Travel to Liberia to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work, or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

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 Liberia

Intro

Backpacking or Traveling in Liberia?

  • Located on the west coast of Africa, Liberia is a country rich in history, culture and breathtaking scenery. While it may not be the most obvious backpacking destination, Liberia offers unique experiences for those willing to venture off the beaten track. With its tropical rainforests, beautiful beaches and warm people, it is a destination full of adventure and discovery. The country is slowly recovering from the civil war, and tourism is still in its infancy, meaning you will often have untouched places to yourself but also need to exercise caution.
  • Activities to spot: Admire the flora and fauna of Sapo National Park; surf in Robertsport, one of the best surf spots in Africa; visit historic Providence Island; spot birds at Lake Piso; explore the markets and historic buildings of Monrovia; get splashed at Kpatawee Falls; see the strange Blue Lake; hike the Nimba Mountains; stay at Libassa Ecolodges; learn about and visit palm oil plantations. Animal spotting: lots of birds including the Liberian Greenbul, forest elephants, Nile crocodiles, chimpanzees, pangolins, large forest pigs, duikers, manatees, pythons, cobras, pygmy hippos.
  • Food spotting: jollof rice (rice cooked in tomatoes and spices), pepper soup (often with meat or fish), fufu (doughy dish made from cassava or yam), palm butter stew (stew with palm oil and often meat and fish), cassava leaf stew (one of the national dishes), fish stew, collard greens, kanyah (popular side dish made from cabbage leaves), plantain.

Studying in Liberia?

  • It is not an easy country to study in and the country still bears many scars from war, political revolutions and also the recent Ebola outbreak. So there are not many options. Nevertheless, it is a beautiful country and you will be warmly welcomed by the other students. You can study business, medicine, law and agriculture, among other things.
  • Study cities: Monrovia, Gbarnga.
  • Language: English

Internship in Liberia?

  • There are few internship opportunities in Liberia, and it can be quite a challenge to do an internship there in terms of infrastructure and culture. You can possibly find internships with international development organizations in, for example, education, care and development aid.
  • Competencies: dealing with difficult circumstances, independence, intercultural communication, adaptability, creative thinking.

Volunteering in Liberia?

  • The country has had to endure a lot in the past 40 years. So there is a great demand for volunteer work in Liberia, especially in the areas of education, care for orphans, women's emancipation, health care and community development. There are also opportunities for work with wildlife.
  • Be prepared for a culture shock and considerable challenges, also in terms of your own living comfort.

Working in Liberia?

  • There are limited job opportunities in Liberia. If you look hard enough, you may be able to find opportunities with NGOs and development aid workers, or with international companies.
  • Work culture: Liberia’s work culture is informal but respectful. Expect a lot of personal interactions, and relationships are often just as important as business success. Punctuality can sometimes be flexible, and it’s important to be patient in business dealings.

Working as a digital nomad in Liberia?

  • Working and living in Liberia certainly offers a unique experience with lots to discover and experience in addition to your daily work. It is also known for its incredibly delicious local food, but… It does cost quite a bit if you live in the capital and it comes with some serious challenges.
  • So there are few who go to Liberia. It is a country for those who don’t mind being challenged and finding their own way. The internet infrastructure is developing and the best internet can be found in Monrovia and accommodations specifically aimed at expats. Also be aware that traveling around is not always easy, for example there is no taxi app like in other countries and the health care also leaves much to be desired.
  • Favorite city: Monrovia.

Living in Liberia?

