A health insurance advisor has stated that the global swine flu pandemic has displayed the importance of researching and shopping around for comprehensive health cover.

As a result, workers planning to move overseas, have been urged to think about the value as well as the cost when choosing a health plan.

The firm explained that expatriate health insurance can ensure patients can be flown out of a country with limited facilities for treatment elsewhere if they become unwell.

Consumers should also consider checking whether an insurer will fund treatment in an expat's home nation or while on other trips abroad.

A good policy will cover the basic services, such as medicines.

"Ensure any provider you're considering using will be there to support you in any and all healthcare eventualities," the insurer said.

The financial downturn has caused many customers to drop health insurance cover, therefore providers have reminded consumers to consider the long term implications of not having cover.