Cabo Verde - Safety, Health, and Insurance for digital nomads
The Digital Nomad's Guide to Safety, Health, and Insurance in Cabo Verde
Cabo Verde markets itself as an Atlantic paradise—a politically stable, tropical archipelago with a welcoming culture and a "No Stress" motto. For digital nomads, the appeal is genuine: year-round sunshine and a favorable time zone for European and American work hours. However, the reality of daily expat life requires looking beyond the tourism brochures.
While the country is considered one of the safest in Africa, it presents unique infrastructural and geographic challenges that every remote worker must plan for. Here is your reality check on staying safe, healthy, and insured in Cabo Verde.
Safety and Security
Cabo Verde is a representative democracy with a stable political climate, making it a relatively safe destination compared to many others in the region,. However, "No Stress" should not be interpreted as "No Crime."
Urban Crime and Theft
The most common threats to digital nomads are opportunistic crimes such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and burglary.
- High-Risk Areas: The capital city, Praia (Santiago Island), has a higher incidence of urban crime compared to other islands. Incidents of muggings, particularly at night or in isolated neighborhoods like Achada Santo António, have been reported,,.
- Tourist Hubs: On Sal and Boa Vista, while generally secure due to a strong police presence, theft on beaches is a risk. Leaving laptops or phones unattended on the sand while swimming is strongly discouraged,.
- The "Fly-Catchers": In tourist hubs like Santa Maria (Sal), street vendors known as "fly-catchers" can be persistent. While generally harmless, they can be an annoyance for nomads trying to navigate the town.
Natural Hazards
Your safety strategy must include environmental awareness.
- Ocean Safety: Strong currents and powerful waves are common. Drownings occur annually, particularly in Praia and Sal. Always respect warning flags (Red = Danger),.
- Sandstorms (Bruma Seca): Between December and February, winds from the Sahara can reduce visibility, disrupt air travel, and cause respiratory issues,.
- Rainy Season: From mid-August to mid-October, flash flooding and landslides can occur, particularly on mountainous islands like Santo Antão and Santiago.
Safety for Solo Female Travelers
Cabo Verde is generally considered safe for solo female travelers, with locals known for being welcoming and respectful. However, standard precautions apply: avoid walking alone in poorly lit or deserted areas at night and use authorized taxis (identifiable by their blue and yellow color on Sal and Boa Vista) rather than unmarked vehicles,.
Healthcare
The healthcare landscape in Cabo Verde resembles a dual system, and your experience will depend heavily on which island you choose as your base.
The Geographic Challenge
This is the most critical factor for nomads to understand. Medical facilities are limited, and advanced care is concentrated in only two cities:
- Praia (Santiago): Home to the main reference hospital, Hospital Agostinho Neto.
- Mindelo (São Vicente): Home to Hospital Baptista de Sousa.
If you choose to live on Santo Antão or Brava, you must be aware that these islands do not have operating airports. In a medical emergency, you cannot be airlifted directly; you must first be evacuated by ferry to a neighboring island (São Vicente or Fogo, respectively), adding critical time to emergency response,.
Public vs. Private Care
- Public System: The National Health Service (INPS) provides basic care but suffers from limited equipment, medication shortages, and long waiting times. While affordable, it is often not up to the standards Western nomads may expect,.
- Private Clinics: Most expats and nomads opt for private clinics, such as Clinitur in Santa Maria (Sal) or Clinicando in Praia. These offer faster service, English-speaking staff, and better amenities. Consultations are affordable by Western standards, often ranging from €20 to €30 in Praia, though prices may be higher in tourist-heavy Sal,,.
Health Risks
- Mosquito-Borne Illnesses: Malaria is generally low risk and mainly confined to Santiago Island. However, Dengue and Zika virus are present, particularly during the rainy season. Prevention via repellent is essential,.
- Water Safety: Tap water is not drinkable. Always use bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach infections,,.
Insurance
For digital nomads, insurance in Cabo Verde is not optional—it is a legal requirement for your visa and a logistical necessity.
Visa Requirements
To qualify for the Remote Working Program (Digital Nomad Visa), you must provide proof of valid health insurance that covers you for the duration of your stay. The government explicitly requires coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation (transport of the body in case of death),,,.
Why Evacuation Coverage is Critical
Standard European health insurance cards or basic travel policies may not be sufficient. Because local hospitals may lack specialized equipment for complex surgeries or severe trauma, medical evacuation to the Canary Islands, Portugal, or mainland Africa is a real possibility for serious incidents. Without insurance, an air ambulance evacuation can cost over $50,000, which you would be personally liable for,,.
Recommended Coverage Strategy
- Check the Fine Print: Ensure your policy explicitly covers Cabo Verde (some exclude specific African nations) and includes adventure sports if you plan to kitesurf or scuba dive, as these are often excluded from standard plans,.
- Budget: Expect to budget between €100 and €200 per month for a comprehensive international expat health insurance policy.
4. Practical Health & Safety Tips
- Emergency Numbers: Save these locally: 130 for Medical Emergencies and 132 for the Police,.
- Pharmacy Strategy: Pharmacies are widely available but may run out of specific stock. If you rely on prescription medication, bring a full supply with you to last your entire stay, along with a doctor's letter,,.
- Internet Reliability for Safety: Power outages can occur, impacting telecommunications. It is advisable to have a local SIM card (Unitel T+ or CV Móvel) as a backup to ensure you can reach emergency services if hotel Wi-Fi goes down,,.
Final Verdict
Cabo Verde is an idyllic destination for healthy digital nomads who are comfortable with a slower pace of life and basic infrastructure. If you have chronic health conditions requiring specialized care, the archipelago's isolation may pose a risk. However, with the right insurance policy and a common-sense approach to safety, you can enjoy the "No Stress" lifestyle with peace of mind.