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Healthcare and Health Insurance in Tanzania | Expat Exchange
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Zanzibar, Tanzania

15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Tanzania

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Feb 08, 2024

Summary: The quality of medical care in Tanzania is generally lower than in the United States. Medical facilities are often understaffed and lack the latest technology and treatments. Emergency services are limited and often slow to respond. To call for an ambulance, one must contact the local police station or fire department.

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

How are healthcare services Tanzania?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Tanzania, they replied:

"Healthcare services in Tanzania are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of lower quality than private healthcare. Foreign residents do have access to the public healthcare system, but they are not eligible for the same benefits as citizens. Expats in Tanzania typically use private healthcare services, as they are more reliable and of higher quality. However, some expats may use the public healthcare system if they are unable to access private services," wrote an expat living in Tanzania.

What are medical services in Tanzania like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Tanzania, they replied:

"Tanzania has a public health system that provides basic medical services to its citizens. The country also has a number of private hospitals and clinics that offer more specialized care. The quality of medical services in Tanzania varies depending on the location and the resources available. In general, the public health system is underfunded and understaffed, leading to long wait times and limited access to specialized care. However, the country is making efforts to improve the quality of medical services, including increasing access to essential medicines and investing in training for healthcare workers," said an expat in Tanzania.

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

Learn MoreGet Quote

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

Learn MoreGet Quote

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Tanzania?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Tanzania can be expensive for some people. The cost of healthcare services, such as doctor visits and hospital stays, can be prohibitively expensive for those without insurance. Health insurance is available in Tanzania, but it is often expensive and not widely accessible. Many people in Tanzania are unable to afford health insurance, leaving them vulnerable to high medical costs," wrote an expat living in Tanzania.

William RussellWilliam Russell
Get Quote

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

What are emergency services like in Tanzania?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Tanzania wrote:

"Emergency services in Tanzania are limited and vary in quality. In major cities, there are some private ambulance services that can be called for medical emergencies. However, in rural areas, the availability of emergency services is much more limited. To call for an ambulance, one can contact the local police station or fire station, or contact a private ambulance service if available," remarked one expat living in Tanzania.

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

Learn MoreGet Quote

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

Learn MoreGet Quote

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"The cities of Dar es Salaam and Arusha are known for having some of the best medical specialists in Tanzania. Additionally, the Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam is renowned for its highly trained medical staff and wide range of medical services. Other areas in Tanzania with a good selection of medical specialists include Mwanza, Tanga, and Zanzibar," said one expat.

Are common prescription medications available in Tanzania?

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Tanzania. Most medications are available through pharmacies, although some may require a prescription from a doctor. The availability of certain medications may vary depending on the region, but most commonly prescribed medications can be found in the country," said one expat.

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Tanzania?

"Medical facilities and medical care in Tanzania vary in quality. In urban areas, medical care is generally of a higher quality than in rural areas, where access to medical care is often limited. In general, medical facilities in Tanzania are often understaffed and lack the necessary equipment and resources to provide adequate care. However, there are some hospitals and clinics that provide quality medical care, particularly in the larger cities," commented one expat living in Tanzania.

As a foreigner living in Tanzania, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"Yes, foreigners living in Tanzania have access to public healthcare. The quality of care varies depending on the region, but generally the public healthcare system is underfunded and understaffed. The facilities are often overcrowded and lack basic medical supplies. However, there are some private hospitals and clinics that offer better quality care," said one expat living in Tanzania.

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

We asked expats in Tanzania if they have access to public healthcare in Tanzania. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Tanzania. Access to healthcare has become more difficult due to the closure of many health facilities and the disruption of services. Many healthcare workers have been redeployed to focus on COVID-19 related activities, leaving fewer resources available for other medical needs. The government has implemented a number of measures to try to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the healthcare system, including providing additional funding for healthcare facilities and increasing the number of healthcare workers. Despite these efforts, the healthcare system in Tanzania is still struggling to cope with the increased demand for services," said one expat living in Tanzania.

What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Tanzania?

We asked expat moms who gave birth in Tanzania about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:

"It is important to research the healthcare system in Tanzania before having a baby there. Make sure to find a reliable doctor or midwife who is experienced in delivering babies in Tanzania. It is also important to be aware of the cultural norms and expectations surrounding childbirth in Tanzania. Additionally, it is important to be prepared for the cost of having a baby in Tanzania, as it may be more expensive than in other countries. Finally, it is important to build a support network of family and friends who can help you during the pregnancy and after the baby is born," said one expat in Tanzania.

"There are so many what if's when having a baby in a third world country... I would tell my friend that she needs to be confident in her decision and that her and her spouse should agree on it, because whichever decision they make, they are going to have to not have any regrets if the what if's come true," wrote a person living in Arusha.

Are healthcare services good in Tanzania?

We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Tanzania. They wrote:

"Healthcare services in Tanzania are generally limited and of low quality. The country has a shortage of healthcare professionals, and many of the existing healthcare facilities are underfunded and lack basic medical supplies. The Tanzanian government has made efforts to improve healthcare services, such as providing free healthcare for pregnant women and children under five, but access to quality healthcare remains a challenge. Additionally, many rural areas lack access to healthcare services, and those that do exist are often too far away or too expensive for many people to access," said one expat in Tanzania.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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