Planning a trip to the stunning island of Zanzibar? Before you jet off, there’s an important requirement you need to be aware of: Zanzibar now has mandatory travel insurance. As of now, all international travellers to Zanzibar must purchase specific travel insurance through the official government portal. This coverage is sadly far from sufficient on its own.
Here are 4 essential tips to keep in mind about Zanzibar’s mandatory insurance:
Travellers must buy the mandatory insurance directly from the official Zanzibar government website at visitzanzibar.go.tz. Be cautious of third-party providers offering similar coverage—this required insurance can only be purchased through the official portal and is mandatory for entering the country. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!
The insurance costs USD40 per traveler (approximately R800). This fee applies to every individual entering Zanzibar. While it might seem like an extra expense, it’s non-negotiable. Make sure to budget this alongside your other travel costs.
The mandatory cover includes basic medical emergencies, evacuation, and some trip cancellations. However, let’s be clear—this coverage is by no means sufficient for a major medical emergency. It’s crucial to understand what’s included and, more importantly, what isn’t. Relying solely on this insurance is about as useful as that decorative parsley garnish on your restaurant plate—it looks nice but doesn’t add much substance.
If you’re with providers like Discovery, Momentum, or have a credit card that offers travel insurance top-up, ensure you have the right level of coverage for your needs. This precaution ensures that in case of a serious medical emergency, you won’t be left with hefty out-of-pocket expenses.
This insurance must be purchased before you arrive in Zanzibar. If you arrive without proof of purchase, you could face issues at the border. The last thing you want after a long journey is a hassle at immigration, so take care of this ahead of time to ensure a smooth entry. Nobody wants to want the start of their holiday trying to resolve something you should have down before landing.
Zanzibar’s mandatory travel insurance is a requirement, but don’t rely on it alone to adequately cover your trip. Make sure to complement it with comprehensive coverage from your own medical aid or a reputable travel insurance provider.
This is breaking news and I recently chatted to Afrika Malenae on Cape Talk and 702 about how comprehensive travel insurance is crucial for a stress-free trip. You can listen to the full interview here.
Safe travels, and remember: while the garnish might look nice, it’s what’s on the plate that really matters when it comes to travel insurance. But this all said Zanzibar is a wonderful destination to consider for your next getaway.
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