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

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Image  Guinea

Intro

Backpacking or traveling in Guinea?

  • Are you ready for rugged mountains, vast savannahs and dense rainforests? Wait, let me go on... and rich culture and also few tourists? Then definitely visit Guinea!
  • It is not that easy to enter the country by land (because of the roads) and there is also a fair amount of corruption, but don't let that stop you from going on a real adventure.
  • Activities spotting: discover the local markets in Conakry and Kaloum; chill on the beautiful beaches of Iles de Los; admire the Soumba waterfalls; take a boat trip on the Niger River; walk the beaches of Bel-Air; hike the Fouta Djallon mountains; visit the Haut Niger National Park for Wildlife and nature; explore the caves of Kakimbon; visit the historic village of Dalaba; learn traditional dance and music during the local festivities. Spotting animals: chimpanzees, West African lion, crocodiles, African forest elephants, many species of monkeys, numerous birds such as the black ibis, the rare pygmy hippopotamus, turtles, hyenas, bongo antelope etc. etc. etc.
  • Food spotting: riz gras (rice cooked in a sauce of vegetables and meat), foutou (puree of cassava or yam), kedjenou (stew with chicken and vegetables, also very spicy), poisson grillé (practice your French), jollof rice (rice dish), yassa (chicken marinated in lemon and mustard), fried bananas, zobo (hibiscus drink).
  • Studying in Guinea?
  • Education in Guinea is not known to be very good. There are a few universities where you can study in Conakry with a limited choice of studies.
  • Study city: Conakry.
  • Language: French.

Internship in Guinea?

  • It is difficult find an internship in Guinea. You may find opportunities in agriculture, mining and environmental protection. In addition, there are opportunities to work with NGOs in the areas of health care, education and community development.
  • Competencies: communication skills, French language skills, planning and organization, problem solving skills, teamwork, relationship management.

Volunteering in Guinea?

  • Guinea is a country that could really use your help! There is a lot to do in the areas of health care, education, child care and nature (the country is plagued by deforestation, among other things). You may be able to find volunteer work in all these sectors, such as working with chimpanzees, teaching and helping in health care.

Working in Guinea?

  • If you are a professional in your field, you may be able to work in the mining industry, agriculture, health care and education. Various NGOs and development projects also offer opportunities for foreigners.
  • Work culture: the work culture in Guinea is often informal, but hierarchical. And brush up on your French, because building relationships (and therefore speaking the same language) is very important.

Working as a digital nomad in Guinea?

  • Guinea is not the most obvious destination for digital nomads. The internet quality can be inconsistent, especially outside of the capital Conakry. There are few coworking spaces, and the infrastructure can be challenging for digital workers. Still, Guinea offers a unique experience for digital nomads who want to go adventurous and work from a lesser-known location.

Living in Guinea?

  • Living in Guinea offers a mix of urban bustle in Conakry and the quiet, rural life in the interior. Expats working in Guinea often live in Conakry, where most of the facilities can be found. Outside of the capital, living conditions are simpler and more focused on community life.
  • Education: Conakry has a few international schools that cater to expat children, such as the French and American schools. These often offer good education, but outside of the capital, there are limited options for international education. Safety: Guinea is generally a safe country, but political instability and protests can sometimes cause unrest, especially in urban areas. Also be especially careful in the evenings with petty crime. Outside the capital, be aware of remote and inaccessible areas, where healthcare and infrastructure can be limited.
  • Culture: Guinea's culture is rich and diverse, with more than 24 ethnic groups, each with their own traditions, music and dance. Music plays a central role in daily life, especially the rhythms of the djembe, a traditional West African percussion instrument.
  • Beware of the rainy season, which can make travel to certain areas difficult. It is also important to take vaccinations and medication for diseases such as malaria. In addition, a good command of French will certainly help you integrate.
  • Health insurance: health care in Guinea is limited, especially outside the capital. There are a few international clinics in Conakry, but serious medical problems often require evacuation to another country. So make sure you have your own health insurance with good coverage.
Guinea Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

Guinea Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

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Content about Guinea on WorldSupporter

Guinea: Updates & Travel

Guinea: Updates & Travel

Travel in Guinea

  • Guinea is a presidential republic in western Africa. The country has a hilly landscape with beautiful nature where numerous waterfalls can be admired during the rainy season. Guinea is not an obvious travel destination, which is why, when you visit the country, you have the kingdom to yourself and can engage in special activities. You can look for chimpanzees in the middle of the dense forest. 

