Insurance plans for Maldives workers 'postponed'

Plans to only issue work visas to foreign workers with expatriate insurance in the Maldives have been postponed from their starting date of January 1st 2011.

According to Haveeru newspaper, the Department of Immigration and Emigration pushed back proposals to make sure all expat workers are covered by international health insurance because of a number of requests.

However, immigration controller Ilyas Hussein Ibrahim told the publication that ...

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Gentle exercise 'is effective aid to weight loss'

Expatriate medical insurance policyholders who are trying to stay fit in order to prevent other health problems have been advised that gentle walking is an effective weight loss aid.

According to Maria Castellina, a spokesperson for the Ramblers association, walking one mile can burn off 100 calories.

"Making simple differences to your everyday routine, like walking to work rather than taking the bus, can help ...

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Detoxing 'is not best way to lose weight'

Expatriate medical insurance customers who are hoping to lose weight after piling on the pounds at Christmas should not cut out certain food types.

According to Jenny Caven, a spokeswoman for Slimming World, a strict detox is not the best way to shape up.

"The latest evidence shows that ...

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Take plenty of bed rest with flu

Expatriate medical insurance policyholders should not underestimate how poorly they will feel should they catch flu.

This is the view of Dr Catherine Hood, scientific advisor to Mentholatum responsebeta Anti-viral hand sanitizer, who noted that bed rest is the most important thing to do should someone come down with the seasonal illness.

"Keep warm ...

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VAT rise 'could deter travellers from taking out insurance'

British travellers relocating overseas could be put off from taking out international health insurance because of the rise in VAT, according to P J Hayman & Company.

Peter Hayman, director of the travel advice organisation, commented that from today (Tuesday, January 4th), the UK government will be putting the higher rate of 20 per cent VAT into effect.

"There is a danger that this increase ...

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Dieting after holidays 'counterproductive'

Cutting out certain foods after the festive period is not likely to be productive, it has been claimed.

Jenny Caven, a spokeswoman for Slimming World, said that restricting oneself in terms of diet can become problematic.

"Traditionally we believe that we need to punish or restrict ourselves by cutting out food types or go on a strict detox to lose a few pounds after Christmas," she noted.

"But the latest evidence shows ...

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Cancer risk for large waistlines

Almost half of women in England are at an increased risk of cancer because they have a high waist circumference, a charity has warned.

The World Cancer Research Fund said that 44 per cent of women in the country have large waistlines compared to 32 per cent of men.

It is known that ...

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Low vitamin D levels in babies linked to breathing problems

Babies who have low vitamin D levels at the time of birth have an increased risk of suffering respiratory problems in later life.

A new report from the Massachusetts General Hospital has suggested there is a link between levels of vitamin D in newborns and wheezing in childhood.

However, the study has ruled out an association between ...

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Mental health 'taken seriously by young people'

While stigma still surrounds mental health issues, expatriate insurance customers might be surprised to hear that young people tend to take them seriously, according to The Scottish Association for Mental Health.

Carolyn Roberts, head of policy and campaigns at the mental health charity, explained: "The more that parents and schools can do to help children and young people learn about mental health, the better.

"However, I think most ...

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Public awareness of dementia 'is growing'

Awareness of Alzheimer's disease among expatriate healthcare customers and other members of the public is improving constantly, but the fact remains that most people will not understand the condition until they have some personal experience with it.

This is the opinion of Timothy Parry, spokesman for the Alzheimer's Research Trust, who pointed out: "With greater public awareness of Alzheimer's, our ability to manage the disease will improve and support for much needed research into curing it could also soar."

He explained ...

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Wait to change currency to find best value

Expat insurance policyholders who are planning to go abroad soon should hold off on exchanging currency until just before their departure, ABTA - The Travel Association has suggested.

Sean Tipton, spokesman for the organisation, commented: "With the euro and the dollar predicted to weaken next year, it may be advisable to leave changing money until shortly before you travel.

"However, exchange rates are ...

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Stressful relationships 'can increase angina risk'

Expatriate medical insurance policyholders who are leading a stressful lifestyle could be at risk of developing angina, according to new research.

A six-year study of middle-aged Danish subjects revealed that taking on family demands and worries could increase the risk of angina, which can in turn lead to coronary artery disease.

The researchers wanted to know if ...

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Advice for plastic surgery patients

Expatriate medical insurance customers who are thinking of electing for cosmetic surgery must ensure it is something they want.

This is the view of beauty journalist Zara Rabinowicz, who said: "I would advise anyone planning surgery to always have multiple consultations to make sure they understand and are happy with the proposed outcome - it's an art, not a science, and you can never guarantee results will be as ...


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Flu vaccination 'should be considered by at-risk groups'

International healthcare customers should be aware that no vaccination can ever provide "perfect protection" against the influenza virus, but some at-risk groups should think about getting one anyway.

