Destination: Chile
Jun 11, 2010
Chile’s strategic coastline, wealth of natural resources, and fertile agricultural tradition have positioned it as one of the most highly industrialized Latin American centers of import and export. Chile has recently felt the impact of the worldwide recession, but has experienced economic expansion over the long term, with a corresponding growth in expatriate assignments and as a destination for international business travel.1 Many North American employers view Chile’s growth as an opportunity to make inroads into the Latin American business environment. The business opportunities in Chile present considerations for health care, safety, and cultural expectations for North Americans on assignment.
Health Care
Chile maintains a dual health care system in which its citizens can voluntarily opt for coverage by either the public National Health Insurance Fund or through private health insurance companies. Expatriates, business travelers, and other non-residents do not typically have access to public benefits, unless they have residency in Chile; therefore they must pay out of pocket or arrange for private coverage through an international benefits carrier. In addition to alleviating the cost of care, international insurers can help expatriates and business travelers navigate the complexities of the Chilean health care system and guide them to appropriate care near their specific location. The Chilean government has instituted many policies to ensure that the best care is available at the lowest price. "Chile has perhaps the highest standard of medical care in Latin America,” said Dr. Lyndon Laminack, CIGNA International Expatriate Benefits’ Chief Medical Director. “We consider the care available in our preferred facilities in Santiago to be US-equivalent."
Safety and Security
Violent crime rates are among the lowest in South America, though the sense of safety may enable pickpocket or other street crime opportunities. Scams are becoming more popular in Chile, especially those posing as solicitors asking for personal information. Therefore, expatriates and business travelers should always be aware of surroundings, as with any unfamiliar location. Reconstruction efforts are well underway in the regions affected by the February 2010 earthquake. While life in the region is returning to normal, some lingering infrastructural issues may affect visitors.
Cultural Considerations
Chileans value honesty and integrity in business and personal relationships. They also place a strong value on formality, but Chile has a relationship-driven culture. Initial meetings should be used to build a relationship and establish trust.5 A firm handshake accompanied by an appropriate greeting is normal in a business setting; however, some women may not shake hands with men. A proper greeting always includes surnames and titles. It is important wait for an invitation when using someone's first name. Business cards are also exchanged in the beginning of the meeting. During the meeting, interruptions while someone is speaking are common, but never openly criticize anyone.5 Following the meeting, decisions will be made, so it is important to provide all necessary information during the meeting. 5
About the Authors
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Steve Benson, Account Executive, JLT Canada:
The Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group (JLT) is an international group of Risk Specialists and Employee Benefits Consultants and one of the largest companies of its type in the world. We offer a distinctive choice to our clients and partners through our combination of independence, scale and specialism. By developing highly specialized services, we provide our clients with a depth of expertise and experience. The value we create is driven through personal determination of our 6,000 highly motivated and skilled people in more than 100 offices in 36 countries worldwide.
Steve Benson is an Employee Benefits Consultant with JLT Canada, a subsidiary of JLT. Steve has over 21 years industry experience in the employee benefits field, managing employee group benefits programs to both the private and public sectors. Steve joined JLT Canada in August 2009 as an Account Executive in JLT Canada’s Employee Benefits Practice. Steve earned his business degree at Georgia Southern College, holds multiple life licenses in the majority of the provinces and territories throughout Canada, including his Group Benefits Associate (GBA) designation. Steve may be reached at sbenson@jltcanada.com or toll free at 877-240-5475.
CIGNA International Expatriate Benefits (CIEB) builds upon more than 30 years of international experience providing global health care benefits to globally mobile employees in more than 205 countries and jurisdictions. As a leading business unit of CIGNA Corporation, CIEB has developed expertise in international underwriting and global medical protocols with an emphasis on international regulatory compliance.
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Allison Martin is the Director, Canadian Business Development for CIGNA International Expatriate Benefits. With more than 18 years of group insurance experience, she provides consultative expertise and custom benefits solutions for Canadian employers and their globally mobile employees. She may be reached at allison.martin@cigna.com or 905-666-1781.
“CIGNA” refers to CIGNA Corporation and/or its subsidiaries and affiliates. CIGNA International and CIGNA International Expatriate Benefits refer to these subsidiaries and affiliates. Products and services are provided by these subsidiaries, affiliates and other contracted companies and not by CIGNA Corporation. “CIGNA” is a registered service mark.
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