Compulsory health insurance (ZIC)
This is the most important change since the end of 2024: All foreign visitors must take out special entry insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC), which must be purchased in addition to the visa.
Cost: Approximately $44 for adults (children aged 3-17 approximately $22, younger children free).
Validity: Up to 92 days.
Important: Your private international health insurance does not exempt you from this requirement. You must purchase it in advance and present the QR code (digital or printed) upon entry.
Where to book? The insurance must be purchased via the official government portal (visitzanzibar.go.tz).
What does the ZIC insurance cover?
No guarantee is given for the following information; it is subject to change and has been researched to the best of our knowledge.
Medical Costs:
This is the most important part. The insurance covers treatments that must be performed directly on the island.Emergency treatment: Doctor’s visits and hospital stays for acute illnesses or injuries.
Hospital transport: Transportation by ambulance to the nearest hospital.
Medication: Costs for prescribed medications during the stay.
Evacuation & Repatriation:
If medical treatment is not possible in Zanzibar or if a serious case is present:
Medical evacuation: Transport to a larger hospital (e.g., to the mainland to Dar es Salaam or Nairobi).
Repatriation: If the patient is unable to fly normally after treatment, the costs for medically escorted repatriation will be covered.
Repatriation in case of death: Assumption of the costs for repatriation to the home country.
Travel-related incidents
Lost or delayed luggage: If your suitcase is lost, you will receive compensation for essential items (clothing, toiletries).
Trip interruption: In certain cases (e.g., serious accident), costs for early return home will be covered.
Passport loss: Assistance with the costs of obtaining replacement documents.
Accidents:
In the event of accidental death or disability, a one-time payment will be made if an accident occurs during the stay on the island.
What is IMPORTANT to know?
- For Zanzibar only: The insurance primarily covers incidents that occur on the island.
- If you are going on a safari on the mainland (Tanzania), you should check whether your insurance coverage is fully valid there or whether you need additional insurance.
- The government insurance is only valid for a maximum of 92 days per entry.
- Like most travel insurance policies, it generally does not cover treatments for chronic illnesses you already had before entering the country (pre-existing conditions), unless it is an acute, life-threatening deterioration.