Do you need insurance for Zanzibar?
| Point | What sources say (October 2026) |
|---|---|
| Zanzibar certificate | About $44 per adult, up to 92 days, sold online before travel by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation |
| Private insurance | Does not waive the certificate, per a US embassy alert quoted by guides |
| Mainland Tanzania | Separate policy of about $44 announced for 1 October 2026 (government notice no. 256 of 4 September 2026) |
| Safari plus island | Sources disagree: one or two policies depending on entry point; confirm with the official insurers |
The certificate mainly covers emergency care, with a quoted limit of $50,000. It has no trip cancellation. For visas and health, see visa, health and formalities.
What care and evacuation cost
We found no reliable published prices for Zanzibar hospitals. A US insurer recommends at least $100,000 of emergency medical and $250,000 of medical evacuation for Tanzania, especially for safaris far from hospitals. These are commercial recommendations, not observed prices.
Comparison: your options
| Option | What it gives | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) | Nothing in Zanzibar: valid only in the EU and EEA | No repatriation |
| Premium bank card | Assistance and medical costs, sometimes | Trip paid with the card, limits, exclusions to read |
| Home health insurer | Partial reimbursement abroad, often no repatriation | You advance costs; check the contract |
| SafetyWing Nomad Insurance | Care, hospital stay, emergency evacuation | No cancellation, no pre-existing conditions |
| Trip-cancellation insurance | A different product: costs if you cancel | No partner on this site |
SafetyWing: facts read on 24 October 2026
- Essential plan: from $62.72 per 4 weeks (ages 18 to 39, list price), up to 364 days.
- Medical up to $250,000; emergency evacuation up to $100,000 lifetime; death-related costs: transport up to $20,000.
- Not covered: pre-existing conditions, maternity, cancer treatment; no trip cancellation in Essential.
- Bought online, before departure or once abroad.
- Motorbike accidents are covered only if the rider is properly licensed, wears the gear and is not intoxicated.
This is not a promise of reimbursement: read the contract. It can complement the compulsory certificate.
Zanzibar: risks to plan for
Malaria, dengue, water and care far from Stone Town matter more than the weather: see health before you go and scams and safety. Evacuation to the mainland or abroad is the real expensive item.
How to choose
- Keep the compulsory certificate, then compare medical and evacuation limits.
- Check which activities are covered: diving, scooters, quad bikes, kitesurfing.
- Keep an offline copy of the contract and the assistance number.
- Add cancellation cover if your trip is costly and non-refundable.
FAQ
Is the $44 certificate enough?
It meets the entry rule, but its limit is low: many travellers add private insurance.
Does my bank card cover me?
Sometimes: read the conditions, notably the requirement to pay for the trip with the card.
Can I buy cover once there?
SafetyWing allows it, but the certificate must be obtained before entry.
Pour aller plus loin
Plan your stay with where to stay in Zanzibar, the Zanzibar budget and Zanzibar in 4 days.
