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

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Intro
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Backpacking or traveling in Greenland?

  • The largest island in the world, a land of extremes. Greenland is not for every backpacker or traveler and a visit requires good preparation. In winter you can experience the snow and the northern lights, in summer you can hike, climb, kayak. In addition, it is not easy to travel around, there are hardly any roads, so if you want to go from one place to another you can take a boat. Otherwise, it is recommended to stay one or two weeks in one place.
  • Activity spotting: hiking, climbing, kayaking, nature spotting, learning about the local culture, wildlife tours.
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Studying in Greenland?

  • With one university, there is not much to choose from in Greenland. The University of Greenland offers a small selection of English studies, especially related to local culture, society and nature.
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Internship in Greenland?

  • There are few internship options in Greenland. If you are looking for an internship, opportunities include research institutions or tech companies.
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Volunteering in Greenland?

  • For volunteering you can go to individuals through volunteer websites, or for example in the tourism industry and education.
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Working in Greenland?

  • There are few jobs. As a foreigner, your best chance is in the tourism industry as a guide, or as an English teacher.
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Working as a digital nomad in Greenland?

  • You can hardly find much more off-the-beaten-path. Few digital nomads travel to this part of the world, which is precisely why it is a very special experience. For example, visit Nuuk and experience how the Vikings used to live. Make sure you have money, because it is not cheap.
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Living in Greenland?

  • The standard of living is quite high in Nuuk, the capital. In other parts of the country it can vary quite a bit. The people are friendly and hospitable, but be sure to familiarize yourself with the traditions and learn some Greenlandic.
  • It is also important to consider the extreme temperatures, daylight hours (both summer and winter) and the language.

 

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CHECK COUNTRY INFORMATION  CHECK PREPARING AND INSURANCE  CHECK ACTIVITIES AND STORIES 

 

Greenland Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

Greenland Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

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Content about Greenland on WorldSupporter

Greenland: Updates & Travel

Greenland: Updates & Travel

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Travel in Greenland?

  • Rugged and imposing landscapes ranging from rocky mountain ranges and giant icebergs to deep fjords and dry tundra.
  • Other highlights in Greenland include: Kulusuk 'The world's most unusual day trippers dream', dog sledding trips, swimming in hot springs overlooking icebergs drifting by, traditional villages and Ilulissat, the world's most impressive glacier outside Antarctica.
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Updates Greenland

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

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

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How does the healthcare system work in Greenland?

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What is the quality of healthcare in Greenland?

  • Greenland, the large piece of Denmark, far from Europe. The country is under Danish rule, but has it's own parliament and also its own health care system.
  • The health care is of a reasonable standard, but comes with a huge challenge. Which is not so strange, in a country where the average temperature never exceeds 10 degrees Celsius.
  • The country has higher mortality rates, lower life expectancy and higher infant mortality rates than other Nordic countries, but that is probably mainly due to the harsh conditions in the country.
  • Only in Nuuk, the capital, is there a hospital with all the complicated modern facilities. In the rest of the country, the options are thinned out.
  • The lack of transport in the country makes it difficult to receive good, and especially urgent, care.
  • For complex medical treatments, people are often referred to Denmark and due to the extreme weather conditions and limited infrastructure, evacuations by helicopter or plane may be necessary in the event of a medical emergency.
  • Pharmacies in Greenland are often connected to hospitals or health centers. There are also a few independent pharmacies in the capital. Some medicines can be in short supply, so if you are dependent on specific medicines, it may be useful to bring your own.
  • In the event of a medical emergency, call 112. In remote areas, helicopters and vulnerable areas are used to transport patients. Make sure you are well covered for these types of evacuations to avoid high costs!
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How does the public healthcare system work in Greenland?

  • If you are registered as a resident of Greenland, you are entitled to free healthcare and medicines. Common services include GP visits, care in public hospitals, public dental care, medical specialists, mandatory medicines and home care. In some cases, your medical transport will also be reimbursed.
  • Most medical facilities are located in larger towns such as Nuuk, Sisimiut and Ilulissat.
  • In small settlements, there are health centres staffed by nurses or paramedics, with support from remote doctors via telemedicine.
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How does the private healthcare system work in Greenland?

  • Unlike many other countries, private healthcare in Greenland is very limited. There are mainly private hospitals and clinics, which is not surprising since there is of course little money to be made with such a small population.
  • Most foreigners choose to go abroad for specialized treatments.
  • Special health insurance can help cover additional costs, especially when it comes to evacuations for these types of treatments outside of Greenland.
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How is the general practitioner arranged in Greenland?

