Love is in the air for expats | Tuesday,16 Feb 2010

It is such a powerful motivator for living and working abroad, love even tops lifestyle choice - cited by only eight percent of expats - retirement (4%), weather and culture which received just one percent each. When it comes to the battle of the sexes, women are significantly more likely to move abroad for love with a quarter (24%) having done so compared to only one in nine men (11%).

Of those expats who moved abroad ten years ago, only 14 percent did so for love compared to 22 percent 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 percent 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.”

*The Bupa International expatriate survey was carried out by Expatica from 14 August – 27 September 2009.  The survey was completed by 1,148 expatriates via an online survey.

Karen Dobson, Channel Marketing Manager – Direct