Expat Focus Wellbeing Update May 2023
The World Health Organisation met early in May to discuss the status of Covid-19: should it still be classified as a global emergency? Their conclusion was that, although the pandemic is far from over, we are no longer experiencing Covid-19 as an emergency, and they have essentially downgraded its status. New Research Paper on Covid-19 … Read more
Expat Focus International Healthcare Update May 2023
New Thai Hospital Will ‘Attract Billions From Foreigners’ The Songklanagarind Phuket Hospital is aiming to generate B1.6 billion from foreign visitors when it is completed, the Thai press announced this month. This will form part of the Andaman International Health Centre Project. Aiming at research in health sciences as well as treating patients, the hospital … Read more
Expat Focus Wellbeing Update April 2023
The Secret to a Happy Country What is the secret to happiness? This is a big question – one that has occupied the minds of philosophers and theologians for centuries. In Buddhism, happiness is gained through the perception of the true nature of reality, regardless of the mental and emotional constructs that we impose upon … Read more
Expat Focus International Healthcare Update April 2023
South East Asian Nations Face Blood Bank Shortages Expats have been encouraged to check their blood type to avoid any potential issues surrounding transfusion in some South East Asian countries, the UK’s Daily Telegraph reported in March 2023. If you have a Rh negative blood type, you could run into problems if you need a … Read more
Expat Focus Wellbeing Update March 2023
This month, we’re going to take a look at the pursuit of wellness in the Middle East, from Dubai to Kuwait and elsewhere. The region is a popular choice among expats, when it comes to both employment and lifestyle: a sunny climate and a wide array of amenities for residents make many countries in the … Read more
Expat Focus International Healthcare Update March 2023
Abu Dhabi: New Flexible Health Insurance The Department of Health and the Department of Economic Development (ADDED) in Abu Dhabi are now offering low-cost insurance options to a range of residents, including expats with an income of more than Dh5,000. The new policy will feature the following: • Cover of up to Dh150,000 per year• … Read more
Expat Focus Wellbeing Update February 2023
This month, we’re going to take a look at advances in wellness and the future of the industry in 2023, and how this might apply to you as an expat. The wellness industry is, like any good business, in a constant process of development and change. AI and the rise of apps are contributing significantly … Read more
Expat Focus International Healthcare Update February 2023
Resistance to Kuwait’s healthcare regulations There have been calls this month for the Kuwaiti healthcare ministry to reconsider the charges currently levelled at expats. Medical costs for expats have risen by 100% in hospitals and by a massive 250% in pharmacies. Consultation costs for expats are also charged at a higher rate, running at around … Read more
Expat Focus Wellbeing Update January 2023
The New Year is traditionally – in the West, at least – a time to make a fresh start with some new resolutions. But is this realistic if you’re an expat, particularly a new one? You might well be the sort of person who is accustomed to making fresh starts and who already has a … Read more
Expat Focus International Healthcare Update January 2023
Health insurance profits are notable in Kuwait Reports in December from Al-Anba daily news show that profits made from expats’ health insurance in Kuwait have risen significantly in 2022, increasing from KD87.116 million in 2020-2021 to KD100.2 million in the following fiscal year – an increase of some 15%. Over the past 5 years, the … Read more