Travel insurance for Zambia — health cover rule

Short answerChecked 31 October 2026

A foreigner who enters Zambia must have valid health insurance for the length of the stay; without it, the foreigner must register and pay for health insurance with a health insurer on arrival (National Health Insurance Act 2018, section 14; regulation 4 of SI 63 of 2019). Foreigners are not members of NHIMA. If you drive in, Customs may refuse entry to a vehicle without third-party insurance that meets the Road Traffic Act (section 96); the Act also gives effect to the COMESA third party motor vehicle insurance scheme.

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Answers come from the law, the regulator and the insurers' own documents, with the source under each answer. General information, not advice.

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Health insurance is required

Section 14(1) of the National Health Insurance Act 2018: "A foreigner who enters the Republic shall have valid health insurance for the period that the foreigner stays in the Republic." Section 14(2) and regulation 4 of the 2019 Regulations add that a foreigner without it applies to a health insurer at the port of entry and pays the fee that insurer sets.

Check that your travel policy covers medical treatment in Zambia for your whole stay, and carry proof of it. Insurance bought in Zambia must come from a PIA-licensed insurer (PIA list).

Driving into Zambia

A Customs officer may refuse to let into Zambia by road any vehicle or trailer without third-party insurance or security that complies with Part VII of the Road Traffic Act (section 96).
The Act provides for the implementation of the Protocol on the Third Party Motor Vehicle Insurance Scheme of the COMESA member states (preamble and section 232) (Road Traffic Act 2002).
Once in Zambia, the same rules as for residents apply: carry the certificate of insurance and produce it to the police on request (section 95). See motor insurance.

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Next step

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need travel insurance to visit Zambia?

You need valid health insurance for your stay (National Health Insurance Act 2018, section 14). Without it, you must buy health insurance from a health insurer on arrival.

Can I drive my car into Zambia without insurance?

Customs may refuse entry to a vehicle without third-party insurance that meets the Road Traffic Act (section 96).

Can a tourist use NHIMA?

No. NHIMA membership is for citizens and established residents; foreigners must hold their own health insurance.