Confidence high for expats in regions where COVID-19 deaths have remained low.  

A survey by Aetna International of expats across multiple markets confirms that three quarters (75%) are set to continue living abroad in a post-COVID world despite the impact of the pandemic.  

Out of the countries in which the research was carried out, it appeared that those where Covid-19 related death rates remained relatively low* instilled the highest levels of confidence in decisions to continue living as an expat. 88% of expats surveyed in Singapore and 87% in UAE felt the most confident about maintaining their expat status.  Whereas the figure drops to 69% of expats surveyed in Germany and 70% in Mexico, countries where the impact of Covid-19 was much greater.

“In what has been a difficult and uncertain time, confidence is key. Especially for those planning and trying to build a life in another country. Whatever their motivations for moving abroad, expats play an important role for both local and global communities. Returning to some sort of ‘normality’ is what everyone is hoping for but feeling safe with access to quality health care is paramount to this becoming a reality. Wherever we are in the world” said Damian Lenihan, Executive Director of Europe at Aetna International.

70% of expats surveyed claimed that access to quality health care was a concern during the global pandemic; made up by 38% who said they were concerned and considered moving back to their home country to ensure they had access to quality health care, and 32% who were concerned but did not consider moving home as a consequence. The remaining 30% had no concerns and felt confident about accessing quality health care in their host country.

Despite international travel restrictions, 54% of expats surveyed moved back to their home country temporarily at some point during the pandemic. The majority of these were returning from countries in which COVID-19 had a bigger impact, with those in Germany (65%) and Mexico (67%) appeared to be influenced to do so more than those in Singapore (37%) and the UAE (34%).

Of those that did not return home, 42% had considered doing so owing to worries about being separated from family and friends for a long time (31%), and remote working making some expats feel disconnected in their host countries (11%). Interesting given the necessary popularisation of remote working for many industries.

33% of those that remained in their host country for the duration of the pandemic claimed they had no concerns about continuing to work abroad, while 24% decided to stay put due to concerns about not being allowed back to their host country.

Lenihan adds, “There have always been many factors for expats to consider. The resultant restrictions and challenges of the pandemic have only complicated decision making. In some cases, like the widespread border restrictions and closures related to Covid, expats may feel like they had no choice.

“Clear, informative communications are key to helping expat communities continue in their desire to live and work abroad. Authorities and employers need to provide reassurances that the health and well-being interests of expats and their families are being looked after. This will hopefully start to encourage existing and wannabe expats to resume their plans when the time is right, and it is safe to do so.”

Aetna International offers expats comprehensive insurance policies that can provide access to quality health care providers across destinations worldwide.