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

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Intro

Backpacking or traveling in Azerbaijan?

  • Located between Europe and Asia, Azerbaijan offers a fascinating mix of Eastern and Western influences. It is a surprising destination for backpackers with varied landscapes, from the modern capital of Baku to the rugged mountainous regions of the Caucasus.
  • Activity spotting: explore downtown Baku with its stunning contrasts between ancient forts and modern architecture; take a trek in the Greater Caucasus; visit mountain villages such as Lahij and Quba; admire the unique mud volcanoes of Gobustan National Park; chill on the beaches of Novkhani and Bilgah; tour the Gudial Chay Nature Reserve; see the Ateshgah Fire Temple; explore the various sights of Nakhchivan. 
  • Animal spotting: Asian wild donkey, 
  • Food spotting: rich in flavors with influences from both Turkish and Persian cuisine... dolma (stuffed vine leaves), plov (rice, meat and vegetables), kebab, dovga (soup), piti (stew), qutab (dough with stuffing), gogal (a tasty dessert), pomegranate juice!!!

Studying in Azerbaijan?

  • Azerbaijan offers international students opportunities in the fields of medicine, oil and gas technology, and international relations. The country is a regional center for higher education in the Caucasus, with good institutions offering international programs. 
  • Studies in oil and gas, engineering, medicine and international relations are particularly popular. There is less focus on art and language studies. 
  • Study cities: Baku. 
  • Language: Azerbaijani, Russian, but also many courses in English. 

Internship in Azerbaijan?

  • There are several internship opportunities in Azerbaijan, especially in sectors such as energy, diplomacy and development. International companies and NGOs offer internships focused on economic growth, sustainability and social work.
  • Competencies: international cooperation, project management, cultural competencies, language skills (Russian, professional English, Azerbaijani), knowledge of the energy sector and regional relations. 

Volunteering in Azerbaijan?

  • There are not easy volunteering options to find in Azerbaijan. There are some options for volunteering with individuals in hostels. 

Work in Azerbaijan?

  • It is not easy to find a job in Azerbaijan. Most likely you will be in the oil & gas industry and education, or with international companies. If you speak Azerbaijani/Russian you can also have a try at local companies and in the service sector. 
  • Connections are very important to find a job! 
  • Work culture: formality and titles are very important. It is important to remain professional until the other person indicates that you can call them by their first name. Furthermore, building trust and forming long-term relationships is also essential. So be patient! 

Working as a digital nomad in Azerbaijan?

  • Azerbaijan is not yet a well-known destination for digital nomads, but it does offer advantages such as a low cost of living and relatively fast internet connections in the larger cities. You can also combine your digital nomad life with trips to discover the interesting history and beautiful nature.
  • Favorite locations: Baku, Ganja, Sheki.

Living in Azerbaijan?

  • Azerbaijan offers expats a unique lifestyle, in which oriental traditions and modern conveniences come together. Baku is the most expat-friendly city, with a vibrant expat community and sufficient facilities such as international schools, modern apartments and nightlife.
  • For people with families, you will find several international schools in Baku.
  • Culture: Azerbaijani culture is welcoming, and there is a strong emphasis on family and traditions. It is important for expats to adapt to local norms and values, especially in more conservative parts of the country.
  • Traffic: Traffic is chaotic. In Baku you don't need your own transport, but you can do a lot on foot and by public transport. Many expats also have their own drivers.
  • Climate: varied, with many different climate zones. Summers are hot and wet, winters are cold.
  • Language: although many people in the city speak English, it is recommended to learn Azerbaijani or Russian to integrate more easily.
  • Health insurance: public and remote healthcare facilities are not of the standard you are probably used to. In private medical institutions you can find good care, especially in Baku. But in serious cases evacuation to another country is necessary, so make sure you have your own good health insurance.
Azerbaijan Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

Azerbaijan Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

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Content about Azerbaijan on WorldSupporter

Azerbaijan: Updates & Travel

Azerbaijan: Updates & Travel

Travel in Azerbaijan?

  • Should you have a penchant for yeshivot, then you can indulge in the endless oil fields around Baku. If you feel more comfortable in the mountains then you should definitely dive into the Caucasus Mountains where you can stay overnight in the legendary caravansaray of the beautiful town of Sheki. This was a very popular resting place for traders traveling along the Silk Road.

Updates Azerbaijan

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

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

How does the healthcare system work in Azerbaijan?

