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

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Intro

Backpacking or traveling in Syria?

  • Syria is a beautiful country, full of wonderful ancient architecture, culture, hospitable people and extraordinary nature. Think ancient ruins, vast deserts and beautiful beaches, all while enjoying delicious food.
  • Whether and how you can travel and backpack in Syria depends heavily on the political and military situation and the region you are going to. So check carefully for the latest updates.
  • Activity spotting: experience the lively bazaars of Damascus; visit the citadel and souq of Aleppo; admire ancient Roman Palmyra and the elite's tomb towers; experience Krak des Chevaliers, a real medieval castle; relax on the beach in Latakia; sleep under the stars in the desert of Syria; relax in Tartous; eat delicious food every day; experience the ultimate hospitality.
  • Animal spotting: gazelles, caracal, Syrian wolf, striped hyena, steppe eagle, black kite, flamingos, desert dragon, desert rattlesnake, desert beetles.
  • Food spotting: mezze of course! Enjoying all kinds of small bites including hummus, baba ghanoush, tabouleh, fattoush, warak enab (stuffed vine leaves). But also dishes like Kibbeh, shawarma, makdous, fatteh, pita bread, manakish, harira, baklava and so on!

Studying in Syria?

  • There are several universities in Syria that offered average-good education before the war.  
  • The best universities offer particularly good studies in engineering and medicine.
  • Study cities: Damascus, Homs, Aleppo.
  • Language: Arabic, with some programs (partly) in English.

Internship in Syria?

  • It is not easy to find an internship in Syria.   
  • Probably your best chance is with humanitarian organizations, in health care or education.   
  • You may also be able to get an internship in journalism or environmental protection projects.
  • Competencies: intercultural communication, problem-solving skills, dealing with conflict situations, flexibility and adaptability, resilience and stress management.

Doing volunteer work in Syria?

  • Actually, the same applies here as for internships.   
  • Volunteering is particularly focused on rebuilding the country, landscape and people.

Working in Syria?

  • Due to the long war, employment in Syria has changed a lot. Like internships and volunteering, jobs are mainly focused on reconstruction and relief work. Consider jobs with NGOs, in construction, architecture, education and health care. However, it is necessary to have at least basic knowledge of Arabic.
  • Work culture: As in many Arab countries, the Syrian work culture is highly hierarchical.    
  • Respect for supervisors and elders is important.    
  • Decisions are often made by the leadership, and direct criticism of those in higher positions is usually avoided.     
  • Many businesses, especially in the private sector, are family businesses. Relationships and trust play a crucial role in business interactions. It is common to use family ties and personal connections to arrange business.

Working as a digital nomad in Syria?

  • Syria is not a popular country for digital nomads. Although it is a beautiful country, with a rich culture and beautiful landscapes, there are many challenges that make it difficult to be a digital nomad.
  • Not only security risks, but also the limited infrastructure and facilities and the small expat community make it difficult.
  • Favorite locations: Damascus, Homs, Aleppo, Tartus.

Living in Syria?

  • Syria, in stable times, is a wonderful country to live in. It is a country with a lot of history, natural beauty and friendly people.  
  • It is also relatively cheap to live in.
  • Before the war, many expats came to Syria to work in the petroleum industry or in international politics.   
  • There were many international schools and good private clinics. So a suitable country for families when this starts up again with the arrival of more expats.
  • Most expats live in Damascus, Homs, Aleppo, Latakia and Tartus. But the livability of these places also greatly depends on current situations.
  • Climate: Mediterranean!   
  • Mild winters and hot summers.
  • Culture: Syria is a culturally and religiously diverse country. There are different ethnic groups, such as Arabs, Kurds and Armenians, and religious communities, including Sunni and Shiite Muslims, Christians and Druze. Religion plays an important role in daily life and is generally respected.
  • Syria has a rich history of literature, music, dance and architecture. Before the war, the country was famous for its traditional crafts, such as carpets, mosaics and wood carvings. Many of these cultural traditions remain despite the devastation of the conflict.
  • The country is quite conservative, though.    
  • For women, this means dressing modestly, especially in public places. Men should also dress appropriately.
  • Beware though... There are still considerable security risks and the political situation is unstable, so be prepared for this if you are thinking about moving to Syria and check carefully which regions are suitable.
  • Infrastructure can also leave something to be desired, with power outages and unstable internet.
  • Health insurance: the health care system has been severely damaged by the conflict, causing shortages of medicine and personnel. For good care, you will probably have to go abroad. So get your own well-covered health insurance.

