Mandatory Travel Insurance in Zanzibar
It’s no secret that Zanzibar is on many travelers’ bucket lists. This tropical island off the east coast of Africa is home to pristine, powdered-sand beaches and a richer history. There, you can swim, dive, or even explore the busy streets of Stone Town. There’s also an opportunity to swim with dolphins, taste delicious spice-flavored foods, or explore the only park, Jozani Forest. Anyone looking for a perfect place to relax must visit Zanzibar.
For any safari-goer, travel insurance offers a cushion when unforeseen circumstances happen. Zanzibar has implemented mandatory travel insurance. All visitors are obliged to purchase the policy directly from the national insurer, Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC), regardless of whether they already have one.
The policy is not meant to hurt any visitors, but to ensure that visitors have a cushion any time they face an emergency. In this article, we’ll reveal all you need to know about Zanzibar travel insurance.
The government of Zanzibar officially announced a mandatory travel insurance on August 20, 2024, which was set to be active on October 1, 2024. This insurance policy covers the most crucial things regarding travelers, easing their burden in case of an emergency.
Insurance coverage
The insurance covers medical emergencies, evacuation, lost luggage, and legal expenses, among others. For years and years, Zanzibar has been a tourist magnet, attracting local and international visitors. Some have insurance coverage while others don’t. This newly introduced policy will help all – the haves and have-nots.
How to get Zanzibar’s mandatory travel insurance
There are two ways to get this insurance policy: online and in person.
Purchase online
No other insurer sells this policy than the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation as declared by the government. You can get your policy online via the website visitzanzibar.go.tz. Once the visitor opens, you’ll see an easy-to-navigate interface that will take you through the process. The site is easy to use and contains clear instructions in a step-by-step guide to fill out the application form.
Credentials required include your full name, passport number, dates of travel, and contact information. Afterward, you pay USD 44, via debit or credit card, you’ll get an email with a QR code and policy confirmation. You need this to enter Zanzibar. At the airport, show the QR code to the officer, then off you go.
Purchase at the airport
There’s an option to get the insurance at the airport. Ask for assistance from servants at kiosks or counters labelled ZIC. Likewise, the information needed includes names, passport number, travel dates, and contacts. The next step will payment, and can be cash by credit or debit card.
How much does Zanzibar’s mandatory travel insurance cost?
Zanzibar mandatory travel insurance costs US$44 per person and lasts for 92 days. So, the same policy will cover you for the next 92 days, no matter how many times you visit Zanzibar.
Benefits of Zanzibar’s mandatory travel insurance.
This policy is set to benefit visitors and the country. But it’s of crucial importance to visitors because:
Access to quality health care
The policy ensures access to quality health care during travel. It also ensures emergency evacuation if required and quick treatment at any health center.
Financial protection
This policy protects visitors from any financial burden for any emergency within its coverage. You’ll be compensated for medical expenses due to illnesses or accidents, emergency evacuation, and loss or stolen of belongings. This will reduce your financial stress when an emergency arises.
Repatriation Coverage
Repatriation helps visitors return home in case of severe sickness or injury. Zanzibar’s travel insurance covers any costs you could incur when you need repatriation. It offers emergency transport, like an air ambulance, back home for specialized attention.
Legal assistance
You may need legal assistance during your trip. Foreign legal systems might be quite complex and unfamiliar, making any legal issues costlier. This policy offers access to legal advice from qualified attorneys, representation in court, assistance with bail, and coverage for emergency legal fees.
The travel insurance will also benefit Zanzibar as a country in many ways. As a sustainable tourist, do a good deed for the destination you have visited. Here is how Zanzibar benefits from the mandatory travel insurance.
- Compensation for unpaid medical bills
Earlier, before the introduction of this insurance policy, visitors paid instantly before getting treatment. Some of them escaped the bill, causing loss to Zanzibar’s healthcare sector. This travel insurance is greatly reducing the amount of unpaid medical bills owed to foreign visitors.
In this way, it will not burden the local healthcare resources. So, the system will continue to provide quality care for both residents and visitors in Zanzibar.
- Improve the country’s revenue
The insurance will boost Zanzibar’s revenue. This helps in improving services like education, healthcare, infrastructure, etc.
We know this insurance policy is an added cost, but it’s worth it as it protects visitors and the government’s healthcare. It brings in financial security in case there are unforeseen medical emergencies, accidents, or other incidents, thus relieving both the individual and the destination’s resources. This will ensure that the travelers or visitors enjoy his or her experience in Zanzibar to the fullest, protected against any eventuality.
