News dedicated to Expatriates and people living and travelling abroad

Our news is updated daily on-line. For the most recent news articles please visit us at www.expatriatehealthcare.com

Monday 13 December 2010

Buy the best expat health insurance


International healthcare can be an expensive business, though prices do vary considerably from area to area. There are not only different costs associated with where you need cover but also the level of cover required, as you would expect.

However, not having adequate cover is risky and, in many countries, can prove to be catastrophic. Indeed, with each country having varying degrees of access to healthcare, availability of medical services and waiting times, having inadequate cover would be reckless.

As a minimum therefore, it is only sensible that a minimum level of expatriate insurance cover be sought prior to any move overseas. Our Primary Plan policy will provide you with in-patient and day patient care; including your pre-admission and post-admission costs. As such, charges could be avoided for costly of incidents that you would expect to accompany any admission to hospital.

A better option for you may to go for an improved level of cover, such as the Primary PLUS Plan, which provides full out-patient care and consultations with your GP. Essentially, this level of cover is intended to deliver a similar service to non-elective benefits such as those afforded under the NHS (but without any waiting times).

There is also a level of cover (Select Plan) which includes elective benefits, such as dentistry, maternity, preventative health screening and optical care. These ‘routine’ treatments can prove to be very expensive and many will look to such a level of cover to provide a total solution to their private healthcare needs.

Fees can be kept down considerably by buying policies that are appropriate to your specific needs, which is where we at Expatriate Healthcare can help. We understand that each country is different and can tailor our packages to suit most needs – saving you money without compromising on cover. Making a new life abroad is complicated enough; but with Expatriate Healthcare at your disposal we can help to make it that little bit easier.

Use international healthcare to ensure problem-free living


Recent reports suggest that many expats are not satisfied with the healthcare provided in their new country of residence compared to what they were used to in their home country. Despite this, those living abroad are happier in general.

It is surprising that as many as 45% of expats felt that their general health had deteriorated significantly since heading abroad. Further than this, many also suggested they would prefer to be treated elsewhere rather than in their new country in the event of illness.

However, many of the concerns seemed to stem from worry, a lack of understanding, and cultural differences. For example, many expats will have a problem with the local language, thus leading to a feeling of unease.

International healthcare standards and practices vary from place to place too, so something new may be deemed to be of lesser quality or value as to what the patient was used to. Most often this is not true, but comfort does often come from familiarity, so the problem exists.

How far care extends away from hospital is problematic too. Latin countries expect the generational family to provide a large amount of the nursing attention needed. Expats do not have this, so have to move back to their homeland or ask family members to travel abroad.

Ensuring the appropriate expatriate medical insurance is in place can help keep fears down too. Whilst many of the issues are nothing more than living in a new place, ensuring financial difficulties do not present themselves is something that we at Expatriate Healthcare are experts in.

Research key to finding work abroad


Expatriate health insurance policy holders have been urged to do their research before attempting to find work overseas.

An article for Shelter Offshore points out that there are many options for expats looking for jobs in their new country of residence.

The report advised those making a move overseas to determine ...


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Expats urged not to scrap insurance


Expatriates are being urged not to "take a gamble" and scrap their expat health insurance in a bid to save money.

In an article for the Telegraph newspaper, journalist Peter Pallot said it can be tempting to reduce levels of cover for illness or injury in tough economic times.

However, he said doing so could ...

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Sun safety messages 'getting through'


Messages about sun safety may be getting through to younger expatriate health insurance policy holders.

Dr Elizabeth Rapley, a spokesperson for the Institute of Cancer Research, said more recent generations are taking more care of their skin.

However, older people still need to be...

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Half of Europeans overweight


Many expatriate medical insurance policyholders may be struggling with their weight, as a new survey shows obesity rates in most European Union (EU) countries have more than doubled in the last 20 years.

According to a report by the European Commission and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, over half of adults living in the EU are now overweight or obese.

One in seven children...

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Thursday 9 December 2010

Women more anxious about dental visits


Female overseas health insurance policyholders may be more reluctant to visit the dentist than their male counterparts.

According to new figures released by the NHS Information Centre and the Office for National Statistics, one in five women in the UK suffers from extreme dental anxiety.

However, just one in ten men has the same fear, the data revealed.

The problem is worse in ...

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Purple berries may help combat Alzheimer's


Expatriate health insurance policyholders can help ward off dementia by eating purple fruits, according to a new study.

Scientists at the University of Manchester found that fruits such as blueberries play a role in tackling Alzheimer's and a range of other diseases, including Parkinson's and Multiple Sclerosis.

They discovered that ...

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Cancer 'the biggest fear' among UK adults


Overseas health insurance policyholders may be worried about the possibility of suffering with cancer, if a new study is anything to go by.

Research by Cancer Research UK shows that cancer is the number one fear among ...

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Wednesday 8 December 2010

Fitness holidays 'proving popular'


Expatriate health insurance policyholders may be looking to spend more of their time abroad taking part in fitness activities.

