How does the healthcare system work in Greenland?

What is the quality of healthcare in Greenland?

• Greenland, the large piece of Denmark, far from Europe. The country is under Danish rule, but has it's own parliament and also its own health care system.
• The health care is of a reasonable standard, but comes with a huge challenge. Which is not so strange, in a country where the average temperature never exceeds 10 degrees Celsius.
• The country has higher mortality rates, lower life expectancy and higher infant mortality rates than other Nordic countries, but that is probably mainly due to the harsh conditions in the country.
• Only in Nuuk, the capital, is there a hospital with all the complicated modern facilities. In the rest of the country, the options are thinned out.
• The lack of transport in the country makes it difficult to receive good, and especially urgent, care.
• For complex medical treatments, people are often referred to Denmark and due to the extreme weather conditions and limited infrastructure, evacuations by helicopter or plane may be necessary in the event of a medical emergency.
• Pharmacies in Greenland are often connected to hospitals or health centers. There are also a few independent pharmacies in the capital. Some medicines can be in short supply, so if you are dependent on specific medicines, it may be useful to bring your own.
• In the event of a medical emergency, call 112. In remote areas, helicopters and vulnerable areas are used to transport patients. Make sure you are well covered for these types of evacuations to avoid high costs!

How does the public healthcare system work in Greenland?

• If you are registered as a resident of Greenland, you are entitled to free healthcare and medicines. Common services include GP visits, care in public hospitals, public dental care, medical specialists, mandatory medicines and home care. In some cases, your medical transport will also be reimbursed.
• Most medical facilities are located in larger towns such as Nuuk, Sisimiut and Ilulissat.
• In small settlements, there are health centres staffed by nurses or paramedics, with support from remote doctors via telemedicine.

How does the private healthcare system work in Greenland?

• Unlike many other countries, private healthcare in Greenland is very limited. There are mainly private hospitals and clinics, which is not surprising since there is of course little money to be made with such a small population.
• Most foreigners choose to go abroad for specialized treatments.
• Special health insurance can help cover additional costs, especially when it comes to evacuations for these types of treatments outside of Greenland.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Greenland?

• In Greenland, general practitioner care is an important part of the healthcare system. In the larger cities, general practitioners work from health centers or hospitals, but in the smaller steps, nurses or paramedics often take on this care.
• Because doctors in Greenland often have to treat a range of conditions, they are often both specialists and general practitioners!

How is the dentist arranged in Greenland?

• Dental care in Greenland is of good quality, but it can be limited outside the larger cities.
• Residents are entitled to free or subsidized treatments in public healthcare. In remote areas, mobile clinics are used to provide basic care.
• There are hardly any specialist dentists. Specialist care can be outsourced to Denmark.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Greenland?

• Maternity care is good in Greenland, but limited. All pregnant women have access to the same tests, but the process can be different depending on where you live. You will receive a blood and urine test, a preventive test for hereditary diseases, a test for STDs and various checks by a woman. You are also entitled to ultrasound scans during pregnancy.
• In Nuuk, you must contact the Dronning Ingrid Health Centre, after which you will be assigned a midwife. In coastal towns with a hospital, you must contact the local hospital. In villages without a hospital, care comes from the health station. From here, a nurse will contact the nearest hospital where you will receive 2-3 visits during pregnancy. Women with risk factors are referred to the hospital in Nuuk, the only place where this type of pregnancy can be properly monitored. This usually means that women travel to Nuuk a few weeks (at least 3) before the due date and stay there in the hospital of the patient hotel.
• All deliveries in Nuuk take place in the Dronning Ingrid Hospital. A caesarean section can also occur here. Outside Nuuk, the birth takes place in the nearby hospital.
• The transport costs for mothers who live in villages and have to travel to the city are covered by the government. As is the stay in Nuuk in case of complications. The partner must pay the costs themselves, except in the case of twins, in which case the costs are partly covered for both.

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

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

• Climate and nature: Greenland has an extreme climate. The temperatures are low and the country is almost completely covered in ice. Bad and dangerous weather conditions can also often occur. Think of storms and heavy snowfall. So make sure you always have suitable clothing with you and inform others of your plans.

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

• In Greenland, the danger lies mainly in the cold.
• Due to the extreme cold, hypothermia and frostbite can be a major risk.
• Reflection of the sun on snow and ice can lead to serious eye irritation and damage, such as snow blindness.

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

• Road networks are limited to urban areas. Travel between settlements is mainly by boat, plane or snowmobile, depending on the season.
• Which work and travel insurances are suitable for short and long stays in Greenland

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

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

• For a long-term stay where you register in Greenland, international insurance is not necessarily required because healthcare is free. However, it can be wise, because it offers the possibility of seeking healthcare abroad. If you do not register in Greenland, health insurance is an absolute must because of the high costs for evacuation, transport and healthcare.
• Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.