Healthcare in Tanzania

Although the country has seen some improvement in its healthcare system in recent years, as one of the world’s poorest countries, the standard of healthcare in Tanzania is below international standards. The country faces chronic medical staff shortages, and facilities are underfunded and lack adequate medical technology.

Medical facilities are insufficient outside major urban areas, and any serious medical emergency will likely require air evacuation to a nearby country such as Kenya or South Africa.

That said, English is widely spoken in Tanzania, and doctors will generally be able to speak the language. Most doctors in the country will expect an upfront payment in cash.

Public healthcare in Tanzania

Both private and public facilities are available in the major cities, with the best hospitals found in Dar es Salaam and Arusha. While public healthcare in Tanzania is available free of charge, it generally falls well below the standards expected by most expats. As such, most expats in Tanzania choose to use private healthcare, while the local population is limited to the public sector, which is a result of the country’s poverty levels.

Private healthcare in Tanzania

Private healthcare is usually the preferred option for expats living in Tanzania. While these hospitals are in much better condition than public hospitals, they are still below the standards of Western countries.

The doctors in private hospitals mostly speak English and can treat most ailments. However, in cases of emergency or for serious procedures, expats tend to look to healthcare options outside the country. Expats should ensure that they have comprehensive international healthcare coverage to cover the significant costs of private healthcare in Tanzania.

Health insurance in Tanzania

Expats typically use private medical facilities in Tanzania and will require private health insurance. Although private health insurance coverage remains limited among the local population, with more than three-quarters of Tanzanians lacking any insurance coverage, it is essential for expats to have comprehensive coverage. Expats should ensure that they choose a plan that covers them for different kinds of treatments in Tanzania and abroad, as well as emergency air evacuation.

Medicines and pharmacies in Tanzania

Pharmacies are readily available in the main urban centres, but medicines may be in short supply. Expats should consider bringing all prescription and chronic medications with them. These should be carried in their original labelled containers and accompanied by a prescription or doctor’s note.

Health hazards in Tanzania

Malaria is endemic throughout most of Tanzania, and expats should discuss possible prophylaxis options with their doctor before travelling. Preventative measures include wearing long, light-coloured clothing, regular application of insect repellent and sleeping under a mosquito net.

Water-borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid remain significant health risks in Tanzania, with cholera outbreaks reported as recently as 2024. Tap water is generally not safe to drink. It is advisable that expats stick to drinking bottled water wherever possible. Other potential health hazards in Tanzania include the Marburg virus, measles, Ebola, and sleeping sickness.

Vaccinations for Tanzania

Expats should ensure that all routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Before leaving for Tanzania, they should ensure that they are covered for the following:

• Diphtherialack
• Tetanus
• Measles, mumps and rubella
• Rabies
• Typhoid
• Polio
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B

The above list is merely a guide, and expats should consult a medical practitioner about the health risks in Tanzania before they depart. Additionally, CDC now emphasises that all international travellers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine due to the rise in global measles cases.

Yellow fever vaccination is required only if arriving from a country with a yellow fever transmission risk, but it is generally not recommended for direct travel from most countries to Tanzania.

Emergency services in Tanzania

In the case of an emergency, expats can dial 112 (police/general emergency) or 114 (fire department). For ambulance services, dial 115 or 199, but emergency services are extremely limited, and some medical emergencies may require air evacuation.