International Medical Group (IMG
®) is pleased to announce that Kevin Melton has joined the leadership team as Global Head of IPMI (International Private Medical Insurance).
In this position, Melton will oversee and grow IMG’s existing IPMI segment, which includes annually renewable long-term individual, family, small to medium size group, and corporate group coverage options for those based in North America, as well as the U.K., E.U., and Rest of World.
With over 30 years of experience in both the U.S. and U.K, Melton is a valuable addition to our leadership team and we look forward to the contributions he will bring to the organization.
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Special product for pilots and air crew
We have launched a unique new product for pilots and air crew called ‘Flying Colours’. This offers MHD terms to individual
applicants at discounted premiums.
Our CEO, Sarah Jewell, was recently interviewed about the new product in ‘Global Health Insider’ magazine. Click HERE to read the interview in full and find out more about this exciting and
innovative product.
To obtain a quote for ‘Flying Colours’, please contact our sales team at flyingcolours@alchealth.com or by phone +44 (0)1903 817970
For more information visit our dedicated web page
www.alchealth.com/flyingcolours .
Save money, Buy before 1st June
With our annual premium review approaching, now is the time to save money by arranging for your new international medical insurance with ALC Health to start before our rates increase on 1st June.
Choose from our range of flexible plans, each offering a range of comprehensive value-added benefits designed to give you more of what you want and less of what you don’t.
get your free quote here or contact ALC Health’s private client team at sales@alchealth.com or call us on +44 (0)1903 817970
Vote for ALC Health at the Health Insurance Awards
Voting for this year’s Health Insurance Provider Awards is now open … and we’d really like your vote
We’ve been working really hard over the past 12 months to make sure that ALC Health continues to be your preferred international medical insurance provider and so now is your chance to show whether we have done a good job by nominating us in this year’s Health Insurance Provider Awards.
Simply click on the 
red button and follow the voting instructions to cast your vote for ALC Health in the Best individual international PMI Provider and Best group international PMI Provider categories and make 2014 our year !
Thank you, your vote means a lot to us
Pollution compensation for expat workers
Japanese electronics giant Panasonic has announced plans to pay expat workers in China a wage premium to compensate for dangerous air pollution. Thought to be a global first, Panasonic describes the payment as a “premium for expatriates to compensate for a difficult and sometimes harsh living environment.” writes expathealth.org
The air quality in many Chinese cities is routinely found to be at hazardous levels, something Panasonic, which operates several factories in the country, is taking into account for its expat workers. Chinese government statistics agree that air quality standards are well below internationally accepted levels in all but three of 74 major cities.
Panasonic declined to say how much the premium would be, or how many workers may be entitled to it. The move is part of wider deals reached in Japan’s annual labour talks, reported the Guardian.
Health risks
The air pollution in many Chinese cities regularly exceeds the World Health Organisation’s guidelines, particularly with regards to PM2.5 – small particles, or particulate matter, which can penetrate the lungs and are thought to cause thousands of premature deaths every year.
Levels of PM 2.5 regularly reach 400 micrograms per cubic metre in Beijing, much more than the WHO safe guideline of 25 micrograms. High levels of particulate matter have been linked to lung cancer, heart problems, and complications in pregnancy. As individuals are largely unable to control outdoor air pollution it is up to local and regional governments to implement changes to improve air quality.
Smoking bans cut asthma and premature births
Smoking bans cut asthma and premature births by 10%, study says according to the BBC.
Laws banning smoking in public places have had a positive impact on child health, an international study in the Lancet suggests.
Researchers found a 10% reduction in premature births and severe childhood asthma attacks within a year of smoke-free laws being introduced.
A research team analysed 11 previous studies from North America and Europe.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said smoking bans benefitted adults and children. Read More >
We’re at the 8th Asia Health Insurance Conference
18th-19th June 2014, Singapore
This year’s Asia Health Insurance Conference is being held at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel in Singapore and will see ALC Health Director, Andrew Apps taking on the role of Conference Chairman as well as making a key note presentation on “providing innovative high-end insurance products to the region”.
As Asia’s comprehensive Health Insurance Strategy Conference, the event brings together senior executives from private insurance, government, providers and industry experts to discuss business potential in this important market.
If you are attending the conference, and would like to set up a meeting with Andrew, do let us know and we’ll arrange a time and place .
Stress Reducing Travel Destinations, our top six suggestions
Some trips are designed for exploration. Others, for trying new things. And then there are the vacations where the main goal is to get a little rest and relaxation—and there’s nothing wrong with that.
So what are some of the best destinations for a stress-free trip?
Tuscany What’s more relaxing than kicking back in a villa in the countryside of Tuscany? Although you won’t have others catering to your every need, this is the perfect option if you’re looking to reduce stress and explore the beautiful nearby towns on your own time. Enjoy the stunning rustic landscapes, a glass of delicious wine (it is Italy, after all!), and a break from whatever has you stressed.