According to celebrity fitness trainer Steve Halsall, people are increasingly getting out and about and keeping fit during their overseas holidays.

"Because there is so much on offer it is no longer the case of going on holiday and putting a few pounds on," he explained.

And since expatriates have access to ...


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Qatar may become the new Dubai


Brits seeking an expatriate destination have been told that Qatar has the potential to become the new Dubai.

Robin Sutherland, general manager at the comparison website travelsupermarket.com, said Qatar offers natural beauty and luxury.

He explained that the emirate is "a bit like Dubai" was ten or 20 years ago and tends to ...

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Cooking from scratch 'boosts health and saves money'


Expatriate health insurance policyholders can stay healthy and save money by cooking their meals from scratch using fresh, local ingredients.

Registered nutritionist Carina Norris said convenience food tends to cost more, so homemade dishes can help those living abroad keep their expenditure down.

It also enables them to monitor their intake of salt, sugar and fat, helping them to ...

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Five a day 'is not limited to fresh food'


Overseas health insurance policyholders who are trying to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day should remember that they are not limited to fresh produce.

According to Rachel Cooke, senior public health dietician with the British Dietetic Association, a varied diet can include frozen fruit and vegetables as well as canned produce that comes in juice or water.

She mentioned that overseas medical insurance customers and other individuals might live near to a farmers market selling seasonal fruit and veg ...

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Build up strength before skiing


Expatriate health insurance policyholders who are escaping to the ski slopes this winter have been urged to improve their fitness before embarking on any extreme sports holidays.

According to Steve Halsall, a celebrity fitness trainer, building up strength through core exercises will be beneficial to those about to hit the slopes.

This could reduce injury and therefore cut down the number of ...

For the full story click here.

Monday 6 December 2010

Mental health 'needs recognition from employers'


Expatriate medical insurance policyholders and other individuals who have mental health problems should receive more support from their employers, the Scottish Association for Mental Health has argued.

According to Carolyn Roberts, head of policy and campaigns at the charitable organisation, "stigma and discrimination in the workplace continues to be a serious problem for people with mental health problems".

However, she added ...

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Expat Health Insurance News: Cold weather spurs more holidays


International insurance policyholders living in the UK are likely to start looking for last-minute holidays to winter sunshine destinations, Round the World Experts has stated.

The wintry conditions currently being experienced in Britain will encourage many people to look for Christmas getaways, said Paul Bondsfield, head of marketing at the organisation.

"Bad weather combined with the turning of the new year means we expect to see an increase in people booking longer trips, whether that is a month backpacking in the sun in Thailand or a career break spent travelling the world for six months," he explained...

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Friday 3 December 2010

Expat Health Insurance News: Older people 'need help checking for skin cancer'


Older expatriate medical insurance customers might need help with the earlier detection of skin cancers, the British Skin Foundation has suggested.

Bevis Man, spokesman for the organisation, commented: "It's worth considering that the over-65s simply might not be able to check themselves physically or have access to someone that can help. Regardless of age however, we all still have a way to go yet in terms of cementing both the sun safety and early detection messages into the public consciousness."

He pointed out that ...

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International Health Insurance News: Patients 'lie about alcohol and exercise'


Expatriate medical insurance policyholders might be interested to learn that one in five British over-50s lie to their doctors about their lifestyles.

Research from Saga revealed that 22 per cent of those aged over 50 would not tell the truth about how much alcohol they drink if their healthcare professional asked them, while 15 per cent would fib about their diet.

Some 18 per cent of women and 15 per cent of men would ...

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Expatriate Insurance News: Cancer survival rates 'can be improved with faster diagnosis'

The survival rate for people with cancer could be improved if diagnoses were sped up, global health insurance policyholders may be interested to hear.

This is the view of Andrew Wilson-Webb, chief executive of the Rarer Cancers Forum, who noted that improvements can be made at the first step of the medical treatment process.

"Access to new medicines is one [way it could improve], the other is earlier diagnosis. Earlier diagnosis is really the key to pretty much everything," he explained.

"Early diagnosis will ...

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International Healthcare News: India 'cannot be seen in one trip'


Overseas health insurance policyholders who are considering going to India should understand that the country cannot be seen in a single trip.

This is the advice of Rajen Habib Khwaja, secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, who said India's rich culture and natural heritage "is unparallel".

"India is an experience, and one cannot complete this experience in one visit. We are proud that ...


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Expatriate Healthcare News: Pension advice 'is not customer friendly'


The jargon spouted in much pension advice may be off-putting to many expatriate health insurance customers.

According to Paul Goodwin, head of pensions at Aviva, there is plenty of information available to individuals planning for retirement, but a lot of it is not customer-friendly.

"That all adds to ...

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Wednesday 1 December 2010

Expatriate Medical Insurance News: Women 'should be concerned about heart disease'


Expat health insurance policyholders who are concerned about heart disease should consult a medical professional.

The advice comes from the British Heart Foundation, whose research found just one in ten women aged after 50 have been to a doctor with concerns about cardiac heath.

