Zanzibar is constantly making a name for itself as the strategic center of East Africa, driven by forward-thinking policies and visionary leadership.
Tourism has, for years, been a cornerstone of Zanzibar’s economy, contributing significantly to employment, foreign exchange earnings, and infrastructural development. With the government recognizing the sector’s pivotal role, it has acted swiftly to render it more sustainable and globally competitive.
The Mandatory Travel Insurance Policy is one such strategic intervention that seeks to mitigate risks, protect visitors, and ensure that tourism continues to be a cornerstone of the economy in a planned and resilient manner.
In line with global best practices, Zanzibar is now among a growing list of foreign destinations that have implemented compulsory travel insurance to enhance their networks of tourism.
The measures are followed by nations like the Schengen nations to protect visitors and alleviate economic strain on national healthcare systems. In joining the same global standards, Zanzibar ensures its position as a well-regulated and safe holiday destination.
In line with global best practices, Zanzibar is now among a growing list of foreign destinations that have implemented compulsory travel insurance
While Zanzibar’s mandatory travel insurance policy has similarities with the international models, it also includes aspects specific to the island tourism context. Compared to the Schengen countries policies that require insurance during visa application, Zanzibar offers flexibility by allowing purchase at the destination in case of existing coverage. It is a compromise between enforcement and accessibility that does not discourage travelers while maintaining compliance.
Initially the roll-out of the $44 insurance charge was perceived as undermining cost competitiveness among tourism stakeholders, subsequent industry responses have been extremely positive.
Real-life experience raises the tangible benefits of the policy: This include one British visitor who was fully covered for medical treatment after a road traffic accident; while a Hungarian couple, unable to travel by air because of serious injuries, had their emergency care and air ambulance fees covered by ZIC. The policy also enabled the repatriation of a deceased French visitor.
Tourism stakeholders now recognize that structured risk management enhances the overall experience for tourists, making Zanzibar a superior destination in the long run.
Travel operators and airlines play a key role in raising awareness so that the tourists are aware of the requirement of the insurance before they leave. Travelers nowadays purchase insurance before reaching the airport to avoid airport hassles.
More and more travelers incorporate the insurance charge in their travel plans, viewing it as an integral part of global travel. Influencers and travel bloggers also help raise awareness, enabling tourists to effectively plan their tours.
Statistical information indicates that the compulsory insurance cover has not chased away tourists, at least for these few months of its implementation. Even so, the last six months have seen monthly visitor numbers increase by 17% and have broken all-time records with December 2024’s 91,611 visitors. This suggests that tourists are getting used to the new requirement as a normal travel requirement like visa charges.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for all-round travel insurance policies. Given that Zanzibar relies heavily on tourism, there is a need for financial protection during unexpected health emergencies. The policy offers an organized framework to meet medical bills, quarantine charges, and emergency evacuations, and, ultimately, lower the government’s financial vulnerability during emergencies.
Travelers to Zanzibar originate from different walks of life and not all necessarily have good insurance cover. Medical conditions, accidents, or untoward events saw some travelers subjected to exorbitant bills earlier. The system provides tourists access to proper medical care without monetary challenges, reinforcing the belief of Zanzibar as a secure and well-controlled tourist destination.
Safety and security are foremost determinants of tourist choice. With mandatory insurance cover, visitors are assured of financial protection against medical emergencies, lost baggage, or interrupted travel. Such guarantee improves Zanzibar’s image as a safe and attractive holiday destination.
Before the implementation of the policy, foreign guests could often proceed with treatment in national hospitals, and most did not have billing recoveries. Mandatory cover ensures providers of care receive direct payments from the insurers for the hospitals to operate successfully with their focus only on the provision of service instead of billing recovery.
Despite the policy’s success, certain challenges remain, particularly in ensuring widespread awareness among travelers. Some tourists arrive in Zanzibar unaware of the mandatory travel insurance requirement due to inadequate communication by some tour operators and airlines. This lack of information lead to confusion at entry points, affecting the overall travel experience. Additionally, language barriers pose a challenge, especially for visitors who do not speak English or Swahili.
To address these issues, the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) is taking a proactive role in enhancing awareness and ensuring that all travelers are well-informed. By strengthening multilingual communication efforts and collaborating with airlines, travel agencies, and digital platforms, the corporation is positioning itself as a key driver of accessibility and compliance. These initiatives will streamline the implementation of the policy while reinforcing Zanzibar’s reputation as a welcoming and well-regulated destination.
Zanzibar Mandatory Travel Insurance Policy is a clear demonstration of the government’s will towards strategic tourism and economic management planning. Adopting global best practices, providing assurance of safeguarding visitors, and ensuring economic sustainability, the policy further stamps Zanzibar as a leading travel and investment destination.
In its continued refinement of regulatory policies, the active approach to economic development will attract long-term gains, attracting yet more visitors, investors, and stakeholders to the vibrant business world.
Claims and Expenditures Incurred – Inbound Travel Insurance (Oct–Dec 2024)
- Total Claims Reported
A total of 1,030 insurance claims were recorded during the four-month period from 1st October to 31st December 2024.
- Death-Related Claims
Seven (7) claims were related to fatalities.
- Medical-Related Claims
A significant portion—787 claims—involved medical expenses, including emergency evacuations to neighboring countries and medical repatriation to home countries.
- Travel Inconvenience Claims
101 claims were filed for travel-related inconveniences, such as lost documents, missed flights, and ticket changes due to illness.
- Outstanding Claims Pending Documentation
As of the current reporting period, 135 claims remain under process due to incomplete documentation.
Master in Business Administration
(Marketing, Creative Writing & PR)
m.shaaban@zic.co.tz
