Expat Health Blog

Check out this blog about an expatriates experiences with health care abroad as well as preventative medical care tips.

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CDC Promotes Healthy Travel for Students Studying Abroad

CDC is promoting healthy travel for students studying abroad. Whether you are already abroad or plan to go soon, take some time to consider how seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu might affect your trip.

Why should I be concerned about flu during my study abroad program?

Regardless of whether they are in the United States or in another country, campus environments of most colleges or universities bring many people together in the same place. Students, faculty, and staff of any college or university can get sick with flu and easily spread it to others on campus, as well as in the larger community.
Age can also be a factor. So far, the largest number of 2009 H1N1 flu cases have been confirmed among people younger than 25 years old. This age group is also at risk of getting seasonal flu.

Here is the good news: seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 flu are not reasons to cancel your study-abroad plans! The CDC has come up with some simple steps you can follow to help make sure you stay healthy and get the most from your study-abroad experience!
Before you go, remember to:

See a doctor.
Get your flu vaccine.

Vaccines are the most important tool we have for preventing the flu. You can lower your chances of getting seasonal flu by getting a seasonal flu vaccine.

Consider getting the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine to protect against 2009 H1N1 flu if it is available. If you are younger than 25 years of age, you are in a recommended initial target group to receive the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine.

Symptoms of the flu (including 2009 H1N1 flu) can include:
fever*

cough
sore throat
runny or stuffy nose
body aches
headache
chills
fatigue
you may have vomiting and diarrhea

*You may have respiratory symptoms without fever.

For international travel, CDC recommends that you make an appointment to see a doctor familiar with travel medicine at least 4–6 weeks before you leave. The doctor will review your medical history and your study-abroad program to make sure you receive the right vaccinations, medicines, and information to stay healthy and safe.
Travel only when you feel well.

If you become ill, stay at home or in your place of lodging if you are already abroad, until your fever has been gone for at least 24 hours. If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, seek medical care immediately.
Follow basic health tips while you are traveling abroad.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Read more at the www.cdc.gov

The U.S. State Department advises that you review your health insurance policy to ensure you have adequate internatinal health insurance which should cover medical expenses for sickness, accidents and emergency medical evacuation. Get a travel medical insurance quote.

7 Life-Changing Financial Decisions U.S. Expats Must Consider to Protect Their Assets and Investments

If you are a US Citizen planning on moving abroad, then I would recommend reading Nick Hodges article about the "7 Life-Changing Financial Decisions U.S. Expats Must Consider to Protect Their Assets and Investments" which include:

1. Taxes
2. Your Pension
3. Offshore Bank Accounts
4. Investments
5. Estate Planning
6. Returning Home
7. Insurance Protection

Many US Expatriates live overseas without the intention of relocating home, but many do and find it difficult to obtain health insurance. Traditional US health insurance is individually underwritten and insurance companies can decline an application or increase the premium based on current and past medical history.

If you are an expatriate or thinking about moving abroad, then we reoommend considering the possibility of relocating back to the US in the future and incidental trips back to the US. We can provide a couple different options which provide medical coverage both in and out of the US or short-term travel medical policies for incidental trips to the US.

Call us at 800.647.4589 or 480.821.9052 and speak with one of our international health insurance specialists or email us at info@globalcitizeninsurance.com

Spot Light on the Philippines

The Philippines is an archipelago nation of more than 7,000 islands, situated in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. With about 86 millions inhabitants, the country is the 13th most populated country in the world.

The Philippines is an emerging Asian nation, ranked as a lower middle income country by the World Bank. 60% of the exports of the country are sold to trade partners in Asia. The global crisis has hurt the economic performance of the country. After a GDP growth rate of 3.8% in 2008, the IMF forecasts only 1% growth for 2009.

Metro Manila, also called the National Capital Region, is a conglomeration of fourteen cities and three municipalities. With a total population of 9.9 million people spread out over 636 square kilometers, Metro Manila is one of the largest urban centers in the world. The population density in many areas is greater than 20,000 per square kilometer, and reaches over 41,000 per square kilometer in Manila City. Political instability, terrorist threats, rebel insurgencies, high levels of criminal violence, and widespread poverty make Metro Manila a microcosm of the tenuous security situation throughout the Philippines.

Terrorism risk and a weak business infrastructure in some regions are some matters of concern. But there are many opportunities. The country is open to trade and the only obstacles are some non-tariff barriers. Also, the high skill levels, productivity and the adaptability of the workforce are major assets that should be noted by potential investors and trade partners.

Adequate medical care is available in major cities in the Philippines, but even the best hospitals may not meet the standards of medical care, sanitation, and facilities provided by hospitals and doctors in the United States. Medical care is limited in rural and more remote areas. We recommend purchasing international health insurance.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors. Americans applying for residency status in the Philippines can be excluded based on this illness

The following vaccinations are recommended but are not required: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria, Rabies and Typhoid. We recommend speaking with your physician regarding the risks of vaccinations. Your doctor will make specific recommendations, depending on your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, planned activities and other factors. If your travel plans will take you to more than one country during a single trip, be sure to let your health-care provider know. Long-term travelers, such as those who plan to work or study abroad, may also need additional vaccinations as required by their employer or school.

The website of the Department of Trade and Industry offers extensive information about investment in and doing business in the Philippines. It is also a complete resource for Filipino exporters.

If that's not enough, you'll also find plenty of good research at the Philippines at the FITA Web site. The Philippines Mini Portal has an overview of the Philippines, with facts about the language, currency, climate, etc., plus specific information about the economy, markets, taxes, labor market indicators, and tips on doing business in the Philippines.

