Chronic diseases abroad and while traveling

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Chronic diseases abroad and while traveling

Intro

Chronic diseases abroad and while traveling

Chronic diseases abroad and traveling with existing medical conditions
  • Consult with your GP or healthcare provider whether your trip abroad poses increased risks for your chronic condition, such as traveler's thrombosis.
  • Check your medication: do you have sufficient supplies? Can it be replenished at your destination? Are alternative medications available? Can you take your medication on the plane?
  • Medication efficacy: can your medication be used in combination with, for example, traveler's diarrhea or malaria medication? Will it remain effective at altitude, in the tropics, and can it withstand storage in warm conditions?
Chronic diseases while traveling: orientation on some common diseases
  • Allergy and allergic reaction: what is it, how to prevent it abroad, and what to do about it while traveling?
  • Hay fever and pollen allergy: what is it, how to prevent it abroad, and what to do about it while traveling?
 Chronic diseases while traveling: orientation on insurance and safety
  • When are pre-existing conditions covered and when not under travel insurance and international health insurance?
  • Insurances for abroad: per insurance

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Allergy and allergic reaction: what is it, how to prevent it abroad, and what to do about it while traveling?

Allergy and allergic reaction: what is it, how to prevent it abroad, and what to do about it while traveling?

What is an allergy?

  • In an allergic reaction, your body's immune system overreacts to the presence of an allergen.
  • An allergen is a foreign substance, usually a protein but sometimes a small molecule bound to a protein.
  • Common allergies include: hay fever, house dust mite allergy, food allergy, and pet allergy.

What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction?

  • Allergic reactions vary greatly and depend on the type of allergy and the severity of your allergy.
  • Common symptoms include red eyes, runny nose, itching, and skin rash.
  • One of the most severe forms of allergic reactions is anaphylactic shock; in this acute, life-threatening bodily reaction, the airways narrow, among other things. Anaphylactic shock occurs in cases of severe food allergy, various insect allergies (particularly stinging insects), latex allergy, and allergy to certain medications.

Why is the risk of an allergic reaction higher when traveling?

  • You run an increased risk abroad, particularly with food allergies, because you will more often eat somewhere where the ingredients are not entirely clear, or you may be unable to clearly explain exactly what you are allergic to in the local language.
  • In many countries, the risk of cross-contamination in food is higher due to less careful handling of allergens in the kitchen.
  • While traveling, you will eat, smell, and touch new things: the chance that you suddenly turn out to be allergic to a certain tropical fruit, exotic seafood, or a local herb is always present, but greater for people who already have certain sensitivities at home.
  • Different insects live abroad, and you will only discover during your trip whether you are allergic to the bites and stings of those insects.
  • The same applies to pet allergies; abroad, you might come into contact with, for example, horses or parrots for the first time and experience an allergic reaction.

How can you prevent an allergic reaction while traveling?

  • For hay fever, the choice of season and your travel destination have the greatest impact.
  • For food allergies, cooking at home is usually the safest solution; eating in more Western restaurants can help prevent an allergic reaction.
  • Are you going to work with animals abroad? If in doubt, look for that animal at an animal shelter before you leave home. Working with furry animals carries a higher risk of an allergic reaction than working with, for example, turtles or other reptiles.
  • Avoid frequent exposure to fragrances and flavorings in cosmetics, cleaning products, and air fresheners, for instance, as this can cause a perfume allergy.

What can you do if you develop an allergy while traveling?

  • Avoid: when you experience local symptoms, it is best to start avoiding the (possible) allergen. If your symptoms are not severe, you can try to identify which allergen is bothering you by selectively avoiding certain products or animals. In case of severe symptoms, a visit to a doctor is recommended to quickly determine which allergy you may have unknowingly brought with you on your trip.
  • Medication: People with hay fever or a pre-existing allergy often have extensive experience with antihistamines or corticosteroids. When traveling, be sure to bring whatever you have had good experiences with.
  • Note: some strong corticosteroids can cause problems at the border due to local legislation.

Can you buy anti-allergy medication locally?

