Do you need travel insurance for Tanzania and Zanzibar

Russian citizens need a visa for Tanzania: you can get an e-visa in advance or a visa on arrival. Insurance works in a special way here. The country has a mandatory government inbound travel insurance scheme, and it is a separate local policy that you buy in addition to your regular travel insurance.

  • Zanzibar. Since 1 October 2024 tourists need a Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) policy.
  • Mainland Tanzania. Since 1 October 2026 a National Insurance Corporation (NIC) policy is required. It costs the equivalent of 44 $ per person and is valid for up to 92 days.

The local policy can be bought online in advance or on arrival. It is issued for your first point of entry, and without it you may be refused entry. If your route covers both the mainland and Zanzibar, check before you travel whether a second local policy is needed: the rules are new and may be clarified.

Why the local policy alone is not enough

The government policy is basic. It meets the formal entry condition, but it is not designed for serious treatment, a long hospital stay or medical evacuation from a remote area. And remoteness is perhaps the main risk in Tanzania: from a savannah camp or the slopes of Kilimanjaro, a hospital with the right equipment may be many hours away.

So the sensible approach is this: a local ZIC or NIC policy for entry plus full travel medical insurance from a Russian insurer for real protection. Your own travel insurance does not replace the local policy, and the local policy does not replace travel insurance. They are two different documents with different jobs.

Which risks to cover

Safaris in national parks

A safari by off-road vehicle counts as ordinary tourism, but the days are spent on long drives over dirt roads, far from towns. An injury, severe food poisoning or a flare-up of an illness out there almost always means transport to a hospital. Make sure the plan includes medical transportation and evacuation and that their limits are not cut down.

Climbing Kilimanjaro

Climbing Kilimanjaro is high-altitude trekking, and a standard policy usually does not cover it. Select the matching active leisure option in the calculator and check the altitude limit in the policy terms: if it is lower than the point you are heading to, the policy may not work on that part of the trip.

Diving and snorkelling in Zanzibar

Scuba diving is usually treated as active leisure and added as a separate option. Tick diving when you calculate the price and check the conditions on depth and certification.

Malaria and tropical infections

Tanzania is a country with a risk of malaria and other tropical infections. The policy pays for emergency treatment if you fall ill, but not for vaccinations or prevention. See a doctor about protective measures before the trip.

Flights and baggage

The journey from Russia usually involves a connection, so the "Flight delay" and "Baggage" options are useful. If your tour is paid in advance, consider trip cancellation cover, and for an active itinerary add accident insurance.

How to choose the sum insured and the plan

For Tanzania the calculator suggests 50,000 $ by default, and that is a sensible minimum. If you plan Kilimanjaro, a multi-day safari or diving, look at a higher sum: medical evacuation from remote areas is one of the most expensive items. Compare how different insurers describe transportation and repatriation, and choose a plan without a deductible so that you do not pay small costs out of pocket.

If Tanzania is part of a longer route, for example with a stop in Seychelles or Mauritius, it is easier to choose a territory that covers every country or to look at the Worldwide option.

What to do if something happens

  1. First call the assistance company on the phone number in your travel insurance policy and give your policy number and location.
  2. Wait until the assistance company approves a clinic or arranges transport. Do not pay for treatment yourself without approval.
  3. If you had to pay, keep all receipts, invoices, discharge papers and medical reports.

Detailed instructions are in the Insurance claim section.

How to buy a policy online at polisre.ru

You can buy travel insurance in the calculator in a few minutes. Enter the country, dates and travellers' ages and tick the options you need. The calculator shows offers from 16 insurance companies: pricing and purchase run through the Cherehapa service (Polis Re's partner). Then enter your details exactly as in your international passport, pay, and the policy arrives by e-mail. The policy is issued by the insurance company you choose. If you are already travelling, note that some insurers offer plans for people who are already abroad; check the conditions (for example, a waiting period) in the calculator. The local ZIC or NIC policy is bought separately. Other destinations are listed in the Travel insurance section.