Medical Information
While free medical care is available in Santa Elena, it is also important to have travel insurance.
Medical care
Free medical care is available in the Santa Elena town hospital and across the border in Brazil (about 15km) there is a hospital too. There are also private doctors and dentists, who charge about 10 USD per visit. In case of more serious medical needs, there is a good hospital in Boa Vista, Brazil, 2 hours drive with ambulance service. Free Yellow Fever Vaccinations can be received at the local hospital
Pre-Departure
When traveling in Latin America there are certain considerations you should take regarding your health. You should visit a doctor prior to departure if you have any illness or ailments that may recur during your trip and inform your travel insurance provider of any relevant pre-existing conditions. It is also a good idea to have a dental check up before you depart. Please make sure that the ground team are aware of any relevant medical conditions or allergies.
Area Diseases
The geography and climate, in certain areas can cause problems. In the Amazon and in coastal areas insect borne diseases are risks if you don’t take the proper precautions. Santa Elena is located on 1000 m above sea level and Malaria or Dengue Fever is very rare (mostly people infect themselves in the goldmines of the lowlands and than discover the sickness while visiting Santa Elena. The local climate and altitude does not allow Dengue or Malaria to propagate)
But reality got me soon, as working in the grounds means lots of sweat, lots of puri-puri. Reality has the PVF in her arms, as well- and I learnt, what it means to keep going a small beneficiary foundation, in such an un-influencable surrounding.
∼ Philipp Christian Marśanić / Munich, Germany
Travel/health insurance?
Yes! It is important to check with your insurance company before you leave to determine whether or not you are covered during international travel. If not, travel insurance should be purchased for the duration of your trip. Check with your insurance agent, or contact Council Travel if you are a student. We highly recommend you taking out at least a basic insurance covering yourself and your property.
Vaccinations
The following vaccinations/tablets are recommended:
Please note, these are only recommendations, and you should check with your local health organization for a recent update on what vaccinations/medications are required.
Yellow Fever
If you wish to travel on to Brazil after spending time in Venezuela, you will need to have certification that you have had a Yellow Fever vaccination. Yellow Fever Cards are checked at the border when entering Brazil from Venezuela, so please remember to bring yours or receive the vaccination for free on the border.
Smoking/ Alcohol/ Drugs
Smoking and drinking is acceptable in Venezuela and readily available, however, please respect other people.
Smoking is not permissible in volunteer apartments or the host families’ homes. Smoking follows European habits and in most cases it will be obvious where you should not smoke. Bear in mind that some public buildings are also non-smoking areas.
Drinking is only permissible in moderation and must not impact on your program. While we want you to have fun in your free time, antisocial behavior will not be tolerated.