Jessica O'ConnorA new study by Towergate Employee Benefits has highlighted significant shortcomings in how UK companies support the health and wellbeing of their overseas employees.
The research, conducted among UK firms with staff based abroad, found that only 36% of companies tailored their health and wellbeing offerings depending on the country where employees are located.
In contrast, 57% offered identical support to both UK-based and international staff.
Sarah Dennis, head of international at Towergate Employee Benefits, said:“Our research shows that most companies offer the same support to everyone, whether they are working abroad or in the UK.
“This is not an ideal approach as it does not take into account the different risks and needs in different countries, where health facilities may be lacking compared to the UK, or may be more remote and harder to access.”
The research found that employees working abroad often face a unique set of challenges that differ from those encountered by staff in the UK.
These may include heightened exposure to infectious diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis, environmental risks like pollution, and the challenges of accessing healthcare in remote areas.
Other factors, such as civil or political unrest and increased mental health stressors due to isolation or cultural differences, also play a role.
Dennis explained: “Simply by virtue of working abroad, an employee will have different health and wellbeing needs to a colleague working in the UK.
“Working away from home can be stressful, isolating, and pose different challenges both mentally and physically, and the support must be designed to meet these needs.”
The research also pointed to misconceptions around the healthcare systems in countries that are generally perceived as having robust public health provision.
For instance, although Australia provides low-cost or free hospital services to its citizens through a national health insurance scheme, UK employees on assignment there are not fully covered.
While the Reciprocal Health Agreement between the UK and Australia provides for free urgent hospital treatment, other servicesn – such as GP visits, prescriptions, dental care, and ambulance services – often incur costs that employers may need to cover.
Dennis added: “With the example of Australia and the Reciprocal Health Agreement, it would be easy to assume that all care is free, but it is not.
“A UK citizen needing an ambulance could be hit by a huge bill and then expect this to be reimbursed by their employer.”
The findings also caution employers against assuming that local employees in other countries do not require additional health support.
Many nations do not offer universal or free healthcare.
The United States, South Africa, Pakistan, Iran, and Egypt are among those where access to healthcare typically depends on insurance coverage.
Even in China, where approximately 95% of the population is covered by a form of healthcare, there are still costs for certain services.
This indicates a broader need for employers to consider the wellbeing of all employees – expatriates and local hires alike.
In addition to medical support, comprehensive employee benefits should encompass mental health services, nutritional guidance, fitness programs, and lifestyle support.
Dennis concluded: “It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure all employees are properly cared for while at work, wherever this may be.
“A full and rounded health and wellbeing programme, tailored to the specific circumstances in each country, will ensure that employees are healthy and happy, and that the company is productive and compliant.”
