Health organizations and medical work abroad

Betaald werk, vrijwilligerswerk en stages in het buitenland

Activiteiten, blogs, checklists, samenvattingen, studiehulp en vaardigheden

 

Image

Image

  Image

Health organizations and medical work abroad

Intro

Health organizations and medical work abroad: working, volunteering or intern

From functions tot jobs and countries to experiences

Working in healthcare organisations and the medical sector abroad: what, why, and where to work, volunteer or get experience?

Working in healthcare organisations and the medical sector abroad: what, why, and where to work, volunteer or get experience?

What is working in healthcare and the medical sector abroad like?

  • Responsibilities: Working in the medical sector abroad can range from being a nurse in a local hospital in Africa to a policy officer at an international NGO in Asia, or a doctor in a mobile clinic in South America. It can be demanding and intensive, but also extremely educational. You'll encounter different healthcare systems, cultural differences, and sometimes diseases that have long since disappeared in your home country.
  • Your workday might involve treating patients, developing health programs, providing information, or improving logistics and policy. In many countries, it's primarily about making do with what's available, which can sometimes be surprisingly limited.
  • Duties depend greatly on your role, but may include:
    • treating patients in various facets of healthcare, or supporting local medical teams.
    • providing information on hygiene, nutrition, prevention, and health.
    • assisting with research or developing programs.
    • collaborating with local authorities, NGOs, and international colleagues.
    • producing videography and documentaries.
    • providing emergency relief during disasters.
  • Working conditions: Volunteer work and internships are often unpaid, but you'll learn a lot. You'll often be paid through NGOs or international organizations, or at a local company. 
  • In developing countries, it's more often about volunteer work or a small allowance (room and board are provided, but a salary isn't always).
  • At (private) healthcare institutions, the pay is often much better, especially in places with many expats.
  • At international NGOs or development organizations, you can sometimes work on a contract basis, often with international salary scales.
  • Housing can vary from a basic volunteer house to an apartment in the city. Expect a mosquito net more than air conditioning.
  • Care and safety: vaccinations, insurance, and an emergency plan are usually mandatory.

What are the reasons for working in healthcare and the medical sector abroad?

  • To feel a sense of commitment: you directly contribute to better care for people who don't automatically have access to it. You make a genuine contribution to the world.
  • To enhance your personal development: you learn to deal with limited resources, challenging circumstances, and sometimes even considerable bureaucracy.
  • To build a network: you get to know doctors, healthcare workers, and NGO staff locally and from around the world. To put things into perspective: a crisis at home might suddenly stop being a real crisis when you see the circumstances of others.

What skills and motivations do you need to work in healthcare and the medical sector abroad?

  • Analysis: quickly grasping situations, from a medical problem to a chaotic healthcare system. Communicating: It's important to be able to explain what's going on in simple terms.
  • Empathizing: Understanding that patients can also be afraid or suspicious.
  • Collaborating: With anyone present—from local nurses to international volunteers.
  • Results-oriented: Ultimately, it's about better health for the community.
  • Stress-resistant: Crisis situations are part of life. It's important to be confident in these situations.

What are the best countries and locations to work in healthcare and the medical sector abroad?

What are the risks of working in healthcare and the medical sector abroad, and how are you insured against those risks?

  • What are the risks of working in healthcare of the medical sector abroad?
    • Your health insurance might expire when you do (voluntary) work abroad.
    • Local employers generally offer limited or no supplementary insurance.
    • Medical liability: errors or misunderstandings in healthcare, such as incorrect medication or an incorrect procedure, can lead to high claims or even criminal prosecution in some countries.
    • Exposure to infectious diseases: working in hospitals or clinics abroad can pose additional risks of hepatitis, tuberculosis or tropical diseases, especially when protective equipment is limited. A lack of gloves, disinfection, sterile materials or safe needles can increase risks.
    • Mental strain and moral stress: working long hours in understaffed teams, dealing with death or cultural differences in healthcare can lead to burnout, insomnia or trauma.
    • Physical risks due to the working environment: long shifts, lifting patients, working in extreme heat or cold increase the risk of back problems, overexertion or exhaustion.
    • Unsafe or unstable regions: healthcare workers in disaster areas or conflict zones are at risk of violence, theft, kidnapping or limited medical care in the event of illness or injury.
    • These risks obviously vary greatly from country to country and job to job, but as a doctor, nurse or volunteer temporarily working in healthcare abroad, it is good to be aware of it. You may find yourself working in situations that do not meet European healthcare standards. It is also a good idea to check the coverage options offered by your overseas employment insurance.
  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad. See the pages on: insuring international Insurances for working abroad, for internships abroad, for volunteering abroad, or for expats and emigrants.
Working as a healthcare worker or nurse abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

Working as a healthcare worker or nurse abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is working as a healthcare worker abroad like?

