To ensure you are covered for all risks we have set out the main Kilimanjaro Travel Insurance considerations below. There is also a nifty travel insurance calculator from adventure travel insurance experts, World Nomads, which you can use to get a quote for your Kilimanjaro trek.
Please note: consult an insurance professional to decide which product is right for your travel needs and make sure you read the terms and conditions of the policy wording and description of coverage. It is ultimately your responsibility to decide if the policy you choose is right for you.
High altitude
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and the more severe forms of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HACE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HAPE) are very real issues on Kilimanjaro.
You need to ensure that you are covered for high altitude trekking up to 6,000 meters. Most travel insurance providers do not include this under their standard packages and therefore it needs to be selected separately.
Important: most routes on Kilimanjaro are pure hiking paths. If you plan to do mountaineering with ropes etc, you will need to inform your insurance provider, and this will likely double your premium. In the case of World Nomads, you would need to add ‘mountaineering’ to your cover.
Trekking Accidents
Like AMS, general trekking accidents, like falls, rock slides and complications related to your health (i.e. heart conditions) whilst trekking are also a real concern on Kilimanjaro.
You need to ensure your policy covers accidents that can occur on the mountain, including the costs of helicopter evacuation and hospital coverage.
Off Mountain Accidents and Illnesses
Tanzania is a developing country where illnesses like yellow fever and malaria are concerns.Coverage for any illnesses and accidents that can happen off the mountain should be included in your Kilimanjaro travel insurance coverage.
