Health Insurance in Tanzania

Managed by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MoHSW), Tanzania’s public healthcare services are funded by donors, health insurance contributions, taxes and out-of-pocket payments.

While the government has introduced measures to improve access to healthcare, the public system struggles from issues like a lack of medical equipment and trained healthcare professionals.

Health insurance for expats in Tanzania

The health insurance system in Tanzania

Expats can access Tanzania’s state healthcare once they are registered under the country’s National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). Public sector employers will automatically enrol their workforce in this, while other types of worker can voluntarily enrol.

As part of the NHIF, employees contribute a portion of their overall salary towards the provision of healthcare services. Coverage under this extends to dependants, such as partners, children and parents. In 2021, the maximum cover age for children increased from 18 to 21.

Once registered, examples of services covered include:

• Emergency medical treatment

• Maternity care

• Dental care

• Diagnostics

• Hospitalisation

• Visitors to a doctor

• Specialist consultations

It’s important to note that while state healthcare is subsidised by the government, it is not completely free. This means that patients may have to pay upfront costs when they need healthcare services.

Individuals will normally visit their primary healthcare provider when they initially need medical treatment. This is delivered at district hospitals, dispensaries and health centres, and can incorporate services such as chronic disease management and the treatment of common everyday illnesses.

Secondary healthcare provides the next level of medical treatment for individuals and offers more specialised medical care. It is given at district and regional referral hospitals, with patients first needing a referral to access this type of care.

The highest level of medical treatment is delivered in what are known as tertiary healthcare facilities. There are four of these found in Tanzania, which are used to treat the most complex and series of health conditions.

How to choose health insurance in Tanzania: local or international?

Due to the challenges facing the Tanzanian healthcare system, expats could consider purchasing private healthcare cover. This primarily consists of two options: local health insurance or international medical insurance.

Local healthcare plans can enable expats to receive private medical care in Tanzania, and is usually the cheaper option. However, the cover is more limited and available only in the country where the policy was purchased.

International private medical insurance (IPMI) provides a broader range of cover for expats and a higher degree of flexibility. For example, it allows them to get high-quality medical treatment in many different countries, so long as it is within their area of cover.

It's worth noting that healthcare access in remote areas of Tanzania may be challenging. But if you opt for international health insurance, emergency medical evacuation could be included in the cover, which will transport you to the most appropriate medical facility for treatment if it isn’t available locally.