It goes without saying that trekking Kilimanjaro comes with obvious risks. Kilimanjaro Travel insurance is non-negotiable. It's something you need to have and hopefully never have to use!
To ensure you are covered for all possible risks, we have set out the main Kilimanjaro Travel Insurance considerations below. We've also provided an easy link to get an insurance quote directly from World Nomads.
Please note: We are not insurance experts. The considerations below are based on our personal experiences and research, and should not be construed as professional advice or recommendations. Please 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/description of coverage. It is ultimately your responsibility to decide if the policy you choose is right for you.
Travel Insurance for Climbing Kilimanjaro
Helicopters evacuating trekkers off Kilimanaro are a humbling reminder to take this mountain seriously (and get yourself insured!).
High Altitude
First and foremost is the risk of high altitude trekking.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and it’s severe forms, High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HACE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HAPE) are very real issues on Kilimanjaro. See our Kilimanjaro altitude sickness article.
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.
The insurance provider, World Nomads, offer a Sports / Adventure activities upgrade that includes hiking up to 6000m.
Important: most routes on Kilimanjaro are pure hiking paths. If you plan to do mountaineering with ropes etc (i.e. on the Western Breach), 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
The fastest way to get someone who is injured or suffering from severe altitude sickness down the mountain is usually by these 'off-road' stretchers.
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 evacuation and hospital coverage in Tanzania.
Off mountain illnesses and accidents
Tanzania is a developing country where illnesses like malaria is a concern. In terms of malaria you will not be at risk whilst on the mountain (there are no mosquitoes above 1,800 meters) but you are at risk before and after your climb. You can take anti-malarial medication and I recommend you do so if you plan to travel in Tanzania before or after your trek.
Cover for any illnesses and accidents that can happen off the mountain should be included in your Kilimanjaro travel insurance coverage.
Theft
Theft is also a concern. You will likely be carrying valuable items with you, including things like trekking poles, a sleeping bag, expensive trekking clothing and cameras. Your Kilimanjaro travel insurance needs to cover theft as well.
As a precaution we recommend using a small lock to secure your luggage.
Other considerations
Ranger's vehicles stationed at the entrance gate have very limited access. They can only reach the very low reaches of the trails.
Your coverage should also include insurance for trip interruption, cancellation and delay; lost, stolen and damaged baggage and financial tour operator default.
Still have questions about Kilimanjaro insurance. Leave a comment below and we will respond with an answer within 24 hours.
More Kilimanjaro guides:
hi there. every source I look at for trekking advice to kili has the specific wording that “high altitude trekking insurance” is required to be able to summit killimanjaro. but when I look up travel insurance on different places, it is often called backpacking up to 6000 meters. is this just a wording difference? or do I need to specifically get something called high altitude trekking insurance? thank you
Hi Denver, yes, you do need high altitude trekking insurance. Most travel insurance providers don’t offer this, but some like World Nomads, have a sports / adventure upgrade. I believe World Nomads call it ‘hiking up to 6,000m’ or ‘trekking up to 6,000m’. If in doubt I recommend reaching out to your chosen insurer directly. All the best!
Hello, could you recommend another insurance Company besides World Nomads? This company doesn’t cover Romanians. I had booked Kili for October. I hope you can help. Thanks
Hi Amexandru, you can try Dogtag Insurance or Snowcard.
Hi Mark, Im 67 Years of Age, fit and wanting Insurance to Climb Kilimanjaro.
Any Advice Please.
Thanks
Hi Keith, You might want to try Dogtag or Travel Guard. I think World Nomads only cover 60 years olds and younger.
My research says that Tanzania doesn't have yellow fever and that you only need that vaccination if you are first traveling through a YF country or if you have a layover of more than 12 hours in a YF country. This is contrary to your travel insurance page. What's correct?
If these criteria require you to have a vaccination to enter Tanzania, does that country accept the WHO determination that a vaccination is good for life or does it require that you have had a vaccination within 10 years of your visit?
Thanks
Hi Paul, your understanding is correct. You only need a YF vaccination if you are first traveling through a YF country or if you have a layover of more than 12 hours in a YF country.