Love is in the air for expats as one in five admits it is the reason they move abroad according to a survey by Bupa International, the leading international expatriate health insurer and Expatica.

It is such a powerful motivator for living and working abroad, love even tops lifestyle choice - cited by just eight percent of expats - retirement (four percent), weather and culture which received just one percent each. 

Women are also significantly more likely to move abroad for love with a quarter (24 percent) having done so compared to only one in nine men (11 percent).

Of those expats who moved abroad ten years ago, only 14 percent did so for love compared to 22 percent of those in the last five years, which could indicate a growing trend. Nearly nine out of 10 expats who did so are either married or cohabiting. Country of choice is important too. A quarter of expats in the Netherlands chose to live there for love as did 23 percent of those in Germany. 

Dr Sneh Khemka, medical director of Bupa International said: “There is no doubt that romance is very much alive for many expats.  Anyone considering moving abroad should think about their health as well as their heart.  Things can get complicated overseas, particularly if you are not familiar with the healthcare system which can vary enormously from one country to another.  It’s always good to be prepared for any eventuality so make sure you seek advice and help from experts before you go.”