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

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 Timor-Leste

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Backpacking or traveling in Timor-Leste?

  • On the border of Asia and Oceania you will find East Timor, a small, still relatively undiscovered, island. The island has a turbulent history of colonization, but has been truly independent since 2002. There is little tourism, so you won't find the large (and cheap) array of hostels or cheap hotels you find in other Asian countries, but it is still easy to travel. The people are friendly, the weather is wonderful and it is a beautiful country to explore. 
  • Activity spotting: the promenade of Dili (the capital); walk to the Jesus statue; dive at Atauro Island; learn about history at the Santa Cruz Cemetery; relax on one of the many beautiful beaches; visit the Resistance Museum; visit Dare, Lautem and Baucau; climb mountains from Hato Builico. 
  • Animal spotting: whale shark, orca, Peregrine falcon, osprey, manatee, green sea turtle, crab-eating macaque, flying dogs, ibis etc. 
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Studying in Timor-Leste?

  • If you want to study in Timor-Leste, you don't have many options to choose from. There are a few Bachelor programs and a few Master programs, but the offerings are very limited. The largest university is the National University of Timor Leste.
  • City of study: Dili.
  • Language: Portuguese and Tetum. 
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Internship in Timor-Leste?

  • In particular, there are internships with NGOs and international organizations such as the UN, which have long been active in Timor-Leste. Consider internships in the areas of development work, women's rights, child protection, etc. Also available are internships for teaching English, and internships in the fields of health and the environment.
  • Competencies: intercultural sensitivity, adaptability, problem solving skills, language skills, project management etc.   
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Volunteering in Timor-Leste?

  • There are many international organizations operating in Timor-Leste and working with volunteers. Examples include volunteering in the field of education (English, IT skills, business), women's support, community support, supporting local businesses, agriculture.  
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Working in Timor-Leste?

  • If you want to find a job in Timor-Leste you have the best chance by applying to an international organization, in the tourism sector or in education. But it's not easy... 
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Working as a digital nomad in Timor-Leste?

  • Looking for an original destination as a digital nomad? Then Timor-Leste is the place to be. It is a beautiful, undiscovered country, where you won't find many other digital nomads or travelers. However, there are expats with whom you can hang out. If you want to work for a while from a super relaxed environment, this is the place to be. The Internet is moderate though and there are not many co-working spots or facilities. 
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Living in Timor-Leste?

  • East Timor is a beautiful country with a rich culture and blessed with intense, unspoiled natural beauty. So not a wrong country to spend your time in, especially if you like a slow, relaxed life. 
  • The people are incredibly friendly and the communities are very supportive. You can easily develop personal relationships. 
  • The country is still developing, which means amenities can be limited, as can access to certain villages and electricity in remote areas. Language can also be a barrier, as Tetum and Portuguese are the main languages and English is spoken in a limited way. 
  • The country is relatively safe, but you should be aware of security risks. 
  • Health insurance: the state of health care is poor. So be sure to have your own well-covered health insurance should you need medical evacuation.
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CHECK COUNTRY INFORMATION  CHECK PREPARING AND INSURANCE  CHECK ACTIVITIES AND STORIES 

 

Timor-Leste Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

Timor-Leste Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

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Content about Timor-Leste on WorldSupporter

Timor Leste: Updates & Travel

Timor Leste: Updates & Travel

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Travel in Timor Leste?

  • The interior of East Timor is characterized by rugged mountains, rice fields and tropical forests. On the coastline you will find beautiful white sand beaches and clear waters where you can ideally dive for coral reefs and colorful fish. If you are looking for real adventure travel in a country that is almost not commercialized, East Timor is “the place to be. East Timor is a relatively safe country, but the security situation can be very unpredictable.
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Updates Timor Leste

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

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

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How does the healthcare system work in Timor-Leste?

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What is the quality of healthcare in Timor-Leste?

  • Timor-Leste has suffered from a long history of war and colonization. The country is poor, which is also reflected in the health care. Together with the United Nations, the country is trying to get back on its feet and improve health care.
  • Unfortunately, health care in Timor-Leste is still very outdated. Hygiene leaves much to be desired and health care workers are often not well-trained.
  • Outside of Dili, you will hardly find any medical help.
  • Emergency aid is almost non-existent. When something serious happens, an evacuation to Australia or Singapore is most likely necessary.
  • For Timor-Leste, good international health insurance with medical evacuation is an absolute must. Most foreigners in Timor-Leste go abroad for even the smallest medical treatments.
  • There are a few pharmacies in Dili, but the availability of medicines is limited. It is advisable to take a supply of medicines with you.
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How does the public healthcare system work in Timor-Leste?

