How does healthcare work in Tanzania, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

What is the quality of healthcare in Tanzania?

• Tanzania has a growing but still unevenly distributed healthcare system. In urban areas such as Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Zanzibar, access to care is reasonably good, and there are public and private hospitals and clinics.
• Outside the cities, care is often simpler and sometimes limited to small health centers.
• Healthcare is organized through a mix of:
  • public facilities,
  • private clinics and hospitals,
  • NGOs and international organizations.
• Many residents pay for care (partially) themselves, which affects accessibility. For expats and travelers, private care is usually the first choice.
• For specialized treatments or complex surgeries, abroad, such as Kenya (Nairobi) or South Africa, is popular.
• Ambulance services exist in larger cities and through some private hospitals, but there is no reliable, nationwide system.
• In emergencies, people often arrange their own transport, for example via taxis or private cars. The waiting time for an ambulance can vary, and in rural areas, help can take a long time to arrive.
• In cities, most common medicines are available, but the range often varies by pharmacy. Specific medication such as for chronic conditions or certain contraception) is not always available though. Outside urban areas, there are sometimes shortages.
• Local health insurance schemes and insurance exist, but coverage is often limited. Many people combine public healthcare with private payments. Expats almost always opt for international health insurance, partly due to the possibility of treatment abroad.

How does the public healthcare system work in Tanzania?

• Public healthcare is the backbone of the healthcare system and consists of health centers, district hospitals, and regional hospitals.
• Care is relatively affordable and focused on basic care, such as:
  • vaccinations.
  • mother and child care.
  • treatment of common diseases.
• The quality varies greatly by location. In urban hospitals, care can be reasonable, but in rural areas, resources, staff, and equipment are limited.
• For complex medical problems or specialist care, the public system is often insufficient.

How does the private healthcare system work in Tanzania?

• Private healthcare plays an important role, especially in cities.
• It offers better facilities, shorter waiting times, often better-trained staff, and more English-speaking doctors.
• Private clinics and hospitals are popular among foreigners. Some institutions offer care at an international level, but this is often limited to the larger cities.
• However, costs are higher, and payment in advance is often required.

How is the family doctor or general practitioner arranged in Tanzania?

• There is no standard GP system. For medical complaints, people usually go directly to a clinic, hospital, or a private doctor.
• In cities, access to doctors, for example through private clinics, is relatively easy. In rural areas, this can be more difficult.

How is the dental care and dentist arranged in Tanzania?

• Dental care is available in the larger cities of Tanzania and is largely private.
• You can usually go there for simple treatments, but for complex dental care, many people go abroad.

How is pregnancy and maternity care arranged in Tanzania?

• Pregnancy care is an important part of healthcare in Tanzania, with an active focus on prenatal check-ups and deliveries in clinics or hospitals.
• Pregnancy is often viewed as a community event, in which family, and especially experienced women, play a major role in providing advice and support.
• Traditional beliefs and modern medicine often intertwine. Some women combine medical check-ups, such as prenatal consultations, deliveries in health centers or hospitals, and guidance by midwives, with traditional remedies or advice.
• In some regions, rest after childbirth is strongly encouraged, and families take over a large part of the care and household chores.
• Breastfeeding is the norm and is widely accepted socially.
• In cities, guidance is better and there are more facilities, especially in private healthcare.
• In rural areas, the risks of complications are greater.
• In the event of complications, medical evacuation may be necessary. Some expats choose to go abroad for the delivery altogether.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Tanzania?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Tanzania?

• Tanzania is generally a relatively safe country for foreigners.
• Most people travel here without major problems. However, petty crime does occur, especially in cities such as Dar es Salaam and Arusha and in busy tourist areas. Think of pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from cars.
• The same applies to Zanzibar, with extra vigilance required in less crowded areas.
• Also, do not forget to ensure your safety around wild animals such as hippos, elephants, buffaloes, and snakes.
• Along the coast, strong currents, sea urchins, and jellyfish can pose a risk.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Tanzania?

• Malaria is a major health risk in large parts of the country.
• In addition, dengue and foodborne infections occur. Diarrhea is one of the most common “souvenirs.”
• Tap water in Tanzania is not safe to drink.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Tanzania?

• Traffic is one of the biggest health risks in Tanzania. Car accidents occur relatively frequently.
• Roads are not always well maintained, there is little street lighting outside cities, and driving behavior can be unpredictable.
• In the event of an accident, medical assistance is not always available quickly.

What are the best insurance options for backpacking, traveling, doing an internship, studying, volunteering, or working in Tanzania?

• Is the trip to Tanzania and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity?
• Insurance for backpacking and traveling in Tanzania
• Insurance for studying in Tanzania
• Insurance for internships in Tanzania
• Insurance for volunteering in Tanzania
• Insurance for digital nomads or paid work in Tanzania

What types of insurance should you get if you're planning to emigrate, work as an expat, or live in Tanzania?

• When applying for your visa, you are usually required to be able to prove that you have valid health insurance.
• If you have private insurance, you can choose your own doctor in Tanzania.
• International health insurance for Tanzania
• International travel insurance for Tanzania
• International life insurance for Tanzania
• International income protection insurance for Tanzania