How the Global Impact of Chronic Conditions is Impacting Expatriates
Recently, Cigna has released a study on the global epidemic of noncommunicable chronic diseases and held a seminar for their brokers and clients. The study examined the situation of noncommunicable chronic diseases around the world and provided excellent suggestions for prevention. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a noncommunicable chronic disease is characterized by a long duration and generally slow progression.
These conditions are becoming more commonplace for local nationals and even expats. The widespread nature of chronic diseases is putting expatriates’ health at risk. In this article, we will discuss the main types of chronic diseases based on Cigna’s research and advice for expatriate communities from expatriate health insurance professional perspective.
The Global Epidemic of Chronic Disease is Increasing
As stated by Cigna’s study, noncommunicable diseases account for six in ten deaths worldwide. Major noncommunicable chronic diseases usually refer to diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. According to Cigna’s report, approximately 19% of the American have diabetes, and the figure rises up to 30% in the Middle East, while just over 30% of Chinese have some form of diabetes. This is the leading cause of kidney failure, blindness, heart diseases, stroke and death.
The rates of obesity in adults and children are increasing globally. And in some parts of the world, the situation is getting worse. Obesity is another cause of cardiovascular diseases due to the force of the heart to push around a greater volume of blood, which easily causes high blood pressure. Scientists predict by 2025, one in five of the population will suffer from obesity; 36.5% of adults are considered obese, according to Cigna’s report.
How to Prevent from Noncommunicable Chronic Diseases as an Expat?
According to the WHO, most chronic diseases are caused by three major risk factors: an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise and use of tobacco. Many expats working abroad often do not have the time to eat healthy foods or exercise and may be surrounded by fast food restaurants, vending machines and food trucks. However, building a healthy diet is crucial for your health when living and working abroad. When shopping at grocery stores, make sure to cut the high-sugar and high-carbohydrate food from your shopping list. Replace them with vegetables, fruits, fish, eggs and other healthy choices based on your eating schedule.
Regular exercise is good for your body, both physically and mentally. However, expats may find hard to rebuild an exercise routine when working and living abroad. Many expats may live in cities with few exercise options or very extreme climates or in areas with bad security. Often the easiest way to start exercising is practicing yoga at home or purchasing an exercise machine. Expats should develop a personal exercise routine and live an active lifestyle.
International Health Insurance is Critical for Expats Worldwide
Most expat employers may not aware that the cost to treat chronic diseases for expatriate employees overseas can be very high. It usually requires a specific plan to cover ongoing health needs. If an expat develops an illness later on it may be recognized as a pre-existing condition when trying to obtain health coverage. A global benefit plan can offer full coverage for pre-existing medical conditions to avoid claims being denied or coverage being restricted for expat employees.
Expat Financial is able to offer flexible international expat group insurance plans in most regions around the globe: Africa, Europe, Asia, Middle East, North America, South America, Caribbean, Oceania, Central America, and all major cities in the world. Expat Financial can also offer international health insurance plans for individual expatriates that may be able to cover some existing chronic conditions depending on their severity and subject to underwriter approval. Our International health insurance plan provides day-patient care and full hospital coverage, extensive cancer coverage, maternity and baby care (conditions may apply), dental & vision care and international medical evacuation and repatriation. This is especially important for expats going to visit rural areas in some less developed countries.
If you have questions about international medical insurance plans we offer to individual expats or your company requires a global expatriate group insurance plan, please contact us or complete the quote form. We look forward to hearing from you.