Country Information: SINGAPORE

An expatriate's guide to Singapore

Situated in south-east Asia, the Republic of Singapore comprises 63 islands, with a population of more than five million people.

Singapore has a long and varied history. During the early 19th century, it became an important trading post for the British East India company and it wasn't long before the region became a British territory. During the second world war, Britain lost control of Singapore to the Imperial Japanese Army, but reclaimed it after the Japanese surrender in 1945.

In 1959, Singapore became a self-governing state within the Commonwealth, and it declared independence in 1963.

Visitors and expatriates are drawn to Singapore for a number of reasons...

Includes sections on: -

• Local Laws and Customs
• Local Language
• Healthcare
• Schooling
• Property

For further information: http://www.expatriatehealthcare.com/singapore-information.htm

Country Information: Germany

"... it's no wonder expatriates from around the world are living and working in Deutschland - and there's much more to this fabulous destination than financial and commercial interests."

Details include:

Laws and Customs

Language

Healthcare

Schools

Socialising

For further information have a look at  http://www.expatriatehealthcare.com/germany-information.htm 

Country Information: MOROCCO

Country information compiled and provided by the UK FCO. For more information on moving abroad visit www.fco.gov.uk/travel.

MOROCCO

Details include: -

* General Information
* Poplar Locations
* Buying a Property
* Retiring Abroad
* Healthcare

For full information http://www.expatriatehealthcare.com/morocco-information.htm.

Country Information: BRAZIL

Country Information: BRAZIL

Country information compiled and provided by the UK FCO. For more information on moving abroad visit www.fco.gov.uk/travel.

FLORIDA

Details include: -

* General Information
* Poplar Locations
* Buying a Property
* Retiring Abroad
* Healthcare

For full information CLICK HERE.

Country Information: FLORIDA (USA)

Country Information: FLORIDA (USA)
Country information compiled and provided by the UK FCO. For more information on moving abroad visit www.fco.gov.uk/travel.

FLORIDA

Details include: -

* General Information
* Poplar Locations
* Buying a Property
* Retiring Abroad
* Healthcare

For full information CLICK HERE.

Country Information: SPAIN

Country information compiled and provided by the UK FCO. For more information on moving abroad visit www.fco.gov.uk/travel.

SPAIN

Details include: -

* General Information
* Poplar Locations
* Buying a Property
* Retiring Abroad
* Healthcare

For further information Click Here

International Healthcare News: Expats advised to talk

Your global health insurance plan might already be sorted, but before and during a move abroad expatriates have been advised to talk to their families.

Marcia De Wolf, author of a book on getting the most from expat assignments, told the Daily Telegraph that keeping the lines of communication open between yourself, your spouse and your children is important when moving overseas.

Indeed, it is "better to involve ...

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Expat Health Insurance News: Walking recommended in San Francisco

Expatriates health insurance customers can combine their desire to get to know their new home with health benefits in San Francisco.

People who have recently moved to the city might be interested to hear that a walk along the Embarcadero waterfront is a highly-recommended activity.

Angela Jackson, media relations international director at the San Francisco Travel Association, said ...

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Worldwide Medical Insurance News: Heart risk found in vegan diet

Expatriates who follow a vegan lifestyle might want to look at their nutritional needs.

Recent research has identified an increased risk of heart problems among people who follow a strict no meat and no animal product diet.

Published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the study found that ...

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Expatriate Healthcare News: Workers 'should increase activity'

Expatriate healthcare customers might want to think about increasing their activity levels to improve their well-being.

According to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, around 25 per cent of employees regularly work all day without taking a break.

This does not appear to be doing their bodies much good as 46 per cent reported that they were experiencing physical pains due to being in the same position for too long.

The research comes ahead of the first ...

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Overseas Health insurance News: Good nutrition 'essential for elderly'

Overseas health insurance customers might want to take some time to research care homes if they find themselves in need of extra care.

According to Daniel Blake, policy development manager at Action on Elder Abuse, good nutrition is one of the most important things a care home can offer older people.

Indeed, he said that a good diet is ...

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Expatriate Insurance News: 'Head to local restaurants' in Mallorca

Expatriate health insurance customers living in Mallorca might want to heed the advice of an expert and avoid restaurants that are flooded with tourists.

Anna Nicholas, an author and journalist based in Mallorca, advised people to "always go where the locals eat" and "if a restaurant is packed with tourists, avoid it like the plague".