  • Responsibilities: Healthcare workers are indispensable all over the world! From mountain clinics in Nepal and nursing homes in Spain, to private hospitals in Canada.
  • Whether you’re a nurse, caregiver, or support worker, you’ll be helping people improve their quality of life and health through:
    • Assisting with personal care, wound care, and daily support.
    • Working in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, or people’s homes.
    • Supporting patients recovering from illness or surgery.
    • Providing care for people with disabilities, the elderly, or the chronically ill.
    • Sharing information about hygiene, nutrition, and self-care.
    • Training or assisting local healthcare teams.
    • Or simply: doing whatever needs to be done — even if it’s not in your job description.
  • Working conditions: The deal varies widely. In developing countries, you might receive room and board (plus a lifetime’s worth of lessons), while in countries like Australia or Germany, you can earn a solid salary.
  • Sometimes you’ll stay with a host family, sometimes in a shared volunteer house, and sometimes... with a few geckos or goats as roommates.

What are the reasons for working as a healthcare worker abroad?

  • To deepen your empathy: you’ll learn to handle a wide range of emotions, cultures, and life stories, sometimes heartbreaking, often heartwarming.
  • To strengthen your intercultural communication: you’ll learn to truly listen, even when words fail, and discover that a smile is universal.
  • To build resilience: you’ll learn to improvise when the IV gets stuck, the power goes out, or the goat eats the laundry.
  • To improve your teamwork skills: you’ll collaborate with local colleagues, families, and international teams toward one shared goal: humane care.
  • To find meaning and purpose: because few things are as fulfilling as making a direct difference in someone’s daily life, recovery, or dignity.

What skills and motivations do you need to work as a healthcare worker abroad?

  • Empathy: patients and families are often in difficult situations — you need to listen, comfort, and connect, sometimes without words (especially when language barriers are big!).
  • Relationship-oriented mindset: you build trust and long-term bonds; patients often see you not just as a caregiver, but as a friend.
  • Proactive thinking: you spot problems early, act fast, and keep things running smoothly.
  • Communication skills: you explain, reassure, and motivate people — clearly and respectfully.
  • Collaboration: you’ll work with doctors, family members, and local colleagues. A smile and humor go a long way everywhere.
  • Independence and organizational talent: especially in small or remote clinics, where you need to manage your work without much supervision.

What are the best countries and locations to work as a healthcare worker abroad?

What are the risks of working as a healthcare worker abroad, and are you insured against those risks?

  • What are the risks of working as a healthcare worker abroad?
    • Mental strain is common: working long hours in understaffed teams, dealing with death or cultural differences in healthcare can lead to burnout, insomnia or trauma.
    • High levels of stress are common: due to responsibility, a strong desire to help, miscommunication or cultural and linguistic problems.
    • High workloads are common: due to long hours, emergencies, staff shortages or intensive supervision.
    • It is common for the working environment to be unsafe: infrastructure, health risks, political instability, manners.
    • It is common for accidents to occur due to lifting patients, working in extreme heat or cold, which increase the risk of back problems, overexertion or exhaustion.
    • It is common for someone to contract a contagious or local disease such as hepatitis, tuberculosis or tropical diseases, especially when protective equipment is limited. A lack of gloves, disinfectant, sterile materials or safe needles can increase risks, preventing you from working for a period of time or even requiring you to be flown home.
  • Are you insured while working as a healthcare worker abroad?
    • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.
    • Local employers usually offer no, or limited, supplementary insurance.
    • There is a risk of accidents because, for example, you are doing work with which you have little experience.
    • During work, an internship or voluntary work abroad for which you receive remuneration or a salary, the cover provided by your own health insurance in your country of residence may lapse.
    • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad. Check the following pages: insuring international Insurances for working abroad, for internships abroad, for volunteering abroad, or for expats and emigrants.
    Working as a physiotherapist abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

    Working as a physiotherapist abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

    What is working as a physiotherapist abroad like?