What is the quality of healthcare in Azerbaijan?

  • Azerbaijan has a free public health care system and a private health care system.
  • Most healthcare facilities can be found in Baku.
  • There are many pharmacies in the major cities. In Baku, many pharmacies are also open 24/7.
  • Emergency medical care is available in Batu, but hardly anywhere else. For an ambulance, call 103.

How does the public healthcare system work in Azerbaijan?

  • The public health care system of Azerbaijan is run by the Ministry of Health. And although it is free for residents of the country, several studies have shown that the system does not work well. Fortunately, the government is working on improvements to the system.
  • Health insurance has been mandatory in Azerbaijan since 2021. Azeris are covered by the universal health care system, which includes primary care, physiotherapy, emergency care and vaccinations. The insurance and care is run by the “Management Union of Medical Territorial Units” or TABIB. Most public healthcare facilities can be found in Baku. Outside the city, you will hardly find any public clinics or hospitals. And if they are there, there are often shortages of staff and equipment.
  • As a foreigner, you are not entitled to free healthcare.

How does the private healthcare system work in Azerbaijan?

  • Private healthcare is of much better quality than public healthcare, but is not equally easily available everywhere.
  • Most foreigners opt for private healthcare because of the greater range and the relatively low costs. However, it can also happen in private healthcare that some conditions are too serious or difficult to treat and that medical evacuation is necessary.
  • Private health insurance is mandatory for foreigners living in Azerbaijan. Private insurance can be both local and international. Local insurance is often arranged by the employer, but it may be wise to do your own research into the coverage of this insurance and possibly take out private, international insurance yourself.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Azerbaijan?

  • Azerbaijan operates a general practitioner system (терапевт - terapevt). The intention is that every resident has access to a general practitioner/family doctor.
  • The general practitioner is the first point of contact for problems and a referral from the general practitioner is required for some specialist care under the public system. People are free to choose their own general practitioner. These can usually be found at outpatient clinics.
  • Most expats choose a general practitioner or family doctor through a private clinic because of the better care, shorter waiting times and language barrier.

How is the dentist arranged in Azerbaijan?

  • Public dental care is often cheap and of low quality.
  • Private dentists in Baku offer reasonably good care, but are often expensive.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Azerbaijan?

  • The maternal mortality rate has fallen in Azerbaijan in recent years, but the number is still higher than in the rest of the region. For locals, public hospitals are free/cheap, but public hospitals are often understaffed and outdated.
  • Private clinics offer a better experience, but can be expensive. Most foreigners opt for private insurance that covers maternity care.
  • Home births are rare; most births take place in hospitals.
  • Breastfeeding is rare in Azerbaijan, which may be due to cultural norms and the availability of cheap alternatives to breastfeeding.
  • Abortion is legal up to 12-28 weeks of pregnancy depending on the circumstances.

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

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

  • Baku is relatively safe, with little violence.
  • Police corruption can be a problem in the country.
  • Demonstrations and protests can escalate quickly.
  • Nagorno-Karabakh and the border with Armenia are dangerous. Avoid these areas due to the conflict. Landmines still exist in some border regions.
  • Earthquakes can occur, especially in the north of the country.

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

  • There are various health risks in Azerbaijan. For example, there are insect-borne diseases, diseases that can be transmitted via water and also some diseases for which vaccinations are advisable. Discuss this well before your departure with a vaccination doctor.
  • Altitude sickness can also be a problem in certain mountainous areas. Watch out for headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. Make sure you drink enough water, descend slowly and keep an eye on the symptoms.

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

  • In Baku, traffic is busy and chaotic. There are many traffic jams and the drivers are not always very friendly.
  • Outside Baku, the roads are often poorly maintained. Traffic rules are certainly not always observed.
  • In rural areas, street lighting is often lacking.
  • Fortunately, Baku also has a cheap and efficient metro system.
  • Traffic police are notorious for bribery and kickbacks.
  • For convenience, cab availability and quote in advance, use cab apps such as Bolt or Yandex instead of random cabs.

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

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

  • Health insurance is mandatory for expats who are going to live in Azerbaijan. This can be a local insurance or an international, private insurance that also covers things like medical repatriation and evacuation. The latter is recommended, because care in Azerbaijan can be inadequate in serious situations.
  • Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

 

Azerbaijan: 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 and insurances for Azerbaijan

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

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

How does the healthcare system work in Azerbaijan?