She highlighted the "fantastically ...

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Overseas Health Insurance News: Mixed currency reports

International health insurance customers will know that currency exchange rates can make a substantial difference to the finances of an expatriate.

Paying for services in one currency while earning money in another is an opportunity for problems to arise as exchange rates fluctuate.

However, this week people earning money in euros are likely to be ...

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Expatriate Insurance News: Hong Kong is 'city of contrasts'

Expatriates living in Hong Kong may already be aware of the contrasting aspects of the region.

Dawn Page, director for UK & Northern Europe for the Hong Kong Tourism Board, highlighted the fact that a stroll through Victoria Park to watch people start their day with a Tai Chi session is in "complete contrast to the usual bright lights and bustle of Hong Kong".

However, expatriate insurance customers in Hong Kong who haven't already done so ...

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Expatriate Healthcare News: Early detection 'key to bowel cancer treatment'

Expatriate healthcare insurance customers might want to think about being more open with their doctors about sensitive issues.

According to recent comments from Deborah Gilbert, head of development for Bowel & Cancer Research, bowel cancer is one of the easiest cancers to treat.

However, people's reluctance to discuss the matter with their healthcare provider often means that ...

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International Health Insurance News: Healthy eating 'reduces cancer risk'

Not enough people are aware of all of the benefits of maintaining a healthy diet.

This is according to recent comments from Teresa Nightingale, general manager of the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF).

Expatriates might want to look into improving their diet as Ms Nightingale remarked that eating well can lower the risk of developing cancer.

"Research has shown that ...

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Expatriate Healthcare News: Gardening 'has health benefits'

Expatriate health insurance customers who enjoy spending time outside might be keen to know that there are health benefits in outdoor activities.

According to Donna McDaid, national secretary for the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners (NSALG), gardening and keeping an allotment brings financial and physiological benefits.

Ms McDaid remarked ...

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Expatriate Insurance News: Inland Spain 'totally different'

Expatriates who are thinking about relocating to Spain might want to consider the benefits of different areas.

Tom Hall, travel editor at Lonely Planet, said that inland Spain tends to offer "a totally different atmosphere [to the beach resorts], still very traditional and very Spanish".

The comments follow news that the Spanish property market is set to enjoy a recovery in 2011.

German property group IVG published figures revealing that ...

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Overseas Health Insurance News: Rising number of young people volunteering abroad

Global health insurance is something to consider for the growing number of young people who are volunteering abroad.

According to John Constable, managing director at STA Travel, young people are "more socially aware than ever".

As a result, they are now happy to look into new experiences, such as "working with orang-utans in Borneo or under-privileged children in South America".

Wherever you are thinking of travelling to ...

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Expat Health Insurance News: Mental aspects of addiction 'need to be addressed'

Whether or not you smoke might be something to consider when looking into your global medical insurance needs.

According to recent comments from Alison Walsh, youth advisor at independent charity QUIT, the physical addiction to nicotine is only one half of a smoker's problems.

If you are trying to quit then you also have to deal with the emotional or psychological addiction as well, she explained.

"The cravings can be very much habitual – say, if ...

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International Healthcare News: Hot flushes linked to lower cancer risk

Expatriate healthcare customers might be interested to know that strong symptoms of the menopause have been linked to a lower risk of developing breast cancer.

Indeed, research conducted at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle found that the more severe the symptoms then the lower the risk of developing the two most common types of breast cancer - invasive ductal and invasive lobular carcinoma.

Severe symptoms included things like

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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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Worldwide Medical Insurance News: Exercise and lose weight 'to boost mobility'

Older adults have been advised to exercise and lose weight in order to make the most of their mobility.

Expatriate health insurance customers might be keen to take up the advice after a study has suggested that mobility could be improved by as much as 20 per cent.

Published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, the research looked at 288 participants over five years.

The scientists found that ...

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Expatriate Healthcare News: Drinking ban introduced in Dubai

A drinking ban has been introduced on expatriate British bars in Dubai.

According to reports in the Telegraph, all sports bars and British bars in the busy Al Barsha area will be forbidden from selling alcohol between the hours of 16:00 and 18:00.

A police source told the paper: "It has been the case that some premises have been selling alcohol all through the day and it was not controlled."

The spokesperson added ...

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Expatriate Insurance News: Moving abroad 'puts stress on relationships'

Among the things to consider when relocating is the fact that the stresses on your relationship are likely to increase.

