Access to good quality healthcare is a top concern for people working abroad, with one in 10 (10%) admitting to having little knowledge of how overseas health systems operate.
A quarter (26%) of business travellers could envisage returning to the UK and giving up their overseas job if they were to suffer ill health while overseas, according to research from Expacare.
While a fifth (20%) of UK expats felt comprehensive guidance on local healthcare was essential when moving overseas, knowledge regarding international private healthcare insurance (IPMI) was alarmingly low.
One in six (14%) of employees thought their travel insurance policy would provide sufficient health cover for a business placement abroad, while a third (34%) were unsure what cover they needed before making their move into an overseas job.
Expacare managing director Beverly Cook called the findings "worrying" and added that workers should not rely on travel insurance to cover their medical needs when working overseas.
"Our research reveals a lack of understanding among some overseas workers about how health systems work abroad. As well as doing the necessary research before they leave the UK, those working overseas can ensure they are prepared by having comprehensive health insurance in place to pay for any medical treatment, should they need it," she said.
