Cigna 360° Well-Being Survey Highlights Healthcare Concerns for Expats

A few months ago, the health insurance service company Cigna released their 2017 Cigna 360° Well-Being Survey - Globally Mobile Individuals, a follow up to their investigation into the trends affecting the health of people in key markets around the world. This new report compares the findings of all globally mobile individuals, one of the most influential parts of the global workforce, against all other people in employment.

The report, compiled from online interviews with 2,003 globally mobile individuals from 20 global markets, takes a look at the issues affecting expats’ personal lives. By studying how their lives could be improved while on assignment, astute companies and human resources professionals can find valuable insights into their workforce, and how they can work more effectively for their assignees. 

Healthcare Cover Fuels Concerns

Two of the major sticking points for globally mobile professionals still appear to be the usual suspects of healthcare and education. Although 75% of respondents reported being either ‘Satisfied’ (51%) or ‘Completely satisfied’ (24%) with their overall life on assignment, only 61% claimed the same for the quality of healthcare, and just 56% said the same for the quality of education. Although these numbers show that over half of assignees are happy, it is worrying that so many are not.

“The results show that globally mobile individuals are more concerned than the general working population about their own health and well-being, and that of their families. Without exception, this group is worried about the consequences of personal or family member illness; an issue compounded by a gap in health benefits provided by their employers”

Jason Sadler - President of Cigna International Markets

 

Although in many cases healthcare in host regions may be of a lower quality than the assignee's home country, employers should look and think carefully about their duty of care to their workers. We have talked on the blog previously about how workers’ concerns about their health and wellbeing can have deleterious effects on morale and effectiveness, and it should not be taken lightly.

Having the right cover in place for employees shows them that they are both valued and essential members of the business. The survey found that 53% of globally mobile individuals consider insurance coverage a critical factor in their relocation, yet 40% of assignees are not covered by group insurance, and 15% have no cover whatsoever.

Safety and Security

Although there are positives to relocating, with 63% of respondents thinking that working abroad had improved their financial situation, and 82% feeling that they had good relationships with their co-workers, there are many other concerns for assignees. One of the central anxieties for employees is the issue surrounding job security in their new position. 19% feel that they have a ‘Major issue’ with a lack of job security in their new home, exacerbated by the fact that many people like to remain in their host countries in the long-term. If possible and appropriate, reassuring employees of their job security could go a long way to settling assignees and improving mental health.

“There is a clear need for employers to pay attention to the health and well-being of their globally mobile employees. This duty of care should extend outside of the office when employers are interacting with their families and the local community.”

Jason Sadler - President of Cigna International Markets

 

Another concern for relocated staff is personal safety, with many feeling that the recent changes around the world in migrant policies, political turmoil, economic instability and public health are worrying. 31% of respondents claim that they felt less safe than they did before their move. This number includes 42% of assignees in the United States sharing this feeling after the November 2016 election. 

In all, this report from Cigna highlights the need for clear and open communication in all parts of the global relocation process, whether it be in setting up health insurance policies ahead of time or ensuring ongoing wellbeing on relocation. Remember that providing the best experience for your employees while on assignment will reap workforce benefits in both the short and long-term.

NOTES

The Cigna 360° Well-Being Survey – Globally Mobile Individuals can be found here.