Cambodia Visit the most remote parts of Cambodia and stay in an overwater bungalow along a peaceful river or a small island off the southern coast of the country. Enjoy an all-inclusive resort experience at Song Saa Private Island, take a swim in your own private pool, or stroll through one of the many gardens on the property. Or, stay at 4 Rivers Floating Lodge where you can relax, visit nearby villages, or take a tour of the jungle.
Vietnam Known as one of the safest and most beautiful destinations in the world, Vietnam is a great spot for either hiking through local forests or chilling on the beach. Take a boat tour of the ancient ruins at Hoi An, or spend a few days at a beachside resort on the island of Phu Quoc. It also doesn’t hurt that they have a gorgeous spa.
Belize The perfect destination for beach bums, Belize offers tons of aquatic trips and activities from which to choose. Visit one of the many cayes nearby, go snorkeling, or tan on the white sandy beaches in Queen Cays. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, check out the ancient Mayan ruins.
Western Australia You won’t find any tourist traps on Rottnest Island. In fact, you probably won’t find any cars either. Instead, locals or visitors get around via bicycle or spend their days peacefully on one of the many gorgeous beaches.
Iceland A relaxing trip doesn’t have to mean “tropical location.” Iceland is a peaceful, stunning destination that features both a beautiful countryside and a vibrant city in Reykjavik. Or, visit the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, which people flock to for a dip in the naturally heated waters.
Reproduced with kind permission of the healthytravelblog.com
Improving global prevention, detection and response to infection
Twenty-six countries have formed a global coalition to improve prevention, detection, and response to infectious international health threats.Formed to take on outbreaks, whether they are natural, accidental, or intentional, the initiative mirrors efforts by the World Health Organisation which set out guidelines in 2005 for countries to measure their preparedness for emerging disease threats and outbreaks.
Around $40 million will come out of existing resources to support the efforts in 2014 of 10 low- and middle-income countries which are working to meet the regulations set out by WHO.
Diseases which have never been present in, or were eradicated from, the U.S. are seeing a resurgence. Mosquito-borne West Nile type viruses have appeared for the first time, and drug-resistant tuberculosis is being reported. In areas with high-immigrant populations, and with business people who regularly travel abroad for work, there have been growing reports of TB.
International health regulations require countries to report outbreak to WHO, but many haven’t complied. One of the Global Health Security Agenda’s aims is to better link countries’ disease monitoring systems, and enable biological samples to be shared more rapidly.
Loneliness worse for your health than obesity
Feeling extremely lonely on a regular basis is worse than obesity for increasing health risks which lead to premature death, say researchers. The study from the University of Chicago found feeling lonely can increase the risk of premature death in an older person by 14 percent. A 2010 study found extreme loneliness has double the impact of obesity on early death in older people writes Bryony Ashcroft of Expathealth.org
The findings mean extreme loneliness is nearly as bad as disadvantaged socioeconomic status in increasing the risk of premature death. Studies have shown people who are of low socioeconomic status have a 19 percent higher risk of early death than those in a better socioeconomic position.
Loneliness can result in disrupted sleep, raised blood pressure, depression, and increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol. John Cacioppo, professor of psychology at the University of Chicago, found dramatic differences in the rate of decline of the mental and physical health between socially engaged and lonely older people.
Loneliness risk for expat retirees
Anyone planning on retiring abroad needs to consider the implications of moving away from their family, friends, and social circle.
“Retiring to Florida to live in a warmer climate among strangers isn’t necessarily a good idea if it means you are disconnected from the people who mean the most to you,” said Cacioppo. Population changes make understanding the role of loneliness and health all the more important, he explained.
Although many people are happy in their own company, most people need some degree of social interaction on a daily basis. The research carried out by Cacioppo and his colleagues identified three core dimensions to healthy relationships – intimate connectedness, which comes from having someone in your life you feel affirms who you are; relational connectedness, which comes from having face-to-face contacts that are mutually rewarding; and collective connectedness, which comes from feeling that you’re part of a group.
Older people living alone aren’t necessarily lonely, Cacioppo pointed out. If they remain socially active, and engage with, and enjoy the company of, other people then the adverse effects of extreme loneliness don’t apply.
Older people moving abroad can avoid the consequences of loneliness by staying in touch with friends and family at home, taking part in family traditions including travelling home for important events where possible.
For people moving abroad for the first time there are plenty of expat areas in countries such as Spain, France, and Thailand, where foreigners tend to live. Moving to one of these areas, at least in the beginning, can help with the settling-in process. A common language and shared interests can help support you when you first move abroad and until you find your feet.