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

How does the healthcare system work in French Guiana?

What is the quality of healthcare in French Guiana?

• Because French Guiana is an overseas part of France, the healthcare system is more or less the same here. People have access to French social security (Assurance Maladie).
• French Guiana has both public and private healthcare providers.
• In larger cities such as Cayenne, healthcare is good thanks to French medical standards, but in rural areas and jungle areas, healthcare is very limited.
• The largest hospital is the Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne. This is where you will find most specialist care.
• Pharmacies are available in cities, but few in rural areas.
• The emergency number in French Guiana is 112.

How does the public healthcare system work in French Guiana?

• The quality of public healthcare is good, just like in France, but waiting times can be long.
• There are three public hospitals in the country.
• For EU residents with a European Health Insurance Card, healthcare is largely covered by French Social Security.

How does the private healthcare system work in French Guiana?

• As in many other countries, the main reasons for choosing private healthcare are shorter waiting times and better facilities.
• Private clinics can be found in the major cities. There are also several health posts throughout the country.
• The costs are much higher than public healthcare.

How is the general practitioner arranged in French Guiana?

• General practitioners are available in the health centres.

How is the dentist arranged in French Guiana?

• Basic dental care is available through the public healthcare system. Private dental care offers faster service and more advanced treatments.

How is pregnancy care arranged in French Guiana?

• Maternity care is well arranged and largely covered by the French healthcare system. The infant mortality rate is also lower than in most South American countries.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in French Guiana?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in French Guiana?

• French Guiana is generally safe and crime is low. In Cayenne there is a risk of robberies, especially in the dark.
• In the rainy season from December to July there is a risk of tropical storms.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in French Guiana?

• Check the vaccination advice and vaccination requirements for French Guiana in advance.
• There is a high risk of tropical diseases. For example, there are various mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue. So protect yourself well against mosquito bites.
• Tap water is safe to drink, except in remote areas.

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

• The roads in cities are good, but rural areas have unpaved roads. Sometimes there are long distances to cover, but the limited infrastructure makes this challenging.
• French traffic rules apply in this country, but they are certainly not always properly observed.
• Public transport is limited, especially outside the cities, and taxis are expensive.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in French Guiana?

• Is the trip to French Guiana 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 French Guiana if you are going to live there for a while?

• The same system applies as in France, but it is recommended to take out additional coverage through, for example, an international private health insurance. This way you are assured that you are covered for medical evacuation and care in surrounding countries.
• Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.