Expatriation

Working in a foreign country has become a profitable and logical choice for young job-seekers. With high unemployment rate in most european countries, it has become increasingly difficult for new graduates to find their first real job. Even though Europe’s economic crisis has universally affected the job market, Germany has remained an attractive country for new graduates due to their strong economy. Working in Germany, thus, is a true launching point into beginning an international career. With the reasonable cost of living and enjoyable working conditions, Germany is an attractive option for young workers.

As an expatriate, you can choose between two insurance sectors: public and private (private insurance requires coverage under an expatriate insurance program). It is very important to consider under which expatriate insurance program you will enroll as your choice is irreversible during your stay in Germany. These two systems offer different advantages depending on your situation and your specific needs.

Public insurance automatically insures all employees who earn under 50.000€ per year. Fifteen percent (about 7% paid by the employer and 8% paid by the employee) of the employee’s gross salary is deducted monthly. Depending on the public health fund in which you are enrolled, your premiums may be more. This is a good option to consider for those travelling with family as it covers non-working spouses and children.

Private insurance is a good option for those who earn more than 50.000€ or are self-employed. If you choose private insurance, the cost for expatriate coverage varies depending on the conditions of your contract. Private insurance is strongly recommended for young, active, and single people. This is especially a good option if you are not planning to stay in Germany long-term. In choosing private insurance, your benefits would be greater than those of public insurance and overall, your costs will be lower if you are a young person. For example, up to 100% of your health real costs can be reimbursed and you will be insured in your home country and throughout the world when travelling. You will also be better reimbursed for dental and optical fees under your expatriate insurance plan.

When deciding between the two insurance systems, evaluate your individual needs in order to choose which program would be best for you!

When you live abroad, you can choose to take an expatriate insurance that completely covers you called expat insurance or a “top-up” insurance known as CFE insurance. If you are European and have been living in France for over 10 years, you can subscribe to the CFE. If you are eligible to CFE insurance, here is some information about expat insurance: CFE and complementary insurance.

The CFE is the Caisse des Français de l’Etranger. By paying a quarterly fee, this private organization, will support your medical expenses with the same percentages and reimbursement limits of French social security. When you want to go abroad, you can subscribe to the CFE so it will support a part of your health expenses abroad. It is very important to take a complementary insurance that will support the unpaid part and also pay directly hospitalization costs.

How will I be reimbursed by the CFE?

In order to subscribe to the CFE, you will have to pay a quarterly fee, which will be calculated according to your income, your age and family status. The CFE offers three insurances: illness and maternity, work accidents and occupational diseases and also pension insurance which allows you to contribute to the French pension system. The health care reimbursement system is based on the French Social Security reimbursement rate. For example, if you are paying 80€ for a consultation in your country of expatriation, you will be refunded at the time of care, 70% of 23€ by the CFE. If you don’t have complementary expat insurance, the rest will be on your charge. If you have additional insurance, it will cover the remaining costs according to your policy benefits.

In countries where medical costs are high (United States, Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, Brazil, Australia ...), outstanding cost could reach extremely high amount of money. Therefore it is essential in these countries and highly recommended in others to subscribe to an additional insurance to support your costs. Some insurance policies will even take care of your direct costs of hospitalization.

As an expatriate insurance broker, Mondassur allows you to have a single contact to subscribe CFE and expat insurance for your stay abroad as well as getting your reimbursement. This system is more convenient and reduces time for getting reimbursed. You send your claims to Mondassur which reimburses you according to the policy benefits and obtains the CFE reimbursement.

The Middle East is now the new Eldorado for financial expatriation thanks to huge oil resources in the area. Indeed, the number of executives who move abroad to Qatar, United Arab Emirates or Bahrain is steadily increasing.

Why an expatriation in the Middle East?

The main motivation is often financial, because executives can expect an increase of their wages from 20 to 30% on average in banking and finance sectors. In addition, life quality is increasing in countries like Qatar or United Arab Emirates, that’s why these destinations are becoming really attractive for expatriates.

Which destinations are attractive for wealthy expatriates?

According to a survey made by HSBC on 4000 employees in one hundred countries, the Kingdom of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar are in the first destinations for wealthy expatriates. Indeed, the Middle East is now the area where are concentrated the world's most fortunate expatriates.

Hong Kong, New York and London are only at the ninth, twelfth and twentieth position of this survey.

Is it interesting for my career?

An expatriation in the Gulf can be very attractive financially. However, in terms of career, traditional stock exchanges like New York, London or Singapore are more suited to develop your experience in your resume.

Do not forget your expatriate insurance before leaving to the Middle East!

Are you looking forward to living one year in the United States? Get a summer job or an internship in the USA? EuropUSA is launching a new version of its website presenting exclusive services designed for travellers and expatriates in the United States.

The website www.EuropUSA.com has been redesigned to offer better service to people going to live, work or study in the US with complete information on daily life in the United States.

Find a whole range of services for your stay in the US:

-    J-1 Visa: EuropUSA takes care of your J1 Visa and gives you very competitive rates

-    Placement offers in Internship and summer jobs in the US: EuropUSA assists you by offering employment opportunities in the USA.

-    Au Pair in America: EuropUSA gives you the opportunity to live a full year in the United States as an Au Pair by accompanying you throughout your program.

-    Studies in the US: EuropUSA offers guidance and placement service to help you find the university that suits you best.

-    Study English in US universities: EuropUSA enables you to enhance and improve your English on American campuses.

-    High School in the US: EuropUSA organizes your placement in a volunteer host family and at the nearest high school in the United States.

-    Teacher in the US: EuropUSA helps you to work as a teacher in the United States from one to several years.

You can also check out testimonials from expatriates and news in the United States or register to win a green card with the U.S government green card lottery. EuropUSA offers a wide range of information to experience great expatriate life in the US or to plan your trip without any problem.

The EuropUSA team has developed an easy-to-use website, feel free to submit any suggestions or recommendations!