Tanzania (TZ)
East African expat base with Swahili-English daily life, Indian Ocean access, major safari and NGO sectors, growing mining and energy work, and relatively low local costs offset by permit, insurance, school, and hard-currency housing expenses.
Insurance Guide
Which insurances you actually need in Tanzania, prioritised.
Insurance is a practical survival layer in Tanzania. The biggest expat risks are private healthcare, evacuation, road accidents, property/security incidents, flood/water damage, electronics surge damage, business liability, and permit-linked employer coverage gaps.
Legally Mandatory
- - Motor third-party insurance for vehicles
- - Employer social security/WCF (Workers Compensation Fund) obligations for employees
- - Universal Health Insurance — effective January 26, 2026, all households (up to 6 members) must pay TZS 150,000/year under the national Universal Health Insurance scheme
- - Some work/residence permits, school enrolments, landlord requirements and lender arrangements may additionally require specific health or property cover
International health insurance
Private hospital, specialist, inpatient, and emergency coverage.
Who needs it: All expats, especially families, remote workers, retirees, and anyone outside a strong employer plan.
Annual cost: USD 1,000-10,000+ depending age/family/benefits
Must include Tanzania and preferably direct billing in Dar/Arusha plus evacuation.
Medical evacuation cover
Air ambulance or escorted transfer to Nairobi, South Africa, Europe, or home country.
Who needs it: Anyone living outside Dar or with serious medical risk.
Annual cost: Often included in international policies; standalone varies
Check trigger conditions and who authorises evacuation.
Motor comprehensive insurance
Own damage, theft, third-party, windscreen, political violence/riot extensions if available.
Who needs it: Vehicle owners and long-term car users.
Annual cost: Several percent of vehicle value plus extras
Confirm coverage for drivers, off-road use, Zanzibar/mainland travel, and cross-border trips.
Home contents insurance
Theft, fire, water damage, electronics, and sometimes all-risks extensions.
Who needs it: Renters with laptops, cameras, appliances, imported furniture, or home office equipment.
Annual cost: TSh 200,000-1,500,000+ depending insured value
Add surge damage and specify high-value items.
Personal liability insurance
Claims if you injure someone or damage property.
Who needs it: Families, pet owners, drivers, landlords, and people employing domestic staff.
Annual cost: Often bundled; standalone varies
Confirm domestic staff and rented-property damage coverage.
Travel and regional cover
Short trips to Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, Europe, or home country.
Who needs it: Frequent regional travellers, safari travellers, and remote workers.
Annual cost: USD 100-800+ depending trip frequency
Check safari, diving, Kilimanjaro trekking, and motorcycle exclusions.
Business/professional liability
Errors, omissions, public liability, employer liability, cyber, property, and sector-specific risks.
Who needs it: Consultants, NGOs, tour operators, schools, clinics, importers, and companies employing staff.
Annual cost: Varies widely
Tourism and professional services need contract-specific cover.
Comparison sites
Get policies in writing before arrival
Check direct-billing hospitals by name
Keep insurer WhatsApp/phone numbers offline
Photograph insured items and receipts
Clarify riot, flood, surge, and theft exclusions
Do not assume landlord insurance covers your contents
Insurance
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