Travel in Cape Verde?

• Cape Verde consists of several islands, each with its own beautiful nature, cultural customs and special animal species. Go diving with the turtles or visit the historic city of Cidade Velha. Music is also an important part of Cape Verdean life and you can see this reflected in different ways.
• Pico do Fogo is the name of a volcano. This volcano is the highest point of the Cape Verde Islands located on the island of Fogo.
• Loggerhead turtle (carreta carreta). Check out these turtles, these are common in Cape Verde. There are also educational excursions where you can help care for these animals gently.
• Mardi Gras, who doesn't know the name? This musical and colorful dance festival takes place every year in February on the island of São Vicente and is not to be missed when you are in Cape Verde during this time.
• Praia is the capital of Cape Verde, located on the largest island of Santiago.It is a mix of both old and modern buildings.  You can visit museums and eat in cozy musical restaurants.
• São Nicolau is worth visiting. This is a small natural island with both beautiful beaches, as well as green mountains and dry plains. Ideal for quiet activities such as hiking and sunbathing.
• Cidade Velha is an old colonial settlement on the island of Santiago. This place is definitely worth a visit for its historic buildings and history.
• Be prepared to find pickpockets in major cities.
• And the bad roads can cause accidents.

Updates Cape Verde

• More about Cape Verde, updates and contributions, see the link below.

How does the healthcare system work in Cape Verde?

What is the quality of healthcare in Cape Verde?

• Medical care in Cape Verde is limited and consists of both public and private options. In recent years, the quality and coverage of healthcare have improved significantly, as has life expectancy. Still, healthcare remains limited.
• The largest hospitals are located in Praia and Mindelo. There are also hospitals in São Filipe and Fogo. In the rest of the country, you’ll mostly find smaller medical facilities.
• For serious medical issues, you often need to travel to Portugal or at least to a larger island.
• Pharmacies (farmácias) can be found in towns and on most islands. For basic medication you’re usually fine, but for specific or chronic medicines you may face long waiting times. Opening hours are fairly standard (daytime); on Sundays or holidays you may need to search a bit more.
• It can be useful to learn some basic Portuguese phrases for better communication with medical staff.
• The general emergency number is 130.

How does the public healthcare system work in Cape Verde?

• The public system is accessible and inexpensive. Suitable for simple issues, but not for extensive care.
• Cape Verde has a national health insurance system: the National Institute of Social Security (INPS). Working residents and citizens pay contributions to this.
• You typically start at a health center; with a referral you can then go to a regional hospital.
• Around 70% of costs are often covered under the national scheme, but tourists/expats are usually not included.
• Downsides: limited equipment, medicines not always in stock, long waiting times, and unstable basic services (water, electricity).

How does the private healthcare system work in Cape Verde?

• Private care is available in Praia and Mindelo, with better-trained doctors and somewhat more modern facilities.
• It is generally faster, cleaner, and more efficient than public care, but naturally more expensive. Still, it is often cheaper than Western Europe.
• For complex surgeries or long-term treatment, most expats opt for evacuation to Portugal.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Cape Verde?

• There’s no traditional GP system, but you can find general doctors at health clinics. 
• Expats often find a fixed private doctor in Praia or Mindelo. 

How is the dentist arranged in Cape Verde?

• Dentists are mainly located in the larger cities.
• Fine for cavities, cleanings, and basic care. Costs are usually lower than in Europe.
• For serious procedures or oral surgery, many people travel abroad, often to Europe.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Cape Verde?

• Maternity care has improved significantly in recent years. Facilities are still limited, though.
• Hospital Agostino Neto is the most popular hospital for deliveries.
• Giving birth in public hospitals can be risky: little equipment, staff shortages, and sometimes insufficient medication.
• Private clinics offer better conditions, but quality varies widely.
• Many women (especially expats) plan to give birth in Portugal, particularly in case of medical complications.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Cape Verde?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Cape Verde?

• Cape Verde is relatively safe, with a stable political situation compared to the region.
• Pickpocketing and petty theft occur in cities and tourist areas. Serious violent crime is less common.
• Power outages are fairly common.
• Going for a swim? Watch out for strong currents.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Cape Verde?

• Mosquito-borne diseases are present.
• Other infectious diseases occur; always drink clean bottled water and eat well-preserved food.
• HIV/AIDS is present.

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

• Driving isn’t always easy due to poorly maintained or unpaved roads. Drivers can be reckless.
• Taxis are plentiful in cities and cheap, but make sure to use reliable ones and agree on the fare in advance.
• Ferries are unreliable (in terms of schedule and safety). Flights are sometimes more reliable.
• Driving at night is risky: animals on the road, potholes, and no lighting.

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

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

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

• An international expat/emigration health insurance is strongly recommended.
• If you have private insurance, you can choose your own doctor in Cape Verde.
• Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.