 

Syria: Updates & Travel

Syria: Updates & Travel

Travel in Syria

  • Before war broke out in Syria, the country was a popular spot for tourists and one of the most stable countries in the Middle East. Beautiful beaches, luxury hotels and cultural-historical wealth. Some of Syria's hotspots were on the World Heritage List, but the war destroyed or affected many important sites. 

Updates Syria

  • More about Syria, updates and contributions, see the link below.
Syria Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

Syria Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

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Content about Syria on WorldSupporter

Syria: Updates & Travel

Syria: Updates & Travel

Travel in Syria

  • Before war broke out in Syria, the country was a popular spot for tourists and one of the most stable countries in the Middle East. Beautiful beaches, luxury hotels and cultural-historical wealth. Some of Syria's hotspots were on the World Heritage List, but the war destroyed or affected many important sites. 

Updates Syria

  • More about Syria, updates and contributions, see the link below.
How does healthcare work in Syria, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

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

How does the healthcare system work in Syria?

What is the quality of healthcare in Syria?

  • The Syrian healthcare system was inspired by the Soviet model of universal coverage for the entire population. Healthcare was free or cheap, accessible to everyone and the medical facilities were good. Unfortunately, this has not been the case since the start of the civil war in 2011.
  • Many of the healthcare facilities have been damaged or destroyed, while at the same time a huge number of people need care and the challenges in healthcare are increasing.
  • Many healthcare workers have also fled or been killed in the war, which has led to a so-called “brain drain”.
  • There is a shortage of medical equipment and medical staff and this does not seem to be improving anytime soon.
  • Because the roads are damaged, it is also difficult to reach healthcare facilities, which makes it difficult for locals to receive care.
  • So there are a lot of challenges in the Syrian healthcare system.
  • Healthcare in Syria currently consists of the public, private and NGO sectors, with humanitarian organizations becoming very important for basic care.

How does the public healthcare system work in Syria?

  • The public health care system in Syria is mainly financed by the government and also by international aid organizations, insurance companies and people who pay with their pocket money.
  • Due to the war, financing has unfortunately deteriorated considerably, and with it the quality.
  • The public health care system in Syria consists of three layers: health centers for primary care, clinics and general hospitals for more extensive care and national hospitals for specialist care.
  • Primary health centers mainly provide preventive care, pregnancy and child care, vaccinations and treatment of general diseases.
  • General/district hospitals provide more extensive care, but often not yet on a specialist level. This is done by specialist hospitals that focus on, for example, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and pediatrics.

How does the private healthcare system work in Syria?

  • Before the war, the private health sector in the country had grown. There were specialized clinics and large hospitals with well-trained staff, good facilities and personal care.
  • The health care system is quite dependent on the private sector, or especially the wealthier people who finance it.
  • Private care is quite expensive, certainly compared to public care.
  • NGOs play an important role in healthcare in Syria. They have taken over care that the government can no longer provide due to the conflict situation and many people are dependent on this help.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Syria?

  • General practitioners, or family doctors, can be found at the public healthcare centres where primary care is provided. Here the doctor can help you with what you need to receive the right care.
  • Family doctors can also be found at private clinics. Consultations are more expensive here.

How is the dentist arranged in Syria?

  • Due to the state of healthcare, it is difficult to get good dental care.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Syria?

  • Due to the political instability and conflict in the country, there is no extensive or good maternity care available. Many pregnant women leave the country or have to pay for expensive caesarean sections because natural births are not safe.

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

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

  • Unfortunately, Syria is not a safe country for a temporary or long-term stay. There are many conflicts and this brings with it the risks of terrorism, imprisonment and kidnapping.
  • There are also sometimes demonstrations and protests. It is better to stay away from these.
  • The border between Lebanon and Syria in particular is unsafe territory.

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

  • Insect-borne diseases such as malaria and leishmaniasis occur in Syria.
  • Infectious diseases and parasites are also not uncommon. Avoid tap water and only drink bottled or boiled water.
  • Polio occurs in Syria.

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

  • Due to the conflicts in Syria, participating in traffic has become more difficult, but here are some general things about driving in Syria.
  • In Syria, the roads in the cities are generally good, but in rural areas they are often poorly maintained.
  • Traffic in the cities is busy. There are many drivers and pedestrians who are all trying to get from A to B. Be patient and always keep a good look around you!
  • Always make sure your phone battery is sufficiently charged and that you have extra water with you in case you get stuck somewhere (it can get quite hot).

