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

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Image  Puerto Rico

Intro

Backpacking or traveling in Puerto Rico?

  • Puerto Rico, the “Isla del Encanto”, is probably visited for its beautiful beaches and Caribbean breeze, but you will return for so much more. From beautiful historical architecture to waterfalls, nightlife, wildlife and glowing beaches. It is a small country so you can do a lot in a short trip. Puerto Rico is truly a paradise for everyone.
  • Activities to spot: explore Old San Juan; hike through the El Yunque National Forest; discover Flamenco Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, on Culebra Island; kayak through bioluminescent bays; adventure through the caves and rivers of Camuy River Cave Park; visit coffee plantations in Utuado; surf in Rincon; admire Street art in Santurce; relax on beautiful beaches in Isla de Viequis; party during the annual Festival de la Calle San Sebastian.
  • Animal spotting: Puerto Rican parrot, sea turtles, pelicans, iguanas, manatees, mangrove jellyfish, whales.
  • Food spotting: mofongo, arroz con gandules, lechón asado, tostones, alcapurrias, pastelon, asopao, tembleque and of course the famous, native cocktail piña colada.

Study in Puerto Rico?

  • You will find good education and a choice of different educational institutions and courses. Interesting studies for international students in Puerto Rico include tropical biology, marine sciences and art, but there are also many other options.
  • Study cities: San Juan, Mayagüez, Ponce.
  • Language: Spanish, but English is also widely used.

Internships in Puerto Rico?

  • In Puerto Rico you will find unique internship opportunities in tourism, environmental management and cultural companies. Tech companies and start-ups are also gaining popularity.
  • Competencies: intercultural communication, experience with sustainable tourism, English and Spanish language skills, project management in an island context.

Volunteering in Puerto Rico?

  • There are many opportunities for volunteering in Puerto Rico. For example, you can help with projects around community development, sustainability, education, summer camps for children, agriculture, nature conservation and projects that deal with the effects and consequences of natural disasters.

Working in Puerto Rico?

  • It is not easy to find work in Puerto Rico due to the strict legislation from the US. You may find opportunities in the tech industry, tourism or English education.

Working as a digital nomad in Puerto Rico?

  • As a digital nomad you can enjoy more and more good facilities in Puerto Rico. You can live tropical with a modern touch, good wifi and meet many other nomads.
  • Favorite locations: San Juan, Rincón.

Living in Puerto Rico?

  • Living on the “Island of Enchantment” sounds fantastic of course and it certainly can be. It combines Caribbean charm with modern conveniences (especially with the American influence here) and is warm and lively.
  • Education: There are good options for international schools where children are taught in English and/or Spanish.
  • Expat community: There are more and more expats in Puerto Rico. A friendly community, with lots to do.
  • Safety: It is generally safe, but crime does occur. Be careful in deserted areas, especially at night.
  • Culture: A mix of Taino, Spanish and African influences with lots of street parties, festivals and the real mañana mentality.
  • Beware: Hurricane season can be quite intense, costs can rise and there are still economic challenges.
  • Health insurance: You will find modern hospitals in specialized medical centers, but to cover the costs, your own good health insurance is essential.
Puerto Rico Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

Puerto Rico Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

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Content about Puerto Rico on WorldSupporter

Puerto Rico: Updates & Travel

Puerto Rico: Updates & Travel

Travel in Puerto Rico?

  • This island has a colorful mix of cultures with African, Spanish and Taino roots. America has also had a great influence on the culture of Puerto Rico, which makes the country surprisingly modern and yet shows Latin American traits. Not only the culture ensures that many people return after they have been to Puerto Rico, but also the beaches, San Juan and the rainforest contribute their part.
  • Be aware that most crime is related to the drug trade and takes place in the suburbs of the capital San Juan.

Updates Puerto Rico

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

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

How does the healthcare system work in Puerto Rico?

What is the quality of healthcare in Puerto Rico?

  • Depending on where you are on the island, the healthcare is of good quality.
  • The doctors are well-trained and there are both public and private institutions.
  • There are a great many hospitals, clinics and pharmacies spread throughout the country.
  • Most medicines are readily available in Puerto Rico. However, it may still be smart to bring your own.
  • Call 911 in case of a medical emergency. The answer is usually in Spanish, but you will quickly be transferred to an English-speaking person if needed.
  • Private ambulances often require payment in advance. It is important to check beforehand, if your insurance covers this.

How does the public healthcare system work in Puerto Rico?