  • Living in Liberia is an adventure in itself. Expats living in Liberia usually come for development work, education or business. Most expats live in Monrovia, where the facilities are the best. Although life in Liberia can be challenging due to infrastructure problems, the hospitality of the people and the natural beauty offer a unique living experience.
  • Education: There are a few international schools in Monrovia, including the American International School. These schools offer education at international standards, but the offerings are limited outside the capital.
  • Expat community: The expat community in Liberia is small and mainly consists of NGO workers, diplomats and business people. Most expats live in Monrovia and meet regularly at social events.
  • Safety: There are definitely safety risks, both in certain areas of the capital and in the countryside. So make sure you are aware of the local situation and safety advice.
  • Climate: Tropical, hot, humid and with quite a bit of rain!
  • Be aware: the roads and transport are quite rudimentary and can be dangerous especially during the rainy season, there are two currencies in Liberia - the LRD and the USD, it can be difficult to find housing and you often have to pay a lot up front and there is quite a bit of corruption that you have to deal with.
  • Health insurance: the public healthcare facilities are not of the quality that we are used to in the West. For basic care you can go to private expat institutions. If you need extensive care you will probably have to go to another country. So make sure you have your own good health insurance.
Liberia Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

Liberia Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

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Content about Liberia on WorldSupporter

How does healthcare work in Liberia, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does healthcare work in Liberia, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the healthcare system work in Liberia?

What is the quality of healthcare in Liberia?

  • Liberia has a dual system: underfunded public care plus private and NGO initiatives trying to fill the gaps.
  • The civil wars and the Ebola epidemic severely damaged the system; progress has been made since, but slowly.
  • Much of the care is delivered by international organizations (WHO, MSF, UNICEF) and church-based institutions.
  • Almost all proper medical care is concentrated in the capital Monrovia; outside the city, healthcare is scarce. Many Liberians simply don’t have access to basic care because it’s too far to travel.
  • Daily challenges include staff shortages, poor infrastructure, and limited medication.
  • Expats and travelers almost always choose private care — or travel to Ghana or even Europe for serious treatment.
  • Medicines are mostly available in private pharmacies, but even there they can be scarce. Blood supplies are unreliable.
  • There are no real ambulance services. In case of a medical emergency, you need to arrange your own transport.

How does the public healthcare system work in Liberia?

  • Public healthcare operates on three levels:
    • Primary and preventive care at community centers and clinics
    • Secondary care at district hospitals
    • Tertiary care at specialized hospitals
  • Basic healthcare is officially free, but in practice you often need to pay (even for gloves, medication, or bandages).
  • Long waiting times, underpaid and overworked staff, and poor hygiene are common.
  • In rural areas, healthcare access is very limited — people sometimes walk or drive for hours before reaching care.

How does the private healthcare system work in Liberia?

  • Private care is concentrated in Monrovia and a few other towns.
  • Private hospitals and clinics generally provide faster and higher-quality service, but prices are high.
  • Quality varies widely: some facilities are modern, others are outdated.
  • For complex procedures, even private doctors often refer patients to Ghana.
  • NGO-run clinics (like those from MSF) usually have better resources than public facilities.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Liberia?

  • There is no family doctor system.
  • Primary care is provided by health clinics and nurse practitioners.
  • In Monrovia, you can find a private doctor as your regular contact, but a “GP system” as we know it from other countries doesn’t exist.

How is the dentist arranged in Liberia?

  • Dentistry is limited and often basic (extractions, fillings), with a few exceptions in private facilities.
  • Most dentists are in Monrovia.
  • For complex dental treatment, expats usually go somewhere else, to Accra or Europe.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Liberia?

  • Antenatal care is available, but many women still give birth at home without professional support.
  • Maternal and infant mortality is high due to a lack of emergency care, skilled staff, and equipment.
  • Hospitals and private clinics in cities do provide prenatal and maternity services.
  • Traditional midwives play a big role in rural areas.
  • Expats and travelers are often advised to give birth elsewhere in the region, usually Ghana.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Liberia?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Liberia?

  • Political tensions come and go; usually calm, but demonstrations can turn heated.
  • Violent crime and petty crime (pickpocketing, armed robberies) occur across the country, and foreigners are not exempt.
  • Areas to be extra cautious in Monrovia include Mamba Point and Sinkor.
  • Driving at night? Poor street lighting and carjackings are risks.
  • Outside the capital, there is practically no infrastructure for emergency help.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Liberia?

  • Malaria is endemic in Liberia.
  • Yellow fever is present (vaccination required).
  • Ebola has been under control, but the memory is still vivid.
  • Cholera and typhoid occur, especially during rainy seasons.
  • HIV is present, but prevalence is lower than in some neighboring countries.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Liberia?