  • Have you run out of medication? For common allergies, remedies for your allergy are often available at the drugstore or pharmacy. Ask for a product with the same active ingredient as you use at home, or ensure you have discussed with your GP which alternative will be most suitable for you.
  • You are more likely to be able to buy corticosteroid-based products at a pharmacy than at a drugstore.
  • It varies greatly by country which remedies are available with or without a doctor's prescription; discuss this with your doctor beforehand if necessary.
Hay fever and pollen allergy: what is it, how to prevent it abroad, and what to do about it while traveling?

Hay fever and pollen allergy: what is it, how to prevent it abroad, and what to do about it while traveling?

What is hay fever?

  • Hay fever is an allergic condition in which the body overreacts to the presence of plant pollen.
  • The name pollen allergy is actually more fitting, as hay fever is not caused by hay and fever is rarely among the symptoms.
  • This reaction of the immune system causes an excessively high level of histamine in the body, leading to hay fever symptoms.
  • Hay fever is primarily a condition affecting the nose; however, due to nasal symptoms, symptoms often also occur in the ears, eyes, head, and even the entire body.
  • Hay fever is an allergy that often worsens over the course of life in people who had no symptoms at a young age; conversely, in people who experienced severe symptoms at a young age, the severity may sometimes decrease later in life and even practically disappear.

Which plants cause hay fever?

  • Hay fever is caused by pollen; therefore, plants with high pollen levels cause more hay fever symptoms.
  • Plants that are pollinated by wind usually produce more pollen than plants that are pollinated by insects or other animals.
  • Important wind-pollinated plants include: grasses, ragweed, birches, hazels, plane trees, olive trees, and cypresses.

Where and when is the risk of hay fever symptoms greatest?

  • You suffer the most from pollen during the season when wind-pollinated plants bloom.
  • For flowering trees, this is often the time before they bear leaves, in early spring.
  • For grasses, this is particularly severe in the summer.
  • Herbs such as ragweed bloom in the summer and sometimes for a while into the autumn.
  • Cypresses and olive trees are evergreen and bloom somewhat later in the spring.
  • On the steppe and savanna, many grasses bloom some time after the start of the wet season.
  • In the tropics, you are less likely to experience hay fever symptoms because pollination occurs much more frequently via insects and other animals. In a tropical jungle, therefore, you have more plants and trees, but not more pollen in the air.
  • In deserts, so little blooms that hay fever is unlikely to be a problem.
  • High in the mountains, there is less pollen in the air; only with unfavorable winds can pollen from lower areas still cause a nuisance.
  • Warm, dry weather with a breeze creates ideal conditions for the spread of pollen and is therefore particularly harsh for travelers with hay fever.
  • High humidity and rain actually help to reduce the amount of pollen in the air.

How can you prevent hay fever while traveling?

  • The choice of season and your destination have the greatest impact on hay fever.
  • If you do end up somewhere during pollen season, it can help to wear sunglasses, apply Vaseline under your nose and eyes, and touch your face as little as possible with unwashed hands.
  • Staying indoors also works well for severe symptoms, but that has a major impact on your travel experience.

What can you do if you start suffering from hay fever while traveling?

  • Avoid: If you experience local symptoms, it may be beneficial for your holiday enjoyment to move to a less pollen-rich area.
  • Medication: People with hay fever often already have extensive experience with antihistamines or corticosteroids. When traveling, be sure to bring whatever you have had good experiences with.
  • Note: Some strong corticosteroids can cause problems at the border due to local legislation.

Can you buy hay fever remedies locally?

  • Have you run out of medication? In countries where you suffer from pollen allergies, many other people do too. At a drugstore or pharmacy, you can ask for a product with the same ingredient as the one you use at home.
  • You are more likely to be able to buy corticosteroid-based products at a pharmacy than at a drugstore.
  • The availability of medicines with or without a doctor's prescription varies greatly by country; discuss this with your doctor beforehand if necessary.
  • Consult your doctor (in advance) to see if there is any alternative medication that might be suitable for you if your preferred medication is not available locally.

Insuring hay fever medication, EpiPen, puffers, and inhalers abroad

Are medicines for hay fever or pollen allergy covered by your travel insurance?
  • Independent and preventive medical care abroad is generally not covered.
Are medicines for hay fever or pollen allergy covered by your health insurance?
  • With (supplementary) health insurance, various extra medical costs abroad are indeed reimbursed. However, this may vary per insurance policy.
Read more

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When are pre-existing conditions covered and when not under travel insurance and international health insurance?

