Culturally relevant healthcare solution launched for Japanese expatriates in the UK
Health benefits provider Cigna Healthcare has launched a new health care solution for Japanese multinational organisations to help them support the health and resilience of their European workforce.
The Cigna Inspire Asia Expat solution features a connected concierge experience with Japanese-speaking customer support who understand the cultural nuances and plan designs that are culturally relevant. The solution also includes a personalised customer portal, digital tools, and employee material in Japanese and an online provider directory with the ability to search and navigate designated Japanese-speaking providers.
The move comes amidst the evolving landscape of Japanese business activity across Europe. While the overall number of Japanese professionals in Europe is projected for steady growth, the UK continues to stand out as a critical hub. It notably remains the largest host of Japanese nationals and the second largest host of Japanese companies, with 9.5% of Japanese multinationals operating within its borders1. This strong presence is particularly evident in sectors rich with Japanese expatriates, including financial services, trading companies, and regional headquarters. As 46.2% of Japanese companies in Europe plan further expansion2, this ongoing growth is set to reinforce the UK’s established and crucial role for Japanese businesses and their workforce.
Whilst a positive shift, this growth also presents unique challenges with the cultural gap between Japanese and European health care practices, often a significant source of stress for relocating professionals. Cigna Healthcare’s new solution directly addresses this need, providing culturally sensitive health care to support the health and well-being of Japanese employees on assignment.
Victoria Clark, Commercial Growth Lead – Global Health Benefits Europe, explains: “Japanese companies investing in Europe face a dual challenge: providing culturally sensitive care while navigating local regulations. In Japan, health care emphasises preventative care and holistic well-being, including practices like the ‘Ningen Dock’ exam and alternative therapies. These differences can significantly impact how Japanese expats access and experience care, and ignoring these cultural nuances can lead to confusion, stress, and delayed access to care.
“Our new proposition is designed to bridge this gap, providing culturally aware health care that helps employees overcome barriers, improve health outcomes, boost productivity, and enhance their employer’s reputation. Crucially, it will also offer benefits that correspond with Japan’s expanded support for fertility treatments, aligning closely with the state’s approach.”
According to a new whitepaper by Cigna Healthcare, there is a critical need for organisations to anticipate and respond to the challenges Japanese multinationals face such as being aware of cultural differences and navigating the European health care system, including complex compliance regulations. The paper, which offers actionable solutions for insurance brokers and human resource professionals, shares that organisations with Japanese multinationals should develop best practices for navigating local health care systems, foster sensitive healthcare engagement, and maintain transparent employee communication.
Japanese business and culture expert, Pernille Rudlin, Managing Director, Rudlin Consulting Ltd adds: “For Japanese expatriates, the shock of living and working abroad can be particularly intense. Accustomed to a culture with strong attention to process, detail, and risk aversion, adapting to a more chaotic, risk-taking environment can be highly stressful. The challenge is to ensure that Japanese expatriates continue to feel safe and looked after during their time here. This will give them the confidence that this is an environment where they can take manageable risks, build the business further for their companies, and have a stress-free secondment for themselves and their families.”
Cigna Healthcare brings extensive experience in supporting Japanese multinational companies operating in Europe, with a proven track record of servicing more than 190 Japanese corporations globally. Their tailored offering for Japanese expats includes dedicated 24/7 native-speaking Japanese customer service, telehealth consultations, and direct settlement with Japanese specialist clinics in Europe and worldwide.
Download the Cigna Healthcare whitepaper, “Bridging the Gap: Cultural Awareness and Compliance in Healthcare for Japanese Expats in Europe,” at https://go.cigna.blog/v7sbq5 to learn more.
About Cigna Healthcare
Cigna Healthcare is a health benefits provider that advocates for better health through every stage of life. We guide our customers through the health care system, empowering them with the information and insight they need to make the best choices for improving their health and vitality. Products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI), including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Evernorth Health companies or their affiliates and Express Scripts companies or their affiliates. Such products and services include an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, vision, supplemental benefits, and others. Learn more at www.cignahealthcare.com