Updates Guinea

  • More about Guinea, updates and contributions, see the link below.
How does healthcare work in Guinea, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does healthcare work in Guinea, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the healthcare system work in Guinea?

What is the quality of healthcare in Guinea?

  • Guinea’s healthcare system is underfunded, understaffed, and under pressure from poverty and corruption.
  • Life expectancy is low, around 60 years.
  • The system includes both public and private options, with most facilities concentrated in Conakry.
  • Hospitals are often poorly equipped; even basic medical devices and drugs may be missing.
  • A National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) exists, but its coverage and effectiveness are limited.
  • Pharmacies exist mostly in Conakry and stock a limited range of medicines; availability outside the capital is very poor.
  • For serious treatments or surgery, medical evacuation to Senegal, Morocco, or Europe is common.
  • The medical emergency number is 121, but emergency services are unreliable. Private clinic hotlines in Conakry often respond more effectively.

How does the public healthcare system work in Guinea?

  • Public healthcare is officially accessible for all citizens, and in some cases for expats via the NHIS.
  • In practice, public hospitals face staff shortages, outdated equipment, and medicine shortages.
  • Long waiting times are the norm.
  • Patients are often required to bring their own supplies (syringes, bandages, medicine).
  • Major public hospitals include the Centre Hospitalier National (CHN) and Hospital Donka in Conakry.
  • Do not expect Western standards – sometimes even running water or electricity is missing.

How does the private healthcare system work in Guinea?

  • Private clinics offer better care and shorter waiting times, especially in Conakry.
  • Facilities are limited but generally more reliable than public hospitals.
  • Consultations and treatments are more expensive, though still cheap by European standards.
  • For expats and travelers, private care is usually the first choice, provided you have insurance that includes medical evacuation.

How is the general pracitioner arranged in Guinea?

  • There’s no GP system.
  • You go directly to a hospital or private clinic for consultations.
  • Some expats develop a “go-to” local doctor in a private practice for routine needs.

How is the dentist arranged in Guinea?

  • Dental care is available in Conakry, but facilities are basic and equipment may be outdated.
  • For anything beyond simple fillings or extractions, many people head to Dakar (Senegal).
  • Best tip: fix your teeth before your trip and don’t rely on emergency Guinean dentistry.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Guinea?

  • Public maternity wards are often under-equipped and risky.
  • Private clinics are better, but complications can still be dangerous.
  • Many expats and NGO workers choose to give birth abroad (Senegal or home country).
  • Prenatal check-ups are available in private clinics but not always up to Western standards.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Guinea?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Guinea?

  • Guinea can be fascinating but is not risk-free.
  • Political unrest and protests are common and can turn violent quickly.
  • Petty crime (pickpocketing, bag-snatching) happens, especially in Conakry.
  • Do not travel at night, especially outside Conakry.
  • Keep valuables hidden – thieves are quick and creatives.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Guinea?

  • Malaria and other mosquito borne diseases are everywhere – mosquito repellent, nets, and prophylaxis are musts.
  • Other risks: cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A and B.
  • Always drink bottled water and avoid raw or undercooked food.
  • HIV/AIDS is relatively common – take precautions.
  • Guinea was at the center of the Ebola outbreak (2014–2016); no outbreak now, but the system is fragile.

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

  • Roads are often in poor condition with giant potholes.
  • Driving at night is dangerous due to unlit vehicles and occasional robberies.
  • Public transport (shared taxis, minibuses) is overcrowded and unsafe.
  • A 4x4 with a trusted driver is the safest option for long trips.

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

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

  • A standard holiday insurance usually won’t cut it here.
  • Choose a policy with medical coverage and evacuation (worldwide).
  • If you have private insurance, you can choose your own doctor in Guinea.
  • Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.
Guinea: selection of contributions by WorldSupporters - Bundle

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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

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Safety, insurances and packinglist for Guinea

How does healthcare work in Guinea, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does healthcare work in Guinea, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the healthcare system work in Guinea?

What is the quality of healthcare in Guinea?

