Travel insurance is mandatory for participation on our trips.
Travel insurance should cover:
High-altitude trekking up to 6,000 Meters (not mountaineering) If climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Mount Kenya.
Medical costs
Repatriation costs
Trip cancellation
With your travel insurance policy, we automatically enroll every client with AMREF Flying Doctors Evacuation Coverage, who operate helicopter-based search and rescue on Mount Kilimanjaro. This is only available for those who have a valid travel insurance.
You will be required to show proof of insurance. Please bring a photocopy of your policy to the trip briefing.
We will verify that you have the appropriate insurance prior to the affair and climb. No refunds are given for clients turned away due to failure to obtain the proper coverage.
Please enter your insurance information in the form below.
Travel Insurance - Don't travel without it!
Travel insurance is often viewed by clients as an extra cost that can be avoided. At Urth Expedition LTD however we insist that all travelers are fully insured for their trip.
Organizing travel insurance is vital for any trip to Africa. In fact, it’s part of Urth Expedition ’s Terms & Conditions that all our clients have it in place before they depart. We’re often asked why, as travel insurance can be viewed as an avoidable extra cost.
We’d like to stress that we do not sell travel insurance, nor do we profit from our advice – we just want to see our clients covered as well as we believe they ought to be.
Although we cannot recommend any specific policy or provider, on this page we aim to help you identify what to look out for and what to avoid with potential policies. We’ve also suggested a few websites where you can research policies, and we’ve also provided the names of a few companies that we’ve come across over the years. However, please research all the options thoroughly for yourself, as only you know your personal circumstances and what policy will suit you best.
This information is given in good faith, but without liability. Every traveller is different, and your needs may vary – again, please make sure you research the options thoroughly and purchase the policy that’s right for you.
When to take out travel insurance
It’s best to take out a policy as soon as you have booked your trip. This means that you’re immediately covered for cancellation, although we only insist on the policy being in place before you travel. Please be aware that some policies state you must purchase insurance within a certain period of booking, so it’s always worth checking your specific policy to avoid invalidating your cover.
Medical cover and repatriation
Without doubt, the most important element of travel insurance is medical cover and repatriation. Of course, the majority of our clients have a trouble-free trip, but it is far better to be safe than sorry. Our trips take you to remote parts of Africa and it’s vital that, if there is an accident, you have adequate cover to evacuate you to the nearest major hospital for your care, and for medical repatriation to your home country too.
We advise a per person minimum of $100,000 to cover medical treatment and a minimum of $250,000 to cover repatriation due to accident or illness. Though in reality, almost all policies offer cover far in excess of these figures. We strongly recommend that you ask your insurer to ensure that you are covered sufficiently for both. Of course, full coverage for medical treatment once you have returned to your home country is absolutely essential too, but it won’t usually be covered privately by travel insurance.
COVID-19 cover
It is vital that your travel insurance also covers you for COVID-19. This should include medical cover in case you become unwell with COVID-19 while traveling. But also cover for possible travel disruption/cancellation caused by reasons such as, but not limited to:
Anyone in your party becoming infected prior to departure.
Failing a pre-departure COVID PCR test.
Government travel advisories or bans.
Quarantine requirements either at home or at your destination.
Lockdowns either at home or at your destination.
What to think about when taking out insurance
Extreme sports, walking safaris, remote areas, water-sports, etc. If you’re planning to take part in sports or other adventurous activities during your trip, we recommend that your policy covers you for any injuries sustained as a result of these activities.
Loss of valuables, personal liability, legal expenses ..Your policy should include cover for loss of any valuable items, as well as personal liability, legal expenses, and cancellations abroad, and any delays at your point of departure, whether you are outward or homeward bound.
Pre-existing illnesses.. Please seek advice from an insurance broker if necessary to ensure that your policy covers any pre-existing illnesses.
Cancellation...Most travel insurance will cover this thoroughly, but we advise you to check and most importantly to look out for the value of the trip covered as standard. Many policies will cover a trip costing up to $5,000–6,500 per person. If your safari and international flights cost more than that, you might need to purchase additional cover in order to insure the full value of your safari.
How much does travel insurance cost, and where can I compare
policies?
The cost of travel insurance varies, based on your personal circumstances and if you have any
pre-existing health conditions. We cannot legally advise clients on which policies are best, nor can we recommend any specific travel insurance companies or policies. However, to get an idea of where to begin your research, please take a look at the following companies that we’ve come across:
Please note that we cannot take any responsibility for information provided on a third-party website.
It used to be the case that all travelers had to be insured by a company based in their home country. But today there’s a handful of insurance companies that cover travelers no matter where in the world they live. For some clients, these companies offer much better value policies than those available in their home country. Insurers we have come across include:
World Nomads Alliance Travel Insurance
Cigna Travel Wanderwell Travel Insurance
Some frequently asked questions
My policy states that I have to pay any medical costs myself and reclaim the costs once I’ve returned home. Is that okay?
