Problems abroad with travel and authorities

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Problems abroad with travel and authorities

Intro

Problems abroad with travel and authorities

Problems abroad with authorities: orientation
  • Hand luggage rules: what is prohibited in your hand luggage, and what can you take as checked baggage on a plane?
  • Checklist for the security check at an airport, the body scan, the X-ray machine and at the customs gates.
Problems abroad with authorities: orientation on health issues and distaster
  • Staying healthy abroad, healthcare systems and health insurance abroad
  • Surviving disasters abroad and solving crisis while traveling
Hand luggage rules: what is prohibited in your hand luggage, and what can you take as checked baggage on a plane?

Hand luggage rules: what is prohibited in your hand luggage, and what can you take as checked baggage on a plane?

Hand luggage rules on a plane

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What are you not allowed to take in your hand luggage when flying?

  • In principle, objects that could be used as weapons are not allowed in airplane carry-on luggage or hand luggage. This means there are restrictions on liquids, gels, sharp objects, and truly dangerous items such as weapons.
  • The choices made about what you can and cannot take are rather arbitrary and primarily focused on the idea of ​​safety.
  • Most of the items not allowed in your carry-on luggage can be taken in checked baggage, with the exception of items considered truly dangerous.
  • Items confiscated at customs are generally lost. So it's a good idea to pay attention to what you do and don't put in your hand luggage, what you put in your checked baggage, and what you don't take with you.
  • Exact flight regulations vary per country, airline and over time, so always check the current set of rules and regulations before packing your hand luggage and hold luggage. 
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Are you allowed to take a pocket knife or razor in your hand luggage?

  • The rules regarding taking knives on airplanes seem very clear. Knives with a blade longer than 6 cm are prohibited, which means shorter knives (small pocket knives with a blade shorter than 6 cm) are permitted.
  • Individual razor blades or blades are not allowed, but disposable razors with fixed blades are.
  • Customs personnel always reserve the right to refuse items for security reasons.
  • It's not uncommon for knives and scissors with shorter blades to be confiscated, so to be on the safe side, don't pack your pocket knife or razor in your carry-on luggage.
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Are you allowed to take a nail file, scissors, or sharp object in your hand luggage?

  • Sharp objects that could be used as weapons are also not allowed in your carry-on luggage. These can even be common household items!
  • This is a bit of an absurd rule. You're not allowed to bring your own knife onto the plane, but the cabin crew will often provide you with a knife and fork with your meal. Some airlines even have perfectly sharp knives that you can use to cut your chicken or fish, or for other purposes.
  • Nevertheless, customs will remove all sorts of items from your carry-on luggage, such as:
    • nail files and razor blades
    • credit card knives, utility knives, ice picks
    • scissors with blades longer than 6 cm measured from the hinge point (and sometimes smaller scissors)
    • martial arts equipment with a sharp point or edge, swords and sabers, etc., crowbars, drills and drill bits, tools with a blade or shaft longer than 6 cm, saws, blowtorches, captive bolt pistols, etc.
  • Some are more logical than others, but with scissors, etc., it's especially important to be careful.
  • Umbrellas are also often a source of varying policy. Sometimes they can be taken along, and other times they end up in the confiscation bin. The sharper your umbrella, the faster it will disappear into the bin.
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Are you allowed to take water, drinks, toothpaste, or other liquids in your carry-on luggage when flying?

  • Liquids, aerosols, gels, lotions, mixtures of solids and liquids, toothpaste, hair gel, drinks, spreads, soups, syrups, perfume, shaving foam, etc. are only permitted in individual containers of a maximum of 100 milliliters.
  • 100 milliliters is comparable to a small bottle the size of between your thumb and middle finger. Most travel bottles of toiletries, as well as self-filling travel bottles and jars, fall within these sizes.
  • Theoretically, they should be placed in a transparent, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 liter, where the contents fit easily into the plastic bag and the bag is completely sealed. In practice, this seems to be less of a problem. However, it's best to stay within the maximum one liter. Liquids (alcoholic beverages) purchased at airport shops are packaged in a special, sealed bag, which you may only open at your destination.
  • Baby food (both milk and jarred formula) is permitted in carry-on luggage. The amount depends on the flight's needs. At security, you may be asked to taste the food to verify that it is baby food.
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Can you drink a bottle of water purchased at the airport shop on the plane?