According to behavioural scientist Kim van Erp, who conducted research as part of her PhD at the University of Groningen, the stress put on a relationship by relocating overseas is equal to the stress of the arrival of a first child.

The stress impact was particularly significant if ...

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International Healthcare News: Diet 'important in reducing CVD risk'

Expatriates keen to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) might want to take a closer look at their diet.

According to recent comments from Linda Main, dietetic advisor for HEART UK - The Cholesterol Charity, it has been known for some time that "a healthy diet is important in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease and other circulatory problems".

She added that ...

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Expatriate Insurance News: Sweden 'popular with small group of expats'

A small adventurous group of expatriates are looking to Swedish Lapland for a new snowy life.

Temperatures can fall to around -30 degrees C in Lapland, which includes the northernmost parts of Sweden, Norway, Finland and part of Russia, according to the Telegraph.

However, the paper revealed that ...

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International Health Insurance News: Weight loss surgery 'likely to grow'

Healthcare plans for expats might include weight loss surgery this year, after the procedure was reported as growing in popularity.

Nigel Mercer, past president of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, said that the increasing problem of obesity is bringing with it a need for post massive weight loss surgery.

"Patients are having weight loss surgery and then they need very ...

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Expatriate Insurance News: Brazil offers 'sunny optimism'

Expatriates are likely to enjoy the Brazilian way of life after research revealed that the country's population are among the most optimistic in the world at the moment.

Indeed, the Global Barometer of Hope and Despair conducted by Gallup International found that the emerging economies of China, Brazil and India have some of the most upbeat populations in the world.

Meanwhile, the wealth developed nations of the G7 - France, Canada, the UK, Italy Germany, Japan and the US - were shown to have ...

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The importance of trying before you buy counts with life abroad too

Making a permanent home abroad is the dream of thousands; particularly as retirement beckons. For others, it is the ideal opportunity given to them by their employees, whilst for some it is all about the experience of setting up a new home and business abroad.
Whatever the reason though, there are an awful lot of things to arrange. Those fortunate enough to be asked to work abroad will have the majority of details taken care of. For those retiring or heading off on their own accord however, much planning is needed.
There are the obvious travel arrangements, sourcing a place to live, perhaps looking at what the kids need to have arranged. Then there are all the financial details; including bank accounts and expatriate health insurance.
These things all take time to sort out of course, but there are other fundamental details. Learning a new culture is important, as is having a working knowledge of the language. It is for these reasons that already having visited a chosen country can go a long way to making the trip successful.
There are a great many people that feel simply doing a little research through TV, magazines and websites will give them enough knowledge. However, nothing can prepare you as well as visiting your intended destination as much as possible before committing yourself to a permanent move.
It is also advisable to try and sort all financial affairs before moving abroad. No more important in this regard is the necessary expatriate medical insurance. Experienced and knowledgeable travellers ourselves, Expatriate Healthcare are perfectly placed to arrange this for you.

Don't head abroad without a purpose

Though one of the favoured reasons for making a permanent or semi-permanent move abroad is to retire, things are changing. As more and more under 35s head to new climes, however, it is perhaps timely to stress the importance of good planning and having a purpose with which to work.
Many under 35s will have a job opportunity lined up as they head abroad, whilst others will have this as a definite goal to work towards.
Planning ahead of time, though a little boring, is essential to making the best of things. Looking for decent job opportunities, planning a route back home and taking out appropriate expat health insurance are things that should be addressed.
Having a job to move to makes transition a good deal easier. Colleagues will already know the good, and bad, places for a night or day out for example. Further, having a social group simply to share life with is as important away from home as it is at home, perhaps even more so.
Though a permanent move abroad may sound exciting, having a planned time to see if it really is as good as it promises cannot be underestimated. Though moving abroad forever can still be accomplished, having a taster for a few months helps put everything into perspective.
As for such things as organising insurance, with international healthcare being so diverse, planning ahead in this regard is essential. At Expatriate Healthcare, we really understand this and help make moves abroad so much better for a great many people.

Worldwide Medical Insurance News: Osteoporosis 'can increase gum disease risk'

Expatriate women in particular might want to double check that their global medical insurance covers them for dental problems.

This is because recent research by Professor Robin Seymour, a leading periodontologist and advisor to Dentyl Active, has found that women are at greater risk of gum disease and subsequent tooth loss than men.

The professor explained that ...

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Expatriate Insurance News: Foreign buyers 'home in on Spain'

Expatriates are continuing to focus their hunt for a home overseas on Spain.

