Expatriate Living
British Expatriate Numbers Increase
Published on 13 November 2006
The British have always had a reputation for travel and exploration; it seems that being bound by the shores of the island nation is no restriction because Brits have an insatiable appetite for adventure.
Therefore it may come as little surprise that British expatriate numbers increase annually…however, what if we were to tell you that a recent study by the Office of National Statistics in the UK shows that the number of British people leaving their country behind has actually shot through the roof in the past ten years? We decided to take a closer look at what’s fuelling this dramatic phenomenon…
British Expats Wanted for New TV Programme
Published on 18 October 2006
A brand new documentary style television programme is in the planning stages for ITV1 in the UK and the producers are looking for British expats suffering from homesickness, those planning a repatriation or expatriate families torn in two by conflicting desires about where in the world they should live.
The documentary series will take British expats who have lived abroad for a considerable period of time, who seldom ever return to the UK but who are contemplating a move ‘back home’ and it will give them the chance to see what the reality of living back in Blighty would be like. If this sounds like something that appeals to you and is applicable to your circumstances then read on…
Do I Need Expatriate Health Insurance?
Published on 17 October 2006
When moving abroad the costs soon mount up – trust us, we know – you have to pay to have goods, pets and even people shipped overseas, you have to shell out for accommodation, possibly even a new car and before you’ve finished the unpacking there are additional costs to face from those related to opening a bank account, getting utilities connected or paying to have a TV service for example, so it’s no wonder that the question ‘do I need expatriate health insurance?’ is one that often crops up.
Insurance is dead money after all – a waste of money even – unless you happen to need it that is. However, not everyone does need expat medical cover and those who do require it may be able to save money by taking the time to understand the differences between policies thus enabling them to find the most applicable and affordable quotation to suit their needs. This article should answer the question ‘do I need expatriate health insurance?’ for you.
International Mortgage Lenders
Published on 12 October 2006
Both expatriates already living abroad as well as those contemplating a permanent move overseas often come unstuck when it comes to raising the home finance to remortgage a home overseas, buy off plan abroad or invest in an overseas property which is why there has been something of a concerted effort made by international mortgage lenders of late to draw attention to the wealth of dynamic services that they can offer.
This article covers international mortgage lenders in four of the most popular overseas locations, namely Spain, France, Italy and Portugal – we look at what’s available from the big name expatriate mortgage providers in terms of mortgage products and ongoing buyer assistance.
How to Become an Expat
Published on 26 August 2006
According to the British media more Brits than ever are dreaming about starting a new life abroad; these would-be-expats seem to have a million different reasons for wanting to change country - reasons as diverse as the weather, the government, debt, relationship problems or just a will for adventure.
Whilst people’s reasons for wanting to live abroad are diverse, the very factors that will determine whether or not these people are successful if they expatriate are actually universal. In this article we explore the qualities, traits, attributes and essentials and show you how to become an expat who’s happy in their new life abroad.
Repatriation Shock
Published on 23 August 2006
Little in the way of a reintegration strategy is offered to those who work overseas for a period of time for their employer before repatriating to take up their old position, and nothing in the way of a set repatriation plan exists for independent expatriates who blithely assume that they will pick up where they left off when they ‘go back home’.
And yet - according to expert analysis of the emotional upheaval suffered by expats and ‘repats’, repatriation shock lasts three times as long as the culture shock endured by new expatriates. So, what is repatriation shock and how can an expat retuning home cope with it? We take a closer look…
Expatriate Advice for Brits in America
Published on 09 August 2006
America is often a country that expatriate resources skip over because obtaining residency in America, taxation in the US and even getting American health insurance as an expatriate are complicated and messy topics to cover…but we cannot ignore the fact that annually an increasing number of Brits move abroad to live, work or retire in the US.
This is our guide to essential expatriate advice for Brits in America and it covers taxation, the dollar versus sterling, retiring to the States and affording to fall ill without facing bankruptcy…
Expat Insurance
Published on 21 July 2006
As more and more of us are getting itchy feet and longing to spend at least part of our lives living, working, travelling and exploring in different parts of the world, so more and more of us are having to think carefully about that most boring of topics – namely insurance!
Expat insurance is no less dull than any other form of insurance but it is an essential item to pack along with mosquito repellent and a phrase book when moving abroad! Expat insurance takes many forms, the most essential to consider are expatriate health insurance, repatriation and life insurance, travel, injury and illness insurance. This article gives a quick overview of each to make it easier for expats to determine which they really need.
International Health Insurance
Published on 20 June 2006
Good news for expatriates seeking a truly comprehensive international health insurance plan – Good Health’s partnership with American Express has been extended to cover not only American Express cardholders and their families, but all international citizens, expatriates and frequent travellers.
If you fall into any of these categories and are looking for a decent international health insurance provider with a reputation for swift, fair and efficient handling of claims, comprehensive cover and an affordable range of plans this article explains the pros and benefits of the American Express and Good Health partnership.
Expatriate Mortgage
Published on 10 May 2006
UK nationals living abroad who require an expatriate mortgage to continue, extend or renew the finance on a principal residence that they still own in the UK or for the purchase of single or multiple buy-to-let properties in the UK are fairly well catered for among high street and specialist lenders, as are EU nationals wishing to purchase in the UK.
There are also specialist mortgage lenders who can raise finance for those looking for an expatriate mortgage in the US, Australia and other countries with an established real estate and property finance market…but the terms that have to be accepted and the criteria that have to be met can vary massively from country to country and lender to lender.