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 10 January 2011

Expatriate Insurance News: Money 'is better off in investments than lying around'


Expatriate medical insurance policyholders would be better off investing any spare capital rather than keeping it lying around at home.

This is the advice from Adrian Lowcock, a senior investment adviser at Bestinvest, who said there is no risk-free way of keeping money in the house.

"You have two big risks...

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International Healthcare News: Cheap ski deals 'are rare this winter'


Expatriate medical insurance policyholders who are still hoping to go skiing this winter could be disappointed to learn that there are not too many cheap deals around.

According to Josephine Wiggall Lazarus, UK director of tourism at Destination Quebec, extreme sports fans "better get on with it" and book somewhere soon.

Skiing and snowboarding can be dangerous sports at any time of the year, and accidents can happen to anyone ...

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Expatriate Healthcare News: Obesity is dangerous in pregnancy


Expat insurance customers who are expecting need to realise that obesity is one of the most dangerous conditions to have in pregnancy.

This is the advice from baby health charity Tommy's, whose campaigns manager, Jacqui Clinton, noted that a high body mass index can lead to complications in pregnant women.

These include a higher risk of ...

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Expatriate Healthcare News: Healthy lifestyle 'doesn't have to be expensive'


International health insurance customers who are concerned about the impact that their poor diet could have on their health should realise that a better lifestyle does not have to cost much.

According to Harry MacMillan, chief executive of Mind, Exercise, Nutrition… Do it! (MIND), healthy foods such as wholegrain bread and rice are not only more nutritious, they are also more filling.

This can cut down on ...

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Expat Health Insurance News: Take control of spending before stress hits


In order to avoid stress and any subsequent international health insurance claims for related medical problems, individuals need to review their lifestyle.

This is the advice from Ann McCracken, chair of the International Stress Management Association, who said the best way to alleviate mental anguish is to take back control of spending.

"There are many ways to ...

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International Health Insurance News: Tackle debt quickly


Expatriate medical insurance policyholders have been advised to tackle any outstanding debt sooner rather than later.

This is the suggestion from David Rodger, managing director of the Debt Advice Foundation, who commented: "If the pressure of Christmas spending and mounting debts has made you feel you are at the point of no-return, it's important to seek free, confidential and impartial advice from a specialist charity.

"Sadly debt problems only ...

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Expatriate Insurance News: 'It's never too soon' to start planning expatriate lifestyle


Prospective expatriates hoping to relocate abroad in the future should waste no time in planning for their getaway, Shelter Offshore has argued.

According to director of the website Rhiannon Davies, sorting out money matters and expatriate healthcare should be the main priority.

"The number one thing to get right is your ...


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International Healthcare News: Depression 'is becoming easier to talk about'


International health insurance policyholders may be among those who are coming forward to discuss and seek support for their depression.

According to Emer O'Neill, chief executive of the Depression Alliance, the stigma surrounding the mental health condition is starting to lift, while more people are realising there is a difference between a "sort of general sadness and clinical depression".

However, sufferers themselves ...

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Healthy diet 'could prevent breast cancer'


Expatriate medical insurance policyholders who eat a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates could be at a greater risk of developing breast cancer.

According to Dr Marilyn Glenville, a nutritionist and fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine, opting for an unhealthy diet causes blood glucose levels to rise, which in turn causes the body to produce higher levels of insulin to break down the product.

"Research has shown that..

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Finding the right balance for a better life for an expat


People head overseas for many reasons, with searching for a better way of life and increased income high on the list. However, recent research has suggested that these are not always achievable at the same time.

In the study that included analysis of economic success, those looking to boost their bank balance would do well to look at Russia, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. However, these areas appear outside of the top twenty countries for a heightened quality of life.

Conversely, many of those countries where a high quality of life could be expected scored badly in regards to significant financial gain. Spain and France being notable in this regard, with South Africa fast becoming a leading place to live where incomes do not match levels seen in the past.

There are areas across the world where both dreams can be achieved however. Topping the combined list are Bahrain and the retreat of Bermuda. Canada too delivers well on both counts, as it has done over a number of years.

Wherever the location, arranging the correct expatriate health insurance is important. No matter how much money is earned or quality of life achieved, things can still go wrong. Finding out appropriate coverage is not in place when needed undermines any possible benefits.

At Expatriate Healthcare, we know all about international healthcare. Our team of experts is on hand to help with the trickiest of challenges, no matter the age, size or personal circumstances of the group heading off for life abroad.

Making new friends worries women working abroad


There are a number of practical issues that accompany the expat experience. Sorting out these problems is often more time consuming than anything else; the real worry is more likely to come from such things as adapting to the new environment.

Of all the aspects of the settling down process, many expats seem most concerned about making new friends. Women more than men seem to hold this fear, though both sexes admit this is a worry for them. Women also seem to worry considerably more about those they are leaving behind.

Such worries may seem a little trivial when observed casually, but this is far from the truth. Worries about friendships could have an impact upon general health, notably in those partners not at work throughout the day, and so who miss out on a natural form of social interaction.

Though this is unlikely to lead to any serious conditions, it is a timely reminder for the need to address suitable expat health insurance when everything else is being arranged. Whilst this can be dealt with on site in the new country, arranging at home is more straight forward.

There will be no rush to get things done of course, thus alleviating any panic. Having it sorted out prior to making the move abroad will also be one less thing to worry about. Furthermore, costs would be significantly lower compared with what they’ll be should you try to arrange international healthcare abroad.

At Expatriate Healthcare, we are experts in getting the right cover for people living away from home. Our team specialises in the industry and are hugely experienced travellers, so we are ideally placed to offer advice and guidance in the build up to your big move.

Libya now offers great career opportunities


Libya has had a troublesome relationship with some countries in the West for a number of years, but over the last decade things have started to change considerably. One result of this is that the door has opened for workers to take up positions in the heart of the many international companies that are flocking to the state.

In the past decade both the United Nations and the United States of America have lifted their sanctions against Libya. An oil rich state, many companies are now looking to exploit this and western expats are helping the Libyan economy to grow.

Libya has also seen an explosion in the number of other professionals heading to the country. Teachers and international healthcare professionals are in high demand, as increasing numbers of expats move with their families. With the indigenous population also wanting greater education and services, a slow tide has quickly become a flood.

With a wonderful climate akin to the Mediterranean, Brits are taking up many careers and enjoying all they are afforded. With a strong US presence too, unrecognisable from the country that was feature so heavily, and in such a negative light, in mid-1980s news programmes.

When heading off for work and life abroad, there are a lot of things to put in place. High on this list is the getting appropriate expat health insurance for the whole family. It is here where we at Expatriate Healthcare specialise, as we strive to provide the right coverage at the right price, to make the adventure as worry and hassle free as possible.