We all like the idea of an adventure, whether it be an exhilarating holiday, taking part in a new activity, or starting a new life abroad.
For many of us, the chance to move abroad is one we grasp with both hands. Immersing yourself in a new culture, perhaps earning more money, meeting new people and embracing a new career all make it alluring. For the majority who do it, moving abroad is a safe and carefully planned mission. Typically, safe countries like Spain, France, Australia and Canada often top lists of destinations people settle in as expats. However, there are some high-risk countries that are either too tempting to miss out on or become home due to an employment relocation.
In this blog, we look at the high-risk countries where your expat insurance policy just may not offer enough protection to warrant the move.
What is classed as a high-risk country?
Risk, as we know, comes in many forms and when travelling, you can be presented with a host of them. Countries are normally defined as high-risk if they put travellers at risk frequently. This risk could be health, safety, or even a financial risk.
For example, North Korea is seen as a high-risk country, yet it is not technically at war with anyone. However, its view of the Western world could put visitors from that area at more risk than others. Likewise, China has often been ranked as one of the countries with the best healthcare in the world, yet it is frequently viewed as a high-risk destination to visit.
Countries in the middle of conflict that have high crime rates, or healthcare concerns will often be flagged up on government websites as high-risk with travel to them not recommended. Sometimes though, it may be as simple as imposed sanctions making it impossible for insurers to operate in certain countries, therefore making claims practically impossible. Nations such as Cuba and Iran currently face varying levels of sanctions and insurers may opt not to provide coverage for these places.
Current high-risk countries include Afghanistan, Somalia, Syria, Sudan, Haiti, Niger, Venezuela, North Korea, Russia, Rwanda and Libya.
We have highlighted five where you may find that international health insurance may not cover you as you may have hoped.
1. North Korea
We’ve mentioned it a couple of times so let’s start with the DPRK. A nation that fills many with curiosity, North Korea does attract a higher than you’d expect number of tourists. Pre-covid, it was estimated that 300,000 visited each year. The majority were from China and only 5,000 were from the West. It is slowly opening its borders to visitors again after a 4-year long shutdown, but it should be given a great deal of consideration.
Whilst North Korea has stunning countryside and an intriguing history, it is not an ideal place for tourists. Healthcare is in a poor state and the risk of arrest is quite high. Straying from a tour guide, taking photos you are not authorised to take or simply bringing a book that does not meet their guidelines could see you arrested and sent to a labour camp with no real idea of when you could be released. The vast undeveloped healthcare system means that access to medical support is minimal at best, especially for foreigners. Repatriation may prove impossible due to the political tensions between the country and other nations and the chances of any form of treatment are limited.
2. Libya
The chances of getting approved for international travel insurance for Libya could be quite remote. Since the fall of Gaddafi in 2011, the country has been in a constant state of unrest. Conflicts between varying factions and a high risk of terrorism-related activity put lives at risk daily. Injuries and deaths resulting from these are common as is the chance for kidnapping. In terms of healthcare, Libya has gone backwards rather than forwards. In the past, it was praised for the free offering it gave citizens but now, with the constant conflict, the health service has been extremely depleted. Hospitals, emergency transport and medical professionals are not of a suitable standard, and in some cases non-existent. Many governments have issued “Do Not Travel” warnings for Libya such is the level of risk.
3. Ethiopia
Ethiopia is seen as a high-risk country for many reasons. Despite pledges and spending by the government to turn things around, the country is still struggling in a host of areas. Conflicts between provinces and the occasional breach by forces from across the border leave hopes of peace dangling. Such trouble increases disruption to infrastructure and supply chains for both food and medicine are often compromised resulting in national shortages. Healthcare in general is in a poor state. A recent study by BMC Health Services assessed 424 facilities, of which more than 150 were hospitals, the quality was graded as low across them all. Unfortunately, such is the poor standard that Yellow Fever, Malaria, Zika Virus, and more are all present. Water-borne diseases are extremely common too. The ambulance service is limited, dentistry is more or less non-existent and outside of the capital, finding suitable medical help is virtually impossible. Private facilities do exist but at best, offer a basic level of healthcare.
4. Haiti
Haiti is a country like the others on our list that contains several risks that may make insurers think twice about offering coverage. Haiti has a poor healthcare system that struggles with severe resource limitations. From a lack of equipment to a lack of staff to a lack of facilities, healthcare on the whole struggles in Haiti.
Infectious diseases are rife with cholera, TB and malaria commonplace. Even preventable diseases that can be managed in many cases remain major killers throughout Haiti. Unfortunately, even the hospitals aren’t equipped to help and lack even the basics you’d expect anywhere. Many hospitals are lacking in a clean water supply, have unreliable electricity and struggle to stock medications. Rural areas feel this even more so, where only one doctor may be available for every 10,000 people. Adding the substantial natural disasters Haiti often faces only adds to the difficulty in getting a suitable insurance policy.
5. Venezuela
Many countries in South America are alluring to visitors. Spectacular scenery, new cultures and incredible history make it easy to see why so many nations in the area become bucket list objectives for many. Unfortunately, Venezuela is one you may have to steer clear of. The US and UK governments are among many who issue “Do Not Travel” guidance relating to Venezuela. At present the country is very unstable politically but is also in a concerning position economically. Hyperinflation and extreme shortages of basic goods have caused havoc and seen many public systems more or less collapse. Healthcare, security and sanitation are now in a state of extremely poor quality. To add to this crime rates for kidnapping, robbery and murder are very high.
The healthcare system has become significantly worse during this instability with basic supplies and medications hard to come by. In some cases, hospitals even struggle to turn the lights on, such is the problem with the electricity supply. Many diseases were easily treatable in Venezuela but now, with inadequate medical provisions, cases of malaria and TB for example have surged.
Appropriate international health insurance is essential for the best possible coverage but in many countries, even their private services do not match up to the standards set by those seen in Switzerland, Scandinavia, South Korea and more. Certain policies will help evacuate you so you can get the best possible treatment but getting out of those countries can be much harder than getting in. You should always follow government advice and consult your insurer before booking any trip. That way, you can assess the risks a little more thoroughly before you plan to depart.