When are pre-existing conditions covered and when not under travel insurance and international health insurance?

What is a pre-existing condition?

  • A pre-existing condition is a condition or illness that a person has at the time of a significant event, such as taking out insurance or entering into an agreement.
  • A pre-existing condition can be a long-term or chronic illness, but also, for example, a congenital heart defect or a knee injury.

What is a chronic condition?

  • A chronic condition is a long-term, sometimes lifelong, condition that is difficult or impossible to cure.
  • Examples of chronic conditions include most autoimmune diseases, diabetes, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Forms of mental disorders such as depression can also be considered chronic conditions.

What is the impact of a pre-existing or chronic condition on your insurance coverage when moving abroad?

  • Insurance involves covering the risks of an unexpected event. The policyholder pays a premium to the insurer, who in return assumes the financial risks of the unexpected event.
  • Costs resulting from pre-existing or chronic conditions are generally considered by insurers to be a foreseeable event and are therefore excluded from coverage.
  • An exception to this is the mandatory public health insurance schemes that many countries have. These health insurance plans are mandatory for everyone and available regardless of age, health, or gender. The quality of covered healthcare in these national plans varies greatly by country, from very basic in many low-income countries to excellent in Scandinavia and most Western European countries.

Does travel insurance cover medical costs arising from pre-existing conditions?

  • With travel insurance, you are only covered for emergency and unforeseen medical costs.
  • Therefore, you have no (!) coverage under travel insurance for any pre-existing conditions you have and medications you currently use for which you can anticipate incurring costs beforehand.

Does international health insurance cover medical costs arising from pre-existing conditions?

  • With international health insurance, it works just a little differently than with travel insurance. Generally, the terms and conditions do not include an exclusion for costs resulting from a pre-existing condition, but before the insurance is accepted, a medical assessment takes place, and you are required to answer questions about your health. Based on your answers, the insurer assesses whether to exclude pre-existing conditions. The insurer may also indicate that they will only accept the insurance at a higher premium, or they may reject the insurance application entirely.
  • For more information, you can visit the specific website for insurance for expats and emigrants: medical acceptance process - drawbacks to local health insurance

How to limit your risks if you have a pre-existing or chronic condition and still want to travel the world?

Taking a supply of medication
  • If it concerns medicines, your pharmacy can often provide medication for the entire period you are staying abroad.
  • Check in advance whether you can take the extra medication to your destination without a specific doctor's certificate. If not, obtain a doctor's certificate (or take the risk of traveling without a doctor's certificate if you expect it will not cause any problems).
Keeping your national public health insurance or private health insurance
  • With your national public health insurance, you often retain some coverage for medical expenses abroad, even if these costs are the result of an existing or chronic condition. With some supplementary packages, you can also include medical repatriation from abroad in your coverage.
  • If you have private health insurance in your home country, carefully check the impact on your coverage when you travel or work abroad.
  • However, please bear in mind that you cannot fully decide for yourself whether to keep your national health insurance. If, for example, you start working abroad, your health insurance coverage will lapse in most cases.
Taking out a special worldwide travel insurance policy
  • Although all travel insurance policies exclude costs resulting from an existing or chronic condition from coverage, the chance of being left to fend for yourself in an acute and life-threatening situation is slightly higher with a standard travel insurance policy than with a special worldwide travel insurance policy.
  • With specialized insurance, for example, you can sometimes make use of an online consultation with a doctor from your home country, or an insurer's emergency center can assist you in arranging your (medical) repatriation.

How to get insurance if you have an existing or chronic condition and want to emigrate or work abroad?

Insurances for abroad: per insurance

Insurances for abroad: per insurance

Insurances for abroad: per insurance

ACS Globe Traveller Insurance
Allianz Care International Health Insurances

Allianz Care International Health Insurances

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Allianz Care International Health Insurances in a nutshell

The Allianz Care International Health Insurances offers a comprehensive coverage for expatriates and their family, with a choice of different levels of cover and several insurance plans to suit your personal needs and situation.

