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Travel Insurance for Tunisia

Travel Insurance for Tunisia

Explore the bustling markets of Tunis, the serene beauty of Sidi Bou Said, or the historic ruins of Carthage. Whether you're wandering through vibrant medinas or relaxing on sun-soaked shores, Tunisia offers a rich and unforgettable experience.

Ready to find the right cover? Click "Get a quote" to start, or keep reading to learn more about Tunisia and what travel insurance might be suitable for your trip.

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Important information

Travel insurance covers you for many unexpected events, but not everything. Known events, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, aren’t covered if they were declared when you bought your policy. If you travel against Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice, your insurance won’t cover you.

The FCDO currently has warnings in place for all travel to Western Tunisia, on the Tunisia-Algeria border, as well as for Southern Tunisia along the Tunisia-Libya border*. Both warnings are due to cross-border conflict.

See the latest FCDO travel advice for Tunisia.

*Correct as of November 2024

Do I need travel insurance for Tunisia?

Travel insurance isn’t a legal requirement for Tunisia, but it’s worth considering. From lost luggage and delayed flights to unexpected medical emergencies, having the right policy can save you a lot of hassle and expense.

When travelling to Tunisia you might face issues like pickpocketing in busy markets or heat-related illnesses during the summer. A comprehensive travel insurance policy ensures you're protected against these common travel risks, giving you peace of mind on your holiday.

Choosing the right policy for your holiday to Tunisia

Single-trip travel insurance

Planning a one-off trip? Single-trip travel insurance might be the best option for you. It covers your trip from start to finish.

Annual travel insurance

For frequent travellers, annual travel insurance offers cover for multiple trips throughout the year.

Family travel insurance

Planning a trip for the whole family to Tunisia? Family travel insurance offers cover for everyone under one policy.

What our travel insurance expert says

"Tunisia has so much to offer as a country, so you want to make sure you take as much of it in as possible when you're on holiday. Free healthcare doesn't exist in Tunisia, and the cost of medical treatments can be very expensive.

"Having travel insurance that covers medical expenses and repatriation to the UK means you can relax. You know you're covered just in case you feel unwell on your trip and need treatment or to head home. Plus, a lot of insurers consider Tunisia to be in Europe for travel insurance, so it could end up being cheaper than you expect."

Alvaro Iturmendi - Confused.com travel insurance expert

Alvaro Iturmendi Travel insurance expert

What does travel insurance for Tunisia cover?

Here's what travel insurance typically covers and what doesn't cover - check your policy details to understand your cover fully.

What's covered:

Cancellation and curtailment cover: If you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to unforeseen circumstances like illness or a family emergency.
Baggage cover: Travel insurance can reimburse you for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage, ensuring you aren’t left out of pocket.
Medical cover and repatriation insurance: Tunisia’s private healthcare can be expensive. If you fall ill or get injured, your policy will cover medical costs and even arrange repatriation if needed, getting you back home safely.
Travel money: Tunisia’s vibrant souks often require cash. If your money is lost or stolen, travel insurance can cover your losses, making sure you’re not stranded without funds.
Covid-19 cover: Your policy can cover Covid-19-related issues, such as medical care if you contract the virus or trip cancellations due to a positive test.

What isn't covered?

Natural disasters cover: While Tunisia generally enjoys stable weather, it’s still possible to encounter natural events like earthquakes. Some policies may exclude cover for natural disasters, so check if your policy includes this protection.
High risk activities: Tunisia offers exciting activities like desert safaris. However, these are often considered high-risk and may not be covered under standard travel insurance. You may need to buy additional extreme sports travel insurance.
Any pre-existing conditions you haven't declared: It’s critical that you declare any pre-existing medical conditions before buying your policy. Failure to do so could result in claims being denied.
Travelling against FCDO advice: Always check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice for Tunisia before travelling. If you choose to travel against their advice, your insurance won’t cover you.
Incidents involving alcohol and drugs: If you try and make a claim for an incident involving drugs or alcohol, you won't be covered.

How much is travel insurance for Tunisia?

Tunisia is often considered part of Europe by some insurers, even though it's in North Africa. We recommend checking this depending on which insurer you choose. The price of travel insurance depends on factors like pre-existing medical conditions and the type of policy you choose.

Type of policy	Price
Single trip travel insurance	£7.12¹
Annual travel insurance	£9.75²
Backpacker travel insurance	£38.09³

¹Cheapest price for single-trip travel insurance. Based on 1 adult aged 30 with no pre-existing medical conditions, travelling in Tunisia for 1 week. Confused.com data, November 2024.
²Cheapest price for European annual travel insurance. Based on 1 adult aged 30 with no pre-existing medical conditions. Confused.com data, November 2024.
³Cheapest price for European backpackers insurance. Based on 1 adult aged 30 with no pre-existing medical conditions, travelling for 3 months. Confused.com data, November 2024.

Medical care in Tunisia

Tunisia doesn’t have free healthcare, and private treatment can be costly. You may even be asked to pay for any treatment or medication that you need upfront. The FCDO recommends having comprehensive travel insurance for your trip. Make sure your policy includes medical cover for peace of mind.

Travel insurance for activities in Tunisia

Activities like scuba diving, water sports and golf are popular in Tunisia. If you're planning to do any of these, you might need special sports travel insurance. Make sure you research these add-ons to ensure you’re fully covered.

Do I need a visa to travel to Tunisia?

You can travel to Tunisia without a visa for up to 90 days. Any stays longer than this will require a visa. If you stay longer than the 90 days you're allowed without a visa, you could have to pay a fine.

You may not need a visa to enter Tunisia, but border officials can ask you for contact information, details of your where you're staying and onward travel plans.

Visit the FCDO site for more details on entry requirements.

Tips for travelling to Tunisia

Vaccinations

Before heading to Tunisia, it’s important to ensure you’re up-to-date with recommended vaccinations. Visit the Travel Health Pro website for the latest advice and guidelines.

Currency

Tunisia uses the Tunisian Dinar (TND), a closed currency, which means you can't buy it outside the country. You’ll need to exchange your money locally, either at banks, exchange bureaus, or hotels. It’s also advisable to keep your currency exchange receipts as you might need them to convert dinars back into your home currency before leaving Tunisia.

Languages

In Tunisia, Tunisian Arabic is the official language, and French is widely spoken, especially in business and tourism sectors. While English is understood in many tourist areas, learning a few basic phrases in Arabic or French can go a long way.

Local customs and traditions

Friday is the holy day in Islam, which is observed across Tunisia. On this day, many local businesses and markets may operate on reduced hours or close entirely for prayers. It’s respectful to plan your activities accordingly and be mindful of the local customs, especially during religious events like Ramadan.

Other forms of payment

While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and larger towns, cash is still king in rural areas and smaller establishments. ATMs are available in most urban areas, but it’s a good idea to carry cash for purchases in local markets, small shops, or when traveling outside the main tourist areas.

Best time of year to visit

Tunisia’s climate varies throughout the year. For sun-seekers, the summer months from June to September offer hot and dry weather, perfect for beach holidays.

However, if you prefer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons in April-May or October-November. During these times, the weather is still pleasant, making it ideal for exploring Tunisia’s cultural and historical sites.