Mandatory Travel Insurance Now Required for All Tourists in Zanzibar

In a new twist aimed at making tourists feel safer, Zanzibar is set to introduce a comprehensive insurance scheme for all incoming travelers starting from the 1st of October this year. Up to a three-month insurance policy, costing 44 USD will be mandatory for inbound tourists arriving only in the Zanzibar archipelago and claims to provide immediate support in case of medical and other emergency situations.

Government’s Intentions and Management

Dr. Saada Mkuya Salum, the Finance and Planning State Minister in the Zanzibar President’s Office, announced this initiative during a stakeholders meeting, stating, “Setting up an insurance arrangement is expected to increase the number of tourists and thus improve revenue collection.” Even though the idea sounds great, how much this will attract new tourists, who mostly come from mainland Tanzania or Kenya and thus already have their insurance for their entire trip, is debatable.  Compulsory insurance schemes are also in place in other countries such as Cuba, Seychelles, and the Galapagos Islands. Here, insurance is compulsory, either purchased from the local government or from your own chosen insurance company.

The Zanzibar government has also issued an official statement outlining the main reasons behind the introduction of this mandatory insurance policy, which you can read here.

Key Benefits of Zanzibar’s Travel Insurance

The insurance is managed by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC), a Government-owned corporation aiming to make Zanzibar a safer destination. The settlement of the claim for the loss will be within the mentioned Corporation only. The insurance is valid for up to 92 days from your arrival, allowing unlimited trips within this period. If you stay longer than 92 days, you will need to purchase a new insurance policy. This also applies to business visas arriving after the 1st of October.

Here are the key benefits of this mandatory travel insurance:

Medical & Related Expenses 

• Emergency medical expenses (including epidemics & pandemics) up to USD 50,000 (sports like kitesurfing and scuba diving should be covered as well)
• Compulsory quarantine expenses because of epidemic and pandemic
• Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation expenses. (including epidemics & pandemics)
• Extension of stay of the beneficiary due to the medically not fit to fly plus one accompanying

24/7 Assistance Services 

• 24/7 Emergency Medical assistance services
• Consular referral
• Emergency accommodation and travel arrangements
• Transmission of an urgent message 

Personal Accident, Repatriation and Liability

• Accidental death occurred by means of public transport, USD 20,000
• Personal Liability up to USD 30,000
• Permanent Total Disability as per % scale up to USD 20,000
• Body Repatriation in case of death 

Legal Expenses and Baggage

• Lawyer’s expenses up to USD 2,000
• Advance for bail up to USD 2,000
• Baggage delay, USD 25 per hour up to  USD 200
• Theft, loss, or damaged baggage (within the care of the airline) up to USD 400

How to Apply for Zanzibar’s Mandatory Insurance

The procedure is simple: visit the official Zanzibar tourism website https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/, select the single, family, or group option, fill out your details, and pay the 44 USD fee (children 17-3 years for 22 USD and younger for free). The coverage applies only within the Zanzibar archipelago. Once the insurance and payment have been processed, you should receive a receipt with a QR code to present on arrival at immigration at the Zanzibar airport along with your tourist visas.

Travelers who arrive through a travel agent or other third party and have Zanzibar included in their itinerary should check whether the travel agent will arrange this compulsory insurance for them or whether they need to arrange it themselves. Insurance can also be purchased directly at the Zanzibar airport for travelers who cannot pay online or complete their application due to legitimate reasons, such as system accessibility issues. Passengers should not be denied boarding for a flight to Zanzibar based on not having this insurance in advance as stated in General Notice issued by Zanzibar government on 17.10.2024. However, ZIC urges all arrivals to purchase insurance in advance to avoid queues forming and ensure a smooth passage through immigration.

How to Make a Claim for an Incident

To make a claim while traveling, ensure you have your Inbound Travel insurance policy documents with you, which include your unique policy number, effective date, terms and conditions, and other details. In case of an emergency or to report a claim, contact the 24/7 helpline at 0800008005, email inbound@zic.co.tz, or call +331701957025. Additionally, you can email medical-service@axa-assistance.ma. Be sure to keep all receipts and documentation to support your claim.

Frequently asked questions

1. How long is the insurance valid?

Once the purchase is confirmed, the ZIC insurance is valid for 92 days.

2. Does the insurance cover re-entry during the stay?

Yes, you can leave and enter Zanzibar multiple times during the valid period of your ZIC insurance without purchasing a new one.

3. Am I obliged to purchase insurance if I am only transiting through Zanzibar on a connecting flight?

No, you are not obliged to purchase the ZIC insurance if you do not leave the Zanzibar airport.

4. Where should I purchase the insurance?

ZIC insurance is available to purchase at the following link: https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/

5. Can I purchase the insurance upon arrival at Zanzibar airport?

Yes, there are kiosks where you can buy insurance at Zanzibar airport. However, ZIC strongly advises all visitors to purchase the insurance in advance.

Final Thoughts on Mandatory Zanzibar Insurance

The new mandatory insurance for Zanzibar visitors aims to enhance visitors’ safety, minimize care-related incidents, and ensure a smooth hospitalization and treatment process if an incident occurs during your stay. While the initiative has sparked some debate, its effectiveness will become clearer over time. If you are planning to visit Zanzibar, we recommend you carefully review the mandatory policy and consider maintaining your own insurance to ensure comprehensive protection tailored to your specific needs. Regardless of the requirements, it’s always wise to travel with a good understanding of the local healthcare system and other potential risks. Travel smart, stay safe, and enjoy your journey.