  • There is a public health care sector in Timor-Leste. To use this, both locals and foreigners have to pay in cash, which makes healthcare accessible only to the wealthiest residents of the country.
  • The healthcare provision is very limited, it is difficult to access healthcare (especially outside the capital) and the facilities are absolutely not up to par.
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How does the private healthcare system work in Timor-Leste?

  • There is a private sector in Timor-Leste that is generally better than the public sector, but is still very limited in its healthcare provision. For example, equipment and medicines may not be available.
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How is the general practitioner arranged in Timor-Leste?

  • There is no GP system like in some other countries. People generally go straight to the hospital or a (private) clinic.
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How is the dentist arranged in Timor-Leste?

  • Dental care in Timor-Leste is also very limited. There are public and private dental care providers, of which the private providers are by far better. However, they are quite expensive. It is wise to ask other foreigners for advice on a good dentist in Timor-Leste as there is no national database.
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How is pregnancy care arranged in Timor-Leste?

  • Like all other healthcare, maternity care in Timor-Leste is very limited. This is also reflected in the high infant mortality rates, maternal mortality rates and high pregnancy rates (also many among teenagers).
  • Most births take place at home in the absence of medical staff.
  • Local women face many challenges during their pregnancy. For example, care is inaccessible or too expensive, the risk of death for mother and child is high and there is much gender inequality.
  • A program “Liga Inan - Connecting Mums” has been set up where local women can get in touch with health workers by phone. Thanks to this program, there is now more guidance and help during pregnancy.
  • Timor-Leste is far from an ideal country for a pregnancy. Not only because of the limited health care (especially in a medical emergency), but also because of the health risks that the country poses.
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How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Timor-Leste?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Timor-Leste?

  • In general, the country is safe for foreigners, but there are some things that are important to be aware of.
  • Theft occurs, both pickpocketing and theft from a vehicle (often a scooter). Try not to use your phone in public on the street to prevent this. House break-ins also occur, so make sure that as an expat you lock everything properly, even when you are inside.
  • It does not happen often, but sometimes there are gang-related conflicts.
  • Women can receive unwanted attention, which sometimes leads to uncomfortable and undesirable situations. It is wise not to travel alone as a woman, especially at night.
  • The country is reasonably politically stable, but demonstrations do occur, especially during elections. Demonstrations can get out of hand and become violent. Several crocodile attacks have been reported in the eastern districts, the southern coast and Dili.
  • During the rainy season, there can be severe storms and flooding that can disrupt services.
  • There is also a risk of earthquakes and tsunamis in Timor-Leste. Make sure you know what to do in such cases.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Timor-Leste?

  • Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria are common, with peaks in the rainy season. Wear protective clothing and use spray if necessary.
  • Infections from food and water are common due to poor hygiene. Drink only bottled water and avoid uncooked food.
  • The country has one of the highest tuberculosis rates in the world.
  • Stray dogs and monkeys can carry rabies.
  • Discuss the latest vaccination advice well in advance with a vaccination doctor/centre.
  • For the divers among us: there is no recompression chamber in Timor-Leste.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Timor-Leste?

  • Driving in Timor-Leste is probably a bit different than you are used to. The infrastructure is underdeveloped and many roads are unpaved. Many drivers ignore traffic rules, and accidents are common.
  • It is wise to rent a 4x4 if you plan to travel outside the city.
  • There are buses and vans. These are cheap, but do not expect a strict schedule or a spacious seat.
  • Discuss the price in advance when you get into a taxi. Meters are hardly used.
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What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Timor-Leste?

  • Is the trip to Timor-Leste 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 Timor-Leste if you are going to live there for a while?

  • An international health insurance is absolutely essential in Timor-Leste. The healthcare is of poor quality and for more serious conditions, medical evacuation to Singapore or Australia is absolutely necessary. Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation and costs in other countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.
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Timor-Leste: 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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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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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.

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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 Timor-Leste

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

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

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How does the healthcare system work in Timor-Leste?

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What is the quality of healthcare in Timor-Leste?

