1. Too expensive

    Traditionally international medical plans catered to mobile workers and those on short terms assignments and are more expensive because of the higher limits. Many organizations now offer these plans as a top-up or flexible benefits option which can have some impact on lowering the price.
  2. Only for expats

    Historically international medical plans were meant for short term assignees and those working under hardship conditions that needed a certain level of peace of mind while working outside of their home countries. As the workforce landscape changes we now see different types of employee profiles purchasing international medical plans as this is more aligned to the lifestyle choice they’d like to have.
  3. Only purchased by tech companies

    If we look at the numbers tech, pharma and MNCs with large mobile workforces have been the main buyers of international medical plans in the past. However, we are now seeing an upward trend of employers moving away from following the benchmark and offering international medical plans as a way to differentiate themselves and to better align to their company philosophy.

Listen to the webcast playback. International Medical Plans

About the Writer

NEIL NARALE

Neil Narale Singapore Business Leader, Mercer Marsh Benefits

Neil Narale is the Leader of Mercer Marsh Benefits’ Employee Health & Benefits business in Singapore. He manages an extensive portfolio of clients and focuses on helping multinational corporations manage their benefit offerings from both a local and regional perspective.

Neil’s career spans across numerous geographies including Canada, India and ASEAN countries. In his previous role with Mercer, Neil was the Retirement Leader for Asia working with corporations and governments to manage their retirement benefit obligations.

Neil received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Western Ontario. He is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (US) and a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries.

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