  • Guinea’s healthcare system is underfunded, understaffed, and under pressure from poverty and corruption.
  • Life expectancy is low, around 60 years.
  • The system includes both public and private options, with most facilities concentrated in Conakry.
  • Hospitals are often poorly equipped; even basic medical devices and drugs may be missing.
  • A National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) exists, but its coverage and effectiveness are limited.
  • Pharmacies exist mostly in Conakry and stock a limited range of medicines; availability outside the capital is very poor.
  • For serious treatments or surgery, medical evacuation to Senegal, Morocco, or Europe is common.
  • The medical emergency number is 121, but emergency services are unreliable. Private clinic hotlines in Conakry often respond more effectively.

How does the public healthcare system work in Guinea?

  • Public healthcare is officially accessible for all citizens, and in some cases for expats via the NHIS.
  • In practice, public hospitals face staff shortages, outdated equipment, and medicine shortages.
  • Long waiting times are the norm.
  • Patients are often required to bring their own supplies (syringes, bandages, medicine).
  • Major public hospitals include the Centre Hospitalier National (CHN) and Hospital Donka in Conakry.
  • Do not expect Western standards – sometimes even running water or electricity is missing.

How does the private healthcare system work in Guinea?

  • Private clinics offer better care and shorter waiting times, especially in Conakry.
  • Facilities are limited but generally more reliable than public hospitals.
  • Consultations and treatments are more expensive, though still cheap by European standards.
  • For expats and travelers, private care is usually the first choice, provided you have insurance that includes medical evacuation.

How is the general pracitioner arranged in Guinea?

  • There’s no GP system.
  • You go directly to a hospital or private clinic for consultations.
  • Some expats develop a “go-to” local doctor in a private practice for routine needs.

How is the dentist arranged in Guinea?

  • Dental care is available in Conakry, but facilities are basic and equipment may be outdated.
  • For anything beyond simple fillings or extractions, many people head to Dakar (Senegal).
  • Best tip: fix your teeth before your trip and don’t rely on emergency Guinean dentistry.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Guinea?

  • Public maternity wards are often under-equipped and risky.
  • Private clinics are better, but complications can still be dangerous.
  • Many expats and NGO workers choose to give birth abroad (Senegal or home country).
  • Prenatal check-ups are available in private clinics but not always up to Western standards.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Guinea?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Guinea?

  • Guinea can be fascinating but is not risk-free.
  • Political unrest and protests are common and can turn violent quickly.
  • Petty crime (pickpocketing, bag-snatching) happens, especially in Conakry.
  • Do not travel at night, especially outside Conakry.
  • Keep valuables hidden – thieves are quick and creatives.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Guinea?

  • Malaria and other mosquito borne diseases are everywhere – mosquito repellent, nets, and prophylaxis are musts.
  • Other risks: cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A and B.
  • Always drink bottled water and avoid raw or undercooked food.
  • HIV/AIDS is relatively common – take precautions.
  • Guinea was at the center of the Ebola outbreak (2014–2016); no outbreak now, but the system is fragile.

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

  • Roads are often in poor condition with giant potholes.
  • Driving at night is dangerous due to unlit vehicles and occasional robberies.
  • Public transport (shared taxis, minibuses) is overcrowded and unsafe.
  • A 4x4 with a trusted driver is the safest option for long trips.

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

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

  • A standard holiday insurance usually won’t cut it here.
  • Choose a policy with medical coverage and evacuation (worldwide).
  • If you have private insurance, you can choose your own doctor in Guinea.
  • Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

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

    What social activities can you do abroad?

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

    What work related activities can you do abroad?

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

    What sports activities to do abroad?

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

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

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      Image How does healthcare work in Guinea, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?
      How does the healthcare system work in Guinea? What is the quality of healthcare in Guinea? How does the public healthcare system work in Guinea? How does the private...
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      Travel in Guinea Updates Guinea Back to top Travel in Guinea Guinea is a presidential republic in western Africa. The country has a hilly landscape with beautiful nature...
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      Guinea: Updates & Travel
      • Travel in Guinea
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        • Guinea is a presidential republic in western Africa. The country has a hilly landscape with beautiful nature where numerous waterfalls can be admired during the rainy season. Guinea is not an obvious travel dest...

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