  • Timor-Leste has suffered from a long history of war and colonization. The country is poor, which is also reflected in the health care. Together with the United Nations, the country is trying to get back on its feet and improve health care.
  • Unfortunately, health care in Timor-Leste is still very outdated. Hygiene leaves much to be desired and health care workers are often not well-trained.
  • Outside of Dili, you will hardly find any medical help.
  • Emergency aid is almost non-existent. When something serious happens, an evacuation to Australia or Singapore is most likely necessary.
  • For Timor-Leste, good international health insurance with medical evacuation is an absolute must. Most foreigners in Timor-Leste go abroad for even the smallest medical treatments.
  • There are a few pharmacies in Dili, but the availability of medicines is limited. It is advisable to take a supply of medicines with you.
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How does the public healthcare system work in Timor-Leste?

  • There is a public health care sector in Timor-Leste. To use this, both locals and foreigners have to pay in cash, which makes healthcare accessible only to the wealthiest residents of the country.
  • The healthcare provision is very limited, it is difficult to access healthcare (especially outside the capital) and the facilities are absolutely not up to par.
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How does the private healthcare system work in Timor-Leste?

  • There is a private sector in Timor-Leste that is generally better than the public sector, but is still very limited in its healthcare provision. For example, equipment and medicines may not be available.
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How is the general practitioner arranged in Timor-Leste?

  • There is no GP system like in some other countries. People generally go straight to the hospital or a (private) clinic.
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How is the dentist arranged in Timor-Leste?

  • Dental care in Timor-Leste is also very limited. There are public and private dental care providers, of which the private providers are by far better. However, they are quite expensive. It is wise to ask other foreigners for advice on a good dentist in Timor-Leste as there is no national database.
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How is pregnancy care arranged in Timor-Leste?

  • Like all other healthcare, maternity care in Timor-Leste is very limited. This is also reflected in the high infant mortality rates, maternal mortality rates and high pregnancy rates (also many among teenagers).
  • Most births take place at home in the absence of medical staff.
  • Local women face many challenges during their pregnancy. For example, care is inaccessible or too expensive, the risk of death for mother and child is high and there is much gender inequality.
  • A program “Liga Inan - Connecting Mums” has been set up where local women can get in touch with health workers by phone. Thanks to this program, there is now more guidance and help during pregnancy.
  • Timor-Leste is far from an ideal country for a pregnancy. Not only because of the limited health care (especially in a medical emergency), but also because of the health risks that the country poses.
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How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Timor-Leste?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Timor-Leste?

  • In general, the country is safe for foreigners, but there are some things that are important to be aware of.
  • Theft occurs, both pickpocketing and theft from a vehicle (often a scooter). Try not to use your phone in public on the street to prevent this. House break-ins also occur, so make sure that as an expat you lock everything properly, even when you are inside.
  • It does not happen often, but sometimes there are gang-related conflicts.
  • Women can receive unwanted attention, which sometimes leads to uncomfortable and undesirable situations. It is wise not to travel alone as a woman, especially at night.
  • The country is reasonably politically stable, but demonstrations do occur, especially during elections. Demonstrations can get out of hand and become violent. Several crocodile attacks have been reported in the eastern districts, the southern coast and Dili.
  • During the rainy season, there can be severe storms and flooding that can disrupt services.
  • There is also a risk of earthquakes and tsunamis in Timor-Leste. Make sure you know what to do in such cases.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Timor-Leste?

  • Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria are common, with peaks in the rainy season. Wear protective clothing and use spray if necessary.
  • Infections from food and water are common due to poor hygiene. Drink only bottled water and avoid uncooked food.
  • The country has one of the highest tuberculosis rates in the world.
  • Stray dogs and monkeys can carry rabies.
  • Discuss the latest vaccination advice well in advance with a vaccination doctor/centre.
  • For the divers among us: there is no recompression chamber in Timor-Leste.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Timor-Leste?

  • Driving in Timor-Leste is probably a bit different than you are used to. The infrastructure is underdeveloped and many roads are unpaved. Many drivers ignore traffic rules, and accidents are common.
  • It is wise to rent a 4x4 if you plan to travel outside the city.
  • There are buses and vans. These are cheap, but do not expect a strict schedule or a spacious seat.
  • Discuss the price in advance when you get into a taxi. Meters are hardly used.
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What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Timor-Leste?

  • Is the trip to Timor-Leste 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 Timor-Leste if you are going to live there for a while?

  • An international health insurance is absolutely essential in Timor-Leste. The healthcare is of poor quality and for more serious conditions, medical evacuation to Singapore or Australia is absolutely necessary. Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation and costs in other countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.
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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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    • 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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        • The interior of East Timor is characterized by rugged mountains, rice fields and tropical forests. On the coastline you will find beautiful white sand beaches and clear waters where you can idea...
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