Three-quarters of globally mobile employees want more support before relocating

Nearly three-quarters of globally mobile people wish they had received more support before relocating, according to research from Cigna Healthcare.

Cigna Healthcare’s International Health Study: Globally Mobile Edition found 73 per cent of globally mobile individuals wanted more support before their move, while 76 per cent experienced challenges that prevented them from thriving in their new country.

The findings point to the wider health and wellbeing considerations for employers managing internationally mobile workforces. Employees and their families may need to navigate unfamiliar healthcare systems alongside the practical and personal challenges associated with relocation.

Cigna Healthcare has released the findings as it launches an enhanced version of its Platinum international healthcare proposition, designed to provide more personalised support and continuity of care for people living and working across different countries.

The proposition includes a dedicated account manager to act as a single point of contact, alongside 24/7 customer support and a structured onboarding process.

Customers can also opt for a clinician consultation during onboarding and access global telehealth and Cigna Healthcare’s international provider network.

The approach is intended to help people understand their healthcare coverage and navigate different health systems, as well as establish continuity of care when arriving in another country.

For employers with globally mobile teams, access to healthcare can form part of the wider employee experience around an international assignment, particularly where workers are relocating with partners or families.

Neil Kirby, CEO, Cigna Global Individual Health said: “Living and working across borders can offer incredible opportunities but it also brings real challenges when it comes to accessing and coordinating care. Platinum is designed to move beyond standard insurance, offering a more personalised, relationship-led approach to global healthcare. By combining dedicated support with clear guidance and care coordination, it provides customers with a trusted, single point of contact wherever they are in the world.

“For globally mobile individuals, it gives greater peace of mind, knowing they have someone to turn to when they need help understanding their healthcare options, accessing treatment or coordinating care in a different country. For employers, it strengthens the experience for globally mobile teams, supporting attraction and retention by making it easier for employees and their families to access and navigate care.”

The enhanced proposition also includes cover for hospital and medical services, including maternity, fertility and mental health benefits, alongside optional outpatient support for pre-existing conditions for customers aged 40 and older, subject to plan terms.

Cigna said its customer service teams answer calls in under one minute, while 97 per cent of emails are responded to within 48 hours.

The launch comes as employers with internationally mobile workforces increasingly need to consider how employees access and navigate health and wellbeing support across different locations, rather than focusing solely on the practicalities of relocation.