  • Roads are often unpaved, full of potholes, and muddy or impassable during the rainy season.
  • Taxis and minibuses are cheap but usually overcrowded and poorly maintained.
  • Driving yourself? You’ll need a sturdy 4x4, strong nerves, and plenty of patience.
  • There are multiple checkpoints run by local security services.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Liberia?

  • Is the trip to Liberia and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Liberia if you are going to live there for a while?

  • Getting healthcare in Liberia is a major challenge. The likelihood of medical evacuation or even repatriation is significant.
  • A good international health insurance policy is essential.
  • Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.
Liberia: Updates & Travel

Liberia: Updates & Travel

Travel in Liberia

  • Liberia is a West African country that has gone through a tough period of war and is still recovering. Liberians are starting new businesses, and as a tourist you can relax in a hammock, perhaps as one of the clients of these new businesses. In the capital, Monrovia, you can still find American influences, and in addition, Sapo National Park is one of the most impressive jungles in West Africa. 

Updates Liberia

  • More about Liberia, updates and contributions, see the link below.
Liberia: selection of contributions by WorldSupporters - Bundle

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Why get specific insurance when going abroad: per activity abroad
Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for a long trip abroad?

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for a long trip abroad?

What is round the world travel insurance or long-term travel insurance?

  • Round the world travel insurance means that you take out insurance that continues to provide coverage during all your activities abroad, and which is specifically intended for those who travel for long periods of time, such as world travelers, globetrotters, and nomads.

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for a long trip abroad?

  • Round the world travel insurance provides coverage for a much longer trip than regular travel insurance.
  • World travel insurance is specifically intended for longer trips, whereas regular travel insurance may offer coverage on paper, but in practice handles it differently.
  • World travel insurance is suitable for many types of activities, ranging from high-altitude trekking to more risky sports.
  • World travel insurance continues to provide coverage if you start working during your trip, whether planned or unplanned. If you did not take out insurance before departure that allows you to work, there is no guarantee that you will be able to take out insurance that provides coverage while abroad.
  • Long-term travel insurance continues to provide coverage when your home country's health insurance no longer does.
  • Worldwide travel insurance also covers your medical expenses up to the actual cost, and not just for the standard costs. The costs per medical treatment vary greatly between countries.
  • Worldwide travel insurance can also continue to provide coverage if negative travel advice is issued.

What is important to insure when you are going to travel around the world?

  • That you have insurance that is valid in the countries where you are going to travel and posibly work.
  • That you are adequately insured for the sports and activities you are going to participate in during your full period abroad
  • That you are insured for emergency assistance and early return if something happens to you or your immediate family.
  • That your medical expenses are insured up to the actual cost and not just for the standard costs. The costs per medical treatment vary greatly between countries.
  • That you insure your luggage and take sufficient precautions against theft or damage.
  • That you are well insured against personal liability.
  • That you are well insured in case of accidents.
  • That you only insure yourself for legal assistance if there is an immediate reason to do so, unless coverage is already automatically included in the insurance.
  • That you pay close attention to choosing the right coverage when performing work or voluntary work during your world trip.

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Why should you take out specific insurance when you go on a trip or vacation?

Why should you take out specific insurance when you go on a trip or vacation?

What is insurance for traveling abroad?

  • Travel insurance is insurance that provides coverage for risks during a trip or vacation abroad. This mainly concerns loss of or damage to your luggage, medical assistance, or repatriation costs if you need to be transported back home urgently. In some cases, travel insurance coverage also applies on domestic trips.
  • With annual travel insurance or multi-trip travel insurance, you are insured for all your trips throughout the year.
  • With temporary travel insurance or single-trip travel insurance, you take out insurance for each trip for the duration of the trip.
  • Cancellation insurance reimburses (all or part of) the travel sum, cancellation or accommodation costs if you have to cancel or interrupt your vacation.

Why should you take out travel insurance for a short trip, vacation, or long-distance trip?