    • Physiotherapists are increasingly in demand worldwide, especially in countries where healthcare is developing or where sports tourism and rehabilitation are on the rise. As a physiotherapist, you combine medical knowledge with personal guidance, which is useful anywhere in the world, whether you work in a hospital, rehabilitation center, seaside practice, or volunteer project in the mountains.
    • Responsibilities: As a physiotherapist, you will be involved in:
      • Treating patients with injuries, chronic pain, or mobility problems.
      • Developing exercise and rehabilitation programs.
      • Humanitarian and development projects—for example, rehabilitation projects for children with disabilities, accident victims, or people with polio. Facilities are limited, so your knowledge literally makes the difference.
      • Training and supervising local staff in physiotherapy or rehabilitation care.
      • Advising NGOs, schools, or sports centers on injury prevention.
      • Working with special target groups such as the elderly, athletes, or people with disabilities.
    • You can work at rehabilitation centers, sports clinics, hospitals, or physiotherapy practices, for example, at expat destinations or resorts.
    • Working conditions (salary, compensation, and expenses): In paid positions, you usually earn a local salary or receive an expense allowance with room and board. In developing countries or volunteer projects, the emphasis is more on gaining experience and transferring knowledge than on earning money. In expat clinics or tourist areas (such as Australia or Spain), salaries are generally higher.

    What are the reasons for working as a physiotherapist abroad?

    • To improve your adaptability: working with limited resources requires creativity; a towel as an exercise band, a wall as a balance support. You will figure it out.
    • To improve your communication: you will learn to clearly explain complex exercises and advice, even when language or culture poses a barrier.
    • To increase your cultural awareness: you will learn how people think differently about pain, recovery, and health, broadening your perspective as a professional.
    • To develop your problem-solving skills: you will adapt existing techniques to local circumstances and devise new ways to promote recovery.
    • To learn to take responsibility: depending on the situation, you will sometimes work in a small team, or even alone. That means that you learn to make independent decisions and finding solutions.
    • To learn to work more client-focused: you will encounter so many different people and situations that you will naturally become better at adapting to specific clients and circumstances.

    What skills and motivations do you need to work as a physiotherapist abroad?

    • Organizational awareness: every clinic or organization has their own way of working, from chaotic to tight schedules.
    • Self-confidence: it is important to have confidence in your own knowledge and treatment plan, but of course (without losing self-confidence) also to be open to other possibilities.
    • Patience: recovery doesn't always go according to plan, especially when resources are limited.
    • Professionalism: despite the circumstances, it is important to adhere to hygiene, confidentiality, and professional ethics. Collaborative skills: you often work in multidisciplinary teams with doctors, volunteers, and local staff.

    What are the best countries and locations to work as a physiotherapist abroad?

    What are the risks of working as a physiotherapist abroad, and how are you insured against those risks?

    • What are the risks of working as a physiotherapist abroad?
      • Local employers generally offer limited or no supplementary insurance.
      • There is a risk of physical strain, especially if you have little experience, which can even lead to incapacity for work.
      • Additional risks due to poor hygiene or frequent direct contact with patients are malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, rabies, tuberculosis, hepatitis A/E, or parasitic infections or infection when caring for wounds.
      • Not every location offers clear employment contracts or safe working conditions. Without an official visa or insurance, you could find yourself in serious trouble if you have an accident or cause injuries with for example equipment. 
    • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad. Check the following pages: insuring international Insurances for working abroad, for internships abroad, for volunteering abroad, or for expats and emigrants.
    Working as a doctor abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

    Working as a doctor abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

    What is working as a doctor abroad like?

    • Responsibilities: Doctors are desperately needed worldwide, from emergency aid stations in disaster areas to village clinics in developing countries and international hospitals in expat communities. There are shortages almost everywhere. Whether you are still studying, have just graduated, or have years of experience, working as a doctor abroad requires more than just medical knowledge.
    • As a doctor, your responsibilities include:
    • Providing medical care in clinics, hospitals, or mobile teams.
    • Contributing to prevention programs or vaccination campaigns.
    • Training and supervising local healthcare personnel.
    • Advising NGOs or governments on health policy.
    • In emergency situations: triage, first aid, and crisis coordination. You can work for development and aid organizations (such as Doctors Without Borders or Cordaid), international hospitals and private clinics, government projects, health missions or expat clinics, tropical medicine programs, or medical internships and volunteer work in, for example, Africa, Asia, or South America.
    • Working conditions (salary, compensation, and expenses): these vary greatly by organization and country. Often, the following applies:
    • A local salary or a volunteer position with room and board.
    • Sometimes expenses, travel expenses, or a daily allowance are reimbursed.
    • Sometimes  insurance, vaccinations, and visas are included, sometimes it's your own responsibility.
    • Where you stay depends on the organization and location. Sometimes it's hospital accommodations or a simple guesthouse, sometimes you live with other international colleagues, and sometimes you have to make your own arrangements.

    What are the reasons for working as a doctor abroad?

