Is healthcare in Tanzania good enough for expats?

In Dar es Salaam, private hospitals (Aga Khan, IST Clinic) provide adequate care for routine needs — GP visits, diagnostics, maternity, and minor procedures. For complex surgeries or serious conditions, evacuation to Nairobi or South Africa is the norm. International insurance with evacuation coverage is essential.

Do I need malaria prophylaxis?

Yes, recommended — especially for the first 6 months while your awareness develops. Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar have lower malaria risk than rural areas but it's still present. Options include atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone), doxycycline, or mefloquine. Consult a travel medicine doctor before departure.

How much does health insurance cost?

International comprehensive plans (Cigna, Allianz) with evacuation: $150–$400/month. Regional East African plans (AAR, Jubilee): $80–$200/month. AMREF Flying Doctors evacuation membership: $25–$75/year as an add-on. Employers typically provide insurance for professional-level positions.

What about dental care?

Private dental clinics in Dar es Salaam (Regency Medical Centre, various private dentists) provide good quality basic and cosmetic dentistry. A cleaning costs $30–$50, fillings $40–$80. For complex dental work, some expats visit Nairobi. Zanzibar has limited dental services.

Is Zanzibar safe for someone with a chronic condition?

For well-managed chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension, asthma), Zanzibar is fine with regular medication supply and occasional check-ups in Dar. For conditions requiring frequent specialist monitoring or emergency intervention, Dar es Salaam is a safer base. Always ensure your medications are available locally or bring a 6-month supply.

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🇹🇿 Tanzania

Healthcare

Tanzania's healthcare system has significant gaps in the public sector, but private hospitals in Dar es Salaam offer reasonable care for most needs. International health insurance is essential for expats — it covers private hospital access and, critically, medical evacuation to Nairobi or South Africa for serious conditions.

$20–$50

Private GP Visit

At Aga Khan, IST Clinic, or TMJ Hospital

$100–$400/mo

Private Insurance

International plans with evacuation coverage

Aga Khan Hospital

Top Hospital

Dar es Salaam — East Africa's most reputable private hospital

To Nairobi/SA

Medical Evacuation

For complex surgeries and specialist care

Growing network

Pharmacies

Private pharmacies in cities; common drugs available

Malaria risk

Tropical Diseases

Prophylaxis recommended; mosquito precautions essential

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏙️Dar es Salaam 🏝️Zanzibar City

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Overview

Key Takeaways

Aga Khan Hospital: the gold standard — 24-hour ER, surgery, maternity, diagnostics; Indian Ocean views from some wards
International plans: Cigna, Allianz, Bupa — $150–$400/month for comprehensive coverage with evacuation
Malaria: risk throughout Tanzania, including Dar and Zanzibar — prophylaxis recommended for first 6 months
Mnazi Mmoja Hospital: Zanzibar's main public hospital — limited capacity and equipment

Private Healthcare in Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam has several private hospitals that provide adequate care for most expat health needs.

Aga Khan Hospital: the gold standard — 24-hour ER, surgery, maternity, diagnostics; Indian Ocean views from some wards
IST Clinic (International School of Tanganyika): modern expat-focused clinic in Masaki peninsula
TMJ Hospital: growing private hospital in Mikocheni with modern equipment and specialist clinics
Regency Medical Centre: popular for dental, dermatology, and outpatient services
GP consultations: $20–$50; specialist visits: $40–$100; blood tests: $15–$30
Most private facilities accept international insurance cards; some require upfront payment and reimbursement

Health Insurance — Essential for Expats

International health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is non-negotiable for expats in Tanzania.

International plans: Cigna, Allianz, Bupa — $150–$400/month for comprehensive coverage with evacuation
Regional plans: AAR Health (East Africa), Jubilee Insurance — $80–$200/month; may have limitations
Medical evacuation coverage is critical — serious cases are transferred to Nairobi Hospital or SA
AMREF Flying Doctors: East Africa's air ambulance service — evacuation membership $25–$75/year
Employer-provided insurance: standard for professional positions; verify the coverage level
Pre-existing conditions: international plans may have waiting periods; employer plans typically cover them

Tropical Health Considerations

Tanzania's tropical location means specific health precautions are important for expats.

Malaria: risk throughout Tanzania, including Dar and Zanzibar — prophylaxis recommended for first 6 months
Mosquito precautions: sleep under treated nets, use repellent (DEET), and remove standing water
Yellow fever: vaccination required if arriving from endemic countries; recommended for all travelers
Typhoid and hepatitis A/B vaccinations recommended before arrival
Water: drink bottled or filtered water only — tap water is not safe for drinking
Sun protection: UV is intense near the equator — use SPF 50+ sunscreen and wear a hat

Healthcare in Zanzibar

Zanzibar's medical facilities are more limited than Dar es Salaam — plan accordingly.

Mnazi Mmoja Hospital: Zanzibar's main public hospital — limited capacity and equipment
Dr. Mehta's Hospital: small private hospital in Stone Town; basic care and minor procedures
For anything serious — surgery, complex diagnostics, specialist care — evacuate to Dar or Nairobi
Pharmacies in Stone Town stock basic medications; specialized drugs may need to be brought from Dar
Medical evacuation from Zanzibar: short flight to Dar (20 min) or charter to Nairobi (2 hours)
Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is absolutely essential for Zanzibar-based expats

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