  • Travel insurance can provide coverage in the event of an accident or emergency while you are abroad.
  • Travel insurance can provide coverage for damage and accidents during the adventurous or sporting activities you plan to do.
  • Travel insurance can continue to provide coverage if your health insurance no longer provides coverage, or if the damage is only reimbursed at cost price of your home country.
  • Travel insurance can provide coverage in the event of damage, loss, or theft of your luggage.
  • Travel insurance can provide coverage if you are held liable for damage you cause to other people or their property.
  • Travel insurance can provide coverage if you have to return home early because something has happened to you or your immediate family.

What is important to insure when you are going to travel abroad?

  • That you have insurance that is valid in the country or countries that you are going to visit.
  • That you are adequately insured for the sports and activities you are going to participate in during your period abroad.
  • That you are insured for emergency assistance and early return if something happens to you or your immediate family.
  • That your medical expenses are insured up to the actual cost and not just for the standard costs. The costs per medical treatment vary greatly between countries.
  • That you insure your luggage and take sufficient precautions against theft or damage.
  • That you are well insured against personal liability.
  • That you are well insured in case of accidents.
  • That you only insure yourself for legal assistance if there is an immediate reason to do so, unless coverage is already automatically included in the insurance.
  • That you pay close attention to choosing the right coverage when performing work alongside your travels.

Check out more about international insurances

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for working abroad?

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for working abroad?

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for paid work, voluntary work or an internship abroad?

  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.
  • During work, internships, or volunteer work abroad where you receive financial compensation (or, for example, food or housing), your national health insurance coverage may expire. You will then need special insurance to remain insured for illness and accidents.
  • During specific work abroad, additional requirements may apply if your work involves additional risks. Only specific insurance policies offer coverage during this type of work.
  • During your work, the risk of accidents is sometimes greater, for example because you are doing work with which you have little experience or because of the nature of the work.
  • During your work, local employers generally offer no or limited insurance that provides insufficient coverage.

What is important to insure when you are going to work abroad?

  • That you have insurance that is valid in the country or countries where you are going to travel and work.
  • That you are adequately insured for the sports and activities you are going to participate in during your period abroad
  • That you are insured for emergency assistance and early return if something happens to you or your immediate family.
  • That your medical expenses are insured up to the actual cost and not just for the standard costs. The costs per medical treatment vary greatly between countries.
  • That you insure your luggage and take sufficient precautions against theft or damage.
  • That you are well insured against personal liability.
  • That you are well insured in case of accidents.
  • That you only insure yourself for legal assistance if there is an immediate reason to do so, unless coverage is already automatically included in the insurance.
  • That you pay close attention to choosing the right coverage when performing work.

Check out more about international insurances

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for volunteering abroad?

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for volunteering abroad?

What is insurance for volunteering abroad?

  • Insuring volunteer work abroad means taking out insurance that continues to provide coverage while you are working as a volunteer abroad

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for voluntary work abroad?

  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when volunteering abroad.
  • During specific activities abroad, additional requirements may apply if your work involves extra risks. Only specific insurance policies offer coverage during these activities.
  • The risk of accidents is sometimes higher during your work, for example because you are doing work you have little experience with or because of the nature of the work.
  • Local projects or employers generally offer no or limited insurance that provides insufficient coverage during your work.
  • When volunteering abroad and receiving minor financial compensation (or, for example, food or housing), your home country's health insurance coverage will potentially lapse. You will then need special insurance to remain insured for illness and accidents.
  • Regular travel insurance policies generally provide coverage for trips of a limited number of days. If your trip or stay abroad exceeds the maximum number of days, this generally means that for the entire travel period, you will not be covered.
  • Regular travel insurance policies generally only provide coverage for recreational travel without voluntary work activities. If you engage in activities other than recreational activities (such as volunteer work), this generally means that for the entire travel period, you will not be covered.

What is important to insure when you are going to work as a volunteer abroad?