    • To deepen your commitment: you work directly on improving the health of people who often have limited access to healthcare. You are truly involved in people's lives and their future prospects. 
    • To strengthen your professional practice: working with limited resources teaches you to prioritize carefully and think practically.
    • To train your stress tolerance: unforeseen situations, language barriers, or cultural differences can be quite stressful. It's important to find flexibility and calm in these situations.
    • To increase your empathy: you learn to deal with different customs, belief systems, and expectations and find yourself in situations that sometimes demand considerable empathy.
    • To make a meaningful contribution to a better world: by providing medical care in countries where it is desperately needed, you contribute to improving the lives and quality of life of people in other countries. This also has many other positive consequences.
    • To increase your self-awareness: outside your familiar environment, you'll more quickly discover your qualities as a doctor and as a person.

    What skills and motivations do you need to work as a doctor abroad?

    • Communication skills: Knowledge of the local language is useful, but listening and clear communication are more important, not only with patients, but also with colleagues and translators.
    • Empathy: Cultural sensitivity is essential for building trust with patients and local teams.
    • Professional conduct: Even under pressure, you remain careful, honest, and responsible in your medical decisions.
    • Planning and organization: From vaccination campaigns to inventory management, a good system prevents chaos and ensures that money is spent most efficiently.
    • Situational awareness: You work in an environment with different rules, values, and resources. Understanding or at least respecting these helps you work much more effectively.
    • Commitment: Your patients count on your commitment and reliability, sometimes literally with their lives.
    • Motivation, meaningful work: Working as a doctor abroad is often more satisfying than working within a rigid system, but motivation is necessary because you often work long days with all kinds of events.

    What are the best countries and locations to work as a doctor abroad?

    What are the risks of working as a doctor abroad, and are you insured against those risks?

    • What are the risks of working as a doctor abroad?
      • Medical liability: errors or misunderstandings in healthcare, such as incorrect medication or an incorrect procedure, can lead to high claims or even criminal prosecution in some countries.
      • Exposure to infectious diseases: working in hospitals or clinics abroad can pose additional risks of hepatitis, tuberculosis, HIV or tropical diseases, especially when protective equipment is limited.
      • Mental strain and moral stress: working for long periods in understaffed teams, dealing with death or cultural differences in healthcare can lead to burnout, insomnia or trauma.
      • Physical risks due to the working environment: long shifts, lifting patients, working in extreme heat or cold increase the risk of back problems, overexertion or exhaustion.
      • Unsafe or unstable regions: doctors in disaster areas or conflict zones are at risk of violence, theft, kidnapping, evacuations or limited medical care in the event of illness or injury.
      • There is a risk of accidents because, for example, you are doing work with which you have little experience.
    • These risks obviously vary greatly from country to country and job to job, but as a doctor working (temporarily) in healthcare abroad, it is good to be aware of them. It is also a good idea to check the possibility of coverage through your work abroad insurance.
    • Local employers generally offer limited or no supplementary insurance.
    • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad. See the pages on: insuring international Insurances for working abroad, for internships abroad, for volunteering abroad, or for expats and emigrants.
    Working as a psychologist abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

    Working as a psychologist abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

    What is working as a psychologist abroad like?

    • Responsibilities: As a psychologist abroad, you can contribute in many ways—from mental health care in disaster areas to (online) coaching for expats or mentoring young people in international schools. The setting determines your role: sometimes you will be a therapist, sometimes a researcher, sometimes a listening ear.
    • For example, you could:
      • Support clients with stress, trauma, or adjustment issues.
      • Work on humanitarian projects with refugees or disaster victims.
      • Coach expats, students, or local professionals.
      • Conduct research on mental well-being and cultural differences.
      • Train local staff or volunteers in psychological first aid.
    • This is possible at NGOs, international schools and expat clinics, community mental health centers in developing countries, and research projects at universities, among others.
    • Working conditions (salary, compensation, and expenses): Salaries vary widely. At NGOs and aid organizations, you usually receive an expense allowance plus room and board. At expat clinics or international schools, you can expect a competitive salary. Research projects or volunteer work are often about building experience rather than earning money.

    What are the reasons for working as a psychologist abroad?

    • To increase your self-reflection: you learn to let go of your own assumptions about mental health and discover how culture, customs, and environment determine how emotions are experienced and expressed.
    • To strengthen your empathy: you discover how universal emotions are, but also how culture influences them and their expression.
    • To improve your intercultural communication: you learn to truly listen, even when someone doesn't express their feelings directly.
    • To act professionally: you develop a broader understanding of trauma, resilience, and cultural psychology that you won't easily experience in your home country.
    • To feel that you are contributing to the lives of others, to feel meaningful with a sense of purpose: it is satisfying to strengthen mental well-being where it is most needed and to have a direct impact on people's lives.