  • Applications up to the age of 75
  • In-patient cover, outpatient cover, maternity, repatriation, dental
  • Members can select
......Read more on this page
CareMed International Insurance for volunteers, students, interns, work and travel and au pairs

CareMed International Insurance for volunteers, students, interns, work and travel and au pairs

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Table of contents

  • Brief description of the CareMed International Insurance 
  • Why take out the CareMed International Insurance via the JoHo Foundation
  • Coverage and documents of the CareMed International Insurance
  • Applying for the CareMed International Insurance

CareMed International Insurance: characteristics

Core
  • CareMed insurance is an international insurance policy for interns, students,
......Read more on this page
DAN Diving Insurance
Expatriate Group International Travel Insurance

Expatriate Group International Travel Insurance

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The Expatriate Group International Travel Insurance

  • This International Travel Insurance is available as a single-trip, multi-trip and one-way, worldwide travel insurance, created by the British The Expatriate Group (TEG)
  • The travel insurance is available for all nationalities travelling anywhere in the world, for both leisure and business trips.
  • Multi-trip: maximum trip lengths of 42 or 90 days; purchase before the Insured Person obtains
......Read more on this page
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
World Nomads Travel Insurance
International insurance through JoHo Insurances and JoHo WorldSupporter

International insurance through JoHo Insurances and JoHo WorldSupporter

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Table of content

  • Why should you take out insurance through the JoHo Foundation when you go abroad?
  • Insuring activities abroad:
    • internships, studying, volunteer work or paid work
    • backpacking, holiday, travel or round the world
    • emigration, living abroad, working as expat
  • Insurances for abroad: per insurance 
  • Insurances for abroad: per organization
  • How healthcare works
......Read more on this page
Why get specific insurance when going abroad: per activity abroad
What is travel insurance, and why take out specific insurance when you go on a trip or vacation?

What is travel insurance, and why take out specific insurance when you go on a trip or vacation?

What is travel insurance to insure your trip or vacation?

  • 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 in the event of accidents, for example, or repatriation costs if you need to be transported back to your home country urgently. In some cases, travel insurance coverage also applies in your home country.
  • With continuous travel insurance, you are insured for all your trips throughout the year.
  • With temporary travel insurance, you take out insurance for each trip for the duration of the trip.
  • Cancellation insurance reimburses (all or part of) the travel sum, cancellation or accommodation costs if you have to cancel or interrupt your vacation.

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

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

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

  • That you have insurance that is valid in the countries where you are going to travel and possible 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.

What insurance do you need for a trip or vacation?

 

What is round the world travel insurance or long-term travel insurance, and why take out specific insurance when you go abroad?

What is round the world travel insurance or long-term travel insurance, and why take out specific insurance when you go abroad?

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

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

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

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

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

  • That you have insurance that is valid in the countries where you are going to travel and possibly 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.

What insurance do you need when backpacking abroad?

What is backpack insurance, and why take out specific insurance when you go backpacking abroad?

What is backpack insurance, and why take out specific insurance when you go backpacking abroad?

What is backpacking insurance and travel insurance for backpackers?

  • Backpacking insurance for backpackers means that you take out insurance that continues to provide coverage during all your activities abroad and is specifically intended for those who are traveling for a long time, traveling independently, or making frequent use of local transportation.

Why should you take out travel insurance specifically for backpacking?

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

What aspects are important to insure when backpacking abroad?

  • The duration of your trip: so that you are also covered during a very long backpacking trip, or can extend your coverage if you want to stay longer
  • The activities during your trip: so that you can also participate in all kinds of sports and adventure activities that are excluded from travel insurance
  • Coverage of your medical expenses during your trip: so that you are always covered, even if you go to work or if the costs in the event of an accident are higher than the Dutch rate
  • Coverage for natural disasters and war during your trip: so that you don't have to return home immediately with your tail between your legs every time the Dutch government issues negative travel advice
  • Your insurer's specialization: so that your insurer specializes in backpacking trips or long stays abroad, and doesn't treat you like an “all-inclusive sunglasses claimant.”

What insurance do you need when backpacking abroad?

What is insurance for working abroad, and why do you need specific insurance if you are going to do paid work?