  • You are generally permitted to bring water on the plane if you purchase it after passing through customs and keep the sealed bottle sealed.
  • You can also often refill your own water bottle in the restrooms or at water stations after passing through customs.
  • However, this rule is not enforced or permitted everywhere. Therefore, sipping your water bottle while walking through check-in is usually not a good idea. The rules are also frequently adjusted to reflect the political climate. In general, the following applies: if a terrorist farts somewhere in the world, the rules will become stricter.
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Are you allowed to bring food onto the plane?

  • Some airlines are quite commercial about it and try to prevent people from bringing their own food onto the plane.
  • Since you sometimes have to wait hours before you get the chance to get or buy something to eat, for example, due to turbulence, it's better to bring some snacks with you. Especially if you have diabetes, or are simply hungry.
  • Some sandwich fillings or spreads fall under the liquids rules, so you can't bring them in a jar or tube (although you can on a pre-made sandwich).
  • Baby food that you need for a baby you're traveling with is always allowed.
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Can you bring liquid medication or pills like paracetamol in your hand luggage?

  • Medications you need during a flight are allowed on board. Officially, you do need proof from your doctor stating that the medication is necessary, although it depends somewhat on the medication itself.
  • Dietary supplements for use during the flight are also permitted.
  • There are generally no restrictions on non-liquid medications, so your box of paracetamol is no problem.
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Can you take batteries or lithium-powered devices in your carry-on or in the hold?

  • An airline may impose additional rules on what you can and cannot take on board. This applies in particular to items such as:
    • Lithium batteries and power banks with a lithium battery (many flat batteries, such as button cells, are lithium batteries)
    • Devices that run on lithium batteries, such as hoverboards, airboards, oxboards, e-skateboards or e-waveboards, and battery-powered suitcases
    • Damaged, defective, or broken portable electronic devices
    • Electronic cigarettes – often only in carry-on luggage
    • So check your own airline's list! The limits for these products are often given in Wh (Watt-hour) ratings.
  • Generally, regular batteries, such as alkaline, NiMH, and NiCd, are permitted in your devices.
  • It's best to bring spare and loose batteries in their original packaging, or by covering the contacts with tape and/or placing them in a separate, transparent, sealed bag.
  • Power banks are often not allowed in the overhead compartment.
  • E-cigarettes are often not permitted in the cabin of an airplane.
  • With Dutch airlines, you can often bring multiple lithium-battery devices if the batteries are under 100 Wh, up to a maximum of 15 or 20 loose lithium batteries under 100 Wh. Power banks that you are allowed to bring often also have a maximum capacity of 100 Wh.
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What is not allowed in hand luggage, but is allowed in checked baggage?

  • The aforementioned liquids and gels, such as drinks, perfumes, creams, lotions, toothpaste, syrup, mascara, lipstick, deodorant, etc., that exceed the amount permitted in carry-on baggage.
  • Imitation firearms, toy guns, and any device capable of firing projectiles, such as staples.
  • Pointed or sharp objects such as scissors, ski poles, pointed walking sticks, and darts.
  • Blunt objects like golf clubs, baseball bats, hockey sticks, billiard cues, batons, heavy tools, martial arts equipment.
  • Handcuffs, boomerangs, whips, fishing rods, a maximum of 5 lighters or matchboxes, skates, shock absorbers, and tools (crowbar, saw, drill, chisel).
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How can you take a harpoon, pistol, or pepper spray on an airplane?

  • What is not allowed in your carry-on baggage?
    • All types of firearms, such as pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns, air guns, CO2 guns, shotguns, and firearm parts, excluding telescopic sights.
    • Flame pistols and starting pistols, sights, crossbows and arrows, spear guns, slingshots, etc.
    • Toy guns, replicas, and imitation guns that closely resemble real weapons.
  • If you want to bring a firearm or ammunition, you must check it in your checked baggage. Normally, you will also need to show a permit.
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What are you absolutely not allowed to pack in your baggage when flying?

