Greenland

Greenland: Travel Health Information

Greenland is known for its vast arctic landscapes including icebergs and glaciers. Popular attractions include hiking the Arctic Circle Trail and seeing the country’s wildlife such as whales, seals, walruses, and polar bears.

Healthcare

The standards for patient care and medical services in Greenland may differ from your home country. Greenland has a public healthcare system. The quality of healthcare is generally considered to be below international standards. There are four regional hospitals in Aasiaat, Ilulissat, Sisimiut and Qaqortoq and a national hospital in Nuuk. Each town has a medical clinic but in remote areas, clinics frequently suffer from staff shortages. Medical emergencies will usually require evacuation. Many towns in Greenland are far apart and travellers may have to travel by plane, helicopter, or boat to access medical care.

In the event of a medical emergency, contact your travel health insurance company immediately. Hospitals and private practitioners in Greenland typically require upfront payment, regardless if you have travel health insurance. Evacuation to Iceland or Denmark may be required for complex medical emergencies. Ensure that you have accessible funds to cover upfront fees and adequate travel health insurance, including evacuation. Before you depart, check with your insurer about the extent of their coverage in Greenland.

Pharmacies and medications

Some medications may be in short supply or unavailable. Ensure you pack a sufficient supply of essential medication for the duration of your trip.

If you are travelling with medication, check with Greenland’s embassy, consulate, or Ministry of Health for details on medication allowances and restrictions. Note that these sources may provide incomplete or out-of-date information.

Road safety

There are no roads or railways between towns in Greenland. Most transportation is by boat or plane. Arctic conditions may also make travel difficult.

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