Travel Insurance for the Democratic Republic of Congo

Country Risk Code: High

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) suffers political instability, conflicts, and high criminal activities. Hence, if you plan to visit the DRC, it's vital that you get the right travel insurance coverage.

Potential Dangers In DRC

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), formerly referred to as Zaire, is considered one of the world's poorest countries, although the country is blessed with mineral resources. DRC is relatively insecure as there have been cases of assaults and kidnaps. Some of these criminal activities have been targeted at foreign nationals and NGO employees.
Eastern DRC especially has continued to suffer insecurity. The active operation of armed groups, the immigration of refugees from other countries, and the intercommunal clashes exposed the country to low economic activities, political instability, and low humanitarian activities. Remote areas in Congo have a high level of criminal activities, which can happen any time of the day, with foreign visitors being the target most times. Criminals posing as police can engage in criminal activities.

Environmental Risks

Several towns in DRC are built on volcanic slopes; you should watch out for volcanic eruptions, which can occur, although not regularly. DRC is also located in an earthquake-prone region as there have been previous cases of earthquakes in DRC.
In 2008, an earthquake occurred which damaged properties and caused injury to inhabitants of Goma and Bukavu. Also, in 2016, an earthquake occurred which claimed the lives of six Bukavu residents. Although earthquakes do not happen regularly, visitors should note that they can happen anytime.
Flooding and landslides are common in DRC, especially during the rainy season, affecting travel plans and movement around the country.

Transport Risks

Air transport can be risky as Congolese air transports have a history of plane crashes. Between 2000 and 2008, Congo has recorded over 12 plane crashes and in-flight accidents. Flight schedules can be unreliable, and flights can be overloaded with freight and passengers.
DRC roads are in poor conditions and worse during rainy seasons. Taxis generally do not meet safety standards, and there are only a few independent taxis available. Trucks are used for many road travels as roads are not too suitable for small vehicles.

Health Risk

There is poor healthcare standard with limited medical facilities. Illnesses such as malaria, typhoid, yellow fever, and cholera are prevalent in the DRC. DRC has a virus known as Monkeypox; humans contact the illness from rodents and squirrels. Monkey Pox can cause fever, swelling in the lymph nodes, and the formation of blisters around the body. Tsetse Fly illness, Sleeping sickness is common, especially in the eastern DRC. The disease can be fatal if left untreated hence visitors are advised to avoid being bitten by the tsetse fly.

Travel Tips

• Stay away from areas where a volcanic eruption has occurred. Flowing lava can be dangerous to you.
• Track weather online before going on a long-distance trip.
• Heed to the warnings and advice of local authorities, especially when an earthquake occurs.
• It's advisable to get booster shots and vaccination for your DRC trip.
• Avoid getting bit by mosquitoes by using mosquito nets, insect repellents, and wearing long sleeve clothes to cover your arms.
• Avoid regions with untreated water to prevent schistosomiasis.
• Avoid contact with people suffering from Monkeypox.
• Keep doors and windows locked while driving.
• Avoid standing at accidents and crime scenes; you may get into trouble.
• Be cautious of gangs and car robbers in areas with bad roads.
• Keep your financial transactions discreet.
• Do not bring strangers into your home.
• Avoid traveling at night.
• Avoid flaunting cash and valuables.
• Avoid taking photos of government structures, airports, and other public facilities.
• Heed to advice by locals.
• Be cautious when taking help from strangers.
• Move around with a tour group to keep you safe.

Choosing The Right Cover For Your Trip To the Democratic Republic Of Congo

If you plan to perform humanitarian or mining jobs in DRC, it's critical that you choose an insurer that provides coverage for personal accidents and emergency evacuation. Your insurance provider should also cover Kidnap and Random cases, especially if you are extending your service to remote areas of the country. Due to the political instability, you should get property insurance. Check that your insurer covers your assets and equipment. Your insurer should cover damages and losses arising from terrorist attacks. It is also advisable to get insurance covering Political evacuation.