What Global Employers Can Learn from Cigna’s 2025 International Health Study: Globally Mobile Edition
As international mobility continues to rise, more organizations are relying on globally mobile employees — people who live and work outside of their home country (also often known as expats) — to drive growth, innovation, and global expansion. But how are these employees really doing? And what can employers do to support their well-being and long-term success?
The Cigna Healthcare International Health Study Globally Mobile Edition: 2024 Findings offers powerful insights into this growing demographic. Based on data from over 10,000 respondents in 11 countries (including 1,840 globally mobile individuals), the study reveals what motivates expats, how they’re managing stress, and where employers can do more to help them thrive.
Globally Mobile Employees Are Thriving — But Still Face Unique Challenges
Encouragingly, 75% of globally mobile individuals view their relocation as successful, and nearly 40% say they are likely to remain overseas in the coming year. On Cigna’s proprietary Evernorth Vitality Index, this group scores an average of 69.2, compared to 65.7 for people living in their home country. Expats often report higher intellectual and social vitality, a sense of purpose, and optimism about their day-to-day lives.
However, this surface-level positivity masks deeper, persistent challenges:
- Financial stress is the top concern, with financial well-being falling 8% compared to 2023.
- 58% say they have good access to healthcare, compared to 62% of local nationals.
- 14% of globally mobile individuals delayed counseling or therapy because of cost.
- 48% say they lack companionship, highlighting rising loneliness and social isolation.
The stressors facing expats — ranging from cost of living and financial pressures to difficulty accessing local healthcare — can quickly become barriers to health and productivity. For employers, this creates both a responsibility and an opportunity.
Key Takeaways for Global Employers
Cigna’s research outlines several strategies organizations can adopt to better support their globally mobile talent:
- Go beyond physical health. True vitality includes mental, emotional, financial, and social well-being. Employers should design benefits packages and support systems accordingly.
- Address loneliness and connection. Support onboarding, team integration, and local networking. Encourage community-building and provide access to mental health resources.
- Focus on cost transparency and access to care. With cost being a major barrier, expats need clear information about what’s covered, how to access care, and where to go for support.
- Help expats thrive from day one. Proactive support pre-assignment can help employees adjust more smoothly and reduce early attrition.
- Mental health access is critical. High levels of delayed care due to cost show the importance of mental health benefits that include counseling, therapy, and virtual support.
Why Telehealth and Mental Health Coverage Matter More Than Ever
The globally mobile population often lives in countries where mental health support may be limited, culturally taboo, or expensive. That’s why having robust outpatient mental health coverage — with access to licensed providers and remote therapy — is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity.
At One World Cover, we help international employers design health plans that prioritize employee well-being at every level. Whether your staff are navigating a new culture, facing financial pressure, or struggling with mental health, the right plan — paired with the right insurance partner — makes all the difference.
Globally mobile employees are some of the most resilient and adaptable professionals in the workforce. But resilience doesn’t mean they don’t need help. As the Cigna report shows, employee well-being isn’t just about managing costs — it’s about ensuring your people are supported at the moments that matter.
Need help ensuring your health insurance plan supports your globally mobile team? Let’s talk. Our team at One World Cover can help you benchmark your current plan, identify gaps, and make meaningful improvements for 2025 and beyond.
Michael Pennington, Customer Experience Director, One World Cover – [email protected]
