Recession Broadens Horizons
According to an online survey by healthcare insurance provider, Medicare International, over two thirds of expatriate professionals are considering moving countries to escape the recession. With the recession being global in its nature, it seems professional workers all over the world are now being forced to consider broadening their options when it comes to searching for work.
More look for work overseas
The company has seen a significant increase in the number of enquiries regarding healthcare cover over the past 12 months, as it seems workers are considering taking themselves and in some cases their families to new countries to work. This survey indicates the top ten destinations for healthcare enquiries are France, Greece, Hong Kong, Lebanon, Russia, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, UAE and the UK.
Commenting on the survey, David Pryor, Senior Executive Director with Medicare International said:
Despite the slowdown in the global economy, this survey and our own records show that individuals are setting their sights beyond their own national boundaries when it comes to looking for work. Whereas low income workers traditionally return home in periods of recession, it seems white collar professionals are more likely to look for work in new overseas territories.
Stay covered
Despite the increasingly global nature of workforce migration, according to industry figures, close to 50 per cent of expats have no healthcare insurance when working away from their home country. This puts individuals at high risk should something go wrong. Without cover, costs of treatments must be born by the individual, so having the right comprehensive healthcare policy in place reduces the risk of any nasty financial shocks.
For details of MediCare’s International health insurance plans visit www.medicare.co.uk, email medicare@medicare.co.uk or call +44 (0) 20 7816 2033.
