AXA PPP International has carried out research poll of 502 expats that shows only 42% of British workers moving abroad make proper healthcare provision although 83% of people moving abroad are worried about finding a good doctor in their new country. Perhaps more worryingly, some 19% believed their travel insurance would cover medical costs without the need for additional provision.
Tom Wilkinson, managing director of AXA PPP International, said AXA PPP said that with more people choosing to develop their careers abroad and businesses sending employees to work in international offices, the market is ripe for advice and consultancy on the best health and wellbeing packages.
Many other countries do not offer the same state support we are used to in the UK and there may well be considerable additional costs, medical practitioner, emergency service and prescription charges applicable abroad.
The research found 88% of expats-to-be think they will have a healthier lifestyle in their new home, with half highlighting better weather as the biggest health benefit.
Wilkinson said it is important for employers to understand that they need to support their employees and, by offering them a healthcare package which takes care of all their needs, they can alleviate some of the stresses of moving.
“Businesses will need advice on how their employees can access quality healthcare in their new country, presenting an opportunity for brokers to help with their healthcare benefit offering. Employees might not need medical care for weeks or even months but, when they do, businesses will be glad of the reassurance that both routine treatment costs and complex procedures can be covered,” he said.
‘It is also important for employers to understand that they too need to support their employees and, by offering them a healthcare package which takes care of all their needs, they can alleviate some of the stresses of moving.’