    What skills and motivations do you need to work as a psychologist abroad? 

    • Empathy: You understand that emotions, coping mechanisms, and trauma are culturally complex and adapt your support accordingly.
    • Communication: You explain complex feelings clearly and listen actively, even when language or culture poses a barrier.
    • Professionalism: You always act ethically and respectfully, even in challenging or limited circumstances.
    • Situational Awareness: You adapt your interventions to the local context, customs, and social rules.
    • Stress Resistance: You remain calm in emotionally challenging situations and maintain your own boundaries.
    • Self-Confidence: You dare to engage in difficult conversations and make decisions, even when there is no ready-made solution.

    What are the best countries and locations to work as a psychologist abroad?

    What are the risks of working as a psychologist abroad, and are you insured against those risks?

    • What are the risks of working as a psychologist abroad? 
      • It is common to experience heavy emotional strain: working with vulnerable people can be emotionally draining. You see sadness, trauma, or difficult home situations, which can lead to your own burnout.
      • There is often a lot of stress: due to responsibility, a desire to help, frustration, miscommunication, or cultural and linguistic problems.
      • The workload is often high: due to long days, staff shortages, or intensive supervision.
      • It is common for the working environment to be unsafe: infrastructure, health risks, political instability, manners.
      • Accidents with more or less serious consequences are a regular occurrence.
      • It is common for people to contract a contagious or local disease, which means you cannot work for a while or even have to be flown home.
    • Are you insured while working as a psychologist abroad? 
      • Local employers usually offer no, or limited, supplementary insurance.
      • There is a risk of accidents because, for example, you are doing work with which you have little experience.
      • If you are working, doing an internship, or volunteering abroad and receiving compensation or a salary, your health insurance coverage in your homecountry may lapse.
      • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad. See the pages on: insuring international Insurances for working abroad, for internships abroad, for volunteering abroad, or for expats and emigrants.

    Image

     

    Organizations: for providing healthcare and working in medical care abroad

    Image

    Why get specific insurance when going abroad: per activity abroad
    Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for a long trip abroad?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Check out more about

    Why should you take out specific insurance when you go on a trip or vacation?

    Why should you take out specific insurance when you go on a trip or vacation?

    What is insurance for traveling abroad?

    • Travel insurance is insurance that provides coverage for risks during a trip or vacation abroad. This mainly concerns loss of or damage to your luggage, medical assistance, or repatriation costs if you need to be transported back home urgently. In some cases, travel insurance coverage also applies on domestic trips.
    • With annual travel insurance or multi-trip travel insurance, you are insured for all your trips throughout the year.
    • With temporary travel insurance or single-trip travel insurance, you take out insurance for each trip for the duration of the trip.
    • Cancellation insurance reimburses (all or part of) the travel sum, cancellation or accommodation costs if you have to cancel or interrupt your vacation.

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

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

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

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

    Check out more about international insurances

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

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

    Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for paid work, voluntary work or an internship abroad?

    • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.
    • During work, internships, or volunteer work abroad where you receive financial compensation (or, for example, food or housing), your national health insurance coverage may expire. You will then need special insurance to remain insured for illness and accidents.
    • During specific work abroad, additional requirements may apply if your work involves additional risks. Only specific insurance policies offer coverage during this type of work.
    • During your work, the risk of accidents is sometimes greater, for example because you are doing work with which you have little experience or because of the nature of the work.
    • During your work, local employers generally offer no or limited insurance that provides insufficient coverage.

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

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

    Check out more about international insurances

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

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

    What is insurance for volunteering abroad?

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

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

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

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

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

    Check out more about international insurances

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

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

    What is insurance for an internship abroad?

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

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

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

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

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

    Check out more about international insurances

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

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

    What is insurance for studying abroad?

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

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

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

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

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

    Check out more about international insurances

    Why should you take out specialized insurance for moving abroad as an emigrant or an expat?

    Why should you take out specialized insurance for moving abroad as an emigrant or an expat?

    What is an emigration insurance and what is an expat insurance?

    • Emigration insurance is an insurance that continues to provide coverage if you move abroad permanently or for an indefinite period of time.
    • Emigration insurance is not only intended for emigrants, but for anyone who leaves their home country for an extended period of time and does not intend to return in the foreseeable future.
    • Expat insurance is insurance that continues to provide coverage if you go to work abroad for a local or international employer for an extended period of time.
    • Expat insurance is not only intended for expats, but for anyone who has a more permanent job abroad.

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

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

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

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

    Check out more about international insurances

    Why should you take out travel insurance and why through the JoHo Foundation?