What is the quality of healthcare in Azerbaijan?

  • Azerbaijan has a free public health care system and a private health care system.
  • Most healthcare facilities can be found in Baku.
  • There are many pharmacies in the major cities. In Baku, many pharmacies are also open 24/7.
  • Emergency medical care is available in Batu, but hardly anywhere else. For an ambulance, call 103.

How does the public healthcare system work in Azerbaijan?

  • The public health care system of Azerbaijan is run by the Ministry of Health. And although it is free for residents of the country, several studies have shown that the system does not work well. Fortunately, the government is working on improvements to the system.
  • Health insurance has been mandatory in Azerbaijan since 2021. Azeris are covered by the universal health care system, which includes primary care, physiotherapy, emergency care and vaccinations. The insurance and care is run by the “Management Union of Medical Territorial Units” or TABIB. Most public healthcare facilities can be found in Baku. Outside the city, you will hardly find any public clinics or hospitals. And if they are there, there are often shortages of staff and equipment.
  • As a foreigner, you are not entitled to free healthcare.

How does the private healthcare system work in Azerbaijan?

  • Private healthcare is of much better quality than public healthcare, but is not equally easily available everywhere.
  • Most foreigners opt for private healthcare because of the greater range and the relatively low costs. However, it can also happen in private healthcare that some conditions are too serious or difficult to treat and that medical evacuation is necessary.
  • Private health insurance is mandatory for foreigners living in Azerbaijan. Private insurance can be both local and international. Local insurance is often arranged by the employer, but it may be wise to do your own research into the coverage of this insurance and possibly take out private, international insurance yourself.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Azerbaijan?

  • Azerbaijan operates a general practitioner system (терапевт - terapevt). The intention is that every resident has access to a general practitioner/family doctor.
  • The general practitioner is the first point of contact for problems and a referral from the general practitioner is required for some specialist care under the public system. People are free to choose their own general practitioner. These can usually be found at outpatient clinics.
  • Most expats choose a general practitioner or family doctor through a private clinic because of the better care, shorter waiting times and language barrier.

How is the dentist arranged in Azerbaijan?

  • Public dental care is often cheap and of low quality.
  • Private dentists in Baku offer reasonably good care, but are often expensive.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Azerbaijan?

  • The maternal mortality rate has fallen in Azerbaijan in recent years, but the number is still higher than in the rest of the region. For locals, public hospitals are free/cheap, but public hospitals are often understaffed and outdated.
  • Private clinics offer a better experience, but can be expensive. Most foreigners opt for private insurance that covers maternity care.
  • Home births are rare; most births take place in hospitals.
  • Breastfeeding is rare in Azerbaijan, which may be due to cultural norms and the availability of cheap alternatives to breastfeeding.
  • Abortion is legal up to 12-28 weeks of pregnancy depending on the circumstances.

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

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

  • Baku is relatively safe, with little violence.
  • Police corruption can be a problem in the country.
  • Demonstrations and protests can escalate quickly.
  • Nagorno-Karabakh and the border with Armenia are dangerous. Avoid these areas due to the conflict. Landmines still exist in some border regions.
  • Earthquakes can occur, especially in the north of the country.

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

  • There are various health risks in Azerbaijan. For example, there are insect-borne diseases, diseases that can be transmitted via water and also some diseases for which vaccinations are advisable. Discuss this well before your departure with a vaccination doctor.
  • Altitude sickness can also be a problem in certain mountainous areas. Watch out for headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. Make sure you drink enough water, descend slowly and keep an eye on the symptoms.

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

  • In Baku, traffic is busy and chaotic. There are many traffic jams and the drivers are not always very friendly.
  • Outside Baku, the roads are often poorly maintained. Traffic rules are certainly not always observed.
  • In rural areas, street lighting is often lacking.
  • Fortunately, Baku also has a cheap and efficient metro system.
  • Traffic police are notorious for bribery and kickbacks.
  • For convenience, cab availability and quote in advance, use cab apps such as Bolt or Yandex instead of random cabs.

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

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

  • Health insurance is mandatory for expats who are going to live in Azerbaijan. This can be a local insurance or an international, private insurance that also covers things like medical repatriation and evacuation. The latter is recommended, because care in Azerbaijan can be inadequate in serious situations.
  • Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation 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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