- The best travel insurance plans to Burundi
- Is it currently safe to travel to Burundi?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter</b> Burundi?
- Why Take Out Travel Insurance for Burundi?
- What travel insurance for Burundi should cover
- The cost of travel insurance for Burundi
- How can you pay less for your travel insurance to Burundi?
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Burundi?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Burundi: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Burundi covers medical costs, emergency evacuation, and trip disruptions.
2. Warning: The U.S. Department of State advises against all travel to Burundi.
3. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory but is essential due to limited local medical facilities.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Burundi typically costs between $40 and $80.
5. Good to know: Verify your policy covers travel to destinations under a "Do Not Travel" advisory.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 38 travel insurance policies available in the US, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Burundi.
The best travel insurance plans to Burundi
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1M USD | Our top recommendation for travel to Burundi, excellent for serious emergencies. - high medical limit - repatriation - global claims support |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1M USD | Good match for Burundi, with responsive support and simple procedures. - 24/7 helpline - no deductible - evacuation included |
| Tourist Card | $500K USD | Compact package for tourism in Burundi, easy and efficient. - emergency assistance - medical coverage - suitable for short visits |
| Travel Pass Monde | $700K USD | Comprehensive contract for longer trips, ideal for uncertain contexts. - hospital coverage - repatriation - multi-country protection |
| Globe Partner | $300K USD | Cost-effective solution with basic medical protection for Burundi. - medical expenses - repatriation - civil liability |
| Globe Traveller | $500K USD | Practical option for most US travelers to Burundi, focused on essentials. - fast reimbursement - medical limits - core guarantees |
- high medical limit
- repatriation
- global claims support
- 24/7 helpline
- no deductible
- evacuation included
- emergency assistance
- medical coverage
- suitable for short visits
- hospital coverage
- repatriation
- multi-country protection
- medical expenses
- repatriation
- civil liability
- fast reimbursement
- medical limits
- core guarantees
Is it currently safe to travel to Burundi?
As of June 2025, the US Department of State advises travelers to reconsider travel to Burundi due to political instability, violent crime, and health challenges affecting several regions.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: violent incidents persist, especially in areas such as Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces and near the former Central Market in Bujumbura. Armed robberies and attacks on vehicles outside main cities occur with little warning.
- Health risks: medical care is far below US standards, with no reliable trauma services outside the capital. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory, and diseases like malaria and cholera are common throughout the year in places such as Makamba and Gitega.
- Legal constraints: photographing police, government buildings, or military sites is strictly prohibited anywhere in Burundi. Violation of these laws can lead to fines or arrest.
- Environmental hazards: tap water is not safe to drink; use sealed bottled water only. Severe rainy season flooding can cut road access to towns like Rumonge and Makamba.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the US Department of State, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Burundi.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Burundi?
No, travel insurance is not legally mandatory for US citizens to enter Burundi.
The US Department of State strongly recommends travel insurance due to the limited availability of quality medical care, the high risk of emergencies, and the potentially high costs of evacuation and treatment in Burundi. Medical care is below US standards, and emergency services are often unavailable outside Bujumbura.
According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Burundi. This is mainly because of the challenging security environment and costly medical evacuations.
Why Take Out Travel Insurance for Burundi?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Burundi.
Medical costs can be significant in Burundi, where public hospitals like CHUK in Bujumbura often lack modern equipment and essential medicines. Foreign travelers sometimes rely on private clinics, such as Kira Hospital in Bujumbura, where costs for treatment, overnight stays, or even basic procedures can quickly become expensive and advance payment is standard.
Travel insurance covers medical expenses, hospitalization, medication, ambulance transport, and emergency repatriation to the United States if a serious issue arises.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Burundi.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Kira Hospital | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 2,000,000 BIF (about $650 USD) | up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 1,200,000 BIF (about $390 USD) | up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | 18,000,000 BIF (about $5,800 USD) | up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 3,400,000 BIF (about $1,100 USD) | up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What travel insurance for Burundi should cover
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for Burundi.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| ? Medical expenses | Pays for treatment if you become ill or are injured. Recommended minimum limit: $100,000. |
| ? Medical evacuation & repatriation | Covers transport to another country or back to the US after a serious incident. Recommended minimum: $150,000. |
| ? Emergency assistance | Access to a 24/7 hotline for help with local healthcare or legal issues. A global assistance service is recommended. |
| ? Prescription medication | Refunds the cost of drugs needed during travel. Suggested minimum: $2,500. |
| ? Baggage loss or theft | Compensation for lost or stolen luggage. Advised minimum: $2,000. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation/interruption | Pays if you cancel or cut short your trip due to covered reasons. Recommended: $4,000 to cover flights and key bookings. |
| ? Personal liability | Covers damages you may accidentally cause to others. Suggested minimum coverage: $50,000. |
Recommended minimum limit: $100,000.
Recommended minimum: $150,000.
A global assistance service is recommended.
Suggested minimum: $2,500.
Advised minimum: $2,000.
Recommended: $4,000 to cover flights and key bookings.
Suggested minimum coverage: $50,000.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards usually has low coverage limits and many exclusions. It is safer to choose a trusted insurer with full coverage. Compare top options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Burundi
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | $56 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | $95 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | $135 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | $220 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of your travel insurance is influenced by several key details: your age, the trip's duration, your destination, and chosen options like cancellation coverage. Keeping these factors in mind is crucial for selecting the right plan, ensuring you get the protection you need for your travels at a fair price.
