Health Care

 

Like many European countries health care is provided to its citizens by the government. If you become sick or injured while living or working in the Faores your doctor visits and hospital treatments are free of charge.This service is financed through tax revenue and is primarily public. Dental services are free to all individuals under sixteen.

 

Citizens of the Nordic countries and Great Britain have the same free benefits should they become injured or ill in the Faroes. Other individuals need to purchase travel health insurance while staying on the islands. Their system is a National Health Insurance which citizens contribute to and includes all medical treatment. Exceptions apply to dental, some medicines and specialized treatments. Pregnant women have access to free childbirth regardless of their nationality.   

 

Because my father is a funeral director he insisted that I find out about burial customs in the Faroes. The funeral ritual in the Faroes is similar to ours although it appears their cremation rate is much lower than ours. Funerals take place in a church followed by a procession to the cemetery for burial and then a reception at the deceased or a close relative’s home.