  • That you have insurance that is valid in the country or countries where you are going to travel and volunteer.
  • That you are adequately insured for the sports and activities you are going to participate in during your period abroad
  • That you are insured for emergency assistance and early return if something happens to you or your immediate family.
  • That your medical expenses are insured up to the actual cost and not just for the standard costs. The costs per medical treatment vary greatly between countries.
  • That you insure your luggage and take sufficient precautions against theft or damage.
  • That you are well insured against personal liability.
  • That you are well insured in case of accidents.
  • That you only insure yourself for legal assistance if there is an immediate reason to do so, unless coverage is already automatically included in the insurance.
  • That when performing work in healthcare, with wild animals, and with dangerous (agricultural) machinery, you take care to choose the right coverage.

Check out more about international insurances

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for an internship abroad?

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for an internship abroad?

What is insurance for an internship abroad?

  • Insuring an internship abroad means taking out insurance that continues to provide coverage during your internship abroad
  • Insurance for internships abroad are also referred to as internship insurance. This internship insurance is specifically for when you go abroad for a long period of time to work as an intern, take courses, or conduct research abroad.

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for an internship abroad?

  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance for an internship abroad.
  • During internship activities abroad, additional requirements may apply as soon as you start performing work that involves additional risks. Only specific insurance policies offer coverage during these activities.
  • During your internship, the risk of accidents is sometimes greater, for example because you are doing work with which you have little experience or because of the nature of the work.
  • During your internship, local employers generally do not offer insurance, or offer limited insurance that does not provide sufficient coverage.
  • During an internship abroad where you receive financial compensation (or, for example, food or accommodation), your home country's health insurance coverage will potentially lapse. You will then need special insurance to remain insured for illness and accidents.
  • Regular travel insurance policies generally provide coverage for trips of a limited number of days. If your trip or stay abroad exceeds the maximum number of days, this generally means that for the entire travel period, you will not be covered.
  • Regular travel insurance policies generally only provide coverage for recreational trips without work activities.

What is important to insure when you are going to be an intern abroad?

  • That you have insurance that is valid in the area where you will be traveling and doing your internship.
  • That you are adequately insured for the sports and activities you will be participating in.
  • That you are insured for emergency assistance and early return in case something happens to you or your immediate family.
  • That your medical expenses are insured up to the actual cost (what it actually costs), and not just for the standard costs. The costs per medical treatment vary greatly between countries.
  • That you insure your luggage and take sufficient precautions against theft or damage.
  • That you are well insured against personal liability and, preferably, also for liability during your internship.
  • That you are well insured in case of accidents.
  • That you insure yourself for legal assistance if there is an immediate reason to do so, unless the coverage is already automatically included in the insurance.
  • Make sure you choose the right coverage for internship work in healthcare, with wild animals, or with dangerous machinery!

Check out more about international insurances

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for studying abroad?

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for studying abroad?

What is insurance for studying abroad?

  • Insurance for studying abroad means that you take out insurance that continues to provide coverage during your studies, your education, and your related activities abroad.
  • Insurance for studying abroad is also referred to as study insurance. This study insurance is specifically for when you go abroad for a long period of time to take courses, study, or conduct research abroad.

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for a study abroad?

  • Study insurance is specifically designed for studying abroad, whereas regular travel insurance policies may offer coverage on paper but handle this situation differently in practice.
  • Study insurance offers coverage for longer stays than regular (vacation) travel insurance.
  • Study insurance is also suitable for many types of activities, ranging from various sports to hiking at high altitudes.
  • Study insurance continues to provide coverage if you start working during your trip, whether planned or unplanned. If you have not taken out insurance before departure that allows you to work, there is no guarantee that you will be able to take out insurance abroad that provides coverage.
  • Study insurance continues to provide coverage if your own country's health insurance no longer provides coverage.
  • Student insurance also covers your healthcare costs above the rates in your own country; with regular insurance, you have to pay the extra costs yourself.
  • Student insurance can also continue to provide coverage if (study) visa issuers impose additional requirements on how you insure yourself, for example if you are going to the US and applying for a J-1 visa.
  • Student insurance continues to provide coverage if you are staying abroad for a longer period of time and want to visit your own country in between.