  • Public healthcare is arranged through a government program.
  • Healthcare is not free, but the government does offer a form of insurance for people who qualify for “la Reforma”. These are residents who meet a certain income limit. Check the government website for the latest updates.
  • The quality of public health care is good, but unfortunately there is a shortage of doctors, which results in long waiting times for care.

How does the private healthcare system work in Puerto Rico?

  • Private health care is even better than public health care, and you usually do not have to worry about long waiting times.
  • In most large health care facilities you can pay with a credit card, but it is still possible that you need cash.
  • Most good private clinics can be found in San Juan.
  • The costs for private health care can be quite high, but are usually still lower than in the mainland of the US.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Puerto Rico?

  • Visiting an internist, general practitioner or family doctor for primary care is normal in Puerto Rico.
  • Ask around, ask reliable others living in Puerto Rico for advice about a good family doctor.
  • In Puerto Rico you will find several Independent Physician Associations (IPAs). These are a type of health care company to which several independent practices are affiliated.

How is the dentist arranged in Puerto Rico?

  • In Puerto you can get good dental care and the costs are considerably lower than in the rest of the US (about 50-70%!). It is therefore also a popular place for medical tourism.
  • Dentists are often trained in the US and provide very good care.
  • Most dentists are certified by the “American Dental Association” (ADA).

How is pregnancy care arranged in Puerto Rico?

  • Maternity care is not equally available everywhere in Puerto Rico.
  • Due to natural disasters and low wages, there is a shortage of healthcare workers.
  • Private hospitals and clinics generally offer the best and most personalized care. Here you have access to all the necessary tests and guidance.
  • 20% of babies are born in areas where care is not available. 100% of women in rural areas live more than 30 minutes drive from a hospital with maternity care, compared to just under 10% in cities.
  • The number of C-sections has increased significantly in recent years to more than half of all births. It is becoming more the norm than the exception.
  • It is recommended that you talk to others living in Puerto Rico about their experiences with support during pregnancy. This way you can find the doctor that suits your needs best.
  • Abortion is legal in Puerto Rico.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Puerto Rico?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Puerto Rico?

  • In Puerto Rico you run fewer risks than in most major cities in the US. But it is still useful to be careful.
  • There is gun crime, drug trafficking and gangs are active. The murder rate is also quite high.
  • But don't get scared to go and move to Puerto Rico. What you are more likely to encounter is theft and pickpocketing.
  • Be careful in the evenings, especially in San Juan, and make sure you carry your belongings with you in a good, safe bag or money belt.
  • It is also good to know that hurricanes can occur, which can cause flooding, power outages and damage to infrastructure.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Puerto Rico?

  • There are few health risks in Puerto Rico.
  • Tap water is safe to drink.

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

  • Driving is the best way to explore the island, but traffic can be quite chaotic.
  • Drivers often drive aggressively and do not always follow the rules, and the roads can have large potholes.
  • Parking in San Juan is difficult. There are also often heavy traffic jams in the city around nine in the morning and between four and six in the evening.
  • It can be useful to learn some Spanish words so that you can better understand the road signs.
  • Driving around can be a lot more dangerous during hurricane season. The roads are especially slippery right after the first rain of the season. Roads can also flood.
  • Be careful when driving at night. It is best to stay in tourist areas. Gangs can be active in remote areas.
  • Buses and the “Tren Urbano” are the main means of public transport in San Juan. “Publicos” (shared vans), are mainly used for long-distance travel.

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

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

  • For Puerto Rico, it is strongly recommended to take out good, international health insurance. Public healthcare is not always easily accessible and the costs for private healthcare can quickly add up. Coverage for medical evacuation or repatriation is a must for many expats.
  • Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation and repatriation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.
Puerto Rico: Updates & Travel

Puerto Rico: Updates & Travel

Travel in Puerto Rico?

  • This island has a colorful mix of cultures with African, Spanish and Taino roots. America has also had a great influence on the culture of Puerto Rico, which makes the country surprisingly modern and yet shows Latin American traits. Not only the culture ensures that many people return after they have been to Puerto Rico, but also the beaches, San Juan and the rainforest contribute their part.
  • Be aware that most crime is related to the drug trade and takes place in the suburbs of the capital San Juan.

Updates Puerto Rico

  • More about Puerto Rico, updates and contributions, see the link below.

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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.

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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 and insurances for Puerto Rico

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

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

How does the healthcare system work in Puerto Rico?

What is the quality of healthcare in Puerto Rico?

