International health insurance (IPMI) should be seen as a ‘priority' due to a reported increase in SMEs planning to expand their businesses overseas, Expacare has urged.
The latest Small Business Index from the Federation of Small Businesses revealed the export environment has strengthened for SMEs over the last quarter. A faster growth performance is expected over the coming three months.
These findings suggest such businesses could lead the UK in international growth.
A report by Expacare titled Anatomy of an International Business had found nearly half (43%) of businesses were either considering a move to trading overseas or hoping to strengthen their international foothold.
As a result of such growing trends, businesses must consider their staff's healthcare needs when moving operations and staff overseas, Expacare has said.
Beverley Cook, managing director of Expacare said: "In our report the majority of employers questioned typically post an employee overseas for between three to six months, with over a quarter (27%) looking to send their employees away for six months to a year.
"Therefore IPMI cover should be a priority in their expansion process. This will ensure that employees have the right healthcare package in place so that they are not left vulnerable should the worst happen.
"Employers should check the small print as a once size fits all package won't fit everyone, in particular those moving abroad need to consider their own health as well as their families when they relocate."