This is the view of Dr Catherine Hood, scientific adviser to Mentholatum responsebeta anti-viral hand sanitizer, who noted that some people should seek medical advice about taking precautions against flu.

"All people over ...

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Spain 'has huge opportunities' in property market

Expatriate medical insurance policyholders who are considering relocating abroad should know that the country's housing market shows signs of becoming more active next year.

Marc Da-Silva, a freelance property journalist, noted: "There is a huge opportunity; in places like Spain you can pick up properties for next to nothing."

He pointed out that countries such as Portuagal are still struggling financially and this looks likely to continue in the coming years.

"There is going to be no real property price boom in any of those countries, which is going to create opportunities ...

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Breastfeeding 'improves health of babies'

Expatriate healthcare insurance customers who are expecting a new arrival to their family should be advised that breastfeeding could improve the health of their little ones.

According to the Association of Radical Midwives, breastfeeding could protect babies from gut infections and may even boost intelligence.

Sarah Montagu, admin secretary for the organisation, commented: "I think the benefits are reasonably well propagated in the general population.

"Because there are a lot of emotional issues to do with ...


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Call for more rights for expatriate workers

Expatriate medical insurance policyholders and other foreign workers in Bangladesh are at the centre of a call for more rights for international workers.

According to the Daily Star, the country's minister for expatriate welfare, Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, commented at Saturday's International Migrants' Day: "It is high time that Bangladeshi migrants who send home nearly $11 billion yearly are given due importance."

The special day was marked by government groups and non-governmental organisations holding ...


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People 'can wean themselves off salty food'

Herbs and spices could be used to flavour food so that expat health insurance policyholders reduce their salt intake.

This was the suggestion of registered nutritionist Carina Norris, who noted that individuals can "wean" themselves off a preference for excessively salty food.

"In the short term, you can add more spices, you can add herbs to your food … just little additions of flavour that don't have salt," she pointed out.

"In the long-term you can ...


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Expats in the UAE 'to have working restrictions lifted'

Expatriate medical insurance policyholders in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are set to benefit from new working rules which come into effect next year.

According to GMA News, some restrictions on foreign workers with an expired job contract will be lifted in the new year.

UAE minister of Labour Sagr Gobash announced the changes, which will mean ...

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Decision to relocate abroad 'should be backed with aims'

British people who are considering relocating abroad to take up an expatriate lifestyle should ensure that their reasons for doing so are "legitimate, sustainable, realistic and achievable", according to Shelter Offshore.

Rhiannon Davies, director of the organisation which advises expat health insurance customers and others about overseas living, pointed out that "the grass isn't always greener".

However, "there is very little, other than poverty, keeping [British individuals] in the UK anymore", she claimed.

"Furthermore, as jobs are cut, unemployment increases, taxes rise, tuition fees rise for students, public spending cuts really begin to bite and the effect of underfunding is realised in the infrastructure of this country and in the likes of the NHS and the education system, I honestly believe this will push up the numbers of those wanting to escape even further."

Ms Davies comments come in light of ...


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Expats 'have better lives abroad'

Expatriate medical insurance policyholders may have a better quality of life after they have relocated abroad, according to research.

The latest HSBC International expat survey revealed that expatriates have a "greater sense of community" than they do in their home country.

Children of parents who are living in a different country to the one they were born in are also likely to enjoy 'the good life' and tend to benefit from ...


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Earlier diagnosis of dementia 'is essential'

Earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is "essential" to defeat dementia in expat health insurance customers and other people.

This is the view of Dr Marie Janson, director of development at the Alzheimer's Research Trust, who noted that it is difficult to diagnose the condition because there is no definitive test for it yet.

"The symptoms can appear slowly and can be similar to other conditions. We need better ways to ...


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Foreign property markets 'contain low-priced homes'

More people will be able to relocate abroad and invest in foreign property because of the current fragility of the overseas markets, an expert has said.

According to property journalist Marc Da-Silva, expat health insurance policyholders and other prospective homeowners in Europe should be able to cash in on markets that have "bottomed out".

"At the other end of the spectrum, there are other markets that haven't yet bottomed out, such as ...

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Food product recalled over peanut allergy fears

Expat health insurance policyholders who have peanut allergies have been warned not to eat a certain health food product.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has announced a recall of certain Quaker Chewy Granola Bars because some of the products lack allergen advice about the presence of peanuts.

Value packs containing Dipps granola bars have been taken off shelves in ...


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Eating more fruit 'could save lives'

Expatriate medical insurance policyholders who eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day are less likely to die prematurely.

Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that in the UK, some 33,000 deaths each year could be prevented or delayed if individuals eat more fresh produce and cut salt and fat consumption to recommended levels.

Researchers looked at a number of studies and input the findings into ...


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Cancer 'does not develop by chance'

Expat health insurance policyholders should understand that cancer is not a product of fate.

This is the view of Dr Ian Lewis, head of research at cancer charity Tenovus, who said it is "concerning" that a proportion of individuals still see the disease as a chance event, despite various public campaigns.

