'Growing number of firms' in international medical insurance market

An increase in the number of Brits choosing to retire abroad and an ever-more "internationally mobile" workforce means a growing number of insurance companies are offering international medical insurance, it has been claimed.

Thomas Flygare, a spokesperson for Bupa International, has suggested that the strength of the Chinese, Indian and Russian economies are "opening up" new markets for expatriate health insurance as firms and employees relocate abroad.

"We have done research that shows that the number of internationally mobile employees will continue to grow over the next five years," Mr Flygare confirmed.

"Add to this an extra 2.3 million Brits who are set to retire abroad and by 2020, [and] one in five older people who will be living outside the UK.

"So, naturally the number of companies providing international medical insurance has increased."

As a result of this augmentation, Mr Flygare has stressed that consumers should fully research the firm offering them a product before committing to purchase - especially as they typically look at price before considering effectiveness of provision.

"While price is a determining factor, quality of service, comprehensive coverage and the reputation and experience of the insurer is more important in terms of retaining customers," he commented.