000. No cover for high-medical costs. | Travel insurance provides essential medical and hospital cover, sports injuries, and much higher limits than credit cards. |
| Premium credit card (Amex Platinum, NAB Signature, Citi Prestige) | Limited coverage | Sometimes covers medical emergencies, lost luggage, and trip delays. Max cover is usually AUD 5,000–20,000. | Travel insurance can insure adventure activities, pre-existing medical conditions, and higher medical cover up to AUD 10,000,000. |
Example
On safari near Arusha, Chloe got severe malaria, needing an AU$80,000 medical evacuation. Her CommBank Platinum card’s insurance covered just AU$5,000, and her Aussie health fund paid nothing overseas. Without proper travel insurance, she faced an AU$75,000 bill, turning her dream trip into a financial nightmare.
Expert advice
Don't assume your credit card or health fund has you covered. Trip interruptions for a relative's illness are common exclusions. Always check the fine print to avoid nasty surprises abroad. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Tanzania?
Yes, Australian citizens need a visa to enter Tanzania. You can apply for an e-visa online before your trip or obtain a visa on arrival at main entry points. The cost is usually about USD 50. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond arrival and have at least one unused visa page.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Tanzania?
Begin by using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to compare options. Check what each policy covers and excludes, focusing on Tanzania’s specific risks, such as medical evacuation and infectious diseases. Buy your chosen policy online and receive your insurance certificate via email for your trip.
Is travel insurance required for visiting Zanzibar?
Travel insurance is legally mandatory for entry to Zanzibar. All visitors must purchase inbound travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation before arrival. This insurance offers only basic protection, so it is recommended to supplement with more comprehensive travel insurance specifically for your needs.
Are vaccines or health precautions necessary for travel to Tanzania?
No yellow fever vaccine is needed unless you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is present. However, anti-malarial medication is necessary, as malaria is a risk year-round except in high-altitude areas. It is also important to take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses and practice safe hygiene to reduce exposure.
Are medical facilities reliable in Tanzania?
Medical facilities in Tanzania are limited, especially outside major cities. Emergency evacuation to another country may be necessary for serious illness or injury, and this is not covered by Medicare or private health insurance in Australia. Travel insurance with evacuation cover is strongly recommended due to the potential high cost of air ambulances.
How much does travel insurance for Tanzania cost for Australians?
For a two-week trip, travel insurance typically costs between AUD 120 and AUD 300 per traveller. Costs depend on your age, medical history, length of stay and level of cover including medical limits and activities such as safari or climbing. It is best to compare several policies for the right balance of price and protection.
Do I need a visa to travel to Tanzania?
Yes, Australian citizens need a visa to enter Tanzania. You can apply for an e-visa online before your trip or obtain a visa on arrival at main entry points. The cost is usually about USD 50. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond arrival and have at least one unused visa page.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Tanzania?
Begin by using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to compare options. Check what each policy covers and excludes, focusing on Tanzania’s specific risks, such as medical evacuation and infectious diseases. Buy your chosen policy online and receive your insurance certificate via email for your trip.
Is travel insurance required for visiting Zanzibar?
Travel insurance is legally mandatory for entry to Zanzibar. All visitors must purchase inbound travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation before arrival. This insurance offers only basic protection, so it is recommended to supplement with more comprehensive travel insurance specifically for your needs.
Are vaccines or health precautions necessary for travel to Tanzania?
No yellow fever vaccine is needed unless you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is present. However, anti-malarial medication is necessary, as malaria is a risk year-round except in high-altitude areas. It is also important to take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses and practice safe hygiene to reduce exposure.
Are medical facilities reliable in Tanzania?
Medical facilities in Tanzania are limited, especially outside major cities. Emergency evacuation to another country may be necessary for serious illness or injury, and this is not covered by Medicare or private health insurance in Australia. Travel insurance with evacuation cover is strongly recommended due to the potential high cost of air ambulances.
How much does travel insurance for Tanzania cost for Australians?
For a two-week trip, travel insurance typically costs between AUD 120 and AUD 300 per traveller. Costs depend on your age, medical history, length of stay and level of cover including medical limits and activities such as safari or climbing. It is best to compare several policies for the right balance of price and protection.
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