A new research commissioned by AXA – Global Healthcare discovered a new trend on the rise – the digital nomad family. The survey of 1,001 UK workers revealed that a third (34%) would consider taking their family along when working remotely in a foreign country during temporary placements.
Living abroad is no longer just a solo aspiration as more families seek to escape their usual routines while earning a living.
What Drives Families Toward This Lifestyle?
Emerging as the top reason, over three-quarters (76%) of survey participants with children believe it would enhance their quality of life. Financial freedom is another reason, with 56% stating they would prefer remote work abroad for greater economic benefits.
Recognizing the advantages, a third (33%) said that working remotely could improve family relationships.
Sebastian Judez states: “There is a growing demographic of parents who want to leverage their flexible work policies or freelance careers, enabling them to work remotely abroad with their kids. A travel-filled lifestyle offers exposure to new languages and cultures as well as valuable skills like resilience and adaptability.”
Concerns About the Digital Nomad Lifestyle
While the idea of working from anywhere excites many, families are aware of potential barriers. When asked what they would need to succeed while working abroad, 41% indicated the necessity of access to education, while 26% noted the importance of childcare.
Xavier Lestrade comments: “Having relocated with my family for work to locations such as Hong Kong and Canada, I understand parents’ apprehensions about shifting children’s routines and educations. Though moving abroad can be daunting, there are significant benefits to consider.”
Moreover, healthcare is a significant concern, with a third (35%) expressing the importance of access to good medical services. Nearly 59% highlighted the need for comprehensive medical insurance, while 29% mentioned wanting options for medical evacuation.
Sebastian further recommends families invest in an International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) plan to ensure quality healthcare access globally.
Considering Becoming a Digital Nomad Family? Here are the top 10 countries to consider:
AXA has compiled its Digital Nomad Index, evaluating countries based on living costs, reliable Wi-Fi, safety, visa requirements, healthcare access, educational facilities for children, and childcare availability.