What is insurance for working abroad, and why do you need specific insurance if you are going to do paid work?

What is insurance for working abroad?

  • Insuring yourself for working abroad means taking out insurance that continues to provide coverage during your paid work abroad.

Why take out insurance, and when is normal travel insurance no longer sufficient?

  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance for paid work abroad.
  • During your work, local employers generally offer no or limited insurance that does not provide sufficient coverage.
  • The risk of accidents is sometimes greater during your work, for example because you are doing work with which you have little experience or because of the nature of the work.
  • During specific work abroad, additional requirements may apply as soon as you start performing work that involves additional risks. Only special insurance policies offer coverage during this type of work.
  • During work, internships, or volunteer work abroad where you receive a salary or compensation (for example, food or housing), your local health insurance coverage will normally lapse. You will then need special insurance to remain insured for illness and accidents.
  • Standard travel insurance policies generally do not provide sufficient coverage to apply for a work visa or working holiday visa.
  • Standard travel insurance policies generally only cover stays abroad for a limited number of days. If your trip or stay abroad exceeds the maximum number of days, this generally means that there will be no coverage for the entire travel period.
  • Standard travel insurance policies generally only provide coverage for recreational travel without study, internship, or work. If you engage in activities other than recreational activities, this generally means that you will no longer be covered for the entire travel period.

What should you pay attention to in your insurance policy if you are going to work abroad?

  • Make sure you have insurance that is valid in the area where you will be traveling and working.
  • Make sure you are adequately insured for the sports and activities you will be participating in.
  • 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 insure yourself for legal assistance if there is an immediate reason to do so, unless the coverage is already automatically included in the insurance.
  • That you take care to choose the right coverage when working in healthcare, with wild animals, and with dangerous machinery.

What insurance do you need to work abroad?

What is insurance for working with animals abroad, and why do you need specific insurance for jobs, internships, and volunteer work abroad?

What is insurance for working with animals abroad, and why do you need specific insurance for jobs, internships, and volunteer work abroad?

What is insurance for working with animals abroad?

  • Insuring yourself for working abroad with animals means taking out insurance that continues to provide coverage during your paid, unpaid, or internship work abroad, where minor or major risks are involved.

Why take out insurance, and when is normal travel insurance no longer sufficient?

  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance for work abroad.
  • During specific work abroad, additional requirements may apply as soon as you start performing work that involves additional risks. Only special insurance policies offer coverage during this type of work. Almost all standard insurers exclude working with animals from coverage.
  • The risk of accidents is sometimes greater during your work, for example because you are doing work with which you have little experience or because of the nature of the work. All over the world, there are reserves, rescue centers, and zoos where you can roll up your sleeves as a veterinarian, intern, or volunteer. Working with animals or wildlife is not without danger. No matter how cute they may look, or how tame they may behave. All animals can suddenly bite viciously or lash out with a claw or beak. Not only can this result in nasty injuries, but it can also transmit diseases that you would rather not have, and certainly not abroad.
  • During work, internships, or volunteer work abroad where you receive a salary or compensation (for example, food or housing), your local health insurance coverage will normally lapse. You will then need special insurance to remain insured for illness and accidents.
  • During your work, local employers generally offer no or limited insurance that does not provide sufficient coverage.

What should you pay attention to in your insurance policy if you are going to work abroad?

  • Make sure you have insurance that is valid in the area where you will be traveling and working.
  • That you have insurance that provides sufficient coverage for the work you will be performing.
  • Make sure you are adequately insured for the sports and activities you will be participating in.
  • 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 insure yourself for legal assistance if there is an immediate reason to do so, unless the coverage is already automatically included in the insurance.

Which insurance do you need for working, an internship, or volunteering with animals abroad?

What is volunteer insurance, and why should you take out specific insurance if you are going to do volunteer work?

What is volunteer insurance, and why should you take out specific insurance if you are going to do volunteer work?

What is insurance for volunteering abroad?

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

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

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

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

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

What insurance do you need when volunteering abroad?

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

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

What is insurance for an internship abroad?

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

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

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

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

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

Check out more about international insurances

What is insurance for studying abroad, and why should you take out specialized travel insurance for your education abroad?