This is according to the latest analysis from Kyero.com, which confirmed that Alicante accounted for a large proportion of enquiries.

Indeed, 33.8 per cent of overseas interest in Spanish property was focused on ...

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Expatriate Healthcare News: Focus on positive change for 'diet success'

Expatriate healthcare customers are among those who could find that they have more success with New Year's resolutions if they focus on positive changes.

According to recent comments from Mary Comber, editor of Health & Fitness magazne, focusing on positive lifestyle changes, instead of denial and abstinence, will deliver better results for those trying to lose weight or get fit.

"The secret to a fit, healthy, happy you is to establish

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International Health Insurance News: Time a 'barrier' to skin cancer examination

International health insurance customers who are considering visiting their doctor for a screening might want to make sure they are prepared to be examined to allow their doctor to perform a thorough check.

Doctors have claimed that time constraints and patient embarrassment are proving to be problematic barriers to skin cancer examinations.

According to a paper published in the Archives of Dermatology, 44.2 per cent of ...

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Expatriate Insurance News: Overseas property searches on the rise

There appears to be an increasing number of people considering relocating abroad.

According to the latest figures from Rightmove, the number of online searches for overseas property rose by 4.8 per cent in December.

This is the opposite of the expected decline, which usually occurs around Christmas.

The US and Germany showed ...

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Expatriate Healthcare News: Targeted exercise 'can prevent falls'

Older people living abroad might want to check their expatriate medical insurance to ensure they are covered for physiotherapy.

According to Vicky Johnston, specialist physiotherapist in falls prevention for the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, targeted exercise that can be prescribed by therapists is one of the best ways to prevent falls in elderly people.

She noted that it is best to focus on strength training, balance training and flexibility.

However, ...

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Expatriate Insurance News: TEFL offers 'rewarding overseas employment'

People who are keen to expatriate but aren't sure what to do might want to consider Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) as an alternative to menial jobs.

According to expatriate advice website Shelter Offshore, TEFL is a "fantastic way to do something different and exciting whilst living in and enjoying a new culture".

However, there are a number of things ...

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International Health Insurance News: Berries 'good for skin'

Expatriates enjoying life in sunny climates might want to look into eating more fresh fruit.

Recent research has suggested that brightly coloured foods, red berries in particular, are very effective at protecting skin.

Sally Penford, education manager for the International Dermal Institute, explained that a lot of these foods provide the body with "great antioxidants".

"Any highly coloured ...

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Expatriate Healthcare News: Postnatal recovery 'important for health'

International healthcare insurance customers might want to check that they are covered for postnatal healthcare.

According to recent comments from Emma Cannon, fertility advisor and acupuncturist, postnatal recovery is important for a mother's health and that of any subsequent children she carries.

Ms Cannon suggested that women wait ...

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International Healthcare News: Brisk walk 'can tackle stress'

Expatriates who are concerned about their healthcare could take a brisk walk to help reduce their stress levels.

Indeed, those with a high-anxiety job would do well to take some exercise instead of using food as a way to get through the day, Tam Fry, National Obesity Forum board member and chair for the Child Growth Foundation, said.

Mr Fry advised: "Rather than turning to food, what I would suggest that people do to tackle their stress is say: 'I'm going to ...

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Expatriate Insurance News: 'Quality properties' available in Barbados

People who are relocating abroad might want to look into moving to Barbados.

Kieran Kelly of Cluttons Barbados told Overseas Property Professional that the island is proving tempting due to the "stability of the economy, currency exchange rates, location and the quality of properties that Barbados has to offer".

However, expatriates might want to get in quickly as the market is strengthening and prices could soon ...

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Expatriate Healthcare News: False-positive mammograms 'affect life quality'

International health insurance customers might be keen to keep up to date with news regarding health screening.

Recent suggestions from doctors have encouraged healthcare providers to make sure that women receive information regarding the negatives associated with breast cancer screening, as well as the positives.

The advice comes as a study published in the British Journal of Surgery found that women who ...

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Worldwide Medical Insurance News: Winter sports claims 'rising'

Expatriates and travellers should double check their worldwide medical insurance after recent figures have revealed that the average cost of winter sports-related claims has doubled in the past two years.

According to Sainsbury's Finance, claims have risen by 47.6 per cent. Furthermore, the number of winter sports injuries occurring in the US and Europe this past winter were up by ...


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