- The best travel insurance plans for Zambia
- Is it currently safe to travel to Zambia?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Zambia?
- Why take out travel insurance for Zambia?
- What Travel Insurance for Zambia Should Cover
- The cost of travel insurance for Zambia
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Zambia
- Relying on your current insurance in Zambia
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Zambia: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Zambia covers medical emergencies, repatriation, trip cancellation, and other unforeseen travel issues.
2. Key protection: Travel insurance is not mandatory but is highly recommended due to limited local medical facilities.
3. Healthcare cost: Private healthcare is costly; a hospital stay can exceed $500 per night for foreign visitors.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Zambia typically costs between $30 and $60.
5. Good to know: Ensure your policy includes high coverage for medical evacuation from remote areas to adequate facilities.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 42 travel insurance policies available in the US, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Zambia.
The best travel insurance plans for Zambia
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1.1M | Our best option for Zambia, offering high limits and evacuation. - large medical ceiling - evacuation coverage - solid guarantees |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1.1M | Ideal for Zambia due to strong round-the-clock support. - 24/7 assistance - cancellation included - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | $0.54M | Good for core protection during tourism in Zambia. - adequate cover - emergency help - fair price |
| Travel Pass Monde | $0.76M | Balanced solution for longer or active trips. - hospital fees included - repatriation - broad territorial cover |
| Globe Partner | $0.32M | Suitable for shorter international stays. - covers medical care - liability included - simple claims process |
| Globe Traveller | $0.54M | Budget choice for brief, low-risk trips to Zambia. - hospital cover - fast reimbursement - capped ceiling |
- large medical ceiling
- evacuation coverage
- solid guarantees
- 24/7 assistance
- cancellation included
- no deductible
- adequate cover
- emergency help
- fair price
- hospital fees included
- repatriation
- broad territorial cover
- covers medical care
- liability included
- simple claims process
- hospital cover
- fast reimbursement
- capped ceiling
Is it currently safe to travel to Zambia?
As of June 2025, the US Department of State assesses Zambia as a country where normal precautions are sufficient and does not currently advise against travel for US citizens.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: petty crime and opportunistic theft occur, particularly in downtown Lusaka and tourist areas such as markets. Travelers are advised to avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas or after dark.
- Health risks: malaria, HIV, and other tropical diseases are widespread throughout Zambia. Advanced medical care is available mainly in private clinics in cities, while emergencies often require costly evacuation to South Africa or elsewhere.
- Legal constraints: photography of government buildings, military installations, and airports is strictly prohibited. This can result in fines or confiscation of equipment by local authorities.
- Cultural advice: respect for local customs is important, especially in rural areas. Dress modestly when visiting villages or religious sites, and always seek permission before taking photographs of people.
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 Zambia.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Zambia?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for US travelers to enter Zambia.
Even though it is not required, it is strongly recommended to have travel insurance. Medical facilities outside major cities are limited, and most emergencies require evacuation to South Africa or the US for proper treatment. Private clinics in Lusaka or Ndola may require large upfront payments, and services can be costly for foreigners.
According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Zambia due to the expensive health system and the high cost of emergency evacuation.
Why take out travel insurance for Zambia?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Zambia.
