Research shows many expats are concerned about the cost of healthcare
Research by AXA Global Healthcare shows that expats find life abroad to be surprisingly expensive
Seventeen per cent say that the cost of living is the thing they miss most from their home country and 21 per cent say that it would prompt them to return. However, 58 per cent of everyone questioned say they are enjoying a higher salary since moving abroad.
The biggest source of stress related to money was found to be rent and housing, with 51 per cent of expats saying it is surprisingly expensive in their new home country. Forty per cent also say higher education is more expensive than expected, while 35 per cent found childcare costs to be too high.
Tom Wilkinson, CEO at AXA Global Healthcare said: “The cost of living varies massively around the world, and even across different regions in the same country, so it’s important on any international secondment to be aware of your spending and manage your finances appropriately. If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of resources online – and even apps available – that could help make managing your money a little easier.”
An expense that expats seem to be most concerned about is healthcare, with 24 per cent of those living abroad worried about the cost of health treatments.
Wilkinson concluded: “The key to being prepared for healthcare costs abroad – especially if you have a pre-existing condition – is to ensure that you have a good grasp of the services and facilities available in your new home. In countries where certain treatments are difficult to come by or particularly expensive, it may even be worth considering how international health insurance could help you to manage your healthcare needs.”