Tanzania proposes mandatory travel insurance for foreign visitors at USD 44

In a move aimed at bolstering traveller protection and enhancing public service delivery, the Tanzanian government has proposed amendments to the Insurance Act, CAP 394, to introduce mandatory travel insurance for international visitors entering the country. The proposed cost for the coverage is set at USD 44, mirroring a similar initiative launched in Zanzibar in October 2024. Presenting the proposal before Parliament during the 2025–26 budget session, Minister for Finance Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba explained that the scheme is designed to offer comprehensive protection for tourists while easing pressure on Tanzania’s healthcare and tourism infrastructure. “This initiative will ensure that foreigners are protected during their stay in the country, while also reducing the burden on our public health system,” said Dr. Nchemba. The proposed insurance will apply to all foreign nationals, with exemptions for citizens of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states. Each policy will be valid for up to 92 days per visitor. According to Dr. Nchemba, the insurance coverage will include a broad range of travel-related risks such as medical emergencies, repatriation (both medical and bodily), accidents, baggage delays, theft, and other scenarios that may require a visitor’s evacuation from the country. The programme is slated to operate under a public-private partnership model, with the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) acting on behalf of the government. Private sector insurers will also participate in the delivery of services. A revenue-sharing mechanism will be established to ensure the programme’s sustainability and efficiency.