  • In Greenland, general practitioner care is an important part of the healthcare system. In the larger cities, general practitioners work from health centers or hospitals, but in the smaller steps, nurses or paramedics often take on this care.
  • Because doctors in Greenland often have to treat a range of conditions, they are often both specialists and general practitioners!
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How is the dentist arranged in Greenland?

  • Dental care in Greenland is of good quality, but it can be limited outside the larger cities.
  • Residents are entitled to free or subsidized treatments in public healthcare. In remote areas, mobile clinics are used to provide basic care.
  • There are hardly any specialist dentists. Specialist care can be outsourced to Denmark.
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How is pregnancy care arranged in Greenland?

  • Maternity care is good in Greenland, but limited. All pregnant women have access to the same tests, but the process can be different depending on where you live. You will receive a blood and urine test, a preventive test for hereditary diseases, a test for STDs and various checks by a woman. You are also entitled to ultrasound scans during pregnancy.
  • In Nuuk, you must contact the Dronning Ingrid Health Centre, after which you will be assigned a midwife. In coastal towns with a hospital, you must contact the local hospital. In villages without a hospital, care comes from the health station. From here, a nurse will contact the nearest hospital where you will receive 2-3 visits during pregnancy. Women with risk factors are referred to the hospital in Nuuk, the only place where this type of pregnancy can be properly monitored. This usually means that women travel to Nuuk a few weeks (at least 3) before the due date and stay there in the hospital of the patient hotel.
  • All deliveries in Nuuk take place in the Dronning Ingrid Hospital. A caesarean section can also occur here. Outside Nuuk, the birth takes place in the nearby hospital.
  • The transport costs for mothers who live in villages and have to travel to the city are covered by the government. As is the stay in Nuuk in case of complications. The partner must pay the costs themselves, except in the case of twins, in which case the costs are partly covered for both.
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How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Greenland?

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

  • Climate and nature: Greenland has an extreme climate. The temperatures are low and the country is almost completely covered in ice. Bad and dangerous weather conditions can also often occur. Think of storms and heavy snowfall. So make sure you always have suitable clothing with you and inform others of your plans.

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

  • In Greenland, the danger lies mainly in the cold.
  • Due to the extreme cold, hypothermia and frostbite can be a major risk.
  • Reflection of the sun on snow and ice can lead to serious eye irritation and damage, such as snow blindness.

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

  • Road networks are limited to urban areas. Travel between settlements is mainly by boat, plane or snowmobile, depending on the season.
  • Which work and travel insurances are suitable for short and long stays in Greenland
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What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Greenland?

  • Is the trip to Greenland 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.

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

  • For a long-term stay where you register in Greenland, international insurance is not necessarily required because healthcare is free. However, it can be wise, because it offers the possibility of seeking healthcare abroad. If you do not register in Greenland, health insurance is an absolute must because of the high costs for evacuation, transport and healthcare.
  • Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.
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Greenland: 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?

Specialized travel insurance for a long trip abroad

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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.
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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.
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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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Travel insurances and insurances for long term abroad - Theme
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?

Travel insurance for city breaks, long-distance trips, and vacations

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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.
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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.
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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.

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Travel insurances and insurances for long term abroad - Theme
Staying healthy abroad and health insurances abroad - Theme
Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for working abroad?

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

Working abroad with the right insurance

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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.
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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

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Travel insurances and insurances for long term abroad - Theme
Staying healthy abroad and health insurances abroad - Theme
Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for volunteering abroad?

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

Volunteering abroad with the right insurance

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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
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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.
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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.

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Travel insurances and insurances for long term abroad - Theme
Staying healthy abroad and health insurances abroad - Theme
Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for an internship abroad?

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

Internship abroad with the right insurance

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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.
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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.
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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!

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Travel insurances and insurances for long term abroad - Theme
Staying healthy abroad and health insurances abroad - Theme
Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for studying abroad?

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

Studying abroad with the right insurance

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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.
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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.
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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

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Travel insurances and insurances for long term abroad - Theme
Staying healthy abroad and health insurances abroad - Theme
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?

Moving abroad with the right insurance

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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.
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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.
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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

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Travel insurances and insurances for long term abroad - Theme
Staying healthy abroad and health insurances abroad - Theme
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

Travel insurances and insurances for long term abroad - Theme
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Safety and insurances for Greenland

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

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

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How does the healthcare system work in Greenland?

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What is the quality of healthcare in Greenland?