What is insurance for studying abroad, and why should you take out specialized travel insurance for your education abroad?

What is insurance for studying abroad?

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

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

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

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

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

Check out more about international insurances

What is an expat insurance or emigration insurance, and why specifically take out insurance if you are going to do move abroad?

What is an expat insurance or emigration insurance, and why specifically take out insurance if you are going to do move abroad?

What is an expat insurance?

  • 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.

What is an emigration insurance, or insurance for moving and living abroad?

  • 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.

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

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

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

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

When can you also live abroad for a longer period of time with travel insurance?

  • There are also special expiring travel insurance policies that provide coverage without you having valid health insurance in your home country, however, these travel insurance policies are not intended for emigration or expats, but for stays outside your home country of up to a few years, for study, temporary work, volunteer work, and longer trips.
  • See the information at International Insurances for backpacking and travel abroad

What insurance do you need for emigration or working as an expat abroad?

International insurance through JoHo Insurances and JoHo WorldSupporter

International insurance through JoHo Insurances and JoHo WorldSupporter

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Table of content

  • Why should you take out insurance through the JoHo Foundation when you go abroad?
  • Insuring activities abroad:
    • internships, studying, volunteer work or paid work
    • backpacking, holiday, travel or round the world
    • emigration, living abroad, working as expat
  • Insurances for abroad: per insurance 
  • Insurances for abroad: per organization
  • How healthcare works
......Read more on this page
Insuring, troubleshooting and safe travel abroad

Insuring, troubleshooting and safe travel abroad

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Table of contents
  • Why get specific insurance when going abroad?
  • How to survive disasters abroad ?
  • How to insure activities abroad?
  • Which Insurances apply for internships, staying, studying, volunteer work or paid work abroad?

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From language courses to gap year abroad, from work experience to volunteering abroad, from paid work to internship abroad, from mountaineering to diving and from backpacking to travel around the world

    What social activities can you do abroad?

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

    What work related activities can you do abroad?

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

    What sports activities to do abroad?

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

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

      Activities abroad: for experiencing countries and cultures abroad

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      Image When are pre-existing conditions covered and when not under travel insurance and international health insurance?
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      Image Hay fever and pollen allergy: what is it, how to prevent it abroad, and what to do about it while traveling?
      Hay fever and pollen allergy abroad What is hay fever? Which plants cause hay fever? Where and when is the risk of hay fever symptoms greatest? How can you prevent hay...
      Image Allergy and allergic reaction: what is it, how to prevent it abroad, and what to do about it while traveling?
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      international law

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      Organizations: for agriculture, grape picking, farming and vineyards
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      Organizations: for mediation in au pairs, childcare and elderly care in the Netherlands
      Organizations for moving, international relocation and transport abroad

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      Organizations for nature conservation, environmental protection and working in nature abroad

      Organizations for nature conservation, environmental protection and working in nature abroad

      Costa Rica rain forest - Jungle

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      Organizations: for online work as digital nomad, freelancer, or independent entrepreneur from abroad
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      Organizations: for providing healthcare and working in medical care abroad

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      Organizations: for real estate, brokerage abroad and property rental abroad
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      Organizations: for student support and student associations
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      Organizations: for tourism and organized travel and leisure work abroad
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      • What is JoHo WorldSupporter, how to use it and how to create an account?
      • How to use WorldSupporter for summaries and study assistance?
      • How to find summaries and how to upload new summaries on WorldSupporter?
      WorldSupporter summaries by study and subject: summaries and study assistance
      • What is the homepage for summaries per main area of study?
      • What are the best textbooks summarized per field of study?
      WorldSupporter summaries by study and subject: summaries per related study field
      WorldSupporter summaries by study and subject: study and work skills
      • How to improve your study skills?
      • Which skills are related to studying?
      WorldSupporter summaries by study and subject: study abroad, intern abroad and work abroad
      • Which activities, internships and vacancies abroad are related to the field of business organization and economics?
      • Which organizations offer internships and activities in the field of business organization and economics?
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      Samenvattingen en studiehulp

      Samenvattingen en studiehulp

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      • Wat moet je doen als je verzekerd wil zijn tijdens een studie of stage of baan in het buitenland?
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