FAQs

Do I have to go with a group?

No.  If you serve with Hospitals of Hope in Bolivia, you can go for as long or as short a time as you would like, with or without a group.  If you are traveling to Liberia or another location, you will need to either travel with the group or meet up with the group at the location.

Do I need medical malpractice insurance?

If you are a fully licensed doctor and will be working on your own, you will need medical malpractice insurance.  If you are a student who will be working under supervision, you do not need malpractice insurance.  

There are many options for malpractice insurance: Adams and Associates and International Helpers (Guernsey) Trust are two good options, but there are many others available.

Do I need to speak a foreign language?

If you are traveling to Bolivia with Hospitals of Hope, speaking Spanish is extremely helpful, since most of our staff and patients speak only Spanish.  However, if you do not speak Spanish, you can hire a translator for a cost of about $2 per hour.  (This cost is not included in the fee charged by Hospitals of Hope.)

English is the official language of Liberia, so a foreign language is not necessary.

Do I really need a visa?

Yes.  Visas are required to enter both Bolivia and Liberia.  If you do not complete the necessary paperwork, you will be denied entry.

How do I get a passport?

Passport applications can be downloaded from the US Department of State web site.  Download the form and fill in all the information. Then, take it to a passport processing center.  You can locate the closest passport center from the US Department of State web site.

What immunizations do I need?

The CDC guidelines are the primary source for required immunizations. You can find the current recommendations on the CDC website. At the time of this posting, the recommendations are as follows:
•    Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG).
•    Hepatitis B, if you might be exposed to blood (for example, health-care workers), stay >6 months in the region, or be exposed through medical treatment.
•    Rabies, if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation.
•    Typhoid, particularly if you are visiting developing countries in this region.
•    Yellow fever vaccination - required for visa.
As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria and measles. (CDC Web Site 2-1-08)

Where can I get the immunizations?

Immunizations can be given through your primary care provider or through your county health department. The provider should be able to verify what immunizations you will need and will be able to advise you regarding malaria prophylaxis.

Where will I stay?

Volunteers in Bolivia will stay at the Hospitals of Hope guesthouse, which is located on the hospital grounds.

Volunteers traveling to other locations will stay in lodging arranged by Hospitals of Hope staff.