In Zambia, access to quality care is limited outside cities like Lusaka and Ndola. Foreigners are usually directed to private clinics such as Fairview Hospital in Lusaka, where advanced treatments, surgery, or specialist care come at a high cost and require immediate payment. Major emergencies often require evacuation to South Africa or the US, which can be extremely expensive.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalization, medication, ambulance transport, and emergency repatriation to the US in the event of a serious problem.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Zambia.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Fairview Hospital | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 60,000 ZMW (about $2,300 USD) | 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 36,000 ZMW (about $1,400 USD) | 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | 430,000 ZMW (about $16,400 USD) | 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 80,000 ZMW (about $3,100 USD) | 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 Zambia Should Cover
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers doctor visits, hospitalization, and treatments, especially for diseases like malaria or accidents. We recommend a minimum reimbursement limit of $75,000. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Pays for transport to the US or nearest capable facility if care is not available locally. A reimbursement limit of at least $200,000 is advisable. |
| 💊 Prescription medication | Covers costs for prescribed medication if you get sick or injured. Look for at least $1,000 of coverage. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Protects prepaid expenses if your trip must be canceled due to covered reasons. A minimum of $2,500 in coverage is suggested. |
| 🛄 Baggage loss/delay | Pays for lost, delayed, or stolen luggage. We recommend a reimbursement limit of $1,500. |
| 🚗 Personal liability | Covers accidental bodily injury or property damage caused to others. A limit of $25,000 is generally sufficient. |
| 🏞️ Adventure activities | Includes coverage for safari activities or adventure sports. Check policy details if planning these activities, and consider at least $10,000. |
| 📞 Emergency assistance | Access to multilingual 24/7 support for medical claims or evacuation. Included in most comprehensive policies for Zambia. |
We recommend a minimum reimbursement limit of $75,000.
A reimbursement limit of at least $200,000 is advisable.
Look for at least $1,000 of coverage.
A minimum of $2,500 in coverage is suggested.
We recommend a reimbursement limit of $1,500.
A limit of $25,000 is generally sufficient.
Check policy details if planning these activities, and consider at least $10,000.
Included in most comprehensive policies for Zambia.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards typically has low reimbursement limits and significant exclusions. It is safer to select a trusted insurer offering complete protection. Compare trusted options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Zambia
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | $29 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | $42 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | $66 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | $158 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The price of your travel insurance policy will vary. Key factors include: your age, trip duration, destination, coverage limits, and optional add-ons like trip cancellation protection. Keeping these elements in mind is crucial for selecting the right coverage at the best price, ensuring you're protected without overpaying for your travels.
💡 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 to pay less for your travel insurance to Zambia
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Zambia while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🌍 Level of coverage | Medical evacuation is often needed in emergencies since care is limited outside main cities. | Select a plan with high emergency medical and evacuation limits but avoid paying for unneeded add-ons. |
| 👨👩👧 Number of travelers | Family or group policies generally lower the per-person cost compared to buying single plans. | Bundle travelers on one policy to access group or family discounts and reduce total premium paid. |
| 🗓️ Trip duration | Premiums depend on the total number of travel days, not trip complexity or stopovers. | Insure only for the actual days in Zambia and avoid unnecessary coverage for longer periods. |
| 👤 Traveler’s age | Older travelers might be charged more for medical risks in some insurance plans. | Compare pricing between providers for seniors; Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
| 🌏 Geographic scope | Broader regional or worldwide plans increase cost for trips limited just to Zambia. | Choose a Zambia-specific plan if you do not travel to neighboring countries during the same journey. |
| 💳 Deductible options | A higher deductible means a lower premium, but more cost if you need to make a claim. | Select a deductible you are comfortable paying so your overall insurance price stays low but coverage remains adequate. |
| 🏥 Pre-existing conditions | Plans covering chronic illnesses cost more and are only needed if the condition poses a risk. | Include pre-existing condition coverage only if medically necessary to avoid extra costs for unnecessary protection. |
Important
Travel insurance is not required to enter Zambia for U.S. citizens. However, sufficient coverage for emergency medical treatment and evacuation is strongly recommended due to the limited quality of local healthcare.
