Health insurance in Tanzania
Whether you’re relocating to or already living in Tanzania, securing a health insurance plan can help cover any medical costs that may arise. Pacific Prime is here to help you find the right plan for your needs and budget. Click below to get a free quote or continue reading to find out more about health insurance in Tanzania.
Overview of healthcare in Tanzania
The East African country of Tanzania has become an increasingly popular destination for expats from all across the globe. With its stunning landscapes, captivating wildlife, and friendly locals, expats find it relatively easy to adjust to life in Tanzania, despite the local culture being one that’s quite distinct. Tanzania’s healthcare system is not as effective as many Western countries either, even though it has improved significantly in recent years.
However, Tanzania is still a developing country with a healthcare system in a development phase to match. Therefore, the healthcare system in Tanzania cannot be compared to the systems in South Africa and other developed nations. The country currently struggles from lack of funding, a shortage of medically trained staff, and limited access to medical technology.
The majority of hospitals in Tanzania are found in cities. Consequently, those living in rural areas need to travel to the cities to receive medical treatment. Most serious medical conditions require emergency evacuation to South Africa or Kenya, which are the closest countries with state-of-the-art medical technology. Medical treatments at most Tanzanian hospitals must be paid for in cash.
Public healthcare
The best public hospitals in Tanzania are located in Arusha and Dar es Salaam. Most locals rely on either one of these hospitals for treatment. Even though the public healthcare system has recently had an overhaul, it is still not up to most expats’ standards, which leads them to go with private healthcare instead.
Private healthcare
Tanzania’s private hospitals are in significantly better condition than public facilities. The doctors and medical staff can speak English and treat most ailments. However, there are instances when even private doctors cannot adequately treat their patients. In these cases, expats may require emergency evacuation to the nearest suitable country.
Tanzania health-related travel advice
While there are several pharmacies throughout the cities of Tanzania, medications may be limited or lacking. If you have any chronic issues, you should bring your prescription and medications with you to Tanzania. It’s also important to have the proper vaccinations whether you’re visiting or living in the country. The vaccinations that are recommended for expats in Tanzania include:
- Rabies
- Tetanus
- Measles
- Mumps
- Typhoid
- Polio
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
Medical insurance options for expats in Tanzania
Since Tanzania is one of the world’s most impoverished countries, it’s understandable that access to sufficient medical facilities is limited. Expats living in Tanzania generally opt for treatment at a private hospital, though certain conditions cannot be treated locally. As an expat, it’s advisable to purchase comprehensive international health insurance to ensure you’re covered for any treatment you might need in Tanzania and abroad.
How to find the best private health insurance in Tanzania
Choose an international insurance plan from a reputable insurance provider to ensure you receive the best care possible. Pacific Prime is here to assist you in comparing and customizing insurance plans so you can find the right one for you. Contact us to receive a free quote and experience the peace of mind that our health insurance plans can offer.
