A quarter (23%) of employer respondents would like to provide international health insurance to employees but can not afford to do so, according to research by Expacare.
Its Anatomy of an international business report found that 28% of respondents viewed international health insurace as essential for any employees working abroad, but 33% felt that international health insurance was a personal choice that should be made by the employee.
The report also found:
- 39% of respondents said cover for medical evacuation is crucial in a health insurance policy, followed by a choice of medical facilities and doctors (27%), a 24-hour medical helpline (26%) and cancer cover (20%).
- 16% of employers believed travel insurance covers staff health needs overseas.
- 10% of respondents thought that health insurance is not necessary when employees are working in the European Union (EU).
Beverly Cook, managing director at Expacare, said: “The research shows a lack of understanding among employers of how best to care for their staff working internationally.
“Due to costs, some employers are simply not offering international health insurance to employees working abroad.
“Meanwhile, others risk omitting some elements from the cover.”
