20% of companies that send employees abroad for prolonged periods* fail to provide them with international health insurance, a study has revealed.

Conducted by PMI Global – a pioneering new service offering an integrated package of insurance and healthcare support for employees abroad – the research has highlighted the need for a greater duty of care amongst many employers that assign staff overseas.

The study also indicated that, for those staffed within the EU, as many as 36% of companies rely on individual European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) for their employees’ health cover.

"It’s encouraging that a large number of UK businesses are well equipped for sending employees abroad, but the financial implications for those that fail to provide employees with suitable health insurance can be considerable," said Rachael Floyd, operations director, PMI Global.

"While the EHIC entitles any resident in the UK to receive emergency healthcare treatment while travelling in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, restrictions mean it isn’t a substitute for standalone international health insurance.

"For instance, an EHIC will only provide access to emergency, state-provided treatment and doesn’t pay for emergency evacuation or repatriation – without an international health insurance policy, this could cost several thousand pounds."

Moreover, the study found that one in five employers may be leaving themselves exposed to significant liability costs abroad. 20% of those surveyed were unaware that their employers' liability insurance may not always cover staff working overseas, and that country-specific policies may be required.

"Businesses should check the laws in those countries where staff are assigned, to clarify their insurance requirements," said Ms Floyd.

The research also revealed that 48% of companies neglect to conduct full health assessments of the destinations they send staff to, while 44% don’t organise vaccinations for their employees where required.

"An array of tropical diseases lie in wait when travelling abroad, from cholera and typhoid to hepatitis and yellow fever," said Ms Floyd. "Employees should be made aware of the potential dangers, and, when required, it is advisable employers set out to help their staff in arranging the necessary vaccinations."

Of equal concern is the finding that 32% of companies surveyed fail to make regular contact with staff working abroad, and that one in ten companies leave their expat employees totally in the dark over where to turn to for health advice.

A further 24% do not provide Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) for psychological support while working overseas.

"Employees and their families often fail to adjust to foreign cultures, feel alienated and suffer psychological distress," said Ms Floyd. "Appropriate support mechanisms, however, can help to ensure foreign assignments are a success."

A free A–Z guide offering advice and tips for businesses sending staff abroad can be downloaded at: www.pmiglobalhealth.com/atoz.php

*staff based abroad for six months or more