    Why should you take out travel insurance and why through the JoHo Foundation?

    Why Insurances through JoHo

    • Specialized: in emigration, work, internships, study and travel abroad.

    • Service: JoHo offers multiple travel insurances by multiple companies. Thanks to JoHo's extensive experience, it can offer support in case of problems with insurers, as well as advice and fast and personal handling.

    • Safe: JoHo is recognized as a trustworthy intermediary for insurances.

    • Social: by purchasing an insurance through JoHo you provide a talented student in The Philippines with health insurance

    Why Should You Take Out A Travel Insurance?

    • The chance of getting injured or ill is generally higher than when you would have stayed at home. The medical care you will need can be very expensive, even more so if you are treated in a private clinic.

    • If you have to fly back because of family circumstances, the flights might be more expensive than your original flight because you have to fly on short notice.

    • You might have to deal with the damage, loss or theft of your luggage.

    • In case of emergency it can be difficult to figure out what to do. A good travel insurance will have an assistance team on standby for you 24/7 and will be able to tell you what steps to take.

    Why Should You Specifically Take Out A Travel Insurance For A Long Trip Abroad?

    • Often regular travel or health insurances only cover trips for a maximum number of days (for example 60, 90 or 180 days).

    • Depending on your home country, your health insurance might not offer any coverage for treatment abroad.

    • During a long trip you might consider specific activities, like paid work or volunteering. Regular travel insurances often don’t cover these kind of activities. The same goes for adventurous/ hazardous sports like skydiving, scuba-diving and bungee jumping.

    More on why to use JoHo

    • JoHo is one of the few organizations where you can directly purchase a comprehensive range of foreign insurances from a variety of insurers. As with our other products and services, we believe that you should be able to choose between the best, the most cost effective and the most specialized insurance.

    • JoHo offers various possibilities from combining insurances to assisting in transferring from one insurer to another.

    • When you purchase an insurance policy through JoHo, you will not pay more than if you had purchased it directly from the insurer. Sometimes (through special collective agreements) you will even pay less.

    • JoHo offers support with problems that may arise with the insurer. Sometimes disagreement with claims, cancellation notice or insurance premiums can occur. In this situation it helps if you have the assistance of an organization who has an established relationship with the insurer.

     

    Read more about JoHo and JoHo Insurances

    Image

    Related topics and terms to: Health organizations and medical work abroad

    Image ACTIVITIES

    Check or search a course, internship, job, project or tip within topic: 'Health organizations and medical work abroad'

    CHECK ACTIVITIES

    Make a selection, to find more tips than you see below

    Image Working abroad as expat: what is it, why should you do it and where is the best place to go?
    Working abroad as expat What is working as an expat abroad? Why should you work as an expat abroad? What do you need if you want to work abroad as an expat? To what...
    Image Internship abroad: what is it, why should you do it and where is the best place to go?
    What is an internship abroad? Why should you do an internship abroad? What do you need if you want to do an internship abroad? Where is the best place to do an...
    Image Volunteer with an organization that helps people with intellectual disabilities
    Get involved with an organization that helps people with intellectual disabilities! You will live and work together in one of the communities and help with daily...
    Image Ben jij op zoek naar een baan in de zorg in het buitenland? Deze organisatie werft en selecteert zorgpersoneel en zorgmanagers voor werk in het buitenland
    Ben jij op zoek naar een baan in de zorg in het buitenland? Deze organisatie werft en selecteert (para)medisch personeel, zorgmedewerkers en zorgmanagers voor...
    Image Stichting Oye Lena in Peru is op zoek naar: leerkrachten, orthopedagogen, logopedisten, psychologen, kinesitherapeuten!
    Wie : Stichting Oye LENA Wat : leerkrachten, orthopedagogen, logopedisten, psychologen, kinesitherapeuten gezocht! Waar : Curahuasi, Peru Wanneer : vanaf april 2020 Oye...
    Image Volunteering abroad: what is it, why should you do it and where is the best place to go?
    What is volunteer work abroad? Why should you volunteer abroad? What do you need if you want to do volunteer work abroad? Where is the best place to volunteer abroad? To...
    Image Werken bij lokale wees- en verzorgingstehuizen in Pakistan
    Werken bij lokale wees- en verzorgingstehuizen in Pakistan, die opgericht zijn door een Nederlandse zuster.
    Image Ga aan het werk als zorgprofessional, medisch analist of operatie assistent in een Zwitsers ziekenhuis
    Ga aan het werk als zorgprofessionals, medisch analist of operatie assistent in een Zwitsers ziekenhuis.
    Image Diverse medische vacatures op Aruba beschikbaar op korte termijn
    Vanwege de hoge druk op het ziekenhuis op Aruba wordt gezocht naar: • Dialyseverpleegkundige • Algemeen verpleegkundige • Endoscopie verpleegkundige • Oncologie...
    Image Gezocht: logopedist en zorgmedewerkers op Aruba
    Wil je een jaar lang aan de slag als logopedist in het ziekenhuis op Aruba? Hetzelfde werk maar dan op een tropisch eiland....
    Activities abroad: home bundle

