With the recession, still in its lower phases, consumers are looking for ways to save money and are looking to make more financially conscious decisions, when they go about purchasing their goods and services.

The health insurance industry has been no exception, and it has seen customers and potential customers, being more aware of how much they will use for their life cover.

Private healthcare is not seen as a luxury service, but it is viewed as a necessity for many ex-pats who currently work overseas. The current economic climate has therefore seen customers become "more savvy" in these cash-strapped times, in order to ensure they receive the best value on the market.

Cautiously seeking cover

The health insurance provider, MediCare International, conducted an online poll and found that 56 per cent of visitors to the site since December 2008 - who were currently insured - were looking for cheaper health cover. The total number of respondents to the poll was 273, with a clear majority of them visiting the site to compare prices with their current provider. This is seen as a significant trend in the health insurance market, as people are being seen to "shop around" for the best deals on the market.

In addition, the type of policies being purchased reflects the changing nature of the global workforce. Unlike the recession in the early 1990s, business today has become increasingly global in its outlook. Migration is becoming an increasingly simpler option, and as job availability is no longer limited by national boundaries, people will continue to go wherever they can to find work or wherever their company posts them.

Furthermore, the fluidity this working model brings, has changed the way in which employers can, and do, take on staff. Companies are no longer obliged - nor are there necessarily in their interests - to take on employees on a long-term basis and the idea of a career for life with one company seems like a thing of the past for many employees. With the threat of recession now a reality in many countries, working patterns are likely to change.

Expats seeking out jobs and cover

In the past, as unemployment has risen in the UK, so often this has been accompanied by a rise in expatriates seeking work abroad. This time around, MediCare International expects that pattern to repeat itself, with a small numbers of specialist contractors, looking to fills skills gaps in the now dominant manufacturing and related service industries of the Middle East and into Asia.

Speaking about the results, David Pryor, the Senior Executive Director at MediCare International, said: "It is clear that private health insurance customers are looking to find the most competitive rates on the market today. MediCare International provides flexible and good value coverage and so we welcome this trend."

The insurance provider has reacted to this new reality and staff groups as small as three, can now take advantage of their healthcare insurance polices, which can include discounted premium prices.

He also added: "This allows three, let's say, IT contractors working together on a year-long project in Hong Kong to take out healthcare insurance together, giving considerable savings to the individuals but allowing them the same benefits as an individual policy.

Pryor continued: "With most major global markets now feeling the effects of the credit crisis and a new working model that is likely to encourage increasing worker flexibility and contract opportunities, MediCare International is adapting to the growth in this new type of specialist and flexible work force and expects its new, flexible group cover schemes to be popular in the years ahead as individuals become more fluid and less restricted in the way their work."