Obesity limits effectiveness of flu vaccines
While expats have known for a long time that obesity increases their chances of developing conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, it may also limit the effectiveness of flu… Read more »
Author Archives: Nick Lewandowski
Ebola-like virus discovered in Europe
Researchers have discovered a new Ebola-like virus, Lloviu virus, in bats from northern Spain. Lloviu is the first known filovirus native to Europe. Filoviruses, which include Ebola and Marburg, are… Read more »
Emerging economies show improved healthcare at low cost
In the developed world, debate rages on over whether a quality public health system can exist at reasonable cost. A recent Reuters report argued the problem with the Spanish healthcare system… Read more »
European Commission wants clearer prescription information
The European Commission will amend the rules on the types and amount of information the pharmaceutical industry is allowed to supply to consumers. Interestingly, the amendments are actually aimed at… Read more »
Cigna eyes acquisitions to support global business
US health insurer CIGNA says it is looking to make acquisitions and can afford up to USD 1 billion in purchases, according to a recent story by Benjamin Harvey in Bloomberg Businessweek…. Read more »
“Only a fifth of your insurance premium goes toward medical cover”
Most expats mistakenly believe true medical inflation causes the increases in their insurance premiums. According to Rory Blair, Director of the new Rbi Premium Membership Program, however, the majority of… Read more »
Measles outbreaks in Europe, Africa, Americas
Significant measles outbreaks have been reported on three continents so far in 2011. The World Health Organization (WHO) now has a summary available on its website, broken down by geographic… Read more »
70% of UAE residents prefer to get health information online
A survey of UAE residents showed a majority of both expats and locals prefer consulting the internet for health information. The survey, sponsored by The National Insurance Company – Daman,… Read more »
China’s new insurance tax goes into effect Oct. 15
In July it was announced that China would be levying a new tax on expats and their employers. At the time the details were frustratingly murky. Now they are out… Read more »
Swine flu common in African livestock
Scientists from UCLA found swine flu (or H1N1) is becoming common place in many African villages. In one village in Cameroon, 89% of the animals were infected with the virus…. Read more »