Pandemic puts end to flying home for medical treatment
Flying home for medical treatment may no longer be an option for business travellers and expats, according to the latest report from International Health Insurance
Almost every country is experiencing unprecedented pressure on its health service because of the global pandemic, which is having an adverse effect on the access to local healthcare.
In some countries this is also putting a strain on private healthcare, with the report stating that some hospitals may have to prioritise healthcare for insurance companies over private patients.
How has the pandemic affected the insurance industry?
The report also found that more and more insurers are moving from being health insurers to healthcare providers protected by health insurance.
“The world of IPMI is changing,” a spokeswoman for International Health Insurance said. “The fragile and volatile state of global stock markets is of concern to insurers who may already be vulnerable while offering opportunities to potential buyers of insurers and health insurance books of business.
“The environment for mergers and acquisitions among health insurers remains favourable as they continue to seek out diversification and growth opportunities.”
Among its findings, the report also stated that many countries have made health insurance compulsory and that telehealth, AI and new technology will change how insurers, brokers and customers interact.
Just this month, Hospitals & Healthcare reported that health and wellness trends in the corporate world are constantly evolving, with some of the biggest changes being a shift to remote working, an appetite for digital health solutions and a closer focus on mental health.
Research carried out with oversees workers and HR directors shows that this shift has had a significant affect on employees’ physical health, mental health and productivity.