As Greece is a member of the European Community, many moving there to work or retire might think that their medical expenses would be covered under the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). However, an EHIC is not intended to replace private medical insurance, as the protection it offers is temporary and the range of treatments covered is limited.

• The EHIC will cover any medical treatment that becomes necessary during a trip – because of illness or an accident, for example
• The card gives access to reduced-cost or free medical treatment from state healthcare providers
• It includes treatment of a chronic or pre-existing medical condition that becomes necessary during your visit
• It includes routine maternity care (not only because of illness or accident), as long as you are not going abroad to give birth. However, where the birth happens unexpectedly, the card will cover the cost of all medical treatment for mother and baby that is linked to the birth
• The card also covers routine medical care for people with pre-existing conditions that need monitoring

Moving can be a stressful time – even if you’re just going down the road. But what if you’re moving halfway across the world? Along with sorting out your home, taxes, the kids' schooling and all of the other items on your to-do list, don’t forget about your health. Kevin Melton, sales and marketing director at AXA PPP International, talks about health tips and what you can do before you go to ensure a smooth sailing into your new life.

Vaccinations

Depending on where you’re going, you may need to get vaccinated. For the latest information, you can check out the World Health Organisation website, or, if you have international health insurance, your provider should be able to help you, via either a medical helpline or an online personalised service.

Relocating overseas with your family? Kevin Melton, sales director at AXA PPP International, has some advice on how to ensure the children stay healthy

Choosing to move to another country with your children can be a challenge for many reasons. Not only might you have to ‘sell’ the idea to your children, you also have to make sure the move is as safe and secure for them as possible.

Most importantly, you wouldn’t take any chances on your children’s health at home, so why would you when you go abroad?

Depending on where you’re going, your children may be exposed to a whole new set of germs, viruses and bacteria, so you may want to prepare for them becoming sick with minor ailments more frequently than might be normal. Coughs, colds, tummy bugs, rashes, allergies and viral illnesses are all possibilities. You can be prepared by taking basic medicines from home that you know your children are familiar with and respond well to.

Countries around the world have very different regulations on drugs. Prescription and over-the-counter medicines that are available legally in the UK are among the items that could get you into a lot of trouble in your destination country, as international healthcare insurance provider MediCare International explains.

The term ‘illegal drug trafficking’ usually refers to drugs such as heroin, cocaine and marijuana. However, the truth is that ‘drugs’ can also encompass pharmaceutical drugs, together with herbal medicines and locally made preparations.

With global travel becoming easier, and an increasingly transient workforce, assumptions regarding what may, or may not, be illegal have tended to slip off the radar for many.

Rules regarding the legality of drugs differ from country to country, so travellers should be aware of the local statutory position. Rather than just checking the weather forecast before they set off, they should ensure their prescription medicine isn’t actually banned – it could cause more than a headache otherwise.

Lebanon is now an important centre for international workers, but post-conflict international health cover can be hard to arrange, and good hospital facilities can only be accessed with the right cover. International health insurance provider MediCare International explores the issues.

Lebanon is, in many ways, a big draw for expats. With beautiful scenery, a Mediterranean climate and vibrant nightlife, the country is often viewed as an exciting prospect for those looking for something different. However, as was recently demonstrated, the country is still embroiled in conflict from time to time, making everyday life occasionally unpredictable and sometimes dangerous. It is essential that expats living in Lebanon, and particularly Beirut, have adequate medical cover, not only for everyday health concerns, but just in case they are caught in the fallout of conflict.

The country currently has around 6,000 UK expatriates, according to data released by the Institute for Public Policy Research, which works across a range of sectors, from commerce through to charitable work. Lebanon is still home to many who work in post-conflict and reconstruction activities.

Health insurance policies which include limited cover against terrorist attacks are available, but, with conflicts not solely confined to war zones nowadays, effective cover which reflects this new global reality is now even more important.

International health insurance provider MediCare International explains the workings of Switzerland's healthcare system.

Switzerland is known throughout Europe for its quality medical and paramedical services, with healthcare always high on the political agenda. The country spends about 10% of its GDP on health, placing it near the top of OECD countries for medical expenditure. This considerable investment means that Switzerland possesses a wealth of medical facilities employing the latest technology, as well as one of the world's lowest patient-to-doctor ratios.

However, the high level of healthcare in Switzerland comes at a cost: everyone living in the country is required to have basic health insurance. Expats must obtain health insurance within the first three months of their arrival in Switzerland, and babies must be insured within three months of birth. The only people exempt are international civil servants, members of permanent missions, and their family members. Individuals are responsible for contacting insurance providers, since employers do not necessarily arrange coverage.

International medical insurance provider MediCare International has some important advice for expats.

The federation of United Arab Emirates (UAE) is made up of seven emirates, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm-al-Quwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah. In terms of expat populations, Dubai is currently the number-one destination, with 3.62 million foreigners versus 864,000 nationals. Abu Dhabi is following a similar pattern of growth, and is beginning to rival Dubai as a Middle Eastern hub destination for companies.

This article looks at the healthcare system in Dubai, examining its strengths and weaknesses and explaining what expats should look out for.

Dubai's public healthcare is run by the Department of Health and Medical Services (DOHMS), but only provides free or very low-cost medical services for UAE residents. Dubai's health services are internationally recognised to be of good quality, and are generally comparable with those of the UK.

All expats visiting or living in Dubai should have fully comprehensive healthcare insurance. Generally, costs for medical consultations are in the region of £50. The first diagnostic visit to a private doctor usually costs around £40, excluding other required medical examinations. Post-clinic private consultations are charged at higher rates than the normal clinic consultations, and night callouts may run up bills of more than £70. Doctors will issue receipts, which patients can then use to get reimbursement through their insurance.

Malaria is a serious disease that can have long-term effects but is both preventable and curable, says Dr Sneh Khemka, medical director of Bupa International.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), which is responsible for monitoring malaria around the world, about 40% of the world's population, mostly those living in the poorest countries, are at risk of malaria. Of these, 2.5 billion people are at risk, more than 500 million become severely ill with malaria every year, and more than 1 million die from the effects of the disease.