Indeed, less than half (47 per cent) of those surveyed said they would call the emergency services immediately if they were showing signs of having a heart attack, while seven per cent said they would ignore all symptoms and carry on.

Dr Mike Knapton, associate medical director for the heart health charity, commented ...

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Expatriate Medical Insurance News: Passive smoking 'kills 165,000 children a year'


Overseas health insurance customers who smoke could be putting their and their children's lives at risk.

This is the warning from the World Health Organisation's researchers, who revealed that 603,000 people, including 165,000 children, die each year from passive smoking.

Second-hand smoke inhalation leads to around one in 100 deaths worldwide, causing conditions such as ischaemic heart disease, lower respiratory infections, asthma and lung cancer.

Each illness can result in ...


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Overseas Health Insurance News: Older people 'should get abnormal moles checked'


Older expatriate health insurance customers should get abnormal moles and skin changes checked by a medical professional as soon as possible.

This is the advice from Cancer Research UK, whose research has revealed that a failure to flag up such conditions has resulted in a significant rise in deaths from malignant melanoma among pensioners.

Expatriates living in hot climates should be careful of ...

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Expat Health Insurance News: Sexual health campaigns 'should be more inclusive'


International private healthcare users should be among those targeted by sexual health campaigns.

The Terrence Higgins Trust has called for a more inclusive way to tackle sexually transmitted infections, including expanding sexual health campaigns to mature people and those coming out of long-term relationships.

"[We should] start looking across the whole of society not just certain [groups]," said Jason Warriner, clinical director of the charity.

"We know there are certain groups in society that are at a higher risk of HIV and sexually transmitted infections, but what we actually need to do is have a campaign that meets the needs of everybody, whether it is a young person or somebody in their 50s or 60s."

He urged anyone ...


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International Health Insurance News: Exercise 'important for those with rheumatoid arthritis'


Overseas health insurance policyholders who have had rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosed can manage the condition with gentle exercise and periods of rest, a charity has said.

Kate Llewelyn, head of information at Arthritis Care, noted that a successful exercise regime will contain a balance of activity and respite.

"Do a range of movement exercises at least once a day," she advised ...

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Expatriate Insurance News: 'Wash hands' to avoid colds


International medical insurance policyholders are being encouraged to wash their hands regularly to reduce their chances of catching a cold, which could require costly medication to treat symptoms.

According to author and broadcaster Dr Mike Smith, getting outside in the fresh air and eating a healthy, balanced diet can help starve off colds and viruses.

"The healthier you are the better your own immune system will be. That is what overcomes ...

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International Healthcare News: Walking 'can slow effects of dementia'


Expatriate health insurance policyholders who are worried about older relatives may be interested to learn that gentle exercise is thought to slow down the effects of dementia.

According to Professor June Andrews, director of the Dementia Services Development Centre at the University of Stirling, "there is no question that exercise does help with dementia".

The reason for this, she believes, is because ...

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Expatriate Healthcare News: Take out insurance 'when booking trip'


Ensuring travellers have overseas medical insurance when they confirm a holiday option is "an essential part of the booking process", according to Trailfinders.

Lucy Balding, spokeswoman for the organisation, said: "We strongly advise all of our clients to take out travel insurance when they pay the deposit on their holiday."

Her remarks come after the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) released a survey indicating that ...

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Expatriate Healthcare News: 'Vitally important' to educate youngsters about HIV


Expatriate health insurance customers living in Africa may be interested to hear that UNICEF believes it to be difficult to teach young people in the continent about their sexual health.

UNICEF's UK deputy executive director of innovation and strategy, Andrew Radford, commented: "Getting messages over to young people isn't easy. Communicating about HIV prevention is really hard. Now try and combine the two. That is an exceptionally difficult thing to do."

He noted that ...


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Worldwide Medical Insurance News: Carrot 'better than stick' in relation to obesity


Providing incentives for expat health insurance policyholders to lose weight may be better than penalising them for being overweight.

This is the view put forward by Sue Baic, senior lecturer for the Department of Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences at the University of Bristol, who said it is always ...

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Expatriate Medical Insurance News: Seek treatment quickly for rheumatoid arthritis


Expatriates who are showing early signs of rheumatoid arthritis should seek medical treatment as soon as possible to limit the effects of the condition, Arthritis Research UK has stated.

Jane Tadman of the charity commented: "Research has shown that aggressive early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is the best way of getting it under control before the joints are damaged, so identifying patients early in the course of their disease is therefore essential."

This could ...

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Overseas Health insurance News: People 'are failing to admit obesity problems'


Living in a population where levels of obesity are on the rise is leading many global health insurance policyholders to underestimate their own weight problems, Slimming World has warned.

Jenny Caven, a spokeswoman for the organisation, noted that ...

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Expat Health Insurance News: Keeping active 'can boost health'


Keeping active around the house will help elderly people reduce their risk of accidents, thereby lowering the likelihood of having to make a claim on their overseas health insurance.

This is the view of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, which noted that ...

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