Aetna International, a leading international health insurance provider, did a survey of expats in several popular destinations around the world to determine their state of mind, how they feel about travelling, how their priorities might have shifted and what their plans are for the future following the disruptions of Covid-19. While it was expected for the interest in expat life to have dwindled, this is not the case. Although higher expat confidence was observed in countries that handled the coronavirus pandemic better, rather surprisingly, two thirds of expats surveyed responded that they were feeling confident about returning to living and working abroad.
When exploring why, Aetna narrowed this confidence down to three main factors: lifestyle benefits, availability of work and reassurance over family health. Expats’ priorities have shifted since the outbreak of the pandemic and these factors now top the list of reasons to move to certain destinations.
Lifestyle benefits
Aetna found that a major reason people are choosing to move abroad is to improve their work-life balance and to adopt a healthier way of life. Covid-19 brought things into sharp focus, causing people to reassess what is consequential in life, and the importance of the well-being of the family – and family time – have been reemphasised. Feeling happy and safe in their destination, as well as an improvement in health and lifestyle are all contributing to expats’ eagerness to continue their lifestyle abroad or seek out new destinations that might improve their situations even further.
Availability of work
Expats wanting to work abroad were concerned during the pandemic as economies took strain and job uncertainty grew. Aetna has found that expats are actually in a rather strong position to find lucrative jobs now, as governments attempt to boost their economy by encouraging international travel and the return of expat workers.
Skilled expats are finding that they’re being offered more support, and in some countries policies are even being revised to offer expats a level of long-term security. Opportunities for expats are opening up all over the world, as countries attempt to bounce back from the economic downturn by attracting foreign workers to their shores.
Reassurance over family health
Aetna has discovered that family health and well-being benefits are being prioritised above all by expats. As quality healthcare has been a concern during the pandemic, job opportunities that come with good health benefits and services are now being considered over more lucrative options. Expats are looking for jobs that guarantee health services and support for their families, which has led to many businesses incorporating more benefits into their employment packages.
While moving overseas is still seen as risky by many, governments are improving their expat policies while businesses are enhancing their job packages. This is being done to improve support for expats and in turn encourage them to embark on a life-changing adventure. Although Covid-19 still lingers, Aetna’s survey suggests that, with all these improvements, now may be the perfect time for expats to take the leap.
Thinking of taking the plunge? Make sure you’re prepared. Let Aetna help you start building your international health plan.
