Taking the leap and becoming an Expatriate can lead to an overwhelming wave of emotions. From excitement, to scary, to nervous, to anxious, even nostalgic, knowing that you are leaving your home to start a new life in a new place will give you a rush one way or the other. Deciding to become an expat is step one of a long list of things to take care of before you set sail on your new adventure. So use this Expat Checklist when organizing, packing, and scheduling everything that needs to be done before your big move!  

1. Medical check-ups for you and each family member are a must before you leave, and make sure to get an extended supply of any prescription drugs. Also, obtain a copy of the medical file related to the condition that requires prescription drugs, and be sure to keep these with you during your travels (keep in your carry-on). Check what vaccinations are required.
2. If you have children, look into education opportunities abroad. The countries school system, boarding school, home schooling, etc.
3. Learn the language! At least the basics in order to communicate important stuff.
4. Passports and VISAs need to be valid, and it may be a good idea to renew them if they are set to expire in the near future. If you’re filing for a new passport, file your application early because it may take some time to complete. Remember, some VISA applications require a lot of paperwork so start those early as well.
5. Cancel any subscriptions you may have. Such as magazines, telephone, cable, internet, etc.
6. Apply for an international driver’s license. Keep both your international and domestic licenses with you at all times.
7. Make photocopies of all important documents, such as birth and marriage certificates, social security cards, etc.
8. It may also be a good idea to get any important documents translated into the language of your new country of residence. It could make this whole process a lot easier and quicker.
9. Handle your property before leaving. Your house, are you selling it or renting it? Your car. Anything else of significance you may own. Also, make arrangements for your vehicle at your destination. Are you shipping your car there, or do you need to rent or purchase a new one?
10. Ask your bank about money transfers and banking abroad. Look into online international banking, it may be easier to make transfers and manage funds between countries.
11. Take food items, or any other items for that matter that you enjoy but won’t have available to you in your new country. At times you may be homesick, and these items may help sooth your soul.
12. It is very important to share the new address and your new contact information with your friends and family. Just in case of any emergencies.
13. Set up your utilities ahead of time, so you won’t be without power or water upon your arrival. This goes the same for cell phone and internet access, in order to let your loved ones know that you have arrived safely and are settling in.
14. Determine the tax rules of your new country, as each country has specific tax rules on foreign earned income. Also, there may be taxes on any shipped items that you have shipped to your new country.
15. Insurance! Expats need International Health Insurance in order to have worldwide coverage. Instead of trying to figure out the insurance plan that is best for you and your family, find an insurance broker to do that for you. You have enough things to do as it is.

Print this checklist and carry it with you to use when packing and moving to your new country. Moving to a new country can be an amazing experience. If you are interested in more information about Expatriate insurance, or are interested in purchasing Expat insurance, contact us at +1 954-828-1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com for help finding expatriate insurance coverage for you, your family or group!

Have you ever jumped out of a plane? Climbed a mountain? Gone scuba diving? Relocating to a new country can evoke many of the same feelings and emotions. But, isn’t that what life is all about? Living it to the fullest? The fear and excitement of the unknown? That’s why it’s great to be an expat! An expat, otherwise known as an expatriate, is someone who lives outside of their native country. Did you know there are a staggering 50.5 million expats living and working around the world?  That number is expected to increase to 56+ million by 2017! Maybe you’ve been considering packing your bags and moving halfway across the world for your dream job, but aren’t quite sure if you’re ready to uproot your life. So for those that are on the fence, MHG would like to share some advice from our own expats that will hopefully encourage you to jump and take that leap of faith.

A New Start

New start, clean slate! Becoming an expat can allow you to leave your baggage and drama behind and give you the opportunity to, make new friends, have an exciting new job, and who knows, maybe meet your significant other.   

Language

Depending on where you go as an Expat, you may need to learn a new language. Learning a new language isn’t an easy task, however, it allows you to learn more than just some words, it can force you to learn the culture as well. You wouldn’t have the opportunity to learn a new culture by just visiting or vacationing somewhere.  By living there and having to make an effort to adapt is when you really get to experience new cultures.

Life Skills

Living in a new country can also force you to learn some basic skills such as cooking, fixing a car, performing maintenance around the house, etc. While living in your home country, if you didn’t know how to do something, you may have had the option of calling someone to come help you or fix it for you. That may not help in a new country.

Job Opportunities 

Many people become expats because of the work opportunities. Maybe you have been eyeing that dream management job which is just out of reach at home but more attainable overseas. In addition to the job opportunities, expats find compensation packages to be very enticing which can include a competitive salary, international health insurance, housing, annual tickets home, car and school tuition for the kids to name a few.

See the World

What better way to see the world than by becoming an expat! Expats will tell you from first-hand experience the only way to  truly experience a country’s culture, tradition, and language, is to live there for an extended period of time. Living like a local will allow you to see the sites and taste new foods. Before you know it, you will be involved in and partaking in things you never thought you would have. Getting to experience things that you wouldn’t have gotten to experience by just visiting. You may also develop an admiration for the traditions, and find yourself really loving your adopted country, maybe even more than “home,” and possibly want to have this same experience at a new location. 

Before relocating to another country, trying to find expatriate health insurance coverage on your own can be a daunting task. Many of us at MHG are expats ourselves and we understand the global insurance needs of international businesses, and individuals and families living and working around the world. Our Insurance Specialists have the experience, knowledge, and access to multiple international insurance carriers to find you the most suitable plan based on your budget and future plans.

At MHG Insurance, our commitment to your well-being does not end once you have purchased a plan; through our “Concierge Broker Service”, we will continue to assist you with questions about your policy and provide assistance throughout the claims process. Call MHG Insurance at +1 954-828-1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com for help finding expatriate insurance coverage for you and your family or business!

Moving to another country can be the exciting adventure of a lifetime. Whether you will be pursuing your studies during a semester abroad or relocating more permanently to further your career, it is imperative that you have a health insurance policy that provides coverage in the country where you will be residing. In certain cases, you may qualify for the national health plan of your host country, but the majority of travelers will need to obtain expatriate health insurance coverage.