It’s the most wonderful time of the year…. It’s how the song goes, but is it reality? Family meals, tree decorations, presents, travel, the smell of hot chocolate and cinnamon, at first seem magical and wonderful. All of these enchanting things take time and preparation. Written exclusively for Expat Network by Marina Tricard...

Almost the entire world has felt the impact of Covid-19 over the last two years, and the precautions we’ve all taken to prevent the spread of the virus have changed our lives in unimaginable ways. Kevin Melton of AXA – Global Healthcare looks at the impact on Christmas for expats living away from family and...

Mental health is getting more attention these days and with more people working from home the impact on mental health is a concern.  Aetna International have carried out a survey to establish which health issues workers are most concerned about. The survey examines the perceptions of both employers and employees when it comes to corporate...

Absenteeism has been a problem forever but increasingly presenteeism (where employees feel the need to continue working while unwell, during their evenings and weekends – even on holiday)  is an issue.  This can be a particular issue for expats working far from their head office and feeling the need to prove themselves. Written by Caroline...

If there’s one thing we can learn from 2020, it’s that we shouldn’t take our health for granted. With the ongoing pandemic, increasing chronic diseases, and rising healthcare costs, health insurance has turned into a necessity. Securing private health insurance ensures you’ll have the right financial support when you really need it. However, many people...

A major new piece of research* by AXA Global Healthcare has shed light on the impact that working on an international business assignment has upon mental health. Of the 500 international workers who were surveyed in seven different countries, just one-in-ten (10%) said that working abroad has had a negative impact on their mental health....

Are you worried? Are you feeling lonely? Do you work elsewhere and already miss your loved ones? You are not alone. People worry all the time; it is only human to worry. However, if not regulated, mild worrying can easily transition to chronic worrying and eventually cause panic disorder, anxiety, and depression, especially if you...

According to a survey by Aetna International into their experiences during lockdown expats are actively taking control of their physical health while they struggle with their mental health.  63.6% of expats admit that the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted their mental health and more than half of them would rather live in their home country during...

For those whose health insurance cover is expiring soon, it is worth reviewing your benefits before renewing, as your circumstances or that of your family are likely to change during the course of the year. You may find that some benefits aren’t necessary, which presents the perfect opportunity to try reducing your health insurance costs....

With more employees currently working from home due to the Covid-19 pandemic, workers are now more reliant on technology than ever before according to a recent report. The report explores how the use of technology was impacting employee well-being before the pandemic began and reveals how we can make adjustments to our relationship with digital...

Strict border controls were implemented across the globe in response to the rapid development of COVID-19. For over two months, the only flights authorized included essential commercial and repatriation flights. Land and maritime transport were significantly affected severely impacting immigration and the global economy. As many countries get ready to open up their borders again,...

Alexis O’Reilly is a Health and Wellness Coach who moved from Columbus, Ohio to Costa Rica. Here she tells her story about the move and her interest in plant medicine and the healing properties of plants. Written exclusively for Expat Network by Alexis O’Reilly My professional career began in Product Development in New York...