The latest International Health Study - Globally Mobile Edition by Cigna Healthcare, International Health (IH), conducted in 11 markets across the world including 4 in Asia, reveals a critical shift in the challenges faced by the globally mobile workforce.
Globally mobile individuals who are facing new challenges in terms of financial strain and limited access to healthcare are placing increasing pressure on well-being. The report shows that while foreign professionals or expatriates continue to demonstrate strong vitality and many view their relocation as successful with a desire to remain globally mobile, their vitality scores have declined from 71.7 in 2023 to 69.2 in 2024, reflecting growing strain. Increasing living costs, restricted access to quality healthcare, and financial instability have become major challenges, eroding the vitality of this demographic.
Some of the key findings of the study are:
Globally mobile individuals still outperform those living in their home market in vitality, but the gap is closing: The average vitality score for expatriates declined from 71.7 in 2023 to 69.2 in 2024, while those in their home market saw little change. This shift signals mounting pressure on globally mobile individuals, as rising financial strain and healthcare challenges begin to erode their well-being.
Financial well-being continues to be a weak spot in vitality: Financial wellbeing declined by 8 percentage points in 2024, compared to the previous year, with fewer than one in three globally mobile workers rating their financial situation as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Very Good.’ Rising rent, healthcare costs, and economic uncertainty are making it harder than ever to thrive overseas.
Affordable healthcare remains out of reach: Only 58% of expats feel they have adequate medical care, exposing a concerning gap in health affordability. Cost is a major barrier, with 20% needing therapy but unable to seek it, significantly higher than the 13% of locals. These financial hurdles make it even harder for expats to find and afford essential care.
Expats are forced to forgo care due to cost: 27% of globally mobile individuals have delayed medical treatment or therapy solely due to cost. As financial wellbeing declines, many struggle to find and afford care, especially those with lower vitality scores, making this gap in access a crucial aspect of the globally mobile experience that employers should recognise.
Stress and burnout remain dangerously high despite strong vitality: Three in four expatriates faced at least one major challenge in the past year, with financial uncertainty and work pressures contributing to heightened stress. Even among those who wish to remain in their host country, these difficulties have made it harder to sustain vitality.
Cigna Healthcare’s study reveals a significant shift in the priorities of globally mobile employees. While last year’s findings emphasised the need for social well-being and workplace culture, which are still critical, this year’s report highlights an urgent demand for stronger financial stability and improved healthcare access. As financial strain and limited healthcare options emerge as the biggest threats to the success of this cohort, employers must recognise and address these growing pressures to ensure their globally mobile workforce can thrive.
Cigna Healthcare president of International Health Jason Sadler said that the globally mobile workforce drives innovation and economic growth worldwide, but if employers do not address the new financial and healthcare challenges these professionals face, their ability to attract and retain top talent will suffer. “Companies must take action to ensure their internationally mobile workforce thrives - both personally and professionally- by addressing the financial, healthcare, and well-being challenges they face,” he said.