What is important to insure when you are going to study abroad?

  • That you have insurance that is valid in the country or countries where you are going to travel and work.
  • That you are adequately insured for the sports and activities you are going to participate in during your period abroad
  • That you are insured for emergency assistance and early return if something happens to you or your immediate family.
  • That your medical expenses are insured up to the actual cost and not just for the standard costs. The costs per medical treatment vary greatly between countries.
  • That you insure your luggage and take sufficient precautions against theft or damage.
  • That you are well insured against personal liability.
  • That you are well insured in case of accidents.
  • That you only insure yourself for legal assistance if there is an immediate reason to do so, unless coverage is already automatically included in the insurance.
  • That you pay close attention to choosing the right coverage when performing work alongside your studies.

Check out more about international insurances

Why should you take out specialized insurance for moving abroad as an emigrant or an expat?

Why should you take out specialized insurance for moving abroad as an emigrant or an expat?

What is an emigration insurance and what is an expat insurance?

  • Emigration insurance is an insurance that continues to provide coverage if you move abroad permanently or for an indefinite period of time.
  • Emigration insurance is not only intended for emigrants, but for anyone who leaves their home country for an extended period of time and does not intend to return in the foreseeable future.
  • Expat insurance is insurance that continues to provide coverage if you go to work abroad for a local or international employer for an extended period of time.
  • Expat insurance is not only intended for expats, but for anyone who has a more permanent job abroad.

Why should you take out specialized insurance for emigration or working as an expat abroad?

  • Emigration or expat insurance not only provides coverage for acute assistance in the event of illness or accident abroad, such as travel insurance, but can also provide coverage for existing conditions and ailments or non-urgent care.
  • Emigration or expat insurance does not require you to maintain valid health insurance in your home country.
  • Emigration or expat insurance provides coverage for preventive care or costs related to pregnancy and childbirth.
  • Emigration or expat insurance also provides coverage for long-term treatments and chronic conditions without you having to return to your home country.
  • Emigration or expat insurance often has no restrictions on the duration of the insurance, unlike travel insurance.
  • Emigration or expat insurance usually maintains coverage in cases such as negative travel advice or acts of war.
  • Emigration or expat insurance offers various solutions in the areas of disability, home and household insurance, goods transport, and liability.

What is important to insure when you are going to move abroad?

  • That you have insurance that is valid in the country or countries where you are going to live and/or work.
  • That you are adequately insured for the sports and activities you are going to participate in during your period abroad
  • That you are insured for emergency assistance and early return if something happens to you or your immediate family.
  • That your medical expenses are insured up to the actual cost and not just for the standard costs. The costs per medical treatment vary greatly between countries.
  • That you are well insured against personal liability.
  • That you are well insured in case of accidents.
  • That you pay close attention to choosing the right coverage when performing work with additional health risks

Check out more about international insurances

Why should you take out travel insurance and why through the JoHo Foundation?

Why should you take out travel insurance and why through the JoHo Foundation?

Why Insurances through JoHo

  • Specialized: in emigration, work, internships, study and travel abroad.

  • Service: JoHo offers multiple travel insurances by multiple companies. Thanks to JoHo's extensive experience, it can offer support in case of problems with insurers, as well as advice and fast and personal handling.

  • Safe: JoHo is recognized as a trustworthy intermediary for insurances.

  • Social: by purchasing an insurance through JoHo you provide a talented student in The Philippines with health insurance

Why Should You Take Out A Travel Insurance?

  • The chance of getting injured or ill is generally higher than when you would have stayed at home. The medical care you will need can be very expensive, even more so if you are treated in a private clinic.

  • If you have to fly back because of family circumstances, the flights might be more expensive than your original flight because you have to fly on short notice.

  • You might have to deal with the damage, loss or theft of your luggage.

  • In case of emergency it can be difficult to figure out what to do. A good travel insurance will have an assistance team on standby for you 24/7 and will be able to tell you what steps to take.

Why Should You Specifically Take Out A Travel Insurance For A Long Trip Abroad?

