Greenland Health Insurance for Expats

International Health Insurance for Expats in Greenland

Expats moving to Greenland should purchase international health insurance before reaching the country. While Greenland provides comprehensive public health insurance that is free at the point of use, not all expats will qualify. International health insurance ensures high-quality, portable coverage.

Are you an expat considering a move abroad to Greenland? Or maybe you’re a traveler wondering what type of insurance coverage requirements Greenland has before you head on your vacation.

This article will explain the benefits of international insurance in Greenland, give an overview of the country’s healthcare system, compare top insurance plans for Greenland, outline travel advice for the area, and more. 

Pacific Prime can help you find a plan tailored to your needs and budget, whether you’re an expat planning for long-term relocation to Greenland or a globetrotter preparing for your next vacation. Get a free quote or read on to learn more about health insurance in Greenland.

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Greenland

The Healthcare System in Greenland

Greenland’s healthcare system is almost exclusively public, with only a few private facilities for dental, therapy, and substance abuse care. Greenland’s public healthcare is free to its citizens, though care can be sparse, and a shortage of staff is common.

Those living in Greenland are entitled to free coverage for:

• Visits to general practitioners
• Visits to public hospitals, including admission and stay
• Specialist care
• Village consultations, including healthcare stations and health centers
• Home nursing care
• Public dental care
• Prescription medications

Towns across Greenland are remote enough that transportation can only be taken by plane, helicopter, or boat. If you cannot receive necessary medical care in your region, you are entitled to free transportation to an adequate hospital. This is possible with a doctor’s treatment prescription. 

More sparsely populated regions tend to have fewer medical professionals available, exacerbating Greenland’s healthcare complications. When medical complications are serious, patients may be medically evacuated to Iceland or Denmark.

To find more information on the medical services and options available in different regions of Greenland, look by area:

• Region Avannaa
• Region Disko
• Region Qeqqa
• Region Kujataa
• Region Sermersooq

Public Hospitals in Greenland

Greenland has four regional hospitals in Aasiaat, Ilulissat, Sisimiut, and Qaqortoq in addition to the national hospital in Nuuk, Queen Ingrid’s Hospital.

Queen Ingrid’s Hospital: This national hospital serves the entire country as the main resource for specialized care. It opened in 1953 and features 130 beds. The Queen Ingrid Health Center is nearby and offers more primary care options while running separately from the hospital.

Address: 5796+QP7, DIH, Dronning Ingridsvej, Nuuk 3900, Greenland

Phone number: 299 34 40 00

Aasiaat Regional Hospital

Address: P46P+F5G, Niels Egedesvej, Egedesminde, Greenland

Phone number: 299 89 22 11

Ilulissat Regional Hospital

Address: Napparsimaviup Aqq. 4, Ilulissat 3952, Greenland

Phone number: 299 94 32 11

Sisimiut Regional Hospital

Address: 3911, Sisimiut 3911, Greenland

Phone number: 299 86 42 11

Qaqortoq Regional Hospital

Address: PXF4+488, Qaqortoq, Greenland

Phone number: 299 64 22 11

Private Hospitals in Greenland

There are very few private medical facilities in Greenland. Expats seeking out private care should purchase international health insurance to qualify for care in other nearby countries.

Health Insurance Options in Greenland for Expats 

Those seeking top-quality expat insurance in Greenland should opt for international health insurance to supplement the public healthcare system. Greenland’s public system is extensive, and most services are free, but the quality of care is spotty. 

Public Insurance in Greenland

Residents in Greenland are entitled to the same healthcare benefits offered to the nation’s citizens. This includes those from Denmark or the Faroe Islands working in Greenland and who have medical emergencies. To qualify for public healthcare, expats must register as permanent residents.

Individuals can also be covered under the Nordic Convention on Social Security when living within Denmark (including Greenland and the Faroe Islands), Finland (including Åland), Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. However, the European Health Insurance Card is not accepted in Greenland.

Private Insurance in Greenland

The best private health insurance for expats in Greenland is international health insurance. International health insurance ensures you receive high-quality care worldwide, customization options, and medical evacuation coverage (which is highly desirable for Greenland).

Some of the benefits often included with international health insurance include:

• Worldwide coverage
• Inpatient and day patient care
• Cancer care
• Mental health care
• Emergency ambulatory services and ER care
• Palliative care
• Home nursing
• Lab work and testing
• Prescription medications
• Emergency dental care
• Rehabilitation

International health insurance provides portable care regardless of country, so expats can access top-tier facilities worldwide. Portability is important for expats in Greenland since medical evacuation is otherwise very expensive, and many patients needing serious treatment receive care outside of the country.

Individuals who choose an international insurance plan also enjoy the luxury of picking which benefits they need, with flexible options to renew their policies. Expats may also consider add-on benefits for vision, dental, maternity, and preventive care. 

