Why study, do an internship, volunteer or work temporarily in Nepal?

• because in Kathmandu there is a high density of Foundations and a lot of choice to use your talents in good and different ways is with internship, volunteer or paid work.
• because the cost of living, study and accommodation is relatively low.
• because you can have fun with outdoor activities such as hiking, paragliding, climbing and rafting.

What should you pay attention to?

• that you are well informed about the latest security updates. Political developments are unpredictable.

How does the healthcare system work in Nepal?

What is the quality of healthcare in Nepal?

• Visiting and staying in Nepal does entail some health risks. Not only because of the high mountains, but also because of the hygiene in the country and the state of health care. The government is working on it, but many problems remain.
• The health care system consists of public institutions, private institutions, volunteers and community workers.
• The best health centers can be found in Kathmandu. Pokhara also has some private institutions that provide reasonable care, but for better examinations and care it is necessary to go to Kathmandu.
• As a foreigner, you may not feel comfortable when you need care in Kathmandu. The quality is poor compared to the West, even at some private institutions. Expats can get basic care and basic operations in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but evacuation to neighboring countries such as India is quickly necessary in serious cases, as well as evacuations by helicopter from the mountains. International health insurance is therefore an absolute must in this country. Almost all healthcare, with the exception of a few private clinics such as CIWEC, is paid in cash. So make sure you have cash with you so that you can get care.
• There are many pharmacies in the country, but not all pharmacies actually have well-trained employees. So don't expect good advice at a pharmacy. Many medicines are available without a prescription, such as altitude sickness pills and antibiotics. Private pharmacies often have better-trained employees and sometimes offer diagnostic services.
• Call 102 for emergency ambulance services.  

How does the public healthcare system work in Nepal?

• There is a public, government-run insurance system. This system covers vaccinations, pregnancy care and medication, among other things. To participate, an annual fee must be paid per household. However, few Nepalese are interested in this, which means that the public health insurance system does not really work.
• The quality of public healthcare is substandard. Hygiene leaves much to be desired, as do the qualities of many doctors and the facilities. Also expect that as a foreigner you will pay more than a local and that you will have little insight into the costs of your treatment. Treatment in a public institution can go well, but it can also be that you are misdiagnosed, that you are more likely to catch something new from your visit than that it does you any good and that procedures are different from what you are used to.

How does the private healthcare system work in Nepal?

• Most foreigners living in Nepal use private healthcare, because of the cleaner facilities and often better doctors and equipment.
• The costs for private healthcare can be quite high and you often do not get a clear insight into prices. The costs for a consultation can be made up out of thin air, because people know that you are covered by insurance. A consultation with a doctor quickly costs around 80 USD. Sometimes you can get a discount if you haggle a bit.
• The best private institutions can be found in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Private healthcare in rural areas largely consists of practices focused on traditional medicines.
• Relatively good healthcare institutions are CIWEC and Nepal International Clinic. You can often walk in and be seen immediately.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Nepal?

• There is no general practitioner system, like in the rest of Asia. People generally go straight to a specialist. General practitioners can be found at private clinics and primary diagnostic services can also be found at some private pharmacies.

How is the dentist arranged in Nepal?

• In Nepal, dental care is available at both public and private health facilities. However, you probably don't want to go to both.
• Public health care suffers from unhygienic practices and doctors and facilities that are often not up-to-date.
• Private practices are slightly better, but often leave much to be desired. If you need to go to the dentist in Nepal, ask other expats for advice on a good practice and expect to have to go to Kathmandu or Pokhara.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Nepal?

• In Nepal, maternity care is rarely used. For example, the government recommends 4 prenatal visits, but most women do not follow this advice. There is even a program, “Aama Suraksha,” that offers rewards to women who complete the visits and have the birth in a health facility.
• Barriers to using Western care include cultural considerations, living in remote areas, poor quality health care, financial considerations, and discrimination. Pregnancy in Nepal relies heavily on traditional belief systems and the wishes of gods and traditional practices. One of those things is that the placenta is often buried in Nepal to protect the baby.
• Only slightly more than a third of births in Nepal take place in a health facility. The rest generally take place in the home, in the traditional manner. Caesarean sections are rare.
• Due to the state of health care and the health risks, it is wiser for foreign women to complete the pregnancy and birth in another country. Private clinics cannot always provide the necessary medical care either.

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

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

• Nepal is generally safe for everyone, but petty crime does occur. Especially in busy places, you should keep a close eye on your belongings.
• In the evening, you are more likely to be harassed or robbed, depending on where you are. Do not seek out dark or deserted alleys and, especially as a woman, seek company to walk with.
• Nepal is located in an earthquake-prone zone. If you live there for a long time, it is wise to be prepared and know evacuation routes. Many accidents can happen in the mountains, all year round, but especially in the rainy season. Every year, foreigners disappear in the mountains. It is not without reason that it is now mandatory to go on a trip with a guide and to fill out a form about your route plan.
• Be careful with landslides and floods in the rainy season. Conditions can change within a few hours and places can become inaccessible.

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

• Diseases remain a major problem in Nepal. For example, diarrhea, tuberculosis and leprosy are common.
• Rabies is also a major problem in Nepal. Be careful with dogs and get the vaccinations immediately if you are bitten, licked or scratched.
• Almost every traveler or foreigner who lives in Nepal will have to deal with some kind of illness related to food. Think of things like food poisoning, parasites and the E. coli bacteria. You can also get it all at once and become very seriously ill.
• Tap water is far from drinkable. Always drink filtered or well-boiled water. In the mountains, locals sometimes say that you can drink the water there because it is so pure, but many foreigners also get sick from it. It is therefore better to avoid it, especially because you are far away from medical help.
• Because food poisoning and parasites are a major problem, it is wise to eat well-cooked food and avoid salads unless you are at a restaurant that you know is good.
• Mosquito-borne diseases are also a major problem in Nepal. Dengue in particular is very common. So make sure you protect yourself well against mosquitoes by wearing covering clothing and using spray.

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

• Largely located in the Himalayas, transport in Nepal is quite limited. This applies in particular to the areas in the north, which can even be completely closed off during the rainy season due to landslides and flooding.
• Traffic is chaotic, especially in Kathmandu. Expect crowds, honking, being run over and no traffic rules.
• Roads are good in some places, but generally bad and full of holes. For example, a trip from Kathmandu to Pokhara (about 240 km) takes between 7-14 hours.
• Officially, people drive on the left side of the road, but be prepared for this rule to be thrown overboard often.
• Another important means of transport is the plane. Flights for locals are relatively affordable, but different prices apply for foreigners. Flights are fast and generally good and easy, but accidents do happen almost every year.

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

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

• Nepal is one of those countries with a lot of risks and where good, international health insurance is a must. A good insurance covers you for care abroad medical evacuations and repatriation. Also pay attention to coverage for helicopter flights if you need to be rescued in the mountains.
• Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.