  • Often regular travel or health insurances only cover trips for a maximum number of days (for example 60, 90 or 180 days).

  • Depending on your home country, your health insurance might not offer any coverage for treatment abroad.

  • During a long trip you might consider specific activities, like paid work or volunteering. Regular travel insurances often don’t cover these kind of activities. The same goes for adventurous/ hazardous sports like skydiving, scuba-diving and bungee jumping.

More on why to use JoHo

  • JoHo is one of the few organizations where you can directly purchase a comprehensive range of foreign insurances from a variety of insurers. As with our other products and services, we believe that you should be able to choose between the best, the most cost effective and the most specialized insurance.

  • JoHo offers various possibilities from combining insurances to assisting in transferring from one insurer to another.

  • When you purchase an insurance policy through JoHo, you will not pay more than if you had purchased it directly from the insurer. Sometimes (through special collective agreements) you will even pay less.

  • JoHo offers support with problems that may arise with the insurer. Sometimes disagreement with claims, cancellation notice or insurance premiums can occur. In this situation it helps if you have the assistance of an organization who has an established relationship with the insurer.

 

Read more about JoHo and JoHo Insurances

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Safety, insurances and packinglist for Liberia

How does healthcare work in Liberia, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does healthcare work in Liberia, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the healthcare system work in Liberia?

What is the quality of healthcare in Liberia?

  • Liberia has a dual system: underfunded public care plus private and NGO initiatives trying to fill the gaps.
  • The civil wars and the Ebola epidemic severely damaged the system; progress has been made since, but slowly.
  • Much of the care is delivered by international organizations (WHO, MSF, UNICEF) and church-based institutions.
  • Almost all proper medical care is concentrated in the capital Monrovia; outside the city, healthcare is scarce. Many Liberians simply don’t have access to basic care because it’s too far to travel.
  • Daily challenges include staff shortages, poor infrastructure, and limited medication.
  • Expats and travelers almost always choose private care — or travel to Ghana or even Europe for serious treatment.
  • Medicines are mostly available in private pharmacies, but even there they can be scarce. Blood supplies are unreliable.
  • There are no real ambulance services. In case of a medical emergency, you need to arrange your own transport.

How does the public healthcare system work in Liberia?

  • Public healthcare operates on three levels:
    • Primary and preventive care at community centers and clinics
    • Secondary care at district hospitals
    • Tertiary care at specialized hospitals
  • Basic healthcare is officially free, but in practice you often need to pay (even for gloves, medication, or bandages).
  • Long waiting times, underpaid and overworked staff, and poor hygiene are common.
  • In rural areas, healthcare access is very limited — people sometimes walk or drive for hours before reaching care.

How does the private healthcare system work in Liberia?

  • Private care is concentrated in Monrovia and a few other towns.
  • Private hospitals and clinics generally provide faster and higher-quality service, but prices are high.
  • Quality varies widely: some facilities are modern, others are outdated.
  • For complex procedures, even private doctors often refer patients to Ghana.
  • NGO-run clinics (like those from MSF) usually have better resources than public facilities.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Liberia?

  • There is no family doctor system.
  • Primary care is provided by health clinics and nurse practitioners.
  • In Monrovia, you can find a private doctor as your regular contact, but a “GP system” as we know it from other countries doesn’t exist.

How is the dentist arranged in Liberia?

  • Dentistry is limited and often basic (extractions, fillings), with a few exceptions in private facilities.
  • Most dentists are in Monrovia.
  • For complex dental treatment, expats usually go somewhere else, to Accra or Europe.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Liberia?

  • Antenatal care is available, but many women still give birth at home without professional support.
  • Maternal and infant mortality is high due to a lack of emergency care, skilled staff, and equipment.
  • Hospitals and private clinics in cities do provide prenatal and maternity services.
  • Traditional midwives play a big role in rural areas.
  • Expats and travelers are often advised to give birth elsewhere in the region, usually Ghana.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Liberia?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Liberia?