? It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
? Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow can you pay less for your travel insurance to Burundi?
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Burundi while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| ? Trip duration | The length of your stay directly impacts the insurance premium you will pay. | Choose coverage that matches your exact travel dates and avoid overpaying for unused days. |
| ? Number of travelers | Family or group plans can lead to better rates versus individual contracts. | Bundle policies for all travelers, as insurers often provide discounts for groups or families. |
| ? Geographic coverage | Plans vary in rates depending on the level of global or regional protection required. | Restrict coverage to the African region rather than global plans to reduce your premium. |
| ? Level of coverage | Medical costs in Burundi can escalate quickly if evacuation or hospitalization is needed. | Select a policy with the appropriate limit for medical and evacuation, avoiding extra high ceilings. |
| ? Baggage protection | Baggage coverage adds cost but may be unnecessary for light or low-value travel. | Lower or exclude baggage coverage if you are not traveling with expensive items. |
| ?️ Deductibles | High deductibles decrease your premium but increase your out-of-pocket expenses. | Opt for a higher deductible only if you are able to pay some costs up front in an emergency. |
| ? Traveler’s age | Older travelers often face a price jump for coverage. | Check age-banded rates; Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Burundi?
It is completely legitimate to wonder if your current insurance, such as credit card coverage or your health insurance, can protect you while traveling in Burundi. Unfortunately, these options are often limited or insufficient, especially for medical evacuation or emergencies. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Burundi? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid) | No, never | No overseas coverage, does not pay for care or evacuation abroad | Travel insurance offers $100,000+ coverage for abroad hospital, urgent care, and evacuation |
| Private health insurance | Yes, partly | Limited out-of-network claims (≤$10,000), no emergency evacuation, reimbursement needed | Travel insurance covers direct payment, $100,000+ limits, and emergency evacuation support |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard, Discover) | Yes, partly | Accidents/illness ≤$10,000, baggage delay, usually no evacuation or trip cancellation | Travel insurance includes $100,000+ health, lost baggage, trip cancellation, and evacuation |
| Premium credit card (Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, Citi Prestige) | Yes, partly | Emergencies ≤$50,000, some trip and baggage coverage, strict limitations | Travel insurance provides up to $150,000+, evacuation, cancellation, and local medical support |
Example
After a motorcycle accident in Burundi, David's emergency surgery cost $4,500. His US health insurance denied the claim as "out-of-network," and his Visa Signature card's policy excluded medical costs from "high-risk activities." Facing the full bill, David had to find the funds himself, turning his trip into a financial crisis.
Expert advice
Always review the terms, exclusions, and limits of your current insurance. Critical events, like trip interruption due to a relative’s illness or death, are often excluded. Read your policy carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises abroad. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to purchase dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Burundi?
Yes, US citizens need a visa to enter Burundi. You can obtain a 30-day visa on arrival at Bujumbura Airport for approximately $90, or apply in advance for a three-month visa at the Burundian Embassy in Washington, DC. Your passport must be valid for at least six months upon entry.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Burundi?
To purchase travel insurance for Burundi, start by comparing plans using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Then check coverage and exclusions carefully, paying attention to medical evacuation and high-risk area restrictions specific to Burundi. Purchase your chosen policy online and receive your certificate by email.
What health precautions should I take before traveling to Burundi?
All travelers to Burundi must have a yellow fever vaccine and carry the WHO card. Additional recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and routine vaccines. Prescription malaria prevention is advised due to high risk, and bottled water is strongly recommended.
Are medical facilities in Burundi reliable in case of an emergency?
Medical facilities in Burundi are far below US standards, with no adequate trauma or emergency care. In case of serious illness or injury, medical evacuation to a neighboring country or home is often necessary. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential.
What safety risks should travelers be aware of in Burundi?
Travelers should be prepared for political violence, crime, and occasional civil unrest. Certain provinces and areas of Bujumbura are especially risky. Avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, consider traveling in groups, and register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for safety updates.
Do I need a visa to travel to Burundi?
Yes, US citizens need a visa to enter Burundi. You can obtain a 30-day visa on arrival at Bujumbura Airport for approximately $90, or apply in advance for a three-month visa at the Burundian Embassy in Washington, DC. Your passport must be valid for at least six months upon entry.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Burundi?
To purchase travel insurance for Burundi, start by comparing plans using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Then check coverage and exclusions carefully, paying attention to medical evacuation and high-risk area restrictions specific to Burundi. Purchase your chosen policy online and receive your certificate by email.
What health precautions should I take before traveling to Burundi?
All travelers to Burundi must have a yellow fever vaccine and carry the WHO card. Additional recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and routine vaccines. Prescription malaria prevention is advised due to high risk, and bottled water is strongly recommended.
Are medical facilities in Burundi reliable in case of an emergency?
Medical facilities in Burundi are far below US standards, with no adequate trauma or emergency care. In case of serious illness or injury, medical evacuation to a neighboring country or home is often necessary. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential.
What safety risks should travelers be aware of in Burundi?
Travelers should be prepared for political violence, crime, and occasional civil unrest. Certain provinces and areas of Bujumbura are especially risky. Avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, consider traveling in groups, and register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for safety updates.
