Why Expats Are Struggling with Mental Health — and What Employers Can Do About It
AXA Global Healthcare’s Global Mind Health Report paints a sobering picture: mental health issues remain a growing concern worldwide — and expats are feeling the pressure more than most.
In fact, 33% of non-natives (those living outside their home country) are now experiencing at least one mental health condition — a 10% increase from 2022. Despite the increase in mental health challenges, fewer expats are seeking professional help. Just 43% are receiving care, while 38% are managing their condition alone. Among those self-managing, 62% say their condition is not well managed — a trend that’s worsening year by year.
Why Are Expats Struggling?
While mind health challenges are widespread globally, expats face a unique set of stressors — from adjusting to new cultures and languages to managing homesickness, isolation, and navigating foreign healthcare systems. And when it comes to the workplace, the challenges intensify.
- 80% of non-natives report that their work environment negatively impacts their mental health.
- 49% have experienced burnout, compared to 35% of native workers.
- 27% have taken sick leave in the past year due to psychological health — with numbers higher among young adults and managers.
- Only 48% feel comfortable speaking with their manager about mental health issues.
AXA’s report highlights that for non-native workers, job-related stress is a dominant factor in deteriorating mind health. Burnout, poor sleep, disengagement, and absenteeism are rising — and many expats feel their employers aren’t doing enough to help.
The Cost to Businesses
When expat staff are struggling, so is the organization. Mental health challenges lead to:
- Increased absenteeism and sick leave
- Loss of productivity
- Higher turnover and disengagement
- Expensive burnout recovery and rehiring costs
A striking 33% of non-native employees are considering quitting their job due to mental health impacts — significantly higher than their native peers.
What Can Employers Do?
The good news is that employers have a huge opportunity to change this.
The AXA report shows that expats don’t just want support — they expect it:
- 40% want access to external mental health consultations
- 33% want mental health coverage included in their health insurance
- Many are looking for independent, confidential, and culturally sensitive support — not just a one-size-fits-all solution
The One World Cover approach
This report underscores what we at One World Cover emphasize with every organization we work with: your health insurance plan needs to offer more than just medical cover — it must support the whole person.
That means:
- Robust outpatient mental health cover — not just emergency inpatient support.
- Access to telehealth — because expats may not have local therapists or support in their language.
- A wide network of vetted mental health professionals — including culturally competent care providers.
- Confidentiality and flexibility — so employees feel safe reaching out for help, early and often.
We work with insurers that understand the unique needs of expats — and we help employers design plans that make it easy for employees to get the care they need. Because when your people feel supported, they perform better, stay longer, and thrive in every sense of the word.
Want to make sure your plan supports the mental health of your global team? Let’s talk — we’ll help you review your current benefits and identify opportunities for improvement.
Michael Pennington, Customer Experience Director, One World Cover – [email protected]