To find a personalized plan, speak to our expert insurance advisors today as you begin your adventure in Greenland.

Best Private Insurance Providers for Expats in Greenland

Some of the best private health insurance providers for expats in Greenland include Allianz, AXA, Cigna, NOW Health, and William Russell. Learn more about each provider below, read our article on the top 10 international health insurance providers for more suggestions, or get a free quote now.

Allianz

Allianz is one of the largest international health insurance providers worldwide. Their Allianz Care, Allianz Care Plus, and Allianz Care Pro offer ideal coverage for Greenland expats. All three plans cover inpatient and day-care services, oncology treatment, and medical evacuation.

The annual limit per plan is:

• Care plan: USD $2,500,000
• Care Plus plan: USD $4,000,000
• Care Pro plan: USD $5,00,000

Expats seeking the most comprehensive care should consider the Care Pro plan, with more budget-friendly options found in the Care Plus or Care plans. 

Beyond the core benefits offered in each plan, expats may purchase add-on riders for further coverage, with offerings for an outpatient plan, a dental plan, a repatriation plan, and a maternity plan.

AXA

AXA offers five international plans: their Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus plans. These plans include valuable services for expats such as 24/7 personal support, claims repayment within 48 hours, second medical opinions, and virtual doctor visits. 

The plans all offer coverage for:

For those needing extra coverage, the Prestige and Prestige Plus plans also cover routine pregnancy care and annual health checks.

The annual limit of each plan is:

• Foundation plan: USD $160,000
• Standard plan: USD $1,600,000
• Comprehensive plan: USD $2,400,000
• Prestige plan: USD $3,200,000
• Prestige Plus plan: USD $8,00,000

Cigna

Cigna is known worldwide as a leading health insurance provider. They provide excellent coverage of inpatient and outpatient services for expats through their Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans as well as their Close Care plan. The core benefits included in these plans are:

Expats have the option to customize their plan for their health and lifestyle needs, with some popular add-on benefits including: 

• Dental and vision benefits
• Evacuation and Crisis Assistance Plus™
• Outpatient services
• Health and wellbeing services

The Silver, Gold, and Platinum plan all offer international coverage, while the Close Care plan only offers coverage in Greenland and the expat’s home country as a cost-effective option. 

The annual limits for each plan are: 

• USD $1,000,000 for the Silver plan
• USD $2,000,000 for the Gold plan
• An unlimited annual maximum for the Platinum plan 
• USD $500,000 for the Close Care plan 

NOW Health

NOW Health offers its WorldCare and SimpleCare plans with different tiers of coverage across both plans. Through their WorldCare plan, expats can choose from four tiers of coverage, and through the SimpleCare plan, expats can choose from three tiers of coverage. 

The SimpleCare plan helps expats save on premium costs. Note that expats cannot receive elective coverage in the United States under the SimpleCare plan. Under the SimpleCare plan, annual limits are:

• USD $1,000,000 for the SimpleCare Core tier
• USD $1,500,000 for the SimpleCare 100 tier
• USD $1,500,000 for the SimpleCare 250 tier

The WorldCare plans from NOW Health offer more comprehensive care, and the copay options help expats lower their monthly premiums. Under the WorldCare plan, annual limits are:

• USD $3,000,000 for the Essential tier
• USD $3,500,000 for the Advance tier
• USD $4,000,000 for the Excel tier
• USD $4,500,000 for the Apex tier

William Russell

William Russell offers their Bronze, SilverLite, Silver, and Gold plans for access to a wide network of top providers worldwide. All of William Russell’s plans offer full coverage for hospitalization costs, cancer treatment, and medical evacuation, with premium plans offering additional benefits. 

Let’s at a closer look at some of the benefits and limits of William Russell’s international health insurance plans for expats:

Annual Benefit Limits of William Russell Medical Insurance Plans
	Bronze	SilverLite	Silver	Gold
Annual Benefit Limit	USD $1.5 million	USD $1.5 million	USD $2.5 million	USD $5 million

William Russell Plan Comparison for Hospital Coverage Options
	Bronze	SilverLite	Silver	Gold
Hospital Accommodations	Semi-private room (option to upgrade to a private room)	Semi-private room (option to upgrade to a private room)	Private room	Private room
Hospital Treatment	Full coverage	Full coverage	Full coverage	Full coverage
Parent Accommodation	Full coverage	Full coverage	Full coverage	Full coverage
Local ambulance	Full coverage	Up to USD $1,600	Full coverage	Full coverage
Hospital Cash benefit	Up to USD $150 per night (maximum of 60 nights)	Up to USD $200 per night (maximum of 60 nights)	Up to USD $200 per night (maximum of 60 nights)	Up to USD $350 per night (maximum of 60 nights)
Advanced Diagnostic Tests	Full coverage	Full coverage	Full coverage	Full coverage