US Travel Warning for Belize

U.S. Embassy Belmopan issued the following Warden Message on November 06:

The U.S. Embassy in Belmopan alerts U.S. citizens to information regarding recent armed robberies occurring in Belmopan and the Placencia Peninsula. There is no current information available to suggest the perpetrators were attempting to target U.S. citizens.
On November 3, 2009 at 8:15pm an expatriate resident of Belize was returning to his home in the Plantation Area of the Placencia Peninsula when he was suddenly approached by two male persons; one of whom pointed a handgun at him. A struggle ensued and the resident was hit in the head, searched, and his cellular phone taken. The crime is still under investigation by the Placencia Police.

On November 4, 2009, at approximately 8:00pm, two males wearing red bandanas and armed with a pistol, committed a robbery at Daniel's Store, located at the intersection of Zennia Boulevard and Floral Park Road in Belmopan. The store was robbed of cash and merchandise, but no employees or customers were harmed during the incident. Initial indications are that the choice of location appears to have been simply a target of opportunity.

U.S. citizens who are travelers or residents of Belize are reminded that the frequency of these types of incidents may increase throughout Belize during the holiday season. Travelers or residents are reminded to exercise caution when in unfamiliar areas, and are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings, as well as ensuring doors and windows are locked in their homes, hotel rooms, and cars. Purses, bags, wallets, and other valuables should be kept secure whether in public, in hotel rooms, or in a home.

Visit http://belize.usembassy.gov/information_for_travelers/warden-messages.html

A Sign It May Be a Good Time to Move

There are so many factors that affect your decision on moving i.e. finding affordable real estate, age, retirement or job opportunity but many expatriates do not consider the exchange rate. The volatility of the recent currency markets have dramatically affected expatriates with their savings in U.S. Dollars or British Sterling while individuals who have theirs accounts in Euros have seen unprecedented volatility in the currency markets with the value of sterling fluctuating by over 30 per cent against the euro.

Volatility usually smooths out over the long-term, but it is definitely something to consider in the near term.

Featured Country: Netherlands

The Netherlands is a small European country with 16 millions inhabitants. Since it is situated on the North Sea, sea and coastal transport are central to the country’s economy. The Netherland’s main port, Rotterdam is the largest in Europe and one of the most important in the world.

The Netherlands is highly dependent on foreign trade. Because of the world slow-down, the IMF forecasts a GDP growth rate of -3% for 2009. Nevertheless unemployment is structurally low and will increase less than elsewhere in the European Union. As a consequence, household consumption will continue to sustain the market.

The Netherlands is world's second largest exporter of agricultural products. The manufacturing sector makes up 13.9 percent of GDP and the services sector is comparatively large. Financial services are performing relatively well and the information technology industry is innovative has a large number of competitive software developers. Product exports are mostly electrical machinery, mineral fuels, chemicals and pharmaceuticals. The USA is the 5th export and 4th import partner of the country.

Foreign investors will find superior logistics and technology infrastructures and a highly educated, multilingual and flexible workforce. Since January 2007 the Dutch tax environment for international companies has become even more attractive. The website of the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency offers extensive information about investing in the country, including links to its offices in the U.S.

Holland Trade is the official website of the Agency for International Business and Cooperation (EVD), the trade promotion agency of the Dutch government. The site offers extensive information about doing business in the Netherlands, as well as a “Directory for conducting business with Dutch Companies,” an extensive directory of Dutch companies involved in international business.

And the website of the U.S. Commercial Service in the Netherlands offers extensive information about the markets and business culture there.

If that's not enough, you'll also find plenty of good research at the Netherlands Mini Portal, a feature of the FITA Web site. The Netherlands Mini Portal has an overview of Netherlands, with facts about the language, currency, climate, etc., plus more specific information about the economy, markets, taxes, labor market indicators, and tips on doing business in Netherlands.

If you are traveling to the Netherlands or plan on establishing a business or international enterprise, then we recommend reviewing your current health insurance policy. If your policy does not include emergency medical evacuation, repatriation, 24 hour overseas claims service then please call us for a travel medical quote. We offer annual multi-trip policies for as low as $89 per year!

The US is the Most Popular Country

A recent Associated Press article reports up to 135 million people living outside the US would move to the states if they could.

Tied for second is Britain, Canada and France, each being named as the preferred destination of around 45 million people.

Nearly 260,000 people aged 15 years and older were surveyed. Read more...

If you have a relative or friend who is immigrating to the US, then we recommend purchasing immigrant health insurance. As you know the U.S. has expensive medical care and new immigrants usually do not qualify for traditional US health insurance or Medicare.

For more information regarding Immigrant Health Insurance visit http://www.immigrationhealth.com/

Americans Getting Bigger.... Planes Getting Smaller

The airlines is measuring and limiting the size of your checked and carry-on luggage and soon might be measuring passengers. Flying in "coach" or "economy" is squeezing more of the average American and the new trend with airlines is making overweight passengers purchase two seats.

"The average legroom in coach is getting smaller. The seat width remains unchanged in decades even as Americans get bigger." - USA Today

United spokeswoman Robin Urbanski says it adopted the policy after receiving more than 700 complaints in 2008 from passengers who complained of an overweight seatmate encroaching on their space.

I wonder if United took as swift of action over luggage complaints or flight delays. Should we expect monetary compensation for personal inconvenience of the long waits on the tarmac?

Are airlines keeping up with the times?

The typical seat width — at 17 inches to 18.5 inches — hasn't changed since 1958

I'm 6'4" and have to fold myself into a "coach" seat and my body aches after a cross country flight so I do sympathize with passengers who have to sit beside another person who is overweight or tall, but I wonder if this will perk the ears of an airline who sees the opportunity to market to and accommodate "customers" who would otherwise be charged an additional seat or would be more comfortable with a little more leg room. Just a thought but I don't know if anyone is listening!