"It has been estimated that around half of ...


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Link between emotional stress and debt 'must be explored'

Expatriate health insurance policyholders who are struggling emotionally could pinpoint the cause of their distress to their finances.

According to Una Farrell, spokeswoman for the Consumer Credit Counselling Service, more education is needed to highlight the link between debt and mental health anguish.

"A lot of our clients are in emotional distress when they come to us, and that often goes hand in hand with debt problems. We have been doing more research to look into those links," she explained.

"There have always been people who have come to us who are ...

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New bed 'could reduce pain'

Expat insurance customers who suffer from bad backs, asthma or general aches and pains could invest in a new bed to help prevent visits to healthcare professionals later on.

According to Jessica Alexander of The Sleep Council, people with limited mobility could benefit from using an adjustable bed, which helps them get in or out and can allow them to sleep with their legs raised.

Expat health insurance policyholders who have other medical problems could also ...

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Unemployed older people 'could start a business'

International healthcare policyholders who are unemployed could consider setting up their own business.

Emma Soames, editor at large of Saga Magazine, pointed out that whether people are approaching retirement or have already given up work, the advantages of running a business are that they can work as long as they like.

"Depending on your skill set, your capabilities and where you live, if people can see a gap in the market, go for it and do it yourself, rather than trying to get a salary job working for somebody else," she suggested.

Ms Soames' remarks follow the latest report from ...


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Later pregnancy 'increases breast cancer risk'

Expat health insurance policyholders who are trying to conceive should be aware that the incidence of breast cancer increases with age.

This is the warning from Martin Widschwendter, a professor in women's cancer at UCL and a consultant gynaecological oncologist at the University College London Hospital.

He noted that women who get pregnant later in life generally ...


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Japan 'is fantastic destination'

More expatriates are expected to relocate abroad or visit Japan as the country's reputation for tourism grows, according to the Japan National Tourism Organisation.

Kylie Clark, senior PR and marketing manager for the agency, commented that while Tokyo is the main point of call for holidaymakers flying to Japan, "many people explore beyond" the capital.

"As Japan's reputation as a fantastic holiday destination grows, we are ...

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China and Singapore in top five expat countries

China and Singapore have emerged as two of the best countries in the world for expatriate corporate assignments, research has revealed.

The US and UK ranked first and second place in the latest survey by worldwide human resources consultant ECA International, ChannelNewsAsia.com reports.

Singapore's fourth place was attributed to the city-state's position as an Asian services hub, attracting expatriate healthcare insurance customers and other people from all over the globe.

Government figures put ...

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Check tariff before using phone abroad

Expat insurance policyholders who are hoping to get away to warmer climes this Christmas have been warmed to check with their mobile network provider before using their phones in another country.

According to research by price comparison website moneysupermarket.com, expatriate holidaymakers could be hit with large bills for calls and texts sent while they are abroad.

Mike Wilson, mobiles and broadband manager at the site, commented that ...


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Expat Health Insurance News: Dubai property market 'set to improve'

Expatriate healthcare insurance policyholders who are considering relocating abroad to Dubai should be aware that the housing market there is expected to pick up next year.

According to Nicholas Marr, chief executive officer at Homesgofast.com, investor confidence is returning to Dubai's property market.

"It is obvious to me that Dubai will attract a different type of buyer to its housing market … Dubai investors will be in it for the medium to ...

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Earlier diagnosis 'is welcomed by cancer patients'

Earlier diagnosis "makes a huge difference" for expat health insurance policyholders and other people with suspected cancer, Macmillan Cancer Support has claimed.

Ciaran Devane, chief executive of the organisation, noted that having better access to diagnostic tests will be a "welcome move".

"However, it would be wrong to only focus on increasing survival rates without putting equal funding and care into ensuring appropriate long-term care is in place for cancer survivors," he pointed out, adding that ...

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Homeowners 'should be careful' when renovating property

Expat health insurance policyholders who have purchased a dilapidated property in the hopes of fixing it up should be aware that such homes can contain health dangers.

According to Glen Irwin, sustainability director at Gifford, renovators need to be "very careful" when carrying out improvement projects.

This will allow them to ...

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Falling prices 'will not deter foreign property investors'

Expat insurance policyholders who are looking to invest in overseas property should not be deterred by falling global house prices, according to Rightmove.co.uk.

Robin Wilson, head of overseas at the website, noted that while poorly performing housing markets in other countries could put off professional investors, "basing a decision on global averages without looking into local regions and markets might be premature".

He explained that ...


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Spain 'offers abundance of cheap properties'

Expatriate medical insurance policyholders are likely to be able to find cheap property in Spain as the number of repossessed homes in the country continues to grow.

"In Spain you have got an abundance of repossessed properties that the banks are now forced to get rid of," explained Les Calvert, director at Property-Abroad.com.

"Interest in Spain will continue to dominate the searches and ...

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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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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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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 ...

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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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