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Love is in the air for expats

9 February 2010: People follow their heart when they decide to move abroad, suggests new study into expat choices.

 
Couple walking on the beach

Love is in the air for expats as one in five admits it is the reason they move aboard, according to a survey by Bupa International, the leading international expatriate health insurer.

Love is such a powerful motivator for living and working abroad that it tops lifestyle choice - cited by only 8% of expats - retirement (4%), weather and culture, which received just 1% each. Women are significantly more likely to move abroad for love with 24% having done so, compared with only one in nine men (11%).

Of those expats who moved abroad ten years ago, only 14% did so for love compared to 22% of those in the last five years, which could indicate a growing trend. Nearly nine out of ten expats who did so are either married or co-habiting. Country of choice is important too. A quarter of expats in the Netherlands chose to live there for love as did 23% of those in Germany.

Dr Sneh Khemka, medical director of Bupa International said: “There is no doubt that romance is very much alive for many expats. Anyone considering moving abroad should think about their health as well as their heart. Things can get complicated overseas, particularly if you are not familiar with the healthcare system which can vary enormously from one country to another. It’s always good to be prepared for any eventuality so make sure you seek advice and help from experts before you go.”

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