  • Depending on where you are on the island, the healthcare is of good quality.
  • The doctors are well-trained and there are both public and private institutions.
  • There are a great many hospitals, clinics and pharmacies spread throughout the country.
  • Most medicines are readily available in Puerto Rico. However, it may still be smart to bring your own.
  • Call 911 in case of a medical emergency. The answer is usually in Spanish, but you will quickly be transferred to an English-speaking person if needed.
  • Private ambulances often require payment in advance. It is important to check beforehand, if your insurance covers this.

How does the public healthcare system work in Puerto Rico?

  • Public healthcare is arranged through a government program.
  • Healthcare is not free, but the government does offer a form of insurance for people who qualify for “la Reforma”. These are residents who meet a certain income limit. Check the government website for the latest updates.
  • The quality of public health care is good, but unfortunately there is a shortage of doctors, which results in long waiting times for care.

How does the private healthcare system work in Puerto Rico?

  • Private health care is even better than public health care, and you usually do not have to worry about long waiting times.
  • In most large health care facilities you can pay with a credit card, but it is still possible that you need cash.
  • Most good private clinics can be found in San Juan.
  • The costs for private health care can be quite high, but are usually still lower than in the mainland of the US.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Puerto Rico?

  • Visiting an internist, general practitioner or family doctor for primary care is normal in Puerto Rico.
  • Ask around, ask reliable others living in Puerto Rico for advice about a good family doctor.
  • In Puerto Rico you will find several Independent Physician Associations (IPAs). These are a type of health care company to which several independent practices are affiliated.

How is the dentist arranged in Puerto Rico?

  • In Puerto you can get good dental care and the costs are considerably lower than in the rest of the US (about 50-70%!). It is therefore also a popular place for medical tourism.
  • Dentists are often trained in the US and provide very good care.
  • Most dentists are certified by the “American Dental Association” (ADA).

How is pregnancy care arranged in Puerto Rico?

  • Maternity care is not equally available everywhere in Puerto Rico.
  • Due to natural disasters and low wages, there is a shortage of healthcare workers.
  • Private hospitals and clinics generally offer the best and most personalized care. Here you have access to all the necessary tests and guidance.
  • 20% of babies are born in areas where care is not available. 100% of women in rural areas live more than 30 minutes drive from a hospital with maternity care, compared to just under 10% in cities.
  • The number of C-sections has increased significantly in recent years to more than half of all births. It is becoming more the norm than the exception.
  • It is recommended that you talk to others living in Puerto Rico about their experiences with support during pregnancy. This way you can find the doctor that suits your needs best.
  • Abortion is legal in Puerto Rico.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Puerto Rico?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Puerto Rico?

  • In Puerto Rico you run fewer risks than in most major cities in the US. But it is still useful to be careful.
  • There is gun crime, drug trafficking and gangs are active. The murder rate is also quite high.
  • But don't get scared to go and move to Puerto Rico. What you are more likely to encounter is theft and pickpocketing.
  • Be careful in the evenings, especially in San Juan, and make sure you carry your belongings with you in a good, safe bag or money belt.
  • It is also good to know that hurricanes can occur, which can cause flooding, power outages and damage to infrastructure.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Puerto Rico?

  • There are few health risks in Puerto Rico.
  • Tap water is safe to drink.

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

  • Driving is the best way to explore the island, but traffic can be quite chaotic.
  • Drivers often drive aggressively and do not always follow the rules, and the roads can have large potholes.
  • Parking in San Juan is difficult. There are also often heavy traffic jams in the city around nine in the morning and between four and six in the evening.
  • It can be useful to learn some Spanish words so that you can better understand the road signs.
  • Driving around can be a lot more dangerous during hurricane season. The roads are especially slippery right after the first rain of the season. Roads can also flood.
  • Be careful when driving at night. It is best to stay in tourist areas. Gangs can be active in remote areas.
  • Buses and the “Tren Urbano” are the main means of public transport in San Juan. “Publicos” (shared vans), are mainly used for long-distance travel.

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

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

  • For Puerto Rico, it is strongly recommended to take out good, international health insurance. Public healthcare is not always easily accessible and the costs for private healthcare can quickly add up. Coverage for medical evacuation or repatriation is a must for many expats.
  • Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation and repatriation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. 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 Welk visum regelen voor een reis naar Puerto Rico?
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      Toeristenvisum Voor Puerto Rico heb je geen visum nodig als je tot maximaal 90 dagen blijft. Het eiland is een territorium van de Verenigde Staten en daarom gelden voor Puerto Rico dezelfde toelatingseisen als voor een vakantie in Amerika. Dat betekent dat je in het bezit moet zijn van een paspoort ...

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