Protection is important
Rwanda insurance should be a key part of any plan to visit this beautiful but troubled land. Even though the violent civil unrest in 1994 that tore this country apart has largely been healed, living or working here can still present challenges, particularly with regards to health, life and disability cover.
Rwanda is a beautiful country of lush jungles and rolling mountains. Still remembered for the brutal genocide of 1994, it has since made huge progress towards recovery and is currently a much safer prospect for visitors than many of its neighbours.
Though most of the country is peaceful, the security situation can be unstable along the borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi. These areas should be avoided unless you have made appropriate security arrangements and procured specialist insurance, possibly with provision for terrorism and Kidnap and Ransom.
Though there are reports of occasional grenade attacks mainly in Kigali and Masanze, the incidence of these are rare and have been decreasing.
Only limited medical facilities are available in Rwanda. In the event of serious accident or illness evacuation by air ambulance to Kenya or South Africa may be required. Make sure you have adequate international Medical and Evacuation insurance to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. If you have a business here or you are importing exporting, Trade and Political Risk insurance maybe advisable.
Levels of crime remain relatively low in Rwanda, but there have been reports of bag snatching and mugging incidents targeting foreigners. You should take sensible precautions. Take care when walking at night. Pre-arrange transport. Don’t carry large amounts of money and don’t leave cars unsupervised in the town centre.
The Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in the UK regularly updates its advice to British travellers about immediate risks.