Workers would emigrate for better health but not consider health insurance

A new study by Aviva UK Health has found that more than three quarters of employees would think about moving abroad to help improve their health and wellbeing . It was also found that over a third of respondents believed other countries offer a healthier environment and more varied lifestyle.

However, it was also shown that many do not know what state healthcare they would be entitled to if they moved, with 17 per cent believing they would automatically qualify for free healthcare . The figures also revealed that nearly half of respondents wrongly believe that being a UK citizen means they would automatically qualify for state-funded healthcare in countries in the EU and Commonwealth, while 34 per cent of young workers would not choose to take out extra health insurance if they moved overseas.

Teresa Rogers, international sales and marketing manager at Aviva UK Health, commented In many countries private health insurance is a necessity you can’t afford to be without. Healthcare provision varies greatly around the world and even routine medical care can prove costly in countries that don’t offer a similar service to the NHS .

She added While we’re delighted to see that the majority of people would consider taking out additional private health insurance if they move overseas, our research clearly shows that many people have a very limited understanding of overseas health provision .