News dedicated to Expatriates and people living and travelling abroad

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Monday 13 December 2010

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.

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