  • Political tensions come and go; usually calm, but demonstrations can turn heated.
  • Violent crime and petty crime (pickpocketing, armed robberies) occur across the country, and foreigners are not exempt.
  • Areas to be extra cautious in Monrovia include Mamba Point and Sinkor.
  • Driving at night? Poor street lighting and carjackings are risks.
  • Outside the capital, there is practically no infrastructure for emergency help.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Liberia?

  • Malaria is endemic in Liberia.
  • Yellow fever is present (vaccination required).
  • Ebola has been under control, but the memory is still vivid.
  • Cholera and typhoid occur, especially during rainy seasons.
  • HIV is present, but prevalence is lower than in some neighboring countries.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Liberia?

  • Roads are often unpaved, full of potholes, and muddy or impassable during the rainy season.
  • Taxis and minibuses are cheap but usually overcrowded and poorly maintained.
  • Driving yourself? You’ll need a sturdy 4x4, strong nerves, and plenty of patience.
  • There are multiple checkpoints run by local security services.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Liberia?

  • Is the trip to Liberia and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Liberia if you are going to live there for a while?

  • Getting healthcare in Liberia is a major challenge. The likelihood of medical evacuation or even repatriation is significant.
  • A good international health insurance policy is essential.
  • Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

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Versterk de positie van kinderen in West-Afrika, door een bijdrage te leveren aan de kwaliteit van onderwijs op het platteland.
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Help kinderen in nood op het gebied van gezondheid, onderwijs en opvang
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Practice your French skills and combine conservation with small-scale organic farming on a farm in Western Africa. Some farms and projects will only speak French! Help...
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My world recipe: Sweet Liberian Corn Bread
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From language courses to gap year abroad, from work experience to volunteering abroad, from paid work to internship abroad, from mountaineering to diving and from backpacking to travel around the world

    What social activities can you do abroad?

    • Opportunities are found in the areas of helping, learning or studying. You can get involved to volunteer in a social project at a school in Africa, Asia or Latin America. You can get involved in nature, in a project with animals or cleaning the sea or beaches. Those who want to learn more can choose for example a language course in Latin America, Spain or South Africa.

    What work related activities can you do abroad?

    • If you want to gain work experience, and/or also earn money, go and work abroad. You can combine backpacking in Australia with temporary work. You can work on campsites in Europe or bush camps in Africa. You can pretty much go all over the world to work in the hospitality industry, hotels and hostels, in the healthcare sector or for example at a diving school.

    What sports activities to do abroad?

    • Have you ever thought of mountain biking, rafting (going down a wild river on a raft or rubber dinghy, climbing or canoeing), survival (which involves building rafts, climbing or canoeing), abseiling (descending a rock face while secured to ropes), zip-lining (whizzing down a cable), canyoning (starting at the top of a river and then climbing, swimming, diving down the bed) or caving (scrambling, wriggling and crawling through caves and crevices)?
    • Maybe you feel more comfortable on a bodyboard (on a half-wave surfboard, you surf the high waves lying down-with flippers), on a hang glider or while paragliding (with a parachute you float down a mountain or dune), hydrospeeding (on a bodyboard with flippers and a wetsuit on you go down a wild river via rapids) or Tiefschneeskiing (racing down through powder snow)?

    Check the pages below for more activities and inspiration and where to go and how to arrange it

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      How does the healthcare system work in Liberia? What is the quality of healthcare in Liberia? How does the public healthcare system work in Liberia? How does the private...
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      Travel in Liberia Updates Liberia Back to top Travel in Liberia Liberia is a West African country that has gone through a tough period of war and is still recovering...
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      Liberian Corn Bread Ingredients:

      • 225 g butter
      • 340 g sugar
      • 2 eggs
      • 130 g flour
      • 255 g corn meal
      • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
      • 360 ml milk
      • 3 tsp baking powder
      • a dash of salt

      Steps:

      1. Mix the butter and sugar, then add ...

      Liberia: Updates & Travel
      • Travel in Liberia
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        • Liberia is a West African country that has gone through a tough period of war and is still recovering. Liberians are starting new businesses, and as a tourist you can relax in a hammock, perhaps as one of the...

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