    Main content and contributions for activities abroad

    ,,,accommodations, adventure activities, courses, internships, jobs and volunteer projects

    ...to help another, travel with care, work together , learn to share and inspire with your experience

     

    Activities abroad: home page

    Activities abroad: home page

    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 gap year, sports, travel and outdoor abroad

        Activities abroad: for gap year, sports, travel and outdoor abroad

        Bundled content for gap year, sports, travel and outdoor abroad

        Access: 
        Public

        Image STORIES

        Check blogs, experiences and information related to: 'Health organizations and medical work abroad'

        CHECK STORIES

        Make a selection, to find more blogs and contributions than you see below

        Image Working as a psychologist abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?
        Working as a psychologist abroad: what, why, and where is the best place to go? What is working as a psychologist abroad like? What are the reasons for working as a...
        Image Working as a healthcare worker or nurse abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?
        Working as a healthcare worker or nurse abroad: what, why, and where to go? What is working as a healthcare worker abroad like? What are the reasons for working as a...
        Image Working in healthcare organisations and the medical sector abroad: what, why, and where to work, volunteer or get experience?
        Working in healthcare abroad: what, why, and where? What is working in healthcare and the medical sector abroad like? What are the reasons for working in healthcare and...
        Image Working as a doctor abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?
        Working as a doctor abroad: what, why, and where to go? ? What is working as a doctor abroad like? What are the reasons for working as a doctor abroad? What skills and...
        Image Working as a physiotherapist abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?
        Working as a physiotherapist abroad: what, why, and where is the best place? What is working as a physiotherapist abroad like? What are the reasons for working as a...

        ImageORGANIZATIONS

        Check or search a sector or organization related to topic: 'Health organizations and medical work abroad'

        CHECK ORGANIZATIONS

        Make a selection, to find more or other organizations than you see below

        Image Hospital Britanico in Uruguay
        A British private hospital in Montevideo, Uruguay. They are a non-profit organization: any surplus funds are always reinvested in the hospital itself. The hospital...
        Image AMO
        AMopportunities (AMO) provides access for international medical students to healthcare education in the United States.
        Image Floating Doctors
        Floating Doctors strives to provide medical care in the developing world and to improve health care delivery in Panama. With a team of volunteers with medical, dental...
        Image Landelijke Pijn Organisatie (LPO)
        Een van de ‘stimulating fathers’ van JoHo, Koert Hommel, is met een aantal lotgenoten in staat geweest om een nieuw initiatief op te starten. Het platform zet zich in ...
        Image Organizations: for providing healthcare and working in medical care abroad
        Care organizations and intermediary organizations for paid work, volunteering and internships in health care abroad
        Image Anan Clinica
        Anan Clinica is an organisation that focuses on providing basic healthcare in Mozambique and increasing awareness on health issues among the local population.
        Image BKV zorgprofessionals
        BKV heeft vacatures voor arts-assistenten, basisartsen, AIOS, medisch specialisten en andere zorgprofessionals. Vakkundig, op maat en met respect voor alle belangen...
        Image ALEH
        The ALEH Foundation provides care and education to children with severe multiple mental and physical disabilities in Israel.
        Image Maarja Village
        In this residential group for disabled children, you can volunteer to help with lessons and organize small events.
        Image Craghoppers
        Craghoppers has been a specialist in tropical clothing and insect-repellent travel gear since 1965. Their mission: "to protect people from the worries of travel. We...
        Organizations & Services: home bundle

        Bundled content, suggestions, stories and tips about organizations and their products and services

        ...to help another, travel with care, work together, learn to share and inspire with your experience

