Travel insurance questions flood our inbox at Azao Resort & Spa more than almost any other topic. We understand why—planning a trip to Zanzibar represents significant investment. You’re booking flights, reserving luxury rooms in Zanzibar, and building anticipation for an experience you’ve perhaps dreamed about for years. The last thing people want is unexpected events to derail those plans.
Having welcomed thousands of guests to our shores, we’ve seen virtually every insurance scenario imaginable. Since October 2024, new mandatory insurance requirements have created even more questions. Below are the questions we’re asked most often, along with clear, experience-based answers.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Zanzibar?
Yes, absolutely. As of October 1, 2024, the Zanzibar government requires all foreign visitors to have mandatory inbound travel insurance before entering the archipelago. This is mandatory under the law for entry. Immigration officials may deny entry if you don’t have the mandatory policy in place, so this is something you need to take seriously when planning your trip.
Why has Zanzibar made travel insurance mandatory?
The policy aims to protect tourists from unexpected financial hardship due to emergency medical costs, evacuations, accidents, or other disruptions. By requiring travel insurance, Zanzibar ensures visitors are covered within the local healthcare system and reduces the risk of expensive out-of-pocket bills that could ruin your vacation.
Having international travel insurance from your home country does not exempt you from purchasing Zanzibar’s required inbound policy.
How much does the mandatory insurance cost?
The mandatory insurance costs USD 44 per adult and provides coverage for up to 92 days. Children are typically charged at a lower rate (around USD 22 for ages 3-17), and infants under age 2 are often covered free of charge. This fee is quite reasonable considering the comprehensive coverage it provides for your entire stay.
What does the mandatory insurance cover?
Zanzibar’s inbound travel insurance offers comprehensive protection, including emergency medical costs and hospital care, medical evacuation and repatriation in case you need advanced care outside the island, accidents and personal injury coverage, baggage loss or theft, and legal assistance and liability coverage.
While this coverage is mandatory and quite comprehensive, many travelers still supplement it with an international travel insurance plan that includes trip cancellation, adventure sports coverage, or higher medical limits.
How long is the insurance valid?
The mandatory insurance is valid for up to 92 days (approximately three months), covering your entire stay within that period. Whether you’re visiting for a week-long honeymoon or an extended month-long exploration, a single policy covers your complete trip.
Is my existing travel insurance sufficient?
No. Existing international travel insurance coverage does not exempt travelers from this legal requirement. Holding international travel insurance from your home country does not fulfill this obligation.
However, your personal insurance plan can still be extremely valuable for coverage beyond what the local policy provides—like higher evacuation limits, travel delays, trip cancellation benefits, or coverage for adventure activities.
When and how do I purchase the mandatory insurance?
You should purchase the insurance before you travel through the official Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) website. Complete the online application and payment process, and you’ll receive a policy document and QR code that may be required at immigration.
Some travelers have reported occasional issues with online payments. While it’s sometimes possible to purchase insurance on arrival at the airport, this can cause significant delays. We strongly recommend purchasing in advance to ensure smooth entry.
Will I be allowed entry if I arrive without insurance?
Without the mandatory insurance policy, Zanzibar immigration officials can refuse entry. We’ve heard from guests who assumed their international coverage would suffice, only to face complications at immigration. Even if you have proof of comprehensive international coverage, officials will still require the specific ZIC policy.
Do I need to keep proof with me?
Yes, absolutely. Print or download the policy document and QR code—you may be asked to show them at immigration or when filing a claim. Even after successfully entering Zanzibar, having these documents handy makes it easier to access services if needed. Keep both digital and physical copies.
Should I get additional insurance beyond the mandatory policy?
We strongly recommend it. While the mandatory inbound insurance covers essential needs, it’s not complete travel protection. Many of our guests purchase international travel insurance for trip cancellations or interruptions, higher medical expense limits, adventure sports coverage for scuba diving and kitesurfing, emergency evacuation to your home country, and enhanced lost luggage coverage.
This broader coverage offers peace of mind and may cover situations the mandatory policy does not.
Where can I purchase supplemental insurance?
For supplemental coverage beyond the mandatory policy, we recommend specialized travel insurance companies like World Nomads, Allianz Travel, and Travel Guard. These companies focus specifically on international travel and understand unique traveler needs. Purchase directly from insurers or through comparison websites—avoid buying from airlines or tour operators as their policies are typically more expensive.
What about adventure activities coverage?
Zanzibar offers incredible kitesurfing, scuba diving, and deep-sea fishing. The mandatory ZIC insurance may have limitations regarding these activities, and many standard comprehensive policies exclude them or charge additional premiums for adventure sports riders. If planning diving or kitesurfing, verify coverage in both your mandatory and supplemental policies. Diving accidents requiring recompression chamber treatment can be extremely expensive.
What about pre-existing medical conditions?
Many supplemental policies won’t cover pre-existing conditions unless you buy a waiver, which usually needs to be purchased within 14–21 days of your first trip payment. If you have diabetes, heart conditions, asthma, or other ongoing health issues, discuss these specifically with insurers before purchasing supplemental coverage. The mandatory ZIC policy also has specific rules about pre-existing medical conditions, so it’s important to read those details carefully before you travel.
Our Recommendation
At Azao Resort & Spa, we want every guest to arrive relaxed and excited, ready to enjoy paradise. Here’s our complete insurance recommendation:
Purchase the mandatory USD 44 ZIC insurance through the official website well before departure and keep your policy document accessible. Consider comprehensive supplemental travel insurance that offers extensive medical coverage, trip cancellation protection, and benefits for adventure activities.
Together, these policies provide complete peace of mind that protects both your health and your travel investment. When you’re investing in luxury accommodations at Azao Resort & Spa, flights, diving excursions, and the vacation of a lifetime, comprehensive insurance coverage is one of the smartest decisions you can make.
For more detailed insights about choosing the right medical insurance for your Zanzibar adventure, read our comprehensive guide: Planning a Trip to Zanzibar? Here’s Why You Need Medical Insurance
Safe travels, and we’re excited to greet you in paradise!
To read more blogs, click here: Why Zanzibar Is the Perfect Destination for Corporate Retreats