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

  • Is the trip to Syria 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 Syria if you are going to live there for a while?

  • For a stay in Syria, international health insurance is a must. The chance of medical evacuation is high and if something happens you will probably have to seek help in another country. Make sure you check carefully whether your insurance offers coverage for Syria.
  • Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.
Syria: 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.

Check out more about

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 and insurance for Syria

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

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

How does the healthcare system work in Syria?

What is the quality of healthcare in Syria?

  • The Syrian healthcare system was inspired by the Soviet model of universal coverage for the entire population. Healthcare was free or cheap, accessible to everyone and the medical facilities were good. Unfortunately, this has not been the case since the start of the civil war in 2011.
  • Many of the healthcare facilities have been damaged or destroyed, while at the same time a huge number of people need care and the challenges in healthcare are increasing.
  • Many healthcare workers have also fled or been killed in the war, which has led to a so-called “brain drain”.
  • There is a shortage of medical equipment and medical staff and this does not seem to be improving anytime soon.
  • Because the roads are damaged, it is also difficult to reach healthcare facilities, which makes it difficult for locals to receive care.
  • So there are a lot of challenges in the Syrian healthcare system.
  • Healthcare in Syria currently consists of the public, private and NGO sectors, with humanitarian organizations becoming very important for basic care.

How does the public healthcare system work in Syria?

  • The public health care system in Syria is mainly financed by the government and also by international aid organizations, insurance companies and people who pay with their pocket money.
  • Due to the war, financing has unfortunately deteriorated considerably, and with it the quality.
  • The public health care system in Syria consists of three layers: health centers for primary care, clinics and general hospitals for more extensive care and national hospitals for specialist care.
  • Primary health centers mainly provide preventive care, pregnancy and child care, vaccinations and treatment of general diseases.
  • General/district hospitals provide more extensive care, but often not yet on a specialist level. This is done by specialist hospitals that focus on, for example, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and pediatrics.

How does the private healthcare system work in Syria?

  • Before the war, the private health sector in the country had grown. There were specialized clinics and large hospitals with well-trained staff, good facilities and personal care.
  • The health care system is quite dependent on the private sector, or especially the wealthier people who finance it.
  • Private care is quite expensive, certainly compared to public care.
  • NGOs play an important role in healthcare in Syria. They have taken over care that the government can no longer provide due to the conflict situation and many people are dependent on this help.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Syria?

  • General practitioners, or family doctors, can be found at the public healthcare centres where primary care is provided. Here the doctor can help you with what you need to receive the right care.
  • Family doctors can also be found at private clinics. Consultations are more expensive here.

How is the dentist arranged in Syria?

  • Due to the state of healthcare, it is difficult to get good dental care.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Syria?

  • Due to the political instability and conflict in the country, there is no extensive or good maternity care available. Many pregnant women leave the country or have to pay for expensive caesarean sections because natural births are not safe.

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

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

  • Unfortunately, Syria is not a safe country for a temporary or long-term stay. There are many conflicts and this brings with it the risks of terrorism, imprisonment and kidnapping.
  • There are also sometimes demonstrations and protests. It is better to stay away from these.
  • The border between Lebanon and Syria in particular is unsafe territory.

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

  • Insect-borne diseases such as malaria and leishmaniasis occur in Syria.
  • Infectious diseases and parasites are also not uncommon. Avoid tap water and only drink bottled or boiled water.
  • Polio occurs in Syria.

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

  • Due to the conflicts in Syria, participating in traffic has become more difficult, but here are some general things about driving in Syria.
  • In Syria, the roads in the cities are generally good, but in rural areas they are often poorly maintained.
  • Traffic in the cities is busy. There are many drivers and pedestrians who are all trying to get from A to B. Be patient and always keep a good look around you!
  • Always make sure your phone battery is sufficiently charged and that you have extra water with you in case you get stuck somewhere (it can get quite hot).

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

  • Is the trip to Syria 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 Syria if you are going to live there for a while?

  • For a stay in Syria, international health insurance is a must. The chance of medical evacuation is high and if something happens you will probably have to seek help in another country. Make sure you check carefully whether your insurance offers coverage for Syria.
  • Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

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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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      Syria: Updates & Travel
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        • Before war broke out in Syria, the country was a popular spot for tourists and one of the most stable countries in the Middle East. Beautiful beaches, luxury hotels and cultural-historical wealth. Some of Syria's h...
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