About 1.1 billion adults around the world, or more than one in four individuals (26%), would embrace the opportunity of temporary work abroad, according to the results of an extensive study conducted by Gallup.

The US-based research specialist analysed answers provided by 141,000 people via telephone or face-to-face interviews between 2009 and 2010. The surveys included individuals aged 15 and above from 119 countries.

Temporary work in a foreign country is far more popular than permanent relocation for that purpose, with 14% of the respondents favouring the latter option. Despite the pronounced difference, the two groups have similar profiles. Both options tend to score the most points with younger respondents and those with secondary or higher education.

Overall, about 41% in the 15–24 age group wished to get a job abroad. The proportion was 28% for people aged between 25 and 44, 17% for participants in the 45–64 age bracket, and 7% for over 65s.

Temporary relocation was the preferred option for 29% of all respondents in the workforce either currently employed or looking for employment. The most eager to get that opportunity were people from sub-Saharan Africa, with 55% of interviewees from the region declaring a desire to move abroad for temporary work.

In the Americas, the proportion stood at 42%, while 38% of European respondents said they were prepared to relocate. Asian adults emerged as the least likely to be tempted by the opportunity for temporary employment abroad, with only 21% expressing an interest.

So if you’re one of the 1.1 billion people who want to make the jump and work abroad, make sure you’ve got a reliable health insurer covering you.

For support in finding the right international healthcare for you and your family, visit www.axappphealthcare.co.uk/relocate