Worldwide Medical Insurance News: Age 'impacts fertility'

Expatriate health insurance customers could be tempted to reconsider their family plans after research has highlighted the increasing difficulties in conceiving as women grow older.

A review published in the Obstetrician and Gynaecologist highlighted that the mean age of childbearing has risen substantially over the last 40 years.

In 1968, the average age was 23 but in 2008 this had increased to 29.3.

But the effects of waiting to have children are clear...

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Overseas Health Insurance News: Bulgarian property prices 'bottomed out'

People who are considering relocating abroad might want to look into the property market in Bulgaria.

According to estate agent Colliers International, the market has "bottomed out" and prices are due to start to rise in the second half of this year as demand outstrips supply.

However, before moving, expatriates might want to double check that they have medical insurance abroad to cover them in the event of an illness.

Atanas Garov, managing director of Colliers in Bulgaria, told Overseas Property Professional: "Our expectations for the first half of 2011 are that it will be as challenging as 2010 was.

"The second half of the year, however, will mark an upswing in almost all real estate segments."

He added that ..

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International Health Insurance News: Long antibiotic holiday needed

Expat insurance customers might be interested to learn that the medical profession is taking a close look at its use of antibiotics.

Research conducted at Yale University has found that we need to take a long holiday from using antibiotics.

Indeed, the research, which was also carried out at the University of Tromso in Norway, found that we need to lay off the drugs for over 40 years to reinstate their effectiveness.

Heavy use of antibiotics has created ...

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International Healthcare News: Yearly mammograms 'save lives'

Expatriates might want to organise a mammogram on a regular basis after recent research has revealed that doing so saves lives.

Conducted by the University of Colorado School of Medicine, the study found that having a mammogram every year, rather than every other year, from the age of 40 will save an extra 71 per cent of lives.

Expatriates health insurance customers in the US might already be aware that ...

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International Healthcare News: Good diet 'will not cancel out effects of smoking and drinking'

Expatriates who want to remain healthy to avoid having to make a claim on their international medical insurance cannot rely solely on a good diet.

According to nutritionist Yvonne Bishop-Weston, eating plenty of fruit and vegetables will not cancel out the effects of smoking and heavy drinking on the body.

"Plantarian foods are ...

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Worldwide Medical Insurance News: Over-50s 'are more content with life'

Expatriate medical insurance policyholders who have reached the age of 50 are more likely to be content with their life.

This is according to research from Engage Mutual, which found that individuals who have celebrated their half-century tend to have paid off their mortgage, have a family and are happy in their relationship.

Some 40 per cent of over-50s say they are more content now than they ever have been, while almost two-thirds are experiencing confidence in their own skin.

A company spokesman commented: "It is ...

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Worldwide Medical Insurance News: Exercise 'can hold back dementia'

Expatriates might want to make a number of lifestyle changes to help hold back the onset of dementia.

According to Professor June Andrews, director of the Dementia Services Development Centre at the University of Stirling, exercise, a good diet and socialising will help to hold of the symptoms "to an extent".

She added that it also helps to make "some changes in your living environment like ...

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Overseas Health Insurance News: Lack of sleep 'impacts health'

Expatriates healthcare customers might want to check-in with their doctor if they are having trouble sleeping.

According to a recent report, insomnia can affect an individual's health in a number of negative ways.

Indeed, the report from the Mental Health Foundation, entitled Sleep Matters, suggested a link between insomnia and depression, immune deficiency and heart disease.

On a social level, the condition is also likely to lead to ...

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International Healthcare News: Skin cancer 'could be treated with sap'

Expatriate healthcare customers might be interested to know that a traditional medicine has been proven effective in treating certain types of skin cancers.

The sap of Euphorbia peplus is capable of killing non-melanoma skin cancer cells when applied to the skin.

Indeed, after just one month, 41 of the 48 skin cancer lesions studied showed a ...

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Expatriate Healthcare News: Overseas buyers 'returning to eurozone'

It has been suggested that overseas property buyers are returning to the eurozone following a decline in prices.

However, people who are thinking about relocating abroad will have a number of things to consider.

Expatriate health insurance is certainly something to get sorted before making the big move.

Sue Ockwell, spokesperson for the Association of Independent Tour Operators, said that ...

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Overseas Health Insurance News: Switzerland 'tempting expats'

Expatriates are being tempted overseas by Switzerland's promise of less tax and more fun.

This is according to a recent article published in the Telegraph, which suggested that expatriates are being tempted to move to the country for beneficial tax rates and luxury outdoor pursuits.

However, people might want to make sure they have their international health insurance plans in place before taking part in activities such as ...

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International Healthcare News: Smoking 'biggest risk factor in cancer'

Expatriates concerned about their health might want to head the advice of Dr Mark Matfield, scientific co-ordinator at the Association for International Cancer Research.

Dr Matfield has explained that the simple way of reducing the risk of developing cancer is to quit smoking.

"Ninety per cent of lung cancers are caused by smoking and it is one of the most difficult types of cancer to treat effectively," he explained.

"Smoking has also ...

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Expatriate Insurance News: Obesity 'increases risk of caesarean'

Expatriate healthcare customers might want to keep an eye on their weight if they are considering pregnancy.

According to recent research published in the International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, a high BMI in pregnancy can increase the number of risks involved with the birth.

Indeed, the chance of caesarean section is higher, as is the risk of a postpartum haemorrhage, maternal hypertension, gestational diabetes and foetal death.

Meanwhile, prolonged pregnancy was seen in ...

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