Understanding Travel Insurance in Tanzania

Understanding Travel Insurance in Tanzania : Going on a safari in Tanzania is marvelous and everyone would be proud to achieve. Tanzania’s diverse wildlife and cultures, and breathtaking peaks like Kilimanjaro catch the attention of many nature lovers. Visitors come to this country in thousands to witness the Great Migration, climb Mount Kilimanjaro, visit the Maasai, or relax on the finest beaches of Zanzibar.

Traveling to explore nature is a splendid idea, but as a rule of thumb, everything you do has some risks. While it is hard to predict risks, finding a way to reduce their impact is necessary. Travel insurance can cover you from trip cancelation or delay to emergency medical issues. It is important to consider on your next trip to Tanzania.

Why do you need travel insurance?

Some insurance companies do not cover expenses while you are abroad. This means that you are on your own. The travel insurance will help you face unforeseen circumstances, including trip cancelation, interruption, and losses.

What does travel insurance cover?

While selecting your policy, ensure that it covers the most essential problems. These include:

Medical emergencies

Health-related emergencies may happen during your safari. Some suffer from altitude sickness while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. The policy will cover transportation costs to the health center and treatment.

Emergency evacuations

Travel insurance can also cover emergency evacuation. In most cases, this involves removing a tourist from a harmful place to a safe one. This policy allows a client to be immediately removed from the park or mountain due to emergencies like illness or natural disaster. Some companies include this in medical emergencies.

Trip cancellations and delays

With an insurance policy, you are in secure hands when the trip is canceled. Most tour operators have a force majeure clause. You will not hold them responsible for cancellations due to causes beyond their control. The policy, however, will back you in such situations.

Some circumstances may cause a delay to your trip. For example, a delayed flight can cause you to miss optional activities and your hotel stay. The insurance will cover you for this.

Lost luggage

Travel insurance protects you from unforeseen cases like losing your luggage. Losing your luggage may also cause other important things to be lost too. These include a passport, safari gear, clothes, medication, etc.

Adventure activities

Some activities incur risks. These include chimpanzee trekking, scuba diving, balloon safaris, and more. We advise you to include the risks resulting from these activities in your travel insurance.

How to choose travel insurance

Be careful while choosing your travel insurance plan. Explore different companies before deciding which one you should hire. Here are some important tips that might be helpful:

Insurance coverage limit

Look at the maximum amount your insurer can pay for the claim. Compare it with the value of your belongings, duration of your stay, and activities. If the coverage limit aligns with your plan, it is good to go for it.

Exclusions

Some insurers exclude some activities from their plans. Activities like chimpanzee trekking, scuba diving, and mountaineering are usually out of travel insurance. Some insurers may not cover your pre-existing health conditions. Consider this when choosing your plan.

Emergency assistance

Does the company have 24/7 emergency assistance? This service will make sure you get immediate help during medical emergencies. It will also plan and coordinate evacuations.

Compare prices

There are many insurers in Tanzania offering travel insurance. Compare their prices and offers before selecting the best offer for you. If you encounter any problem, a reputable tour operator like Focus East Africa can help you.

How to apply for an insurance claim?

You already have your insurance, what do you do in an emergency?

In case of a medical emergency, your guide will assist you. Always ensure that you have contacts with your insurer, and if possible, handle them with someone you trust.

If you lose your belongings, file a police loss report, and contact your insurance company.

Keep the receipt and other documentation if you miss out on an activity. Use such documents to apply for the claim.

In case of any medical issue treated with your own money, make sure you have medical records to claim for reimbursement.

A Mandatory Travel Insurance in Zanzibar

Visitors coming to Zanzibar from October 1st, 2024, are supposed to buy mandatory travel insurance. The insurance costs $44 and covers basic coverage. These include emergency medical emergency expenses, personal accidents, baggage delays, baggage theft, baggage loss, legal costs, and personal liabilities.

How to get it

You will apply for it in advance via an online portal (https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/). After paying the cost, you will receive a QR code. Store it well. You will have to show it off upon arriving in Zanzibar.

Travel insurance is essential when traveling. Our Focus East Africa Safaris team will help you if you need help. We also help clients in navigating the country’s abundant attractions. Explore our safari packages and get in touch with our travel experts.