Soak up the rich African culture in Addis Ababa. This guide can help inform you about the best places to visit and things to see while in Addis Ababa. There is also information on precautions to take, and information you should be aware of about purchasing travel medical insurance or travel insurance.

Addis Ababa Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs

Traveling to Addis Ababa can put you at greater risk for certain diseases such as cholera, malaria, and tuberculosis. In addition, the excitement of traveling to a new country can lead to you not using your best judgement and becoming injured. Don't think you can rely on your domestic insurance to provide coverage in Addis Ababa; it may not be accepted, and some facilities may require cash payment upfront. To make sure your finances can be covered against high medical costs, get travel medical insurance.

Do I need travel medical insurance for Addis Ababa?

Although visitors are legally allowed to visit Ethiopia without travel medical insurance, it is not advised. Without Addis Abababa insurance coverage, you could be solely financially responsible for any medical treatment you need to receive during your trip. This could include the costs involved in emergency medical evacuation, if your condition cannot be treated in the city. These costs can add up quickly. Don't let an unexpected illness or injury ravage your finances. Get travel medical insurance so you can be covered.

Why buy travel medical insurance for Addis Ababa?

Addis Ababa is located more than 7,000 feet above sea level. If you aren't used to the altitude, it can result in altitude sickness, acute mountain sickness, fatigue, nausea, and headaches. If you arrive at a hospital to seek treatment without insurance, you'll be responsible for paying the entire bill out of your own pocket.

You may also find that the hospitals in Addis Ababa do not have adequate facilities to treat every condition. If emergency medical evacuation is required, the cost can exceed what some people earn in a year. Do you want to be responsible for paying that on your own? While you can't totally eliminate the risk of a medical issue during your vacation, you can control how it can affect your budget with travel medical insurance.

Addis Ababa Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs

Trip cancellation insurance can refund your prepaid travel and lodging expenses in case there is a cancellation. These expenses are generally nonrefundable, and you risk losing a lot of money if you don't have coverage. Save yourself from paying for a trip you're unable to take with trip cancellation insurance.

Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Addis Ababa?

It only takes one event to cancel a trip. It could be a natural disaster, a personal health issue, government travel restrictions, or a family emergency. If your trip is unable to go forward as planned, you won't want to be responsible for expenses you cannot use.

These expenses usually come in the form of airfare and hotel accommodations. They often have to be paid for in advance, and can be nonrefundable. If your trip gets canceled, you could find yourself unable to recoup these costs if you don't have insurance. Trip cancellation insurance can provide you with a way to be reimbursed for your nonrefundable, prepaid bookings if your trip has to be canceled due to a covered reason.

What can be covered under trip cancellation insurance for Addis Ababa?

Travel insurance can provide coverage for a variety of situations you may encounter during an international trip. Some of these benefits can include:

• Trip cancellation for a covered reason
• Flight insurance
• Trip interruption coverage
• Coverage for loss of baggage
• The option to cancel for any reason, with some plans

The exact type and level of coverage offered will depend on the plan you choose. Each plan will have a policy document that will explain the coverage in detail. Read through this information carefully before making a purchase.

Things to Do for Travelers in Addis Ababa

Along with the experience of Ethiopian food and culture, you can also get the finest Arabica coffee in Addis Ababa. Keep an ear out for the 80 different languages spoken by the locals. You can see the citizens dressed in a wide range of clothing, from Western dresses to bright wraps and heavy capes. From culture to craftsmanship, Addis Ababa provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience, making it an excellent travel destination.

Experience the Coffee

You'll find coffee everywhere; numerous cafes, traditional coffee stalls, and vendors walking the streets with thermos flasks. There's a reason behind this overwhelming amount of coffee; Addis Ababa has some of the finest Arabica coffee anywhere. Make sure to try Tomoca Coffee in the shop off Churchill Avenue.

Go Dancing

On a weekend, hit the dancefloor at night and join the locals. The city's old central Piazza neighborhood has flashy bars with music resonating from across the world. You can also enjoy Ethiopian jazz music at the African Jazz Village bar in the Ghion Hotel.

Addis Mercato

This seemingly endless open-air market is the perfect place to shop for souvenirs and traditional Ethiopian items. If possible, hire a tour guide. It is also an excellent place to learn about the culture as you get to witness the African vendors firsthand. Grab a cup of coffee before you leave.

National Museum of Ethiopia

Spend an hour or two learning about the prehistory and ethnography of the country in this fascinating museum. View the partial skeleton of "Lucy," a small human who is believed to have lived over three million years ago.

Take Part in Sports

Take part in a cycle race on the weekend, or be a part of the crowd and witness the race from a bar or a café. You can also catch a soccer match at Meskel Square, and participate in the soccer fever. If you're in the city in late November, take part in the 10-kilometer annual Great Ethiopian Run.

Travel Risks for International Travelers in Addis Ababa

Petty theft and fraud

Addis Ababa is considered to be safe, but there is still the risk of petty theft and fraud. Beware of people who distract you, as they might attempt to steal from you. Be especially careful in crowded places.

Natural disasters

Addis Ababa can suffer from naturally occurring events such as droughts, floods and seismic activity. Be sure to pay attention to local media to stay advised during any such events, and be sure to have travel insurance in case your trip gets cut short or canceled.

Prescription medicines

Your prescription medicine may be hard to obtain in the city. If you have a prescription you need to take regularly, make sure to bring enough supply to last for your whole trip. It's advised to carry a copy of the doctor's prescription as well, and make sure the drug is legal in Ethiopia before bringing it.

Before You Travel to Addis Ababa - Do This

• Get a yellow fever certificate if you're traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
• Be up-to-date on all vaccinations as recommended by your physician and government.
• Have a stress-free vacation by purchasing travel medical insurance or travel insurance.

DISCLAIMER: The information within this article is intended as a broad summary of benefits and services and is meant for informational purposes only. The information does not describe all scenarios, coverages or exclusions of any insurance plan. The benefits and services of an insurance plan are subject to change. This is not your policy/certificate of insurance. If there is any discrepancy between the information in this article and the language of your policy/certificate wording, the language of the policy/certificate wording will prevail.

The insurance plans available on this website are not specifically targeted towards the destination mentioned in this article. They can provide coverage while traveling away from home, according to the terms and conditions and geographic restrictions applicable to the specific plan.