There are a few issues with this ‘pay and claim’ approach. The most obvious is that, if you were to have a serious accident, medical evacuation and hospital bills could run into the tens of thousands of dollars. Repatriation would cost hundreds of thousands, which would be very difficult to self-fund. And if an accident is incapacitating, even actioning payment would be very challenging for you. So we suggest opting for a policy in which the insurance company pays direct for any costs on your behalf.
Does my health insurance cover my safari? (This question is often most relevant to travelers from the USA.)
US health insurance premiums sometimes cover clients for their trips overseas, but this is rare. We cannot comment on these policies, but we advise clients to contact their existing insurers for health cover and to consider additional insurance to protect against the risk of loss or cancellation. Please note, if you do not have a policy to cover any of the events mentioned above, you are at risk of incurring considerable costs. Repatriation home, for example, can cost a huge amount of money. We cannot be held responsible for any of these costs.
My credit card includes travel insurance – is that enough?
Not usually! It is essential to check that you’re satisfied with the amount of coverage included. Please contact your credit card company to verify what is and what isn’t covered. Remember, a good insurance policy involves getting you home in an emergency and also provides a minimum of $100,000 medical cover while you are in Africa. A lot of credit card insurance does not provide adequate cover and falls short of the figures mentioned above (see MEDICAL COVER AND REPATRIATION).
Is medical coverage provided by national social insurance programs or national healthcare systems in my country of residence valid in Africa?
National social insurance programs, such as Medicare, and national healthcare systems, like the NHS, are unlikely to provide you with medical coverage when overseas. Please contact the relevant authority for further information.
I have private health insurance – is that enough?
It is unlikely that your private health insurance policy will provide you with adequate coverage while in Africa. Please speak to your health insurance company about what is and isn’t covered.
Can I buy travel insurance from Urth Expedition?
No, Urth Expedition does not sell insurance.
Why is Urth Expedition asking for my travel insurance details?
In the event of an emergency, Urth Expedition and our suppliers will need to have access to the name of your travel insurer, policy number, and 24-hour emergency/claims number. We can then provide this information to emergency services so that you can receive the necessary treatment without delay.
What if I don’t want insurance?
Arranging insurance is a condition of booking travel with Urth Expedition and if you do not take out a travel insurance policy we reserve the right to cancel your holiday as per our Terms & Conditions.
And lastly!
As is always the case, make sure you read the fine print of any policy! Unfortunately, we have known cases where clients had thought they were fully covered but had bought a policy that was not as good as it should be.
What is AMREF Flying Doctor’s insurance?
All our guests are automatically enrolled in this program. AMREF Flying Doctors provides air evacuation services in medical emergencies. This covers for emergency transport from your safari to a full-service hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. All our guests are automatically enrolled in program at no extra cost. However, this does not replace the traditional travel insurance.
Seven Tips to Avoid Getting Sick While Traveling Abroad
Travel takes us far away from our home and our known environment. We tend to move more when we’re on vacation, and that exertion lowers our immunity and makes it more likely for us to get sick. In addition, the change in diet, sleep patterns, and whether we’re exposed to can do a number on our bodies when we travel abroad.
Since the last thing anyone wants is to get sick on vacation, follow these seven tips to reduce the risk.
1. Carry a First-Aid Kit
A first-aid kit is a crucial part of your luggage. Please keep it in your carry-on for immediate access, but remember that it’s no substitute for the care of a medical professional. However, a good first-aid kit can be a real lifesaver for immediate relief of symptoms. Whether you buy a premade first-aid kit or put one together yourself, make sure it contains the following:
Adhesive bandages of various sizes
Compress dressings made from absorbent material
Sterile gauze pads
Scissors and tweezers
Antiseptic liquid
Burn cream
Sterile gloves
You can, of course, add more items to the list, but these are the bare essentials.
2. Pack a Medicine Kit
While you want to pack any prescription medications you need, you also need to be prepared for unplanned medical issues that you can help alleviate with over-the-counter medications. A basic travel medicine kit should contain the following:
A nondrowsy antihistamine such as fexofenadine
An antiemetic to prevent vomiting, such as ondansetron
An antidiarrheal such as bismuth subsalicylate
General painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
A topical painkiller spray or gel
Eyedrops designed to provide eye lubrication
Make sure you consult with your healthcare professional before taking any new OTC medication, and be aware of the laws of the country you’re visiting before attempting to bring medicines in.
3. Get a Physical
It’s an extremely smart idea to make an appointment and get a physical before traveling abroad, especially if you haven’t had one in a while. This will help you and your healthcare professional accurately assess your overall health and uncover any potential issues with blood pressure, cholesterol, etc., that can be monitored and addressed.
4. Monitor Your Vitals
Depending upon your doctor's advice, you may want to bring along and use one of several medical devices when you travel. If you have high blood pressure, you may want to pack a blood pressure monitor to keep tabs on your condition. You may also be advised to carry a small pulse oximeter to measure your blood oxygen level. This is especially useful at higher altitudes.
For those without documented medical issues, a smartwatch or wristband such as a Fitbit can provide helpful information about your activity level and how your body responds to travel stresses.
6. Eat Probiotics
The importance of probiotics cannot be overstated. Good bacteria like lactobacillus acidophilus, saccharomyces boulardii, and bifidobacterium bifidum aid in digestion and help prevent conditions like traveler’s diarrhea.
