? A Day of an Entrepreneur Abroad — With Toothache
Last night, while on a business trip in the Netherlands, I was hit with a sharp toothache. Not the kind of mild discomfort that fades with a painkiller — but the kind that stops you in your tracks and demands urgent care.
What followed became a very real reminder of why we at Health4Travel exist.
The Challenge
Being abroad, I wasn’t covered by the local Dutch healthcare system. My insurance is registered in Finland — which meant, in practice, I had no direct access to Dutch healthcare when the pain struck.
I called my Finnish insurance company. Their response was polite but clear:
“Yes, urgent dental care will be covered — but you must find a local dentist yourself, pay upfront, and reclaim the money later.”
In other words: I was on my own.
As we say in Finnish, “oman onnesi nojaan” — left to fend for yourself.
Searching for Care
I began calling local dentists, one by one. The answers were discouraging:
“We don’t have time.”
“You are a foreigner — you need to look elsewhere.”
Eventually, I was directed to an emergency dental clinic — the only one available.
The catch? It was 50 kilometers away.
As an entrepreneur on a packed business trip, I couldn’t just drop everything. Only after finishing my workday did I make the long drive — in pain — to reach the hospital, navigate its corridors, and finally find the dental department.
Emergency Treatment
Once I got there, the experience itself was excellent.
The staff spoke English, treated me with kindness, and quickly took care of the problem.
The procedure: a root canal treatment and an emergency filling to stabilize the tooth. The relief was immediate — but temporary.
Before I left, the dentist warned me:
“You’ll need a follow-up within three weeks.”
And so the cycle continues. I paid out of pocket for the treatment and medication, bought my own antibiotics and painkillers, and now face the task of finding another dentist near Utrecht — with no continuity of care, no shared medical records, and no guarantee I’ll see someone familiar with my case.
The Pain Points
That one toothache revealed what millions of travellers experience every year:
? No access to public healthcare abroad
? Insurance companies shifting responsibility back to the traveler
? Difficulty finding local providers willing to treat foreigners
?? Long distances to reach emergency care
? No continuity between treatments
? Paying first, claiming later
? Stress and uncertainty — when your focus should be on work, travel, or simply living
Why This Matters
It’s 2025. The world is more connected than ever — but when it comes to healthcare abroad, too many travellers are still left on their own.
Healthcare should not be about stress, fear, or endless searching.
It should be about trust, continuity, and quality — wherever you are.
Our Mission at Health4Travel
This experience was a powerful reminder of why Health4Travel exists.
We’re here to bridge the gap between local healthcare systems and global travellers — ensuring that when you’re abroad, you don’t need to worry about where to go, how to pay, or whether you’ll be treated properly.
Because travel should be about opportunities, not obstacles.
Have You Experienced Something Similar?
Have you ever faced a healthcare challenge while abroad?
At Health4Travel, we’re building a world where healthcare journeys are simpler, safer, and more human — anywhere you go.
? Final Word
My unexpected dental emergency in the Netherlands was more than just a painful experience — it was a reminder of how complicated healthcare abroad can still be, even in 2025.
No one should have to navigate language barriers, long distances, or uncertainty just to get the care they need.
At Health4Travel, we believe every traveller deserves peace of mind — knowing that wherever life or work takes you, trusted healthcare is never out of reach.
Because when care is connected, travel becomes truly limitless.
Greetings from the Health4Travel CEO
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Wishing you a bright and healthy October!
The Health4Travel Team