  • Prohibited weapons
  • Explosive and incendiary substances such as percussion caps, blasting agents, turpentine, paint thinner
  • Hazardous products, oxidizing agents, and/or organic peroxides (bleach)
  • Toxic and infectious substances
  • Radioactive or corrosive materials, gases (including CO2 cartridges for inflating bicycle tires, among other things)
  • Large quantities of aerosol cans
  • Large quantities of lighters
  • This list is not exhaustive; your airline may have additional regulations. To be sure, always check their list of items.
  • However, the security officer may still refuse an item for safety reasons.
  • Devices specifically designed to stun or immobilize are not allowed on board:
    • Stun guns, laser weapons, and electric prods for stunning and killing animals.
    • Chemical substances, gases, and sprays, such as mace, pepper spray, tear gas, acid spray, and sprays for repelling animals, which can incapacitate or neutralize people, etc.
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Which devices are not allowed on board?

  • There are also devices that you are allowed to take with you but are not allowed to use on board.
  • This applies to remote-controlled toys, televisions, transmitters, VHF scanners or receivers, and devices with mobile network functionality enabled.
  • These devices can cause interference in aircraft.
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Which products are subject to customs regulations and are also not allowed on board?

  • Drugs and narcotics, including soft drugs!
  • Weapons, fake weapons, pepper spray, ammunition, and explosives.
  • Protected animal and plant species, including coral and rare shells.
  • Products made from protected animal and plant species (e.g., crocodile leather or ivory jewelry).
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What are you not allowed to take on a plane or in your hand luggage outside of Europe?

  • The above rules are primarily based on European flight regulations; other rules may apply outside of Europe.
  • Most rules apply worldwide, or are similar, but you can encounter surprises everywhere!
  • In Asia, you are not allowed to take durian fruit on a plane due to the odor, and selfie sticks are often prohibited.
  • Different countries have various strict rules for bringing fish, meat, dairy products, vegetables, fruit, or nuts. Check local regulations before flying or accept that they will be refused. Excessive quantities also risk fines. Depending on the country of your destinations and point of departure, rules regarding photos and texts that violate human rights or show (too) explicit images can also cause problems.
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Checklist for the security check at an airport, the body scan, the X-ray machine and at the customs gates

Checklist for the security check at an airport, the body scan, the X-ray machine and at the customs gates

Checklist for the security check at an airport

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What are the general rules for a quick and safe security check at customs?

  • Carefully read the rules, which can vary by country and security company. These are often readily available both at the airport and online.
  • Be aware of expected lines and wait times. Crowds can be predicted.
  • Be aware of the distances between the security checkpoint and the gate (where you board the plane). Sometimes it's just a minute's walk, but often much longer!
  • Make sure you arrive well in advance to accommodate any delays or sudden long waiting lines.
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How do you get through airport security gates safely?

  • As with many official institutions, a friendly face and a smile often get you further than an irritated look. Everyone is in a hurry, and all customs officers have to check everyone.
  • Leave your phone and cameras alone as much as possible. A selfie with a security officer is only a good idea if your plane is already extremely delayed.
  • If you're singled out for an extra check, stay calm. Random checks are done, and there isn't always a reason.
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How can you get through customs and security gates at an airport faster?

  • Make sure your carry-on is packed with packing bags and other items, so everything can go in and out quickly and easily.
  • Make sure your passport is in an easily accessible pocket in your hand luggage.
  • Make sure your boarding pass is easily accessible, for example, in your passport, or easily accessible on your phone if you have an online boarding pass.
  • Make sure your phone is fully charged and has signal if you save things online and haven't downloaded them directly.
  • Check if you're in the designated queue if there are multiple queues for specific groups... although sometimes it's better to accidentally be in the wrong, much shorter queue (and have a good story to tell, like a plane that's about to depart).
  • Take advantage of the options some airports and airlines offer for priority access through customs.
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What clothes are best to wear if you want to go through customs and security faster?

  • Wear comfortable pants that don't require a belt, or that you can easily remove beforehand and put in your carry-on.
  • Don't wear shoes with rings, metal or metallic decorations, etc. You may also need to remove high-top shoes (higher than your ankle).
  • Wear shoes that are easy to get in and out of (also handy for the plane) and that you can walk a reasonable distance in to the gates.
  • Try to put jewelry that you can't easily remove in your carry-on beforehand, rather than keeping it.
  • In many countries, a somewhat neat appearance at customs is a good idea. The chance of being picked out and having your belongings turned upside down can be significantly reduced. So even if you have a connecting flight and have been on a plane for 12 hours, freshen up before you get back in line.
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What can you do to pack smartly, and what is and isn't allowed in your carry-on?

