This is the 13th and 14th article in a series about the ways wealthy individuals should think about healthcare.

The following articles – parts 13 and 14 – from Brian Dooreck, MD, president, and founder of Executive Health Navigation, continue an examination of how the worlds of health and wealth cross over. The editors are pleased to share this content; the usual disclaimers apply. Email the editor to respond at tom.burroughes@wealthbriefing.com
 

In the fast-paced world of ultra-high net worth individuals, the jet-setting lifestyle often involves extended travel periods and overseas journeys. For these affluent clients, ensuring health protection is not just a matter of convenience but a necessity. Family offices play a pivotal role in guiding these individuals on safeguarding their wellbeing while traveling. This article delves into crucial aspects that UHNW domestic clients should consider to protect their health during extended stays abroad and overseas travel.

1. Comprehensive health insurance
One of the fundamental steps in health protection during extended travel is to secure comprehensive health insurance coverage. This insurance should encompass international coverage, ensuring they receive quality medical care regardless of location. Family offices can assist in identifying insurance plans that offer extensive coverage, including emergency medical evacuation if needed.

2. Access to elite medical facilities
When traveling, access to elite medical facilities is paramount. Family offices can partner with renowned healthcare providers globally, ensuring that their clients can access top-notch medical services wherever they go. This network can prove invaluable in emergencies, guaranteeing prompt and specialized care. Preparation matters. Planning matters – especially when it comes to your health.

3. Personalized health concierge services
Engaging health concierge services ensures a tailored approach to healthcare. These services can include regular health check-ups, personalized wellness programs, and immediate medical consultations. Family offices can collaborate with providers offering concierge services, providing clients with a seamless healthcare experience tailored to their needs.

4. Travel vaccinations and precautions 
Family offices should educate clients about the importance of travel vaccinations and taking the necessary precautions before visiting specific regions. This proactive approach minimizes the risk of contracting diseases prevalent in certain areas, ensuring a safer travel experience. Keeping vaccinations up-to-date and following recommended health guidelines can significantly enhance health security.

5. Telemedicine services
Incorporating telemedicine services into the health protection plan allows clients to consult medical professionals remotely. This is particularly useful for minor health concerns, ensuring timely medical advice without the need for physical presence. Family offices can facilitate access to reputable telemedicine platforms, enhancing convenience and efficiency.

6. Personal hygiene and safety protocols
Educating clients about personal hygiene and safety protocols is essential, especially in international travel. This includes practicing good hand hygiene, wearing masks in crowded places, and adhering to local health guidelines. Family offices can provide informational resources and updates on travel restrictions, ensuring clients are well-informed and compliant.

7. Emergency preparedness
Preparing UHNW clients for medical emergencies is crucial. Family offices can assist in creating personalized emergency medical kits, complete with necessary medications and medical supplies. Additionally, having a well-defined emergency response plan in collaboration with local authorities and healthcare providers ensures swift action in critical situations.

Conclusion
Family offices play a pivotal role in safeguarding the health of UHNW domestic clients during extended travel and overseas journeys. By focusing on comprehensive health insurance, elite medical facilities, personalized concierge services, travel vaccinations, telemedicine, personal hygiene, and emergency preparedness, these individuals can travel confidently knowing that their health is well protected. Through proactive planning and collaboration with healthcare experts, family offices can ensure that clients enjoy a secure and healthy travel experience, regardless of their journeys.

This is the second of the two articles, and it examines local and global aspects of navigating healthcare.

For ultra-high net worth individuals, managing domestic and global healthcare needs requires meticulous planning and strategic thinking. Family offices serve as invaluable allies in this endeavor, guiding clients through the intricacies of the healthcare landscape. This article outlines essential considerations for clients when dealing with healthcare in their home country and on the global stage.

1. Establishing robust domestic healthcare
Ensuring top-tier healthcare in their home country is the foundation for all global health strategies. Family offices can facilitate relationships with renowned medical institutions, leading specialists, and healthcare professionals, guaranteeing clients the best healthcare services available locally.

2. Personalized health management
Tailored healthcare management is critical for UHNW clients. This includes comprehensive health assessments, personalized wellness programs, and preventive care. Family offices can collaborate with healthcare providers to create customized health plans, aligning medical services with clients' needs and preferences.

3. Building a global healthcare network
Family offices are pivotal in establishing an extensive global healthcare network for their clients. This involves identifying and partnering with world-class medical facilities, specialists, and healthcare consultants across various countries. A worldwide network ensures seamless access to top-quality healthcare services, irrespective of the client’s location.

4. Telemedicine and remote consultations
Incorporating telemedicine services into the healthcare strategy offers clients the convenience of remote consultations with esteemed medical professionals. Family offices can facilitate access to reputable telemedicine platforms, enabling clients to seek medical advice and treatment without geographical constraints. This is particularly beneficial for routine check-ups and minor health concerns.

5. Medical tourism and specialized treatments
UHNW clients might explore medical tourism options for specific medical procedures or treatments. Family offices can assist in coordinating these endeavors, ensuring that clients receive treatment from globally acclaimed specialists and state-of-the-art facilities. Managing logistics, travel arrangements, and post-treatment care are integral aspects of this service.

6. Crisis management and emergency preparedness
Family offices must devise robust crisis management and emergency preparedness plans. This includes creating medical emergency kits, establishing communication protocols with healthcare providers, and having a clear plan for medical evacuations if needed. Being prepared for unforeseen medical emergencies domestically and abroad is paramount for the wellbeing of clients.

7. Staying informed and compliant
Healthcare regulations and protocols vary globally. Family offices must stay updated with these regulations, ensuring clients comply with legal requirements in different countries. This includes understanding insurance regulations, medical travel visa requirements, and other legal aspects related to healthcare services abroad.

Conclusion
The comprehensive approach to healthcare for ultra-high net worth clients involves a delicate balance between domestic excellence and a global perspective. With their expertise and networks, family offices play a pivotal role in orchestrating this balance. By focusing on personalized health management, international network building, telemedicine integration, medical tourism facilitation, crisis management, and staying informed, family offices empower their clients to navigate the complex healthcare landscape with confidence. Through strategic planning and unwavering support, family offices ensure that the health and well-being of clients are safeguarded, regardless of where their healthcare journeys take them.