Tanzania is one of the safest travel destinations in Africa. But "safe" does not mean "without risk". Good travel insurance is not a luxury — it is a requirement. Let me explain why and exactly what you need.
Why Tanzania has specific insurance requirements
Tanzania is far from major medical centres. Arusha has a reasonable hospital, but for serious cases (heart attack, serious accident) evacuation to Nairobi or even Europe is the only option. That medical aircraft evacuation costs between €15,000 and €40,000 — and that is without on-the-spot medical treatment.
National parks like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are days' drive from the nearest hospital. If something goes wrong on a game drive — a fall from a vehicle, heat stroke, an allergic reaction — you are completely dependent on your insurance coverage.
The four coverages you absolutely need
*1. Medical costs including evacuation (minimum €500,000)*
This is the most critical coverage. Check explicitly whether medical evacuation by aircraft is included. Many cheap insurances exclude this or have low coverage. Look for the terms "repatriation" or "medical evacuation" in the policy conditions.
*2. Cancellation insurance*
Tanzania safaris are significantly priced. If you fall ill a week before departure, you want your investment protected. Check which cancellation reasons are covered and what the excess is.
*3. Baggage insurance with electronics*
Camera equipment is vulnerable in a safari environment: dust, heat, humidity. Make sure valuable items are separately covered. Standard baggage cover often does not fully cover expensive cameras.
*4. Travel accident insurance*
In a serious accident you want your loved ones to be financially protected. Check the coverage for death or permanent disability.
AMREF Flying Doctors — important for the Serengeti
If you are going to the Serengeti or other remote parks, consider a temporary AMREF Flying Doctors membership. For around $25 per week you have the right to medical evacuation to Nairobi if needed. This is not a replacement for your travel insurance but a supplement that many experienced Tanzania travellers take out.
What your insurance covers
Check what your existing health and travel policies cover for Africa before taking out additional coverage. Even with good supplementary insurance, evacuation costs are often not covered.
Pitfalls to avoid
Cheap continuous travel insurance through your bank is often insufficient for Tanzania. They have too-low limits for medical evacuation, exclude "adventurous activities" (game drives and walking safaris can fall under this) and offer limited cancellation coverage.
Always explicitly check: - Is medical evacuation by aircraft covered? - What is the coverage for activities in national parks? - What is the maximum coverage for camera equipment? - What excesses apply?
Our recommendation
We recommend a specialist travel insurance from an insurer experienced with African safari trips. Check with your provider that Tanzania, including the national parks, is fully covered — also for medical evacuation. Feel free to ask us for advice — we have good experiences with specific insurers we are happy to share.
The cost of good insurance
Good travel insurance for a 10-day Tanzania safari costs an average of €80–€150 per person, depending on coverage and age. That is less than 5% of your total travel investment. The price is more than worth the certainty.