Start by eating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kimchi, or kefir about two weeks before your trip. Once you embark, take a daily probiotic supplement, and always drink bottled or purified water. Again, please consult your doctor before beginning a probiotic regimen.
7. Buy The Right Insurance
Although the previous steps can help reduce your chances of getting sick or injured while traveling, nothing can prevent it entirely. The next best thing is preparation.
A travel medical insurance or visitor’s medical insurance plan is essential so you can get necessary medical treatment for a predictable price.
Why is this coverage so important? Well, most nations do not provide free public healthcare for visitors, and medical care in another country can be expensive. You may have to pay premium prices to be treated at private hospitals, and domestic health insurance from your home country is unlikely to be accepted. Any treatment could cost you hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of dollars if you don’t have the right insurance.
Visitors or travel medical insurance can act as a financial safety net in these situations, allowing you to have coverage for necessary medical treatment in a country where you otherwise would not.
Does Your Travel Insurance Plan Cover Medical Supplies?
Travel insurance, or trip cancellation insurance, is a popular option for US residents traveling abroad or domestically. Its primary purpose is to provide coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, baggage loss, and travel delay.
But does travel insurance cover medical supplies? It’s common for many travelers to carry certain medical supplies with them. Some examples include:
Prescription drugs
Blood glucometer
Pulse oximeter
Portable blood pressure monitor
Insulin pens
Portable nebulizers
What if these items were lost or damaged? Would your travel insurance plan be able to cover them? Here are the answers.
Understanding Travel Insurance Medical Coverage
Travel insurance plans typically have limited medical coverage for a fixed short duration. This coverage aims to help you survive health emergencies to return home safely.
Travel insurance providers also usually have a dedicated round-the-clock travel assistance helpline to assist you during emergencies.
If your policy covers baggage loss or damage, the medical supplies you’re carrying may also be covered, and you can be reimbursed for the lost or damaged supplies.
The type of medical supplies covered varies depending on the insurance provider. Read the policy document carefully to ensure that the required medical supplies fall under the list of covered items.
Your travel insurance plan can also cover the cost of necessary and eligible medical equipment and drugs used for your treatment during an emergency, per the policy's terms and conditions. You’re only eligible for reimbursement if treated at a licensed hospital or clinic.
What If You Lose/Damage Essential Medical Supplies During a Trip?
If you’re traveling outside the US, losing your prescription drugs or medical supplies can be a big hassle. With travel insurance, you can call your provider’s helpline for assistance. What can your travel insurance helpline do for you?
Help you locate the nearest doctor, clinic, or pharmacy relevant to your medical needs.
Arrange communication with your doctor back home.
Help arrange a translator to overcome any language barriers.
Assist with obtaining a new prescription.
In some cases, the provider can even help get the medical supplies delivered to you.
Tips for Traveling with Medication
Although travel insurance can greatly assist if your prescription medication is lost or damaged, it’s always better to avoid the issue in the first place if possible. Follow these tips to lessen the likelihood of a mishap.
Always bring extras – You can never plan for trip delays, so it’s essential that you have additional supplies of necessary medication in case you’re gone longer than expected.
Keep the medication in your carry-on – A carry-on bag is much less likely to get lost or damaged than a checked one.
Save prescriptions online – Take photos of your prescriptions and save them to your iCloud or Google Drive so they’re easy to access from your phone if necessary.
Please write down your travel insurance helpline number so it’s available whenever needed.
Thank you
Urth Expedition Limited Arusha, Tanzania
info@urthsafari.com
Who Is Global Rescue?
Travel Protection
Urth Expedition partners with Global Rescue to offer the world’s leading travel protection
Services. Medical and security emergencies happen. When they do, we rely on Global Rescue
to provide our clients with medical, security, travel risk, and crisis response services. Without a
Membership and an emergency evacuation could cost over $100,000. More than one million
members trust Global Rescue to get them home safely when the unexpected happens. We
highly recommend our clients enroll with Global Rescue.
IMG Signature Travel InsuranceSM
IMG Signature travel insurance is the perfect add-on to a Global Rescue membership, providing
coverage against a variety of unforeseen expenses while you’re traveling, giving you the added
comfort of knowing the value of your trip is protected in case you need it.
Sample FAQs
Q: What happens if I’m injured or have an emergency requiring evacuation?
A: Every situation is different when medical and security emergencies happen. To ensure
you’re protected when things don’t go as planned, we highly recommend our clients enroll with
Global Rescue.
Q: What is included in the Global Rescue medical membership?
A: The Global Rescue medical membership includes 24/7/365 advisory services with medical
professionals, field rescue from the point of illness or injury and medical evacuation to the
member’s hospital of choice.
Q: Are there any limitations on my activities with a Global Rescue medical membership?
A: No. Global Rescue does not put limitations on activities.
Q: What is included in the Global Rescue security membership?
A: The Global Rescue security membership includes 24/7/365 advisory services and security
evacuation from events like unpredicted natural disasters, terrorist attacks and civil unrest—
all supported by a team of intelligence specialists and military special operations veterans.
