Abu Dhabi
Health services are available to all Abu Dhabi residents, but health insurance is a mandatory requirement for all.
Employees must have government approved health insurance before they can be granted a visa. It is also a legal
requirement that all employers provide medical expenses cover for expatriates and their families who reside in
Abu Dhabi.
Australia
The FCO's advice is to take out comprehensive medical insurance before travelling to Australia. If working in
Australia for more than a few months, it could be worth becoming part of the Medicare system, which covers most
people for 100% of in-patient care and about 75% of GP charges. Top up insurance is available to cover this
shortfall.
Bahrain
Medical treatment is not free for foreigners, even in emergencies. Consequently, the Foreign and Commonwealth office recommends British nationals take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before visiting Bahrain.
Belgium
Belgium's healthcare, based on a system of compulsory health insurance, is regarded as being one of the best in
Europe, and consequently, healthcare standards are high.
Brazil
It is recommended that your employees obtain private medical cover to ensure they get the best treatment while abroad in order to protect them against high medical costs. When visiting a private hospital or consulting a private doctor in Brazil, your employees must be aware that they will be asked to pay a large deposit up front. Insurance providers should issue a card to guarantee admission as proof that your employee has the funds to pay for their treatment.
China
It is not compulsory to have health insurance in China, but because the country has some of the highest medical
costs in the world, the FCO strongly recommends that visitors have comprehensive travel and medical insurance.
Dubai
Employers should note that public hospitals will only accept foreign patients with health cards and on an emergency
basis only. Medical services are no longer free to expatriates.
Egypt
Although health insurance is not compulsory, it is recommended that British employees residing in Egypt have private cover to ensure they receive the best care possible should they fall ill.
Germany
When living in Germany for more than six months, health insurance is mandatory. Everyone living in Germany must be
insured for at least hospital and out-patient medical treatment.
Greece
If your employees are staying in Greece for more than a year, but will not be contributing to social security, they will need to obtain health insurance. This is mandatory for non-EU residents when applying for a visa or residence permit.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong and China have some of the highest medical costs in the world, and for this reason, the FCO strongly
recommends that visitors have comprehensive travel and medical insurance.
India
Since India's universal healthcare plan is not easily accessible, it is advised that employees are covered by
health insurance when visiting the country. Only 10 per cent of Indians have health insurance so cash is generally
paid up-front for treatment. Employees should be warned that they may have to pay a large deposit when being
admitted to a private hospital. This, however, can be reimbursed by their health insurance provider after their
treatment.
Kenya
Public healthcare in Kenya is universally regarded as not being of a high standard ... The FCO strongly recommends
that visitors have comprehensive travel and medical insurance.
Libya
Libya's health services, facilities and expertise are limited, so in the event that an employee requires serious treatment, it is likely that they will be evacuated to Malta or mainland Europe for further care. It is therefore crucial that you ensure emergency repatriation is included in your insurance package.
Netherlands
If your employees are staying in the Netherlands for more than a year, and/or they are paying income-tax, it is
compulsory to obtain health insurance from a certified insurer.
Russia
It is recommended that your employees buy travel insurance before they arrive in Russia as it is illegal to buy cover from brokers situated outside of the country when resident there. If they do enter Russia without insurance, advise your employees to contact Western medical centres about their insurance plans. These, however, may prove more expensive than they would have been if purchased in the UK.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia made health insurance compulsory for expat workers in January 2006, stipulating the minimum benefit
requirements. Employers are responsible for providing insurance cover to their staff and can be fined, or hit with a
recruitment ban, if they fail to do so.
Singapore
The FCO strongly recommends that visitors to Singapore have comprehensive travel and medical insurance before
travelling.
Switzerland
Any person taking up residence in Switzerland has to take out health insurance after three months of living in the country. This, however, does not apply to employers sending employees to Switzerland on a work placement.