        Organizations: home page
        Organizations: for administrative, tax and legal work and consulting
        Organizations: for agriculture, grape picking, farming and vineyards
        Organizations: for animal protection, animal care and working with wildlife abroad
        Organizations: for au pairs, youth work and child care abroad
        Organizations: for bush camping and working at a campsite abroad
        Organizations: for catering, hospitality and entertainment abroad
        Organizations: for civil society and social work abroad
        Organizations: for corporate business services
        Organizations: for customer services abroad and help desks
        Organizations: for diving, snorkeling and water sports abroad
        Organizations: for education and schools abroad
        Organizations: for expatriate insurances, travel insurances, and emergency call centers
        Organizations: for gap year activities abroad and sabbaticals
        Organizations: for internship placement abroad
        Organizations: for insurances and finance abroad
        Organizations: for IT, engineering and construction
        Organizations: for language travel and language teaching abroad
        Organizations: for marketing, communication and PR
        Organizations: for mediation in au pairs, childcare and elderly care in the Netherlands
        Organizations: for moving, international relocation and transport abroad
        Organizations: for nature conservation, environmental protection and working in nature abroad
        Organizations: for nonprofit projects, development work and international cooperation
        Organizations: for online work as digital nomad, freelancer, or independent entrepreneur from abroad
        Organizations: for outdoor activities and sports
        Organizations: for providing accommodation and hospitality work in hotels, guesthouses, ecolodges and hostels abroad
        Organizations: for providing healthcare and working in medical care abroad
        Organizations: for psychological assistance and mental health care abroad
        Organizations: for real estate, brokerage abroad and property rental abroad
        Organizations: for research and scientific work abroad
        Organizations: for student support and student associations
        Organizations: for tour guidance and adventure tours abroad
        Organizations: for tourism and organized travel and leisure work abroad
        Organizations: for voluntary work mediation and project placement abroad
        Organizations: for yacht and shipping crew and working on a cruise ship abroad

        ImageSUMMARIES

        check or search summaries, tests and study assistance within topic: 'Health organizations and medical work abroad'

        CHECK SUMMARIES

        No results found.

        Summaries: home bundle

        Content and contributions related to summaries, study assistance and study skills

        ...to help another, travel with care, work together, learn to share and inspire with your experience

        Summaries: home page

        Summaries: home page

        Home page for the use of summaries on WorldSupporter

        What is this page about?

        • Contents: information about using and finding summaries of study books, scientific articles, academic concepts and practice exams on WorldSupporter
        • Study areas: Business, Education, Health, Psychology, Law, Nature, Society and more
        • Languages: English, Dutch
        • Access: Public

        Where to go next?

        What to find below?

        • Summaries per study and study field
        • Summaries per type and form
          • How to use and find summaries, study notes en practice exams on JoHo WorldSupporter?
          • How and why would you use summaries?
          • Finding summaries practice exams on JoHo WorldSupporter
          • Quicklinks to fields of study for summaries and study assistance
        • Main theme pages for learn and study
        • FAQ: questions and answers about summaries
        Access: 
        Public
        Summaries: per type and form

        Summaries: per type and form

        Home page for summaries by type and form

        • Summary sort: Study books, Scientific articles, Academic Concepts
        • Areas: Business, Education, Health, Psychology, Law, Nature, Society and more
        • Languages: English, Dutch
        • Access: This study guide contains exclusive and publicly available study materials
        Access: 
        Public
        Exams: home page for exams, exam tips and study tips

        Exams: home page for exams, exam tips and study tips

        Taking and passing exams, using study tips and learning to study

        What is this page about?

        • Contents: information for exams, exam tips and study tips on WorldSupporter
        • Study areas: Business, Education, Health, Psychology, Law, Nature, Society and more
        • Languages: English, Dutch
        • Access: Public, Exclusive

        Where to go next?

        What to find below?

        • Highlighted content concerning exams, exam tips and study tips
        Access: 
        Public

        Image

        Spotlight: favorites

        Favorite stories and suggestions related to Health organizations and medical work abroad
        Anan Clinica

        Anan Clinica is an organisation that focuses on providing basic healthcare in Mozambique and increasing awareness on health issues among the local population.

        Indigo International

        With an international team of psychologists, speech therapists and occupational therapists, Indigo International provides care to adults and children in the UK and Cambodia. > Indigo International closed its doors in November 2017. 

        Image ALL CONTENT

        Search all related content within topic: 'Health organizations and medical work abroad'

        All related content

        Select any filter and click on Apply to see results

        Crossroads: spotlight pages
        Crossroads in the field of:
        Hospital Britanico in Uruguay

        A British private hospital in Montevideo, Uruguay. They are a non-profit organization: any surplus funds are always reinvested in the hospital itself. The hospital offers opportunities for medical staff with a wide range of specialties. You can apply via the website.

        Floating Doctors

        Floating Doctors strives to provide medical care in the developing world and to improve health care delivery in Panama. With a team of volunteers with medical, dental and veterinary expertise they visit remote communities in Panama.

        World Insurances
        Page topic

        Health organizations and medical work abroad

        Submenu & Search

        Search only via club, country, goal, study, topic or sector