Relying on your current insurance in Zambia
It is completely legitimate to wonder whether your current coverage—such as public health insurance or your credit card plan—will protect you during a trip to Zambia. Unfortunately, such coverage is often limited or insufficient, especially for emergencies or evacuation.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Zambia? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid) | No, never | No medical costs, hospitalization, or evacuation covered outside the United States. | Travel insurance covers $100,000+ medical and $300,000+ for evacuation and repatriation. |
| Private health insurance (Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare) | Yes, partly | Emergency care abroad up to $25,000, excludes evacuation, repatriation, lost baggage, or delays. | Travel insurance covers $100,000+ medical and $300,000+ evacuation, plus trip protection. |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard) | Yes, partly | Emergency medical coverage below $10,000, no evacuation, no baggage or trip interruption. | Travel insurance offers higher medical limits, evacuation, and trip delay or luggage protection. |
| Premium credit card (Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, Mastercard World Elite) | Yes, partly | Medical up to $50,000–$100,000. Limited evacuation, baggage, trip delay; rarely repatriation. | Travel insurance typically includes $300,000+ evacuation and comprehensive trip protection. |
Example
During a safari in Zambia, Mark contracted severe malaria. A medevac flight to Lusaka and intensive care cost $25,000. His Chase Sapphire card's travel insurance had a $2,500 limit, and his US health plan wouldn't cover foreign hospitalization. Mark was unexpectedly responsible for the remaining $22,500 out-of-pocket.
Expert advice
Always review the terms, exclusions, and limits of your current insurance. Critical events, like trip interruption due to a relative's illness, may be excluded. Read your policy carefully to avoid 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 Zambia?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to visit Zambia for tourism. You must have a valid passport with at least six months remaining and three blank pages for entry. If you are traveling from a country with yellow fever risk, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required. Check current requirements before departure, as rules can change.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Zambia?
You can start by comparing policies using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Carefully check what each plan covers and its exclusions, paying attention to features specific to Zambia, like medical evacuation and tropical disease coverage. Once you find the right plan, buy it online. Your insurance certificate will be delivered to your email promptly.
Are medical evacuation costs covered by travel insurance in Zambia?
Most comprehensive travel insurance policies offer medical evacuation coverage, which is strongly recommended for Zambia. In case of a severe medical emergency, evacuation to South Africa or beyond may be necessary. Always confirm that your policy covers air ambulance services and includes high enough benefits for major emergencies.
Does travel insurance for Zambia cover malaria and tropical diseases?
Not all policies cover treatment for malaria or other tropical illnesses by default, so it is important to review the plan’s inclusions. Choose a policy with coverage for infectious diseases and emergency hospitalization. If unsure, contact the insurer to ask specifically about tropical disease benefits.
What safety risks should travelers consider for Zambia trip insurance?
Travelers in Zambia should be aware of the risks posed by crime, especially in urban areas, and potential civil unrest during political events. Make sure your travel insurance policy covers theft, loss of personal belongings, and trip interruptions. Policy details should also address emergencies that could arise while visiting remote or rural regions.
Do I need a visa to travel to Zambia?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to visit Zambia for tourism. You must have a valid passport with at least six months remaining and three blank pages for entry. If you are traveling from a country with yellow fever risk, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required. Check current requirements before departure, as rules can change.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Zambia?
You can start by comparing policies using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Carefully check what each plan covers and its exclusions, paying attention to features specific to Zambia, like medical evacuation and tropical disease coverage. Once you find the right plan, buy it online. Your insurance certificate will be delivered to your email promptly.
Are medical evacuation costs covered by travel insurance in Zambia?
Most comprehensive travel insurance policies offer medical evacuation coverage, which is strongly recommended for Zambia. In case of a severe medical emergency, evacuation to South Africa or beyond may be necessary. Always confirm that your policy covers air ambulance services and includes high enough benefits for major emergencies.
Does travel insurance for Zambia cover malaria and tropical diseases?
Not all policies cover treatment for malaria or other tropical illnesses by default, so it is important to review the plan’s inclusions. Choose a policy with coverage for infectious diseases and emergency hospitalization. If unsure, contact the insurer to ask specifically about tropical disease benefits.
What safety risks should travelers consider for Zambia trip insurance?
Travelers in Zambia should be aware of the risks posed by crime, especially in urban areas, and potential civil unrest during political events. Make sure your travel insurance policy covers theft, loss of personal belongings, and trip interruptions. Policy details should also address emergencies that could arise while visiting remote or rural regions.
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