  • Make sure everything is as easy as possible to get in and out of your carry-on luggage.
  • Keep your electronics and liquids easily accessible.
  • Pack liquids in quantities of no more than 300/400 grams (this rule may not last much longer). Keep all liquids together, preferably in a plastic or durable, transparent, and waterproof bag.
  • Empty your water bottle before going through security.
  • Check local regulations. In some countries, you're not allowed to board a plane with odorous food, while in others, a piece of fresh fruit might cause troubles with the law.
  • Carefully check the list of what you can and cannot take in your hand luggage.
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What can you do while waiting in line?

  • Take off your jacket and put it in your bag or hold it over your arm.
  • Empty your pockets.
  • Put your belt in your carry-on luggage (so preferably don't wear sagging trousers).
  • Put your passport and boarding pass in an accessible compartment of your carry-on luggage.
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How do you put items in the security tray for the X-ray machine at the security check?

  • You put your coat in the first tray, then your carry-on luggage on top. Or if that's not possible, you put your hand luggage in a second tray.
  • You often don't need to remove your laptop, tablet, and other electronics from your carry-on luggage. However, this isn't the case in all countries.
  • Everything in your pockets needs to be removed (from loose change to your handkerchief). A separate bag or plastic bag is often more convenient and safer than throwing everything loose in a tray.
  • Once your tray goes onto the conveyor belt and starts moving, you go through the security gates yourself. You'll often get a signal from the staff whether you can go through, or there's a green and red light.
  • Once through the security gates, you might be frisked again, or something might be discovered in your luggage on the scanner that they want to check. No worries, just let it wash over you, and before you know it, you'll be back on your way.
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What can you do if you have a physical or other disability during security checks?

  • If you are frisked, please inform staff in advance if, for example, a prosthesis, a stoma or sensitive/painful areas are involved.
  • If you need more time to go through security for another reason, you can often let them know in advance, and special arrangements are in place. Check the rules of the airports you are using.
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Staying healthy abroad, healthcare systems and health insurance abroad
Surviving disasters abroad and solving crisis while traveling

Surviving disasters abroad and solving crisis while traveling

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Surviving disasters abroad and solving problems while traveling Table of content What to do during a hurricane, typhoon or cyclone, how dangerous are strong winds What to do do during a volcano eruption, How dangerous is climbing an active volcano? What to do during an earthquake? How dangerous are earthquakes?

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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?

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

  • Travel insurance can provide coverage in the event of an accident or emergency while you are 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.
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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.
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What insurance do you need for a trip or vacation?

 

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Travel insurances and insurances for long term abroad - Theme
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?

Round the world travel insurance or long-term travel insurance

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

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

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

  • That you have insurance that is valid in the countries where you are going to travel and 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.
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What insurance do you need when backpacking abroad?

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Travel insurances and insurances for long term abroad - Theme
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?

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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.
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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.
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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.”
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What insurance do you need when backpacking abroad?

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Travel insurances and insurances for long term abroad - Theme
Staying healthy abroad, healthcare systems and health insurance 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?

Insurance for working abroad

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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.
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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.
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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 (what it actually costs), and not just for the standard costs. In most countries, healthcare costs are higher than in the Netherlands.
  • 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.
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What insurance do you need to work abroad?

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International insurance for working abroad or digital nomads
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

Volunteering abroad with the right insurance

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What is insurance for volunteering abroad?

  • Insuring volunteer work abroad means taking out insurance that continues to provide coverage while you are working as a volunteer abroad
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Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for voluntary work abroad?

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

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

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Travel insurances and insurances for long term abroad - Theme
Staying healthy abroad, healthcare systems and health insurance 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?

Internship abroad with the right insurance

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What is insurance for an internship abroad?

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

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

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

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Staying healthy abroad, healthcare systems and health insurance 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, and why should you take out specialized travel insurance for your education abroad?

Studying abroad with the right insurance

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What is insurance for studying abroad?

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

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

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

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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?

Take out insurance if you are going to do move abroad as expat or emigrant?

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

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

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

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Staying healthy abroad, healthcare systems and health insurance 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

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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

Activities abroad

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    What social activities can you do abroad?

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

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

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

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