  • Greenland, the large piece of Denmark, far from Europe. The country is under Danish rule, but has it's own parliament and also its own health care system.
  • The health care is of a reasonable standard, but comes with a huge challenge. Which is not so strange, in a country where the average temperature never exceeds 10 degrees Celsius.
  • The country has higher mortality rates, lower life expectancy and higher infant mortality rates than other Nordic countries, but that is probably mainly due to the harsh conditions in the country.
  • Only in Nuuk, the capital, is there a hospital with all the complicated modern facilities. In the rest of the country, the options are thinned out.
  • The lack of transport in the country makes it difficult to receive good, and especially urgent, care.
  • For complex medical treatments, people are often referred to Denmark and due to the extreme weather conditions and limited infrastructure, evacuations by helicopter or plane may be necessary in the event of a medical emergency.
  • Pharmacies in Greenland are often connected to hospitals or health centers. There are also a few independent pharmacies in the capital. Some medicines can be in short supply, so if you are dependent on specific medicines, it may be useful to bring your own.
  • In the event of a medical emergency, call 112. In remote areas, helicopters and vulnerable areas are used to transport patients. Make sure you are well covered for these types of evacuations to avoid high costs!
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How does the public healthcare system work in Greenland?

  • If you are registered as a resident of Greenland, you are entitled to free healthcare and medicines. Common services include GP visits, care in public hospitals, public dental care, medical specialists, mandatory medicines and home care. In some cases, your medical transport will also be reimbursed.
  • Most medical facilities are located in larger towns such as Nuuk, Sisimiut and Ilulissat.
  • In small settlements, there are health centres staffed by nurses or paramedics, with support from remote doctors via telemedicine.
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How does the private healthcare system work in Greenland?

  • Unlike many other countries, private healthcare in Greenland is very limited. There are mainly private hospitals and clinics, which is not surprising since there is of course little money to be made with such a small population.
  • Most foreigners choose to go abroad for specialized treatments.
  • Special health insurance can help cover additional costs, especially when it comes to evacuations for these types of treatments outside of Greenland.
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How is the general practitioner arranged in Greenland?

  • In Greenland, general practitioner care is an important part of the healthcare system. In the larger cities, general practitioners work from health centers or hospitals, but in the smaller steps, nurses or paramedics often take on this care.
  • Because doctors in Greenland often have to treat a range of conditions, they are often both specialists and general practitioners!
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How is the dentist arranged in Greenland?

  • Dental care in Greenland is of good quality, but it can be limited outside the larger cities.
  • Residents are entitled to free or subsidized treatments in public healthcare. In remote areas, mobile clinics are used to provide basic care.
  • There are hardly any specialist dentists. Specialist care can be outsourced to Denmark.
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How is pregnancy care arranged in Greenland?

  • Maternity care is good in Greenland, but limited. All pregnant women have access to the same tests, but the process can be different depending on where you live. You will receive a blood and urine test, a preventive test for hereditary diseases, a test for STDs and various checks by a woman. You are also entitled to ultrasound scans during pregnancy.
  • In Nuuk, you must contact the Dronning Ingrid Health Centre, after which you will be assigned a midwife. In coastal towns with a hospital, you must contact the local hospital. In villages without a hospital, care comes from the health station. From here, a nurse will contact the nearest hospital where you will receive 2-3 visits during pregnancy. Women with risk factors are referred to the hospital in Nuuk, the only place where this type of pregnancy can be properly monitored. This usually means that women travel to Nuuk a few weeks (at least 3) before the due date and stay there in the hospital of the patient hotel.
  • All deliveries in Nuuk take place in the Dronning Ingrid Hospital. A caesarean section can also occur here. Outside Nuuk, the birth takes place in the nearby hospital.
  • The transport costs for mothers who live in villages and have to travel to the city are covered by the government. As is the stay in Nuuk in case of complications. The partner must pay the costs themselves, except in the case of twins, in which case the costs are partly covered for both.
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How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Greenland?

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

  • Climate and nature: Greenland has an extreme climate. The temperatures are low and the country is almost completely covered in ice. Bad and dangerous weather conditions can also often occur. Think of storms and heavy snowfall. So make sure you always have suitable clothing with you and inform others of your plans.

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

  • In Greenland, the danger lies mainly in the cold.
  • Due to the extreme cold, hypothermia and frostbite can be a major risk.
  • Reflection of the sun on snow and ice can lead to serious eye irritation and damage, such as snow blindness.

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

  • Road networks are limited to urban areas. Travel between settlements is mainly by boat, plane or snowmobile, depending on the season.
  • Which work and travel insurances are suitable for short and long stays in Greenland
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What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Greenland?

  • Is the trip to Greenland 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.

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

  • For a long-term stay where you register in Greenland, international insurance is not necessarily required because healthcare is free. However, it can be wise, because it offers the possibility of seeking healthcare abroad. If you do not register in Greenland, health insurance is an absolute must because of the high costs for evacuation, transport and healthcare.
  • Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. 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

Activities abroad

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    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.
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    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.
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    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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