GHI Exclusive: AXA PPP International’s Comments on Recent Expat Health Survey

Last week, AXA PPP International released a survey of 463 expats abroad, saying that 61% of the respondents believe that their physical health had improved when they moved abroad, and 64% of the respondents say that their mental health has improved after moving abroad.

These survey findings were backed by AXA PPP International’s Director of Psychological Services, Dr Mark Winwood, saying that following your dreams and experiencing something new can be very good for your health and wellbeing.

We reached out to AXA PPP International for more exclusive details about the findings of this survey. Mr Tom Wilkinson, Managing Director of AXA PPP International and CEO of AXA Global Protect, gives us his comments about the findings of their latest survey.

Tom Wilkinson, Managing Director, AXA PPP International

Moving to live abroad is an attractive prospect for a vast number of people in the UK today, with the promise of a new adventure, better weather and even an improved work/life balance luring many Brits to a life abroad. That said, the prospect of living overseas is proving attractive not only for personal reasons but also for career development.

The current international jobs market is hugely diverse and moving abroad for work is no longer seen as an option only available to the elite, with an increasing number of workers believing their career would benefit from the experience of moving to another country. From my experience of living as an expat, I can testify that working around the globe can be hugely rewarding, but it doesn’t come without its challenges and requires a great deal of planning.

It is, of course, important to research your accommodation, whether there are suitable social activities nearby and maybe even schools if you are moving with a family. However, we find that those who are taking the plunge often prioritise these areas over healthcare, sometimes waiting until they’ve actually moved before considering how they will manage their healthcare needs. Our advice at AXA PPP International is to make sure you are clued up well before you move. This includes investigating your access to both routine and emergency medical treatment, whether your destination’s local weather might have any impact on your health and also recognising that a big change is stressful so that you are equipped to deal with these challenges should they arise.

While not for the faint hearted, I would recommend that anyone who is able to take up the opportunity to experience some time abroad seriously considers it. With the right preparations in place, from a personal, cultural and professional perspective, it is likely to be a highly enriching experience.

Read more about AXA PPP International’s survey through their full press release here.