In 2024, the healthcare industry will continue to grow due to the increasing need for healthcare services and the likely need to replace current employees. Find out more about all the necessary steps to get a job abroad in the healthcare sector

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The World Health Organization has been emphasizing the acute shortage of workers for quite a long time. In particular, experts predict that by 2030 the world will lack more than 18 million doctors. The shortage of doctors is greatest in developed countries, such as the USA, Great Britain, Germany, Sweden, Australia, Singapore and Japan.

With the growing demand for workers in the field, there are huge opportunities for doctors in the global healthcare sector. More and more specialists choose employment abroad, because it is accompanied by the advantages of an attractive salary, a better standard of living, the opportunity to work with professionals in their field and on state-of-the-art equipment, as well as pleasant prospects for future travels.

In an effort to attract international talent, some countries even pay for language courses for their employees, sponsor relocation, offer specialists preferential terms, etc.

Given the high demand, it's safe to say that now is the best time to look for healthcare jobs abroad. How to find it quickly? A detailed guide follows.

Step 1 – Choose the country to move to

Before planning employment abroad, it is necessary to decide on the country to which it is better to move, for this:

1. Find out how the health care system works in other countries. This information will help you find out how suitable a particular state is for you, as well as what career opportunities are likely to be available there in the future.

2. Pay attention to the states where many of your compatriots live. Read forums of medical professionals in social networks. Find out which countries are most often discussed as a place to work. Also, on these resources you can find states where there is the highest demand for your profession and get advice from colleagues.

3. Analyze which countries your country has signed treaties or memorandums of cooperation with. Such agreements will facilitate faster visa processing, simplified conditions for employment, etc.

After the analysis, choose 1-2 countries in which you want to work and focus your efforts on them.

Step 2 – Check your qualifications

Working as a nurse or doctor in any country requires special qualifications. Although most of them are recognized worldwide, in order to start work in some countries, the candidate may have to confirm his level or take additional courses.

In addition, knowing the language of the destination country is not just a recommendation, it is often a requirement. Be sure to take the courses and add the appropriate certificates to your package of documents.

Stage 3 – Prepare the required package of documents

It is extremely important to distinguish between the visa requirements, work permits and other legal provisions of the country in which you intend to work.

In most states, a work visa is required for employment. To get it, you must meet certain requirements and prepare a package of documents, which usually includes: resume/CV, valid passport, professional license, work experience certificates, college/university diploma, internship certificates, health insurance policy, etc.

The rules of entry and legal stay in all countries of the world for citizens of any state are collected on the Visit World portal.

Stage 4 – Improve the level of your knowledge

Health workers must constantly improve their skills, this can be done while training and job hunting. Be sure to study protocols, developments and innovations in the field of health care of the country to which you are planning to move. It will also help build trust with potential employers.

Also, familiarize yourself with the electronic medical record systems and other digital platforms used in your new workplace, this can make the move easier.

Step 5 – Find out about local health problems

Each region has its own unique set of health challenges. Whether it is specific endemic diseases or common diseases, understanding these challenges will allow you to adapt more easily. 

Also note that each culture has its own view of ethics, especially in the medical field. What is considered ethical in one country may not be acceptable in another.

Step 6 – Update your resume

The resume contains important information about the candidate's work experience, qualifications, education and skills. This is a very important document that needs to be maintained and updated regularly. A digital resume is often the first document an employer sees, and it should convince the recruiter to invite you for an interview.

Step 7 – Start looking for a job

Thanks to technology, searching for a suitable position in the healthcare industry is simple and convenient. Today, there are many platforms that collect vacancies in different parts of the world:

- Head Medical;

- EuroLanguageJob;

- Careerland-center;

- MSI International;

- Linkedin.

Stage 8 – Before signing the contract

Before you sign a contract, check the average salary scale and benefits for doctors in your chosen country. Also, find out about possible subsidies for housing, health insurance or education offered by your future employer.

If the contract is written in a foreign language, consult a lawyer before signing the document. Such a simple step will protect you from trouble in the future.

Working as a doctor abroad will give you the prospect of career growth and new experiences, but the move is closely related to certain challenges. Therefore, before packing your bags, find out all the specifics and prepare in detail for the move.

Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit World

To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need travel insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.