{"id":2174,"date":"2019-09-02T19:03:13","date_gmt":"2019-09-02T11:03:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.hk\/blog\/?p=2174"},"modified":"2019-09-02T19:03:14","modified_gmt":"2019-09-02T11:03:14","slug":"the-importance-of-pre-assignment-health-screening","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.hk\/blog\/the-importance-of-pre-assignment-health-screening\/","title":{"rendered":"The importance of pre-assignment health screening and group health insurance"},"content":{"rendered":"

For an employer to attract the highest quality candidate from abroad, many factors have to be considered to ensure the overseas move is a success.<\/p>\n

Before potential candidates decide to accept an expatriate assignment there are a few main factors that go into making their decision: is this a good move for my career? Does the move abroad make financial sense in the long run? How attractive is my salary? How will it impact my family and in particular my children? Will the company help with school fees? Is there a housing allowance?<\/p>\n

Whilst negotiation between the potential candidate and employer normally ends with the financial benefits agreed upon, employers tend to fall short in terms of supporting the wellbeing of their expatriate employees and family members.<\/p>\n

In this article by Pacific Prime Hong Kong<\/a>, we look at what employers can do to make moving to Hong Kong easier for expat families and reveal the importance of securing group health insurance<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n

\"Company<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n\n

Supporting the wellbeing of expat employees and their family members<\/h2>\n

Financial benefits aside, there are several important wellbeing<\/a> challenges that employers can address for their employees and family members. These will help make their experience less mentally<\/a> and physically stressful as we will explore below.<\/p>\n

Pre-assignment health checks<\/h3>\n

Employers have a greater chance of avoiding medical emergency and repatriation<\/a> costs if they put in adequate preparation for international employees by offering pre-assignment health checks<\/a>.<\/p>\n

International employees and their family members can receive a medical assessment both before departure and annually throughout the assignment. Health checks will help identify any health issues that can then be managed, treated, or prevented.<\/p>\n

For example, international employees moving to Hong Kong may find themselves exposed to health challenges, such as air pollution<\/a> in the city. A health check before moving would help identify any potential issues such as respiratory sensitivities, and a care plan can then be put in place before the move.<\/p>\n

Other than physical checks, employers can also offer psychological screening to measure the following mental health conditions:<\/p>\n