With more than one million Australians currently working abroad though job relocations, it has emerged that many employees being transferred overseas do so without appropriate health insurance.

According to research released by healthcare group Bupa, one in five Australians moving abroad for work does so without appropriate international health cover, and a quarter don't consider cover to be important.

Penny Lovett, Bupa's director of human resources, said many Australians working abroad falsely assume they will be taken care of outside Australia, potentially not realising the responsibility for insurance rests on their shoulders.

However, without appropriate international health cover, Lovett said they run the risk of having to go without treatment unless they can afford to pay the full costs.

To overcome this, Lovett suggested companies must proactively inform their employees about all aspects of relocation. "Taking a 'no surprises' approach helps build a foundation for an effective working and transitional experience," she said.

Lovett suggested the following tips for organisations sending employees overseas:

  • Equip your HR team with the knowledge, tools and advice to truly assist people transferring overseas.
  • Provide an information pack and checklist that can be accessed quickly and easily with necessary information that links transferring employees with appropriate products and services.
  • Understand the importance of providing relevant advice about international health cover when transferring overseas - it plays a critical role in ensuring employees are well prepared and supported for their journey, as well as ensuring they feel like a valued member of your organisation.
  • When transferring employees for a short-term assignment, or as part of an expatriation, provide appropriate international health cover as part of the relocation cost.

Despite health concerns being somewhat ignored for overseas relocations, ensuring corporate health in Australia is quickly becoming the latest craze.

For example, GE hasrecently implemented a new scheme across all Australian offices which sees the promotion of healthy eating and living for its employees. The so-called Health Ahead scheme is part of GE's broader 'healthymagination' program which aims to contribute to the space ofthe world's healthcare problems, through the provision of more affordable healthcare.

The scheme has reportedly been such a success that Qantas has engaged with GE to replicate the scheme across its business.

With the total loss in productivity through sick days at work estimated to be $46.4bn, healthy employees are being recognised as the root of healthy business.