In Greenland, it is especially important that expats secure medical evacuation coverage as serious treatment may not be available. William Russell’s rates for evac coverage are: 

William Russell Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains Benefits
	Bronze	SilverLite	Silver	Gold
Emergency Medical Evacuation	Full coverage	Full coverage	Full coverage	Full coverage
Repatriation of Mortal Remains	Full coverage	Up to USD $5,000	Full coverage	Full coverage

Facts to Consider When Picking Insurance in Greenland

Expats comparing private insurance plans should consider an insurer's reputation, the size of the provider network, and whether direct billing options are available in addition to personal health and budget needs. We’ve listed the main factors to keep in mind below:

1. Your Budget: Your health history, desired coverage, extra benefits, age, and gender determine the cost of your insurance plan. When breaking down your budget, consider the following costs:

• Premiums are the amount you pay each month for health insurance. 
• Deductibles are the amount you pay before your insurance covers costs. 
• Copays are the amount you pay for medical visits, like doctor’s visits. 
• Coinsurance is the coverage percentage you pay once you have met your deductible. 
• The out-of-pocket maximum is the total maximum amount you may pay for health care within a term.

2. Plan Limits: Different plans offer varied coverage limits, meaning the maximum amount the insurer will pay for medical expenses. International health insurance limits are usually annual. Verify that plan limits align with your healthcare needs, especially if you often receive serious care.

3. Range of Benefits: Expats should evaluate which plans provide extensive coverage, including inpatient, outpatient, and preventive care. Remember to look for coverage for maternity care, mental health services, and prescription medications, when applicable.

4. Exclusions: Many plans have exclusions, so carefully review your policy or seek professional help from a broker. Many plans do not cover pre-existing conditions, elective surgery, or alternative therapies. If you receive treatment for excluded care, you will have to cover the costs out of pocket.

5. Direct Billing Options: Some providers provide direct billing, which allows expats to receive treatment upfront before payment, alleviating financial stress and streamlining the medical process. 

6. Medical Evacuation: Confirm that your plan includes medical evacuation coverage. This is essential for expats and travelers in Greenland. Medical evacuation addresses the costs of transporting you to another location or country for necessary medical care.

Health and Safety Tips for Travelers in Greenland

Greenland is considered a safe place to travel, but visitors are encouraged to increase their caution because of hazards from extreme weather paired with minimal emergency services.

Purchase Travel Insurance

Those who visit Greenland briefly are best covered by travel insurance. Travel medical insurance covers medical emergencies during your vacation, such as emergency care or repatriation. Make sure any insurance you purchase covers emergency evacuation.

Pair travel medical insurance with traditional travel insurance to receive comprehensive coverage against most travel mishaps. Travel insurance usually covers:

• Trip cancellation
• Delayed departure
• Personal belongings
• Lost luggage
• Travel documents
• Personal liability

If travel insurance fits your needs, read more about top insurers in this guide. 

Consider a Professional Guide

Because of Greenland’s sparse population and exposure to harsh weather, visitors are encouraged to hire professional guides, such as the AECO. Professional guides not only keep you safe but also cover logistics, provide local expert knowledge, and offer tailored excursions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is healthcare in Greenland?

Greenland’s comprehensive public healthcare is free at the point of service for permanent residents and citizens. Even nonresidents like tourists can receive care for acute illnesses and accidents.

What language do they speak in Greenland?

Greenlandic is the official language in Greenland, but Danish and English are also spoken.

Is Greenland a good destination for tourists?

Tourists who want to see the Northern Lights, the midnight sun, incredible fjords, stunning wilderness, and varied wildlife love to visit Greenland. The Inuit culture also provides a rich heritage for visitors to learn about traditions and customs.

Is Greenland a good place for expats to live?

Expats who enjoy a quiet, arctic lifestyle may enjoy Greenland. However, the cost of living is expensive; language barriers may be difficult; and isolation may cause distress.

Compare Plans and Quotes Now

Greenland’s public healthcare may be sufficient for most expats, but private health insurance is highly recommended for any expat who wants to ensure they have access to high-quality medical care wherever they are in the country and worldwide. 

Pacific Prime boasts over 20 years of experience helping expats and travelers like you find insurance plans that fit your needs and budget. By contacting a broker from Pacific Prime, you guarantee that you get the information to find the right plan for you. 

Pacific Prime offers travel insurance policies and health insurance plans as well as benefit packages for inpatient, outpatient, maternity, and dental care. Contact our expert advisors to get a free, no-obligation quote or impartial advice, and experience the peace of mind our plans can offer. 

If you found this article helpful, expats may also benefit from our articles on Gibraltar and Guam.