Pushing the Boundaries: Health Insurance Considerations in the New World of Work-From-Anywhere

THE NEW WORLD OF REMOTE WORK

With the rise in remote work-from-anywhere and the fact that nearly 1 in 4 Americans have had medical issues while traveling internationally, having adequate health insurance while abroad is critical. Yet far too many consumers rely solely on their domestic U.S. health insurance while abroad, which has critical gaps in care and coverage. If you need a passport, you need an international travel medical plan.
The appetite for international travel is growing, with travel almost fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels.
29%-

Percentage of people who have been on an international trip in the last 5 years

29%-

Nearly half are planning to travel internationally in the next 2 years

29%-

Percentage of people who plan to ramp up their international travel over the next 5 years

Source: International Travel Medical Insurance: Awareness, Usage and Perceptions, Harris Poll & GeoBlue, December 2022.
The pandemic brought about one of the most significant changes to the work world since the Industrial Revolution.

Remote work is here to stay, with many employees demanding the flexibility to work remotely, and employers supporting work-from-anywhere policies to attract and retain talent.

54%

More than half of the global workforce would resign if they weren't offered remote and flexible work options

54%

1 in 5 employees are likely to switch to a new employer in the next 12 months

54%

Over half would not only welcome the opportunity to work from anywhere, but also say it makes them happier and better at doing their jobs

Source: The Future of Blended Travel white paper, KPMG, 2022.
This has given rise to a new breed of digital nomads.

Historically, the traditional digital nomad was an independent consultant/business owner or freelancer who opted for a lifestyle of working remotely outside their home country. Today, a digital nomad could just as easily be someone working for an employer who has made the personal choice to work abroad for a short period of time or as part of a workcation.

15.5M

Number of American employees who described themselves as digital nomads in 2021, a 30% increase from 2020

15.5M

2/3 of digital nomads are mainstream employees while the remaining 1/3 are freelancers

15.5M

Number of Americans that are projected to become digital nomads in the next 2-3 years

15.5M

Nearly 1 in 4 digital nomads plan to travel internationally over the next year

15.5M

At least 28 countries have created digital nomad visa programs

Sources: MBO Partners, Digital Nomad Report, CNBC, Euro News, Inc, Travel & Leisure, MBO State of Independence Research Report.
Employers have responded to employee demand by evolving and adapting their remote work polices to attract and retain workers.
92M

Number of American employees who report having the option to work from home for all or part of the week

92M

Percentage of companies that are supporting international remote work on a case-by-case basis

92M

Percentage of companies surveyed that are considering a work-from-anywhere arrangement as a permanent option for all or part of their U.S. workforce

Source: AIRINC Mobility Outlook Survey, 2022, Work Anywhere: What Does it Mean For You? kpmg.us.
Remote work has blurred the lines between work and leisure travel.
80%

Percentage of U.S. travelers planning to add leisure days to future business trips

80%

Percentage of employees who would rather travel internationally to work from different locations if their job allowed; this goes up to 29% for those aged 18-34

80%

Percentage of corporate travel managers who have seen an increase in employees asking for "bleisure" (business + leisure) travel considerations

Sources: The Future of Blended Travel white paper, KPMG, 2022. Global Business Travel Association Business Travel Recovery Poll Results, 2022.
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