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As organisations expand into new markets and mobility programmes continue to evolve, employees are increasingly accessing healthcare in countries that operate very differently from their own. Differences in healthcare systems, provider networks, language, cultural norms and treatment pathways can create uncertainty when employees need support most.
For HR leaders, preparing employees before they travel or relocate is becoming an increasingly important part of an effective duty of care strategy. When employees can access care confidently and efficiently, organisations are better positioned to reduce disruption, support wellbeing and help maximise the success of international assignments.
Access to care goes beyond insurance
Many employers focus on ensuring employees have appropriate healthcare cover. However, having coverage and knowing how to use it are two very different things.
In locations where the local healthcare systems are fragmented or disjointed, employees may be unfamiliar with where to seek treatment, how to access specialist care, whether direct payment arrangements exist, or what to do in an emergency. Delays in accessing care can increase stress for employees and create additional challenges for employers.
As Dr Shoba Subramanian, senior medical director at UnitedHealthcare Global, explains: “Providing healthcare coverage is only part of the solution. Employees and their families also need to be educated on how to use that coverage and understand how to access care confidently and effectively, particularly when they are navigating an unfamiliar healthcare system.”
Preparation starts before departure
One of the most effective ways to improve outcomes is to prepare employees before they travel or relocate. This includes providing practical information about the local healthcare environment, how to find approved providers, what to do in an emergency and how to access available support services. Resources such as UnitedHealthcare Global’ s Global Intelligence Centre, which provides destination-specific health, safety and security information, together with travel monitoring capabilities through WorldWatch® Monitor, can help employees better understand local risks and stay informed as circumstances change.
Employees should also understand local healthcare requirements, including language barriers, referral processes and country-specific practices. When employees know what to expect, they are better equipped to make informed decisions, access appropriate care and minimise disruption to their assignment.
The growing importance of healthcare navigation
Healthcare systems differ significantly around the world. In some countries, employees may have direct access to specialists, while in others they may require referrals or pre-authorisations. Knowing how to navigate these differences can be challenging, particularly during a medical event.
Increasingly, employers are looking for solutions that combine healthcare coverage with clinical guidance, healthcare navigation and local support. Providing employees and their families with access to telemedicine for everyday healthcare needs is important, but it is vital to have an insurer that offers 24/7 access to trained medical professionals, supported by clinical, intelligence and assistance teams that can help coordinate appropriate care and treatment when needed.
Employers are now seeking an insurer that does more than simply pay claims. They want a healthcare partner with in-house clinical teams and experts who can liaise directly with treating physicians, agree care pathways and help ensure appropriate care delivery, supporting employees and their families as they navigate unfamiliar situations with greater confidence and achieve better health outcomes.
Supporting employees throughout the assignment
To maximise assignment success, organisations should provide support throughout the employee journey, ensuring access to healthcare guidance and assistance long after relocation has taken place.
Leading organisations are strengthening their approach through virtual care, 24/7 assistance services and access to clinical experts who can help employees navigate healthcare challenges wherever they are.
As Janette Hiscock, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Global, notes: “Globally mobile employees need more than just access to healthcare. They need confidence that guidance and support is available whenever and wherever they need it. Combining immediate access to care along with guided support and assistance can make such a difference to both the member’s experience and importantly to the health outcomes achieved.
“By providing ongoing support before issues escalate, employers and carriers can help employees access care with greater confidence, reduce uncertainty and enhance the overall assignment experience.”
Turning preparation into a competitive advantage
For HR leaders, preparing employees to access care outside their home country is no longer simply an administrative task. It is an opportunity to strengthen employee wellbeing, improve the mobility experience and reinforce organisational commitment to duty of care.
Organisations that combine comprehensive healthcare cover with proactive education, healthcare navigation and ongoing support are often best positioned to help employees access the right care at the right time, wherever their work takes them. The result is a more confident workforce, fewer disruptions to international assignments and a stronger overall employee experience. In an increasingly global workforce, preparation can be just as important as the coverage itself.
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