Gulf health

Expats need good health insurance says BUPA International

The one-time view that a posting to the Middle East was a ‘hardship placement’ is very much a thing of the past. According to this year’s survey by leading worldwide medical insurers, BUPA International, over 80 per cent of expats living in the region thought that their quality of life was ‘better’ or ‘very much better’ since moving there. When asked what they liked best about their new country of residence, nearly twice as many people singled out the way of life over the more obvious advantages that come from living in a hot climate.

During the 1970s, oil exploitation in Gulf countries created a need for both white and blue-collar expatriate workers. Mobile employees could easily find work that came with generous benefits such as housing in an expatriate compound, private medical insurance and no income tax. The Middle East has become a region of fast track development accelerated by huge financial resources, the skills and enthusiasm of its own people and the many skilled working expatriates that have been attracted to the area.

The various Gulf state governments are in the process of executing directives intended to bolster an educated local work force. However, demand for appropriately trained workers, especially in senior management roles, far outstrips supply. No wonder then that the states of the Arabian Gulf have the highest percentage of expatriate workers of any other region in the world.

Moving Home is Stressful
Whilst the Middle East’s climate and way of life are being enjoyed by a rapidly increasing number of foreign workers, expatriates coming into the area still have to deal with the day to day concerns and problems associated with moving to another country.

The BUPA International 2004 Survey showed that moving to another country brings the same type of worries regardless of the country:
Health facilities, e.g. hospitals and doctors(69%)
Accommodation(33%)
Health risks associated with new country(27%)
Language barrier(26%)

Health Care
Expatriates working in Arab Gulf states can expect new rules which make taking out adequate international private medical insurance compulsory. In Saudi Arabia, companies employing more than 500 expatriates must now hold group insurance cover with a regulated provider. In September this figure was modified to companies employing just 100 expatriate employees. In September 2005 all expatriates will be required to have medical insurance in place.

FAQ: Why is private medical insurance (pmi) so important when you’re living or working overseas?

If you are ill in a foreign country it is important to know that all your healthcare needs will be met by high quality professionals offering excellent treatment. Facilities overseas can often be very different from those to which we are accustomed. BUPA International lets you use the best facilities available in the host country, choose to return to your home country or move to another country where you can recieve treatement.

BUPA International, the world’s largest international expatriate health insurance provider, is part of the BUPA group, which covers eight million people worldwide. It provides a wide range of §exible, high quality global health insurance options for groups and individuals living and working overseas (or in their home country) for six months or more. The company assesses over 6,500 claims each week from 190 countries.

Peace of mind is ensured by the 24-hour multi-lingual helpline, open 365 days a year, and a team that has the experience and training to take control of any emergency situation. The benefit of direct settlement of bills, fast claims turnaround and local knowledge on a global scale ensure BUPA International can be relied upon.

Using the internet, you can apply for membership on-line by logging on to www.bupa-intl.com. Once you have taken out a policy with BUPA International, you can then access expert medical advice in just a couple of clicks by logging on to the exclusive Membersworld section, available only to policyholders. Designed to provide on-line health information and manage claims, you can also use the website to find the hospital or clinic nearest to you offering the service you want or need.

FAQ: Why use international medical insurance companies rather than local companies which could be cheaper?

Local policies are not always cheaper – certainly not in most European countries or indeed he USA where medical insurance costs are very high. Not being international, the range of services offerred can be limited with local insurance companies. Continuity of cover is also an important factor. Expats moving from one country to another and buying local cover would be re-underwritten by each seperate insurer – potentially getting less cover for their money with each move. A good international private medical insurance scheme gives you the option for global emergency evacuation if you need it, taking you to the nearest appropriate medical facility. Local schemes do not do this.

The company offers an exceptional level of protection and support for people who are living or working in their home country, or living or working overseas. Depending on your requirements, BUPA International’s health plans can offer primary care, maternity cover, home nursing, routine and emergency dentistry, as well as hospital treatment and accommodation, health checks, cover for chronic conditions, emergency road ambulance and cover for sports injuries for you and your family.

BUPA International’s ‘Lifeline’ products for individuals and Company schemes offer choice and §exibility. BUPA International can even tailor-make cover for companies with over 60 employees taking part. Whichever level customers choose, they can be sure that BUPA International will care for them and their families wherever they are.

For more information log on to www.bupa-intl.com or call +44 (